In the news - muslims......

[Shammu]

If Benny-boy brags about Bhutto's murder, that would be a sure way to prove he is still part of the living. If here is just more osama jibberish, it may be more obvious that he is toast. Though if i remember right, Bhutto said that Bin Laden was killed by Omar Sheikh. That was back in November..............

That could be the reason for the death of Bhutto, revenge..................... The islamic's are very vengeful, when one of there own terrorist are killed.

[Shammu]

Christians banned from saying 'Allah'
'We cannot let other religions use it, because it will confuse people'
Posted: December 28, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A Malaysian newspaper is reporting that Christians in that Muslim nation are being banned from using the word "Allah."

"We cannot let other religions use it because it will confuse people," Malaysia's Deputy Internal Security Minister, Johari Baharum, told the DNAIndia publication.

He said "only Muslims can use the word 'Allah.'"

The issue erupted when a Catholic publication used the now-banned-for-Christians word.

Herald, the Catholic Church's weekly newsletter, used the word and was warned it is at risk now of losing its publication permit.

The report said the move would shut down the 13-year-old publication, which is available in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil, and has a circulation of about 12,000, because without a renewed permit it cannot operate.

The present permit expires Dec. 31, officials reported.

It is not right, Baharum said, for such a publication to use the protected word. "We cannot allow this … in non-Muslim publications," he said.

An estimated 10 percent of Malaysia's estimated population of 26 million is Christian, and a part of that segment is Catholic. Lawrence Andrew is editor of the Herald, and said "Allah" was not used to offend or confuse anyone.

He said the Malay-language Bible uses the word "Allah" for God, and uses "Tuham" for Lord."

It is not the first problem Christians have had in Malaysia, even though the nation's constitution calls for religious freedom.

The Wall Street Journal has summarized the plight of a Malaysian woman who converted to Christianity, but lost a court case seeking to have "Islam" removed as her religion on her identity card.

"While Muslim-majority Malaysia is considered a largely moderate, modern society, renouncing one's Muslim faith still is considered both sinful and illegal by Islamic authorities – who have gained increasing sway of late. Ms. [Lina] Joy's apostasy case ... has inflamed public debate, divided the legal community … and threatens to set off political tremors in this Southeast Asian nation."

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty said the government's refusal to allow the woman to choose her religion violates customary international law protecting freedom of conscience as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

It also violates the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, to which Malaysia is legally bound, the Becket Fund said.

[Shammu]

As far as that goes, Allah is a false god. These muslims, are mislead by the islamic community. I have used "allah" as an example of a false god, and will continue to do so. I have my own rights of speech.

I guess I should be happy, I don't live in Malaysia..........

[Shammu]

'Bhutto could've been bridge to Muslims'
herb keinon and michal lando , THE JERUSALEM POST    Dec. 28, 2007

Israeli leaders paid tribute to slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday, even though Israel and Pakistan do not have diplomatic ties.

"I saw her as someone who could have served as a bridgehead to relations with that part of the Muslim world with whom our ties are naturally limited," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told The Jerusalem Post.

He said the assassination was a "great tragedy," and that he received the news "with deep sadness."

Upon her return to Pakistan two months ago, Bhutto had stopped in London and, through a mutual acquaintance, relayed a message that she would "in the future like to strengthen the ties between Israel and Pakistan," Olmert said.

He called Pakistan a "very important country," and said he hoped the assassination would not lead to anarchy there, which would not bring "anything positive to the region or beyond."

President Shimon Peres said he was shocked by Bhutto's killing.

"Benazir Bhutto was a brave woman, who did not hide her opinions, did not know fear and served her people with courage and rare capability," he said in statement.

"I had the chance to meet her on several occasions, in which she expressed interest in Israel and said that she hoped to visit upon returning to power," Peres said. "Benazir was a charismatic leader and a fighter for peace in her country and across the world."

Ambassador to the UN Dan Gillerman recalled a meeting he had with Bhutto just prior to her return to Pakistan. "My wife and I had an intimate dinner with her and her husband," he said. "We spent over three hours with them. She was an incredibly impressive person, one of the most impressive in terms of her intellect, charm and charisma that I've ever met."

Gillerman said Bhutto was interested in normalizing relations with Israel. "She was interested in me relaying that information to Washington and the US, which I did," he said. "We were in touch since that meeting by e-mail several times and she expressed concern about her personal safety."

Gillerman said Bhutto had spoken about her fears of Pakistan falling into the hands of Islamic extremists. "She shared with us her plans to return Pakistan to democracy," he said. "She was very well aware of the problems facing her; she knew she was endangering her life by returning. I think she met with us to share with Israel, and through Israel, both her plans, fears and dreams."

A Foreign Ministry official said the possibility of sending a representative to Bhutto's funeral was "not even on the agenda," because of Israel's lack of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

'Bhutto could've been bridge to Muslims'

[Shammu]

Saudi Authorities Arrest Reformist Blogger
 
By: Aafaq.org
Published : 27/12/2007 5:20 PM

(Riyadh – Aafaq) - The Arab Network for Human Rights Information has condemned the arrest of the blogger, Fuad Al-Farhan, who has called for reform in Saudi Arabia in his web log.  He is being detained without bond at an unknown location.

In statement obtained by “Aafaq,” the Executive Director of the Network, Jamal Eid, said that "...it is a perplexing matter that raises misgivings about the truth of the Saudi position on terrorism, when a young man is arrested who writes maturely, who opposes terrorism and calls for reform, and in whose writings it is difficult to find any excesses.  This is a grave indication of the dominance of extremist elements and enemies of the freedom of expression and reform in Saudi Arabia."

Al-Farhan had expected to be arrested and said in a letter published on the blog that “I learned from an official of the Interior Ministry that there is an official order to investigate me, and that my arrest may take place at any time during the next two weeks.”

He added, “The reason the order was issued is that I have been writing about political prisoners, and they believe that I am engaged in a propaganda campaign to defend these prisoners and promoting their cause – which is the cause of reform or change – while all I have done is write some essays and put up some web banners, and call for my fellow bloggers to do likewise.”

Saudi security forces stormed Fuad Al-Farhan’s office, “Smart Info,” in Jeddah, and took him to an unknown location without disclosing the reasons for his arrest. They did not release him after a few days, contrary to the Saudi authorities’ standard practice in dealing with peaceful bloggers who advocate reform in the Kingdom. 

Al-Farhan, who is known as the “dean of the Saudi bloggers,” is considered one of the most important Saudi and Arab bloggers.  He is known and distinguished for his serious writing and support for reform in his blog.

He coined the slogan, “the Search for freedom, dignity, justice, equality, and democratic participation, and the other lost Islamic values ... for the sake of Raghad and Khatab [i.e. “my children”].”

Many Saudi activists expected that the Saudi security agencies would release Al-Farhan after a few days, and on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, but two weeks have passed since his arrest without the Saudi authorities releasing him or announcing the reasons for his arrest or place of detention.  It is a cause for alarm and apprehension that someone is subjected to pressure because of his open support for Saudi reformists and his calls for the support of reform as a primary means of fighting terrorism.

Ahmad Fuad Al-Farhan, 32, is the father of two young children, Raghad and Khattab, and is the director of "Smart Info" in Jeddah.  He holds a M.S. in computer science from the United States, and has gained prominence from his blog, which bears his name.  His writings are characterized by very bold and constructive criticism, which has earned him fame and great respect among Saudi and Arab bloggers.

Saudi authorities have harassed Saudi bloggers from time to time and have arrested some of them, like the blogger "Sarjun Matar," as well as blocking web access to a number of them, such as the blogger “Hawa’ Al-Sa`udiyya” ("Saudi Eve"). 

The following text of the letter written by Fuad Al-Farhan before his arrest:

“I learned from an official of the Interior Ministry that there is an official order to investigate me, and that my arrest take place at any time during the next two weeks.

“The reason the order was issued is that I have been writing about political prisoners, and they believe that I am engaged in a propaganda campaign to defend these prisoners and promote their cause – which is the cause of reform or change – while all I have done is write some essays and put up some web banners, and call for my fellow bloggers to do likewise.

“This source asked me to cooperate with him and to write an apology.  But I do not know that they want me to apologize for.  Do I apologize for saying that the government lied in its allegations accusing reformists of supporting terrorism?  The source asked me to expect the worst, that I will be arrested and held for 3 days to write a favorable report about me, and then I will be released.  There may not be an arrest or even an apology, but if the period of my arrest is longer than three days, I want this letter to reach everyone ... I do not want to be forgotten in prison.”

Saudi Authorities Arrest Reformist Blogger

[Shammu]

Turkish TV Station To Broadcast In Arabic, Persian and Kurdish Languages

Fethullah Gulen affiliated Turkish daily Bugun reported that a new initiative for the foundation of a new TV channel which would broadcast in Arabic, Persian and Kurdish languages for neighboring countries, primarily for Iraq and Iran, is being launched upon the request of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Erdoğan told his aides, “Many countries try to have a stake in the region and direct the population of the region on the basis of their views. We have to initiate new policies as the most powerful state in the region. We should work on the establishment of a TV channel which would broadcast in Arabic, Persian and Kurdish languages”.

Bugun wrote that the channel will cover a wide range of topics and include music, entertainment programs, cultural programs, sports and news, according to information obtained from sources close to the Prime Minister’s office. Turkey will also be able to convey its culture and its perspective about the developments in the region, same sources said.

It is not yet clear whether the new channel will be formed within the body of Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) or not, but it is believed that a new independent channel and organization will be established for this purpose.

Source: Bugun, Turkey, December 26, 2007

[Shammu]

Purported bin Laden message has warnings for Iraq, Israel
updated 1 hour, 24 minutes ago

CNN cannot independently verify the authenticity of the message

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) -- Osama bin Laden warned Iraq's Sunni Arabs against fighting al-Qaeda and vowed to expand the terror group's holy war to Israel in a new audiotape Saturday, threatening "blood for blood, destruction for destruction."

Most of the 56-minute tape dealt with Iraq, apparently al-Qaeda's latest attempt to keep supporters in Iraq unified at a time when the U.S. military claims to have al-Qaeda's Iraq branch on the run.

The tape did not mention Pakistan or the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, though Pakistan's government has blamed al-Qaeda and the Taliban for her death on Thursday.

That suggested the tape was made before the assassination.

Bin Laden's comments offered an unusually direct attack on Israel, stepping up al-Qaeda's attempts to use the Israeli-Arab conflict to rally supporters.

Israel has warned of growing al-Qaeda activity in Palestinian territory, though terror network is not believed to have taken a strong role there so far.

"We intend to liberate Palestine, the whole of Palestine from the (Jordan) river to the sea," he said, threatening "blood for blood, destruction for destruction."

"We will not recognize even one inch for Jews in the land of Palestine as other Muslim leaders have," bin Laden said.

In Iraq, a number of Sunni Arab tribes in western Anbar province have formed a coalition fighting al-Qaeda-linked insurgents that U.S. officials credit for deeply reducing violence in the province. The U.S. military has been working to form similar "Awakening Councils" in other areas of Iraq.

Bin Laden said Sunni Arabs who have joined the Awakening Councils "have betrayed the nation and brought disgrace and shame to their people. They will suffer in life and in the afterlife."

White House spokesman Tony Fratto said bin Laden's tape shows that al-Qaeda's aim is to block democracy and freedom for all Iraqis.

"It also reminds us that the mission to defeat al-Qaeda in Iraq is critically important and must succeed," Fratto said. "The Iraqi people -- every day, and in increasing numbers -- are choosing freedom and standing against the murderous, hateful ideology of AQI. And we stand with them."

Several hours before the tape was issued, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, said al-Qaeda was becoming increasingly fearful of losing the support of Sunni Arabs and had begun targeting the leaders of the Awakening Councils.

Petraeus said al-Qaeda attaches "enormous importance" to "these tribes that have turned against them, and to the general sense that Sunni Arab communities have rejected them more and more around Iraq."

"They are trying to counter this and they have done so by attacking them," which is increasingly turning Sunnis against al-Qaeda, he said.

In the audiotape, bin Laden denounced Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, the former leader of the Anbar Awakening Council, who was killed in a September bombing claimed by al-Qaeda.

"The most evil of the traitors are those who trade away their religion for the sake of their mortal life," bin Laden said.

Bin Laden said U.S. and Iraqi officials are seeking to set up a "national unity government" joining the country's Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.

"Our duty is to foil these dangerous schemes, which try to prevent the establishment of an Islamic state in Iraq, which would be a wall of resistance against American schemes to divide Iraq," he said.

He called on Iraq's Sunni Arabs to rally behind the Islamic State of Iraq, the insurgent umbrella group led by al-Qaeda. Besides the Awakening Councils, some Sunni insurgent groups that continue to fight the Americans have rejected the Islamic State.

Bin Laden said Sunnis should pledge their allegiance to Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the little known "emir" or leader of the Islamic State of Iraq. U.S. officials have claimed that al-Baghdadi does not exist, saying al-Qaeda created the name to give its coalition the illusion of an Iraqi leadership.

"Failure to give allegiance to the emir after he has been endorsed leads to great evils," bin Laden warned. "Emir Abu Omar would rather have his neck severed than betray the Muslims ... Emir Abu Omar and his brothers are not one of those who accept compromise or meeting the enemy halfway."

The authenticity of the tape could not be independently confirmed. But the voice resembled that of bin Laden. The tape was posted on an Islamic militant Web site where al-Qaeda's media arm, Al-Sahab, issues the group's messages.

The tape was the fifth message released by bin Laden this year, a flurry of activity after he went more than a year without issuing any tapes. The messages began with a September 8 video that showed bin Laden for the first time in nearly three years. The other messages this year have been audiotapes.

In an October tape, bin Laden sought to patch up splits between Iraqi insurgent factions, urging them to unite with the Islamic State of Iraq -- the insurgent coalition led by al-Qaeda. He took a conciliatory stance, chiding even al-Qaeda's followers for being too "extremist" in their positions toward other insurgents.

Bin Laden's deputy Ayman al-Zawahri took a sharper tone in a December 16 video, branding as "traitors" those who work with the anti-Qaeda tribal councils and calling for Sunnis to purge anyone cooperating with the Americans.

Purported bin Laden message has warnings for Iraq, Israel

[Shammu]

Malaysia faces Christian outcry over word "Allah"
Fri 28 Dec 2007, 10:28 GMT

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A Malaysian Catholic newspaper and church groups cried foul on Friday over a government move to forbid non-Muslims from using the word Allah.

The row could further strain race and religious relations in the country, where many non-Muslims believe their rights are being trampled by the Muslim majority.

The dispute came out in the open after Malaysia's internal security ministry ruled recently the term Allah -- long used by Christians in Malaysia to refer to God -- could no longer be used by non-Muslims.

"Malaysia is probably the only nation where the term Allah by Christians to refer to God is prohibited," parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said in a statement, adding that the term was never banned even in the Middle East.

"The term Allah was used to refer to God by Arabic-speaking Christians before Arabic-speaking Muslims existed," he said.

The government clampdown could force Kuala Lumpur-based "Herald - the Catholic Weekly" newspaper to lose its publishing permit if it failed to drop the word Allah in its publication, the publisher said.

The publisher, the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, said on Thursday it had filed a lawsuit challenging the state order.

"We are of the view that we have the right to use the word Allah which right is now sought to be curtailed," his office said in a statement. "We have decided to have our legal position to use the word to be determined by the courts."

Politically dominant ethnic Malay Muslims form about 60 percent of the population of roughly 26 million, while the ethnic Indian and Chinese minorities include Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

Political analysts say the ruling is an extension of the Malay Muslim supremacy taking firmer root in Malaysia.

"The Malays want to make Islam exclusive to Muslims," said one analyst.

Separately, another church group, the Evangelical Church of Borneo in the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah, has filed a suit against the ministry's move to stop it from importing Christian books which contain the word Allah.

"From the earliest days of the church, the Malay-speaking congregation of the Church have been freely using the Alkitab, the Bahasa Indonesia translation of the Holy Bible wherein the word Allah appears," it said in the suit.

"The Christian usage of the word Allah predates Islam," it added.

A spokesman for Deputy Internal Security Minister Johari Baharum said he could not comment because the cases were before the courts.

Malaysia faces Christian outcry over word "Allah"

[Shammu]

The key phrase is the trampling of rights of other by the Muslim majority. Why can't the blind leftists in the world see that everywhere, every time, the Muslims have a majority, they oppress everyone else? Do these people think the Muslims are going to put up with them? I think for true Christians to begin calling The Lord by one of His many biblical names is not a big issue. His children know Him, and He knows His children.

The biggest concern for me is that this is being done as a way to publicly identify the Christians as infidels and subject them to persecution, in the near future.

[Shammu]

Arab League ministers to meet on Israel settlements

'Israel's building of settlements will destroy any hope of peace,' says Arab League secretary-general as forum of Arab foreign ministers announces it will convene to discuss continued Israeli construction in West Bank

Reuters
Published: 12.29.07, 16:48
Israel News

Arab foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting soon to discuss Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations and Israeli settlement policy, Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said on Saturday.

"The international momentum does not seem to be affecting the Israeli position and maybe will not, so we will meet to decide what is to be done," Moussa told a news conference.

"It is now clear that the settlements issue will destroy any hope of peace and will break the course of Annapolis."

Israeli officials have said Israel would allow construction within built up areas of existing Jewish settlements in the West Bank, but would not expand beyond those areas - a position that could widen the rift in US - backed peace talks launched in Annapolis, Maryland, last month.

The Palestinians say the negotiations, the first in seven years, hinge on Israel committing to halt all settlement activity, including so - called natural growth, as called for under a long-stalled "road map" peace plan.

Israel has said the Palestinian Authority has not fulfilled its own commitments to the plan, which calls for a dismantlement of terror groups operating within Palestinian territory.

It was not immediately clear when or where the meeting will be held, but Moussa told the news conference: "We will have this meeting in a very short period of time."

The call for the meeting came from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Moussa said, adding it will also discuss the political crisis in Lebanon.

Arab League ministers to meet on Israel settlements

[Soldier4Christ]

Iraq official: 75% of al-Qaida network in country destroyed 
'Their activity is now limited to certain places north of Baghdad' – U.S. not so optimistic

Iraq's interior ministry spokesman said Saturday that 75 percent of Al Qaeda in Iraq's terrorist network had been destroyed this year, but the top American commander in the country said the terror group remained his chief concern.

Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf said the disruption of the terrorist network was due to improvements in the Iraqi security forces — which he said had made strides in weeding out commanders and officers with ties to militias or who were involved in criminal activities.

He also credited the rise of anti-Al Qaeda in Iraq groups, mostly made up of Sunni fighters the Shiite-dominated government has cautiously begun to embrace. Additionally, an increase in American troops since June has been credited with pushing many militants out of Baghdad.

Khalaf's assertion that three-fourths of al-Qaida in Iraq had been destroyed could not be independently verified and he did not elaborate on how the percentage was determined.

But violence in Iraq has dropped significantly since June — the U.S. military says it is down 60 percent nationwide — demonstrating success in fighting the terrorist network.

"Their activity is now limited to certain places north of Baghdad," Khalaf said at a news conference. "We're working on pursuing those groups, that is the coming fight."

Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq, told a small group of western reporters on Saturday that despite the success against al-Qaida in Iraq, destroying the group is still a top concern for the U.S. military.

"We still regard Al Qaeda as the biggest threat," Petraeus said. "We regard them as the most significant challenge facing Iraq."

After nearly five years of war, American military commanders have learned to couch even optimistic reports in cautious terms. They have repeatedly said that the fight against extremists in Iraq is far from over, noting that they still have the capacity to carry out large attacks.

But the impact of U.S. and Iraqi military success against the group has been reflected in decreased civilian deaths.

According to an Associated Press count, civilian deaths in Iraq have steadily dropped in the second half of 2007 after seeing a high of 2,155 killed in May. Through Friday, deaths in December stood at 691, the lowest for the year and much lower than the 2,309 killed in December 2006.

AP figures on civilian deaths are compiled from hospital, police and military officials, as well as accounts from reporters and photographers. Insurgent deaths are not included. Other counts differ and some have given higher civilian death tolls.

Meanwhile, the radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on Saturday for reconciliation between his followers and Iraqi security forces in the holy city of Karbala, according to al-Sadr aide Sheik Mohannad al-Gharrawi.

In August, followers of al-Sadr and fighters loyal to the powerful Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council led by cleric Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim clashed in Karbala during a religious festival, killing 52 people. Since then, al-Sadr loyalists have been targeted in a crackdown by Iraqi security forces.

"This initiative comes as a response to the events that took place in Karbala, when more than 50 pilgrims died," al-Gharrawi said.

After that fighting, al-Sadr announced he was freezing the activities of his Mahdi Army militia for six months — a move that both Iraqi and American officials have said has had a big impact on the reduction in violence.

[Shammu]

Around the world, revelers greet New Year with fireworks, singing, dancing, & bombs
December 31, 2007

PARIS: A million revelers cheered fireworks in Sydney, Australia — one of the first cities to celebrate the New Year. Beijing started the year with fireworks, singing and dancing put on by the organizers of the Summer Olympics.

In France, cafes filled with the last night of cigarette smoke before a smoking ban goes into effect.

Security was tight around the world. Fireworks were canceled in downtown Brussels, Belgium, where police last week detained 14 people suspected of plotting to help an accused al-Qaida militant break out of jail. In Paris, where festivities centered on the famous Champs-Elysees avenue and the Eiffel Tower, about 4,500 police and 140 rescue officials patrolled the streets.

In Thailand, an army spokesman said he believed that five bombs set off by suspected Muslim insurgents in a Thai-Malaysian border tourist town likely targeted New Year's revelers.

The bombs, which wounded 27 people, exploded in the hotel and nightlife area of Sungai Kolok, including two inside a hotel dance club and one hidden in the basket of a motorcycle outside a hotel, spokesman Col. Akara Thiprote said.

On the other side of the globe, several European countries rang in the new year with new habits.

Starting at midnight, the smoke-filled cafe was to become a memory in France. Following up on a ban last year on smoking in many indoor locations, cigarettes will now be off-limits in dance clubs, restaurants, hotels, casinos and cafes.

People can still smoke in their homes, hotel rooms and sealed smoking chambers at establishments that decide to provide them.

Two European Union newcomers, Cyprus and Malta, start using the euro at the stroke of midnight. The Mediterranean islands, both former British colonies, scrap the Cyprus pound and Maltese lira to bring the number of countries using the shared currency to 15. Politicians will ceremonially withdraw euros from automatic teller machines after midnight, with fireworks and outdoor celebrations in the two capitals, Nicosia and Valletta.

Along with the innovations, old European traditions were maintained.

In London, people were gathering in Trafalgar Square and along the banks of the River Thames to watch a fireworks display and hear Big Ben — Parliament's iconic bell — welcome the New Year with 12 resounding bongs.

In a quirky tradition in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, Madrid residents planned to dine on 12 grapes — one for each chime at midnight.

Berlin was braced for a massive fete: In a stretch leading from the city's famous Brandenburg Gate along Tiergarten park to the western part of town, officials set up three stages, 13 bands, 40-yard tall Ferris wheel and over 100 beer stands and snack joints.

In Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI took a somber note, lamenting what he called the "trivialization" of sexuality and lack of faith among young people during a vespers' service in St. Peter's Basilica.

Around the world, revelers greet New Year with fireworks, singing, dancing & bombs

[Shammu]

Aksa Brigades calls for Fayad's death
Khaled Abu Toameh , THE JERUSALEM POST    Dec. 31, 2007

Fatah's armed wing, the Aksa Martyrs Brigades, on Sunday called for the murder of Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayad for "collaboration" with Israel and the US.

This was the first time the group has openly called for Fayad's assassination. In the past, the group distributed leaflets strongly condemning Fayad and calling for his dismissal.

Fayad has been under heavy criticism from some Fatah leaders and activists, who accuse him of denying them public funds and plotting to undermine Fatah's grip on power. Other Fatah leaders have also accused Fayad of seeking to consolidate his power with the hope of replacing Mahmoud Abbas as PA president.

The threat was made in a leaflet distributed by the Aksa Martyrs Brigades in the Gaza Strip. Some Fatah officials in Ramallah sought to distance themselves from the threat, claiming that the leaflet had been forged. They even went as far as accusing Hamas of being behind it.

"The command of the Aksa Martyrs Brigades in the Gaza Strip calls on all its elements and striking forces in the West Bank to immediately eliminate the so-called Salaam Fayad," the leaflet said. It claimed that Fayad's Ramallah-based government was working for Israel and the US.

Calling on Abbas to fire the Fayad government, the leaflet criticized Fayad for cutting off the salaries of many Fatah supporters in the Gaza Strip. It also attacked him for allowing the PA security forces in Bethlehem to hand over to Israel three Israelis who had entered the city on Saturday.

"We call on all our members and the policemen in the West Bank not to obey orders from the Fayad government, because it's serving an American agenda and helping Israel eliminate the Aksa Martyrs Brigades," the group continued. It also called to fire PA Interior Minister Abdel Razzak al-Yahya for announcing that the Aksa Martyrs Brigades in the West Bank had been dismantled.

Meanwhile, the PA claimed that Friday's attack near Hebron, in which two Israelis were killed, was "criminally motivated." PA Information Minister Riad al-Malki told reporters in Ramallah that he was not ruling out the possibility that the attack was the result of a "dispute" between arms dealers, hinting that the victims had come to sell weapons to their assailants.

PA security officials in Hebron repeated the claim, arguing that there was no evidence that the attack had been carried out for other reasons. At least three groups have claimed responsibility for the attack - Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Over the weekend, the IDF arrested a number of Fatah members in Hebron on suspicion of involvement in the attack.

Aksa Brigades calls for Fayad's death

[Soldier4Christ]

Islamists Pressure Firing of Leading Pentagon Specialist...

Inside the Ring

Stephen Coughlin, the Pentagon specialist on Islamic law and Islamist extremism, has been fired from his position on the military's Joint Staff. The action followed a report in this space last week revealing opposition to his work for the military by pro-Muslim officials within the office of Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.

Mr. Coughlin was notified this week that his contract with the Joint Staff will end in March, effectively halting the career of one of the U.S. government's most important figures in analyzing the nature of extremism and ultimately preparing to wage ideological war against it.

He had run afoul of a key aide to Mr. England, Hasham Islam, who confronted Mr. Coughlin during a meeting several weeks ago when Mr. Islam sought to have Mr. Coughlin soften his views on Islamist extremism.

Mr. Coughlin was accused directly by Mr. Islam of being a Christian zealot or extremist "with a pen," according to defense officials. Mr. Coughlin appears to have become one of the first casualties in the war of ideas with Islamism.

The officials said Mr. Coughlin was let go because he had become "too hot" or controversial within the Pentagon.

Misguided Pentagon officials, including Mr. Islam and Mr. England, have initiated an aggressive "outreach" program to U.S. Muslim groups that critics say is lending credibility to what has been identified as a budding support network for Islamist extremists, including front groups for the radical Muslim Brotherhood.

Mr. Coughlin wrote a memorandum several months ago based on documents made public in a federal trial in Dallas that revealed a covert plan by the Muslim Brotherhood, an Egyptian-origin Islamist extremist group, to subvert the United States using front groups. Members of one of the identified front groups, the Islamic Society of North America, has been hosted by Mr. England at the Pentagon.

After word of the confrontation between Mr. Coughlin and Mr. Islam was made public, support for Mr. Coughlin skyrocketed among those in and out of government who feared the worst, namely that pro-Muslim officials in the Pentagon were after Mr. Coughlin's scalp, and that his departure would be a major setback for the Pentagon's struggling efforts to develop a war of ideas against extremism. Blogs lit up with hundreds of postings, some suggesting that Mr. England's office is "penetrated" by the enemy in the war on terrorism.

Kevin Wensing, a spokesman for Mr. England, said "no one in the deputy's office had any input into this decision" by the Joint Staff to end Mr. Coughlin's contract. A Joint Staff spokesman had no immediate comment.

[Soldier4Christ]

One step closer for islamic control of the U.S.