IS’ 'Caliph' Injured In Iraqi Airstrike; Flees To Syria
on July 5, 2014 Terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the first caliph of so-called ‘Islamic State’ founded by outfit Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), has been injured in […]
Author Archives
Rafiq A. Tschannen
Rafiq A. Tschannen is a Swiss national. He converted to Islam and joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the age of 16 after reading the German translation of the Holy Qur'an. He worked in 15 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, first as Finance Director in the private industry and later as Chief Executive Officer of NGOs and International Governmental Organizations. He is now devoting his time to The Muslim Times as Editor for Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Switzerland and as Associate Chief Editor.
Is Afghanistan the next Iraq?
Source: CNN CNN) — More than 400 trucks carrying fuel and oil were burning on roads west of Kabul, Afghanistan, police spokesman Hashmatullah Stanekzai said Saturday. More:
Pope Francis to meet sex abuse victims for first time
Source: TOI VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis will meet victims of paedophile priests for the first time on Monday, as a Vatican commission moves to address the problem of clerical sex abuse in developing countries. Six victims from Britain, Germany and Ireland will talk with the head of the Roman Catholic […]
3 crucial steps to take before choosing a career
The financial future of a particular job can turn into a sticking point later Looking into what career can be right for you should be a process that goes well beyond the infatuation by one aspect of a job. After all, one’s job can have a lasting impact on your […]
New 'Iron Curtain' in Europe fights illegal migration
Normally Looser is stationed in St Gallen in eastern Switzerland. She applied for a rotation in the Swiss Frontex pool because she wanted to familiarise herself with the outermost boundaries […]
I will never give up bid for leadership, Maliki vows
Summary Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki refused Friday to give up his quest for a third term in power, defying a chorus of critics demanding he step aside as the country faces a Islamist insurgent threat. Maliki has come under mounting pressure since militants from the Al-Qaeda splinter group ISIS […]
Kurdish diplomat cool to Israeli scheme
JERUSALEM: A Kurdish diplomat has played down the significance of Israeli advocacy of independence for her people, saying this was not coordinated with the autonomous Kurdish government in Iraq and may be intended to serve Israel’s interests. While acknowledging that Israel had sway in Washington, which wants to prevent a […]
German Arrested on Suspicion of Passing Secrets
Source:NY Times: BERLIN — A 31-year-old German man was arrested this week on suspicion of spying for a foreign power, and Chancellor Angela Merkel was informed on Thursday, her spokesman said. An official statement from the federal prosecutor’s office did not identify the country involved, but German media, quoting government […]
Happy July Fourth
Source: CNN Moscow (CNN) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he hoped for better ties with the United States in a July Fourth message to his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama. The Independence Day wishes come at a time when relations between the two nations are at their lowest ebb […]
Most Muslims don't care about the ISIS Caliphate
By Ed Husain, 03 Jul 2014 Most Muslims don’t care about the Isis Caliphate: The Muslim world cares more about the World Cup than about the brutal so-called Caliphate. Al-Baghdadi does not represent Islam I am sorry to spoil the party, but the caliphate fantasy being peddled by ISIS in […]
No peace in Palestine in 2014: As violence escalates, the hope for peace between Palestinians and Israelis in 2014 has disappeared
Daoud Kuttab Daoud Kuttab, an award-winning Palestinian journalist, is a former Ferris professor of Journalism at Princeton University Even though the United Nations has declared 2014 as the year of solidarity with the Palestinian people, there are indications that this year will not bring the peace that Palestinians and Israelis […]
The Middle East: The tragedy of the Arabs : A civilisation that used to lead the world is in ruins—and only the locals can rebuild it
A THOUSAND years ago, the great cities of Baghdad, Damascus and Cairo took turns to race ahead of the Western world. Islam and innovation were twins. The various Arab caliphates were dynamic superpowers—beacons of learning, tolerance and trade. Yet today the Arabs are in a wretched state. Even as Asia, […]
‘Malaysia Islamic even if it does not practise hudud’ – Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
Source: The Rakyat Post KUALA LUMPUR, July 4, 2014: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad remains adamant that he is not wrong in calling Malaysia an Islamic state and […]
From Prison to Jihad: Islamists Seek Supporters among German Inmates
by Lisa Schnell The evening sun shines through the barred windows onto the 18 men. They’re wearing ruby-colored T-shirts and black pants. Some nudge each other’s shoulders out of sheer […]
Examining the Professed Caliphate
Source: Stratfor The Islamic State, previously known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, has changed its name, but otherwise the militant group remains the same. Over the past weekend, a spokesman for the group announced that it had established a caliphate stretching from Diyala province, Iraq, to […]
Iraq exposed to deep-rooted religious and ethnic divisions
Source: CNN (CNN) — Ever since the 2003 invasion of Iraq exposed deep-rooted religious and ethnic divisions, analysts have suggested giving up on the colonial-era borders of modern Iraq and dividing the country. Jihadists have felt the opposite, that the region should be united into a new caliphate — indeed […]
A Chechen in Syria, the rising star of ISIS
Bassem Mroue| Associated Press DAILY STAR LEBANON BEIRUT: A young, red-bearded ethnic Chechen has rapidly become one of the most prominent commanders in Al-Qaeda splinter group ISIS that has overrun swaths of Iraq and Syria, illustrating the international nature of the movement. Omar al-Shishani, one of hundreds of Chechens who […]
Robert Fisk: Israeli teenagers' funeral: It is obscene when either side kills children – not only Palestinians In the end it’s all about the colonies Israel is building on Arab land
Three Israeli teenagers killed by Palestinians. Vicious, cruel, unforgivable. True. At least 37 Lebanese children killed by Israel. Regrettable, unfortunate, but the ultimate fault of “terrorists”. Untrue. The slaughter of the children at Qana in Lebanon in 1996 – among 109 civilians killed by Israeli shellfire as they sheltered in […]
Space for 625,000 more created at Grand Mosque
ARABNEWS Published — Thursday 3 July 2014 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has instructed Grand Mosque authorities to open the newly expanded annex buildings of the […]
Paternity test reveals ethical minefield
A decision by a chain of pharmacies to sell an over-the-counter DNA paternity test has provoked serious ethical concerns. Sun Store, which operates mainly in French-speaking Switzerland, has decided to sell the PATERtest in its larger stores. Although such do-it-yourself tests are available on the Internet, it is believed to […]