Reham Khan confusion over details of study (Image, Facebook)

Confusion reigned today over the qualifications and place of study of Reham Khan, wife of politician Imran Khan (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) after a UK newspaper the Daily Mail tried to check out her credentials.

Last year, Reham Khan tweeted on May 7th 2014…

“8 yrs ago I started my career as Lead Presenter on Legal TV while pursuing a post graduate in Broadcast Journalism at North Lindsay College.”

She did not specify at the time whether diploma or Masters degree.

Sebastian Shakespeare for the Mail Online reported,

“However, according to officials at North Lindsey, it has never offered such a course.

Indeed, it does not teach journalism at all. Furthermore, they can find no record of anyone bearing Khan’s name or age ever having enrolled.

‘We do not have anyone by those names or date of birth having attended this college,’ says a spokesman. ‘We have never done a degree in broadcast journalism.’”

See following link,

“Mystery over credentials of Imran Khan’s BBC presenter wife who claimed she studied journalism… at a college that doesn’t offer the course”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3161669/SEBASTIAN-SHAKESPEARE-Fresh-intrigue-past-Imran-Khan-s-new-wife.html

Reham herself seemed confused spelling “Lindsey” as “Lindsay” and then issued the following statement claiming she had in fact undertaken “a one year postgraduate course for a diploma in Broadcast Media that she obtained from the Grimsby Institute Media Centre.” The statement also clarified that she has no postgraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism to support her “meteoric rise in Pakistani Media”. I had repeatedly asked her to state yes or no as to whether she had a degree in Broadcast journalism.

Reham Khan statement

The issue of qualifications is an important one in Pakistan given recent stories of fake degrees and several persons being outed as not having the qualifications that they claimed, see following link,

“Pakistan rocked by ‘fake degree’ scandal”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32910734

Reham’s statement suggests media were being diverted away from other important issues. On the contrary, she has repeatedly claimed an interest in the rights of women. Gender issues continue to arise for working women and all should have equal opportunities in the workplace. One issue is the ongoing difficulty of obtaining equal pay and the fact that females still fall behind males in their salaries in many parts of the world. Another is one of discrimination against those not considered attractive enough for employment and that if you are an attractive person, particularly a woman, you are more likely to get a job than a person considered unattractive. This gives a negative message to young women, that working hard and striving for qualifications are unimportant.

First a woman may have to overcome prejudice around physical appearance to actually get a job, then she has to battle for conditions and pay to match a man. In September 2013, the Guardian newspaper reported the findings of an academic study from the University of Messina as follows,

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.

الحمد لله رب العلمین و الصلوة والسلام  علی سیدالأنبیاء والمرسلین محمد وعلی آله وأصحابه أجمعین  وبعد

:قال الله تعالی

[أُذِنَ لِلَّذِينَ يُقَاتَلُونَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوا وَإِنَّ اللهَ عَلَى نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِيرٌ ﴾ [الحج:39﴿

Translation: (Permission to take up arms is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged and Allah, indeed, has power to help them.) (Al-Hajj – 39)

To the whole Muslim Umma, particularly to the Muslim and Mujahid Masses of Afghanistan!

السلام علیکم ورحمة الله وبرکاته

(May peace and blessings of Allah be upon you!)

I would like to felicitate you on this auspicious occasions of both Eid-ul-Fitr and the significant conquests in the field of Jihad along with my sincere best wishes. May Allah, the Almighty, accept all your worships, donations and virtuous deeds related with the holy month of Ramadan! Amin.

All of these conquests are the result of perpetual support of Allah Almighty followed by the untold sacrifices, endeavors and backing of the Afghan Mujahid people. I pray to Allah, the Almighty, to remunerate all of them for their services and sacrifices.

It is a moment of deep gratitude and great honor for me to share my feelings with you concerning the sanctified and blessed days of the Holy Religion of Islam. The Muslims congratulate one another in these days, pray for their well-being and express their sincerity, brotherhood and sympathy in an atmosphere fraught with religious fraternity.

I would like, by seizing this occasion, to elucidate some issues about the previous and present on-going Jihadi struggle of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

1. The invasion of Afghanistan by the occupying alliance headed by America was in reality an explicit brutal aggression, contradicting all humane principles, on an integral part of the Muslim Umma and subsequently, the initiation of Holy Jihad against this aggression became a binding individual obligation upon us. As Allah Almighty says:

[ وَقَاتِلُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ… ﴾ [البقرة:190 ﴿

Translation: (And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.) (Al-Baqarah – 190)

It was according to this religious obligation that more than fifteen hundred religious scholars of our country issued the decree of Holy Jihad to the Islamic Emirate which was subsequently approved by the righteous scholars around the world. In the light of this genuine religious decree, Jihad is as obligatory today as it was in the beginning of foreign occupation because our Muslim homeland Afghanistan is still under occupation and both its land and air space are controlled by the invaders. The only minor difference is that after suffering heavy casualties and financial losses, the foreign occupying forces have reduced their numbers and have confined themselves to heavily fortified bases, filling this void with some notorious figures of our society, mercenary forces trained by foreign intelligence agencies and some naive youngsters in the disguise of Afghan security forces who are financially, logistically and even directly supported by the very occupying forces when pressured by Mujahidin. It is therefore still obligatory upon us to continue our sacred Jihad to liberate our beloved homeland and restore an Islamic system.

It is true that large areas of the country are liberated by the Mujahidin but our Jihadi struggle will continue until the infidel occupation of our country has ended and a pure Islamic system is implemented.

2. Concurrently with armed Jihad, political endeavors and peaceful pathways for achieving these sacred goals is a legitimate Islamic principle and an integral part of Prophetic politics. As our holy leader, the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), was actively engaged in fighting the infidels in the fields of ‘Badr’ and ‘Khyber’, he simultaneously participated in agreements beneficial for Muslims, held meetings with envoys of infidels, sent messages and delegations to them and on various occasions even undertook the policy of face to face talks with warring infidel parties. If we look into our religious regulations, we can find that meetings and even peaceful interactions with the enemies is not prohibited but what is unlawful is to deviate from the lofty ideals of Islam and to violate religious decrees. Therefore the objective behind our political endeavors as well as contacts and interactions with countries of the world and our own Afghans is to bring an end to the occupation and to establish an independent Islamic system in our country. It is our legitimate right to utilize all legal pathways because being an organized and liable setup, we are responsible to our masses, we are an integral part of human society and rely upon one another. All Mujahidin and countrymen should be confident that in this process, I will unwaveringly defend our legal rights and viewpoint everywhere. We have established a ‘Political Office’ for political affairs, entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring and conducting all political activities.

3. We insist upon the unity of Jihadi front in Afghanistan because firstly, it is the command of Allah Almighty and secondly, the fruits of successful Jihad against the former Soviet Union were lost as an inevitable consequence of the multiplicity of factions.

Allah Almighty has said about the unity of Jihadi front:

( إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفّاً كَأَنَّهُم بُنيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ)  (4 الصف)

Translation: (Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His cause arrayed in solid ranks, as though they were a strong structure cemented with molten lead.) (As-Saff – 4)

On another occasion, the Holy Quran unequivocally inhibits from all contentions, differences and mutual disputes in the following explicit words:

( وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ ۖ وَاصْبِرُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ) (46 الانفال)

Translation: (And obey Allah and His Messenger and dispute not with one another, lest you falter and your strength depart from you. And be steadfast; surely, Allah is with the steadfast.) (Al-Anfal – 46)

And our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) says:

{لاَ يُلْدَغُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مِنْ جُحْرٍ وَاحِدٍ مَرَّتَيْنِ}  {رواه البخاري}

Translation: (A believer is not stung twice from the same hole.) Narrated by Bukhari.

Since maintaining the unity of Jihadi front in our country is a religious obligation, we have therefore directed all our Mujahidin to preserve their unity and forcefully prevent all those elements who attempt to create differences, damage this Jihadi front or try to disperse the Mujahidin.

4. Our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:

الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ لَا يَظْلِمُهُ وَلَا يَخْذُلُهُ وَلَا يَحْقِرُهُ التَّقْوَى هَاهُنَا” وَيُشِيرُ إِلَى صَدْرِهِ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ، “بِحَسْبِ امْرِئٍ مِن الشَّرِّ أَنْ يَحْقِرَ أَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ كُلُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ حَرَامٌ دَمُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَعِرْضُهُ ) رواه مسلم و احمد

Translation: (Every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He should neither oppress him, nor let him down, nor insult him. Piety is here, while pointing to his chest thrice. It is enough for a man’s mischief to look down upon his Muslim brother. The blood, property and honor of every Muslim is forbidden for another Muslim.) Narrated by Muslim and Ahmad.

In view of the above saying of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and being a member of the Muslim society, we look upon every Muslim as our brother and we formally recognize the legitimate rights of all Afghans including minorities as our religious duty.

The formation of Islamic Emirate comprises of virtuous and erudite people from all areas and nations of our country, learning a lot from the experiences of previous 36 years especially from the responsibilities borne over the past twenty years hence no one should fear about what will happen if the Islamic Emirate comes to power. I assure you that the upcoming changes will in no way resemble the situation following the collapse of the communist regime when everything turned upside down. There are no such disagreements inside the Jihadi ranks as were in the past. This time every legal development around the country will be preserved, national assets and the achievements of private sector will be maintained, the dignity of all individuals and communities of the country will be honored, an accountable, transparent, professional and inclusive Afghan administration will be setup to meet both the worldly and religious needs of the Afghan masses. We have always tried, in light of Islamic principles and national interests, to maintain cordial and reciprocal relations with all neighboring, regional and world countries so that Afghanistan is secured both from external malice as well as internal differences.

5. Some circles accuse Mujahidin of being agents of Pakistan and Iran. This is an utterly unjust verdict because neither our past history nor the present prevailing circumstances attest to this statement and the forthcoming history will also be a witness against these false accusations, Insha-Allah (God-willing).

Nevertheless, it is a fact that we have sought cordial relations not only with Pakistan and Iran but also all other neighboring countries. Just like towards the people of Pakistan and Iran, we have been the well-wishers of all masses of all neighboring, regional and world countries and we are determined to pursue this wise policy.

We call upon all people with intellect not to be deceived by the baseless propaganda of the enemy intelligence. Do not attribute you’re extraordinary achievements to others. The vast areas spreading from Badakhshan to Kandahar, from Faryab to Paktia and from Herat to Nangarhar, which almost covers the entire country cannot be liberated with foreign support. If foreign aid were so effective then it would have treated the wounds of the Kabul administration which enjoys the unconstrained support of fifty countries. They freely get weapons and manpower from abroad, even their leaders are brought up and trained by the foreigners. But none of these provisions stabilized them rather they are losing ground on a daily basis. Therefore if we were not supported by Allah Almighty as well as our pious masses and Jihadi spirit, how could it be possible for us to have sustained this lopsided war for fourteen years against major world military powers with the insignificant and secret support of either one or two neighboring countries? Without a doubt, no sane mind would ever accept this nonsense.

Therefore our Muslim brothers, near and far, should not be victimized by the enemy propaganda because the enemy is not only devious but also shrewd and well-equipped, able to convey and spread rumors and propaganda against Muslims and Islamic movements to the world masses. Hence all Muslims should remain vigilant and discerning equipped with faith and spiritual perspicacity.

6. Some people, without having any sound proof, think that the Islamic Emirate is against all new developments, modern sciences and resources. This despite the overall expenditure on schools and higher educational institutions being higher than the traditional religious madrassas during the reign of the Islamic Emirate. Twenty percent of the budget was allocated for education and training. Contemporary studies are recommended by our religious scholars as they are obligatory according to Islamic teachings. Allah Almighty says in His Holy Book:

(وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ وَمِنْ رِبَاطِ الْخَيْلِ تُرْهِبُونَ بِهِ عَدُوَّ اللَّهِ وَعَدُوَّكُمْ… )(الانفال 60)

Translation: (And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war, whereby you may frighten the enemy of Allah and your enemy…) (Al-Anfal – 60)

According to the above blessed verse which stresses upon every possible preparation against the enemy and since Jihad is an indispensable obligation for the Muslims today thus modern resources to combat the enemy can neither be had nor utilized without the prior knowledge of modern sciences and new experiences. Similarly treatment of injured Mujahidin and health-care of Muslim masses, freeing ourselves from enemy dependence in technical, industrial, agricultural and various other walks of life as well as properly serving the Muslims and self-sufficiency of Islamic society needs our excellence in modern knowledge. It is a well-established rule of Islamic jurisprudence that the requisite of an obligation is obligatory.

Therefore the Islamic Emirate realizes the value and importance of modern sciences and sources in the light of our Holy Sharia law. The proof is that Mujahidin are facilitating both religious and modern studies for the young generation of our beloved homeland in all the areas under their control.

7. I would like to remind all the Mujahidin that if they abide by two things then eventual victory will be theirs. First, they should aim for Allah’s pleasure in all their deeds. They should endure their allegiance with their creed, country, the Islamic Emirate and their leaders as guided by our Holy Book:

(يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَنصُرُواْ اللَّهَ یَنصُرْکمْ وَ یُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَکمْ.) (محمد 7)

Translation: (O ye who believe! if you help the cause of Allah, He will help you and will make your foothold firm.) (Muhammad – 7)

Secondly, our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) says:

( لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يَرْحَمْ صَغِيرَنَا وَلم يُوَقِّرْ كَبِيرَنَا) (ترمذي)

Translation: (Those who do not have mercy on youngsters and not respectful to elders are not from us.) Narrated by Tirmidhi

So deal with your people gently, with love and good manners. Treat their elders as your own parents and their youngsters as your own brothers and children. The protection of lives and properties of ordinary people is your Islamic and human responsibility. Particularly in your military planning, take all possible measures to avoid civilian losses and casualties. If you glance over history, you will vividly see that the one who has betrayed the sacred religion of Allah or has looked down upon this pious Mujahid nation or ignored good ethics has failed at succeeding here. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) says:

( أکمل المؤمنين إيماناً أحسنهم خلقاً ) (رواه ابوداود)

Translation: (The most perfect amongst the pious people is the one whose behavior is sublime.) Narrated by Abu Daud

So win over your nation with good behavior.

8. O Mujahidin! As Allah Almighty has flung open the doors of victories to you, try your best to invite and guide the opponents to the right path and provide them with secured and honorable living conditions. Instead of killing them, it is better to reform (guide) them as our community will inevitably suffer due to their widows and orphans. The people who control their anger and pardon are held in high esteem by Allah Almighty as He says:

(وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ)‌ (آل عمران (134)

Translation: (And those who suppress anger, and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good.) (Al-Imran – 134)

9. Muslims of the whole world and specially the pious masses of Afghanistan are requested to increase their physical and financial support to the Mujahidin amidst the current triumphant process as you constantly extended it over the past fourteen years. You should remember that Jihad is an individual obligation upon every single Muslim. If one cannot participate in the Jihadi fronts physically, he can discharge his duty by extending financial or political or cultural support to the Mujahidin. Our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) says:

(مَنْ جَهَّزَ غَازِياً فِي سَبِيلِ الله فَقَدْ غَزَا، وَمَنْ خَلَفَ غَازِياً فِي سَبِيلِ الله بِخَيْرٍ فَقَدْ غَزَا) (متفق علیه) 

Translation: (Whosoever equipped a fighter in the path of Allah, and the one who looked after a fighter’s family behind, verily he participated in Jihad.) Agreed Upon

10. To end, I request all the leaders and masses of the Muslim world to maintain unity and fraternity among themselves and not allow internal differences to weaken their ranks. The policy of tolerance, patience, acumen and strict abidance by Islamic Sharia should be adopted. I would like to remind all the well-off sympathizing brothers to extend their complete support to the bereaved families of the martyrs, prisoners, disabled, poor and orphans of frontline Mujahidin during these happy days of Eid-ul-Fitr. They should not be left alone and must be encouraged because it is the source of success and prosperity in this world as well the world hereafter. Wish good for others as you seek it for yourselves as the Holy Quran says:

(وَافْعَلُوا الْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ) (الحج – 77)

Translation: (And do good deeds that you may prosper.) (Al-Hajj – 77)

I once again congratulate all of you on this happy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and pray to Allah Almighty that all your worship and services are rewarded.

Wassalam.

Servant of Islam

Amir-ul-Momineen

Mulla Mohammad Umar Mujahid

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

(Image via 3D Eye)

British Values
A poem by Abu Qatada

They say…
Come, this is the sanctuary for the exhausted ones.
Here they unload their woes and burdens.
Here in our land we have written your rights.
On every door we hang them.
Our wars are for your sake.
We send out troops to spread peace.
They shout and they scream,
And their words always end with that magical rhythm
‘British values’.

Hafiz Saeed alleged to be alive

Islamic State has released an audio tape alleging it is of Hafiz Saeed (leader of Wilayat Khorasan, IS group in Afghanistan, Pakistan). This conflicts with statement from Abdul Hassib Sediqi, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security given to Associated Press which claimed he was killed in a US airstrike in Achin District, Nangahar along with 30 others.

Hafiz Saeed Khan was former Emir of TTP in Oraksai and defected to IS along with a number of other Taliban leaders see following link,

“Are IS gaining a foothold in AfPak, video release shows some allegiance in the region”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/are-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-afpak-new-video-release-shows-some-allegiance-in-the-region/

Hafiz Saeed, (Still from IS video released earlier this year)

The message from Hafiz Saeed appeared on an IS website. However there were still disputes on social media as to whether it was his voice. The audio was passed to a contact who reports on insurgency in AfPak region who said he had heard his voice before.. he stated, “its his voice, I recognize it.”

Sabiq Jihadmal tweeted,

The Released Vice Message Of #Hafiz_Saeed Is Not His Sound, There Is A Big Difference Between This And His Sound.

Here is the Audio tape

https://archive.org/details/walikrsn

Whether he is dead or alive remains unclear.

In recent days there has been much confusion as to who has died in air/drone strikes. There were allegedly around 30 others killed… so who were they? Campaigners call once again for governments using drones to name exactly who they have killed after each strike.

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Shahidullah Shahid, (also known as Al-Sheikh Abu Umar Maqbool) killed in US drone strike (Image EPA)

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban Jamaat -ul-Ahrar (TTP JA) have released a statement confirming the death of Shahidullah Shahid (Islamic State, Wilayat Khorasan Afghanistan/Pakistan). The information came via TTP JA spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan today 13th July 2015). Shahidullah (also known as Al-Sheikh Abu Umar Maqbool) was a former spokesperson with the Taliban and defected to IS with 5 other commanders in 2014.

See earlier statement,

“TTP release statement regarding Shahidullah Shahid who has pledged allegiance to IS”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2014/10/18/ttp-release-statement-regarding-shahidullah-shahid-who-has-allegedly-pledged-allegiance-to-is/

TTP JA statement (13th July 2015)

Image released by TTP JA on Twitter

End

———————————-

This is not the first time TTP JA have made moves to reconcile different Mujahideen factions. Last October Senior leader, Omar Khalid Khorasani released a video calling for a united front from “Mujahideen groups” around the world. The 25 minute video was sent to journalists by TTP JA spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan with a statement describing the content of the video as follows,

“Address by senior leader of Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan Jammat ul Ahrar Omar Khalid Khorasani suggesting Islamic State (IS, ISIS), Jabha tun Nusra (JN) and other mujahideen of the region to reconcile among each other. As Kuffar and their helper Murtadeen have formed a coalition to attack the Muslims of Iraq and Sham, it is important that the Mujahideen of the region and of the whole world are united together against this aggression. Omar Khalid Khorasani has also offered his influence to mediate between Islamic State, Al-Qaeda and Jabha tun Nusra. He has urged the Muslims of the whole world to become untied like a fist against the Kuffar and their Murtadeen helpers”

See following link,

“Pakistan Taliban: Omar Khalid Khorasani releases video urging the Mujahideen of IS and JN to unite”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2014/10/04/pakistan-taliban-omar-khalid-khorasani-releases-video-urging-the-mujahideen-of-is-and-jn-to-unite/

Links

“AfPak: Conflicting reports as to whether Shahidullah Shahid IS Commander was killed in drone strike”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/07/09/afpak-conflicting-reports-as-to-whether-shahidullah-shahid-is-commander-was-killed-in-drone-strike/

“Is IS gaining a foothold in Pakistan”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2014/10/04/pakistan-taliban-omar-khalid-khorasani-releases-video-urging-the-mujahideen-of-is-and-jn-to-unite/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Most victims were civilians (Image via Bilal Sarwary, freelance journalist, Afghanistan)

On Sunday 12th July 2015, a suicide car bomber took the lives of 33 people when explosives were detonated at a checkpoint close to Camp Chapman military base in Khost province once used by the CIA. The victims included 27 civilians including 3 women and 12 children.

Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chapman is situated around 10 miles northwest of the border with Pakistan and was the scene of a suicide attack by Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi against the CIA in 2009. The bombing using a suicide vest was regarded as the most lethal attack against the CIA in more than 25 years and was claimed by the Taliban.

Pajhwok reported that “Brig. Gen. Faizullah Ghairat, police chief, said the attack occurred on highway and inflicted heavy casualties on civilians. He said eight vehicles and four motorcycles had also been completely damaged in the attack.”

Mujib Mashal (writer, Kabul) tweeted Sunday’s attack as it unfolded as follows:-

Casualties in Khost explosion are up to 25, mostly civilians, local officials say. The target was a US base located at a busy crossroads.

2. Local official say target of today’s explosion in Khost was camp Chapman, the same facility where 7 CIA employees were killed in 2009

3. Camp Chapman, on the outskirts of Khost city, is located at a busy crossroads connecting several districts.

4. The attack happened at a busy hour – around 6:40 pm, as residents were making way home to break their fast. Fears casualties may increase

5. Officials say target of Khost attack was the CIA-trained KPF now run by NDS. Unclear whether KPF still has American advisors on the ground

Khost attack casualties up to 33 (27 civilians, 6 KPF). Killed: 12 men, 3 women, 12 children. Wounded: 23 civilians

To date no-one has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attack.

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Muhammad al-Kasbeh, evidence points to being shot in the back whilst fleeing (image FB)

On July 3rd 2015, I reported on the challenging and dangerous journey for Palestinians trying to reach Al Aqsa mosque to pray whether via checkpoint or over the apartheid wall. Such was the case of 17 year old Muhammad al-Kasbeh. Muhammad never reached his destination as he was shot dead by a high ranking Israeli soldier causing outrage among local communities. Reports now show he received three bullets in the back, face and upper side of his torso. Muhammad was the third son within his family to die at the hands of the security services. See following link,

“Occupied Palestine: Mother loses 3rd son shot dead on his way to Al Aqsa mosque”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/occupied-palestine-mother-loses-3rd-son-shot-dead-on-his-way-to-pray-at-al-aqsa-mosque/

Investigations carried out after the incident suggest that Col. Yisrael Shomer, Commander of the Binyamin Brigade, shot Muhammad in the back as he was fleeing from them. The Independent states that according to new medical evidence and eyewitness reports,

“Shaheed Suleman aka Shehak Baloch” (BLF) delivers his final message before death

A video has surfaced on social media that shows the final message of “Shaheed Suleman aka Shehak Baloch” Commander of the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) Upper Mashkay before his death from alleged gunshot wounds. The BLF are fighting for an independent Balochistan. The Baloch struggle for independence began in 1947-1948 when Pakistan annexed the region setting off a bitter battle between state and province. The fight is one of nationalism with Balochs claiming they are a distinct nation and several militant groups holding independence as their main goal. This article contains a link to the BLF video, first however…. what are the main issues behind the insurgency and what led up to the killing of Shehak Baloch?

A fight to control Balochistan’s natural resources in a region “kept backward”

Earlier this year the Balochwarna News stated,

“at the time of British departure from Balochistan they recognised Balochistan as an independent state on 11^th August 1947. Balochistan was one of the wealthy nations, compared to many Middle Eastern (Arab Countries) but eight months after its independence, Balochistan was again occupied and forcefully annexed by Pakistan.

After the occupation of Balochistan Pakistan started looting Balochistan’s natural wealth and spending it for the benefit of Punjab and selling it to international companies for peanuts. Pakistan systematically kept the Baloch people backward and deprived them of basic facilities such as schools, hospitals and clean drinking water. Balochistan’s natural gas was not even provided to its inhabitants – the Baloch people.”

Balochistan is an area around the size of France and borders Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Quetta is the provincial capital and an important trade and communication centre between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Balochistan’s coastline borders the Arabian Sea and includes the strategically important port of Gwador at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Nearby are the Straits of Hormuz where there are key shipping routes in and out of the Persian Gulf.  The region is rich in exhaustible and renewable resources which include gold, gas, copper, chromite, barytes, sulphur, marble, iron ore, quartzite and limestone. Gwador has become a bone of contention due to plans to develop further with Chinese investment. In 2014 reported, The Times of India reported that,

“China has won the right to operate Pakistan’s Gwadar port, which is believed to have strong military possibilities, for a period of 40 years. The move will give China access to Gulf countries, and the possibility of building a naval base on the Arabian Sea in future.”

There is an ongoing battle between government and insurgents, one side wanting to develop the region for the wider benefit of Pakistan and foreign allies and Balochs wishing to protect and develop the area as they see fit for the benefit of locals. In April, Chinese President President Xi Jinping flew into Pakistan to sign a £30bn ‘land corridor’ agreement. The Guardian reported that, “under the proposed China-Pakistan economic corridor, strengthened rail and road networks will allow Chinese goods to flow the length of the South Asian nation from its northern mountains to the Arabian Sea port of Gwadar.” There are also plans to tackle the ongoing security issue in Balochistan by the army setting up “a special force” which would provide protection to an influx of foreign workers responsible for developing the province’s infrastructure. See following link,

“China president arrives in Pakistan to sign £30bn ‘land corridor’ agreement”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/20/china-president-xi-jinping-pakistan-land-corridor-agreement

Body of labourer killed in Turbat attack (Express Tribune)

Turbat massacre

In April this year 20 construction workers were killed by gunmen as they slept and another 3 injured in a pre-dawn attack on a labourers’ camp near Turbat, in Kech, Balochistan. Security guards from Balochistan there to protect the workers were left unharmed. DAWN media reported Provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti as saying “the victims belonged to Sindh and Punjab. They were working for a private construction company building a bridge over a stream in Gogdan, 15 km from Turbat.” A father of one of the victims Majeed Makwano sobbed as he told Express Tribune,

“though we knew of the perils of working in Balochistan, we were forced to choose between having a job and having none. We also assured ourselves that Baloch rebels have no problem with Sindhis and, therefore, they will not harm them”

DAWN listed the dead as follows,

“the slain workers were identified as Sobdad, Abdul Majeed, Mohammad Ayub, Mohammad Aslam, Mohammad Rana, Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Farooq, Haji Din Mohammad, Ashiq Hussain, Allah Dina, Mumtaz Ahmed, Bawal Khan, Mohammad Irshad, Faqir Mohammad, Afzal, Sajid Ali, Tahir Zaman, Kala and Nela Methu. The name of one of the deceased could not be ascertained.”

The banned Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack and a hunt was now on to track down those responsible see,

“20 labourers gunned down in Turbat”

http://www.dawn.com/news/1175427

Back in April Vice News interviewed BLF Chief Commander Allah Nazar who claimed that the version of events submitted by the Pakistan media was “complete and utter propaganda aimed against the Baloch freedom movement.” Nazar argued that “their targets had been workers of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), a body linked to the Pakistani Army.” He stated to Vice,

“if [the construction workers] were just ordinary civilians, why would they be protected by the Frontier Corps [a paramilitary group], and other armed units?”

Protest alleging human rights abuses in Mashkay

Pakistan security forces have long been accused of alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan including “disappearing” people, torture and extra-judicial killing including against civilians not related to the insurgency. Graphic images of what Balochs call a “kill and dump” policy can be seen daily on social media. Locals accuse Pakistani and international media of largely ignoring their plight. Reporting on the region has proven extremely difficult with threats from different bodies. DAWN reported that, “over 43 journalists have been killed in Balochistan over the past few years.”

Since the Turbat attack, the army has carried out increased operations in the Mashkay area to find the killers. On June 30th there were claims of homes burnt down and an aerial bombardment from the military with the village of Mehri allegedly “under siege”.

Description provided with the video, allegations released by BLF supporters leading up to the death of “Shaheed Suleman aka Shehak Baloch”

“On June 30th 2015, Pakistani Army attacked Mehi village in Mashkay, some 400km from Quetta, the hometown of Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) supreme commander Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch. Army began aerial shelling and spraying bullets with helicopter gunships on the village and nearby mountains and then ground troops moved in breaking into civilian houses. In that carnage totally 11 people were brutally massacred including Dr. Allah Nazar’s elder brother Safar Khan and two of his nephews Suleman aka Shehak and Zakir Baloch aka Seth.

Suleman was a commander of BLF. The family was gathered there for the funeral of Suleman’s father who passed away on June 29. Among the martyred only four were members of BLF and rest were noncombatant civilians.

Here are two EXCLUSIVE video clips recorded moments before Shaheed Shehak Jan’s martyrdom where he speaks his last word for his friends, family and nation.”

Video of “Shaheed Suleman aka Shehak Baloch” final moments

Poster which circulated on social media claiming to name those allegedly harmed and injured in Mashkay (Facebook)

So what is the future for Balochs?

On 10th July Pakistan’s media covered a press release from ISPR that General Raleel Sharif had been given a detailed briefing on the overall security and law and order situation of Balochistan. The focus is to facilitate Balochistan as a regional hub for energy and trade according to Express Tribune using a civil military approach. Efforts are being made to encourage insurgents to lay down their arms and undergo “rehabilitation”. However as Pakistan Today reports the head of paramilitary Frontier Corps in Balochistan, Major General Sher Afgun plans to crush those internal elements deemed to be working for ‘external operators’ to undermine peace and progress in the province. The message is loud and clear, “no one can halt progress in Balochistan.”

Meanwhile the movement for an independent Balochistan shows no sign of abating, activists angry at the death of those they see as fighting for the freedom of their land are once again taking to social media to express their discontent. With each “enforced disappearance” case of torture or dumped body, resentment grows, there are no signs that the insurgency will stop anytime in the near future.

Links

‘We Are Suffering Genocide at the Hands of Pakistan’: An Interview with BLF Commander Allah Nazar”

https://news.vice.com/article/we-are-suffering-genocide-at-the-hands-of-pakistan-an-interview-with-blf-commander-allah-nazar

“Understanding Pakistan’s Baloch insurgency”

http://thediplomat.com/2015/06/cracking-pakistans-baloch-insurgency/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Aftermath of car bomb blast outside Italian Consulate (Image, Reuters)

A group linked to the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for a car bombing outside of the Italian Consulate in Cairo which killed 1 person and injured several others. As it was not a working day there were few on the premises or casualties could have been much higher. MENA state news agency reported massive devastation, the front of the building suffered a partial collapse, water-pipes burst in the blast and the immediate area was flooded.

Alessandro Accorsi, journalist tweeted,

there are pieces of a destroyed car all over the place. police trying to clear the area. #Cairo #italianconsulate

He added,

the rest of a car under the bridge in front of the consulate (see below)

Journalists wishing to report on the incident were detained for arriving too early as the site was still being cleared. Accorsi tweeted shortly afterwards that he was being held (though not arrested) by police. His tweets read,

1 hour after the explosion and police finally starts to clear the area. they are saying that we got here too quickly.. #italianconsulate

police keeps asking us why we were here and how we could get here so fast. in meantime egyptian journalists are still allowed to walk arnd

An IS affiliate previously known as Sinai Province posted their statement of responsibility on the bombing on social media. IS operatives haven’t yet reached Rome in their advance of the Caliphate however they are edging ever closer with today’s attack on an Italian institution. They stated,

“through God’s blessing, Islamic State soldiers were able to detonate a parked car bomb carrying 450 kg of explosive material on the headquarters of the Italian consulate in central Cairo.”

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Italian Consulate, Cairo 

At the end of June, an earlier explosion hit Hisham Barakat, Egypt’s public prosecutor who died of a lacerated liver and internal bleeding after a bomb was placed under his car, 8 others were wounded. Barakat was responsible for sending many Muslim Brotherhood supporters to prison after the overthrow of democratically elected President Morsi in 2013 who came to power following the Arab Spring. Barakat had allegedly received death threats and was a focus for Islamists seeking revenge for their imprisonment. The Guardian reported that fighting between army and militants has increased recently in North Sinai region and has resulted in the deaths of over 100 fighters and 17 soldiers.

Yesterday Andalou Agency highlighted that former MP and dissident Ayman Nour criticised the current Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who replaced Morsi claiming he “has only Israel that supports him while his other Gulf allies – especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – are not supporting him as before.” Nour claimed “Sisi became a part of the crisis in Egypt, not a solution” and has committed “massacres.” Sisi has now declared war on IS so the brutal clampdown on anyone suspected of association with Islamist groups is set to escalate continuing an ever more bloody cycle of violence.

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Aftermath of hotel bombing (Image, Reuters)

Islamist group Al Shabaab, (affiliated to Al Qaeda) is fulfilling its promise to carry out more attacks in Somalia, claiming responsibility for an attack where car bombs targeted the Wehliya and Siyaad hotels in the capital Mogadishu. Furquan media alleges 20 people were killed and 33 injured following the assault where gunmen attacked the buildings as members of parliament, lawmakers and other guests were breaking their fast at around 18:10 local time. The hotels are situated close to the parliament. Al Shabaab is currently in conflict with the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Ahmad Umar is the current leader and came to position following a US airstrike which killed Ahmed Abdi Godane in 2014. The BBC reported that a mortar attack was also carried out on a base of the African Union (AU) force in the city at the same time as the hotel incidents.

Horseed Media based in Puntland State, Somalia stated,

“Somali government officials have said that 12 gunmen launched attacks on both hotels and were killed in a firefight with security forces. The siege at the hotels lasted more than five hours. More than 50 people were rescued including ministers and members of the Federal Parliament, according to officials.”

Al Furquan media (Radio) tweeted the following information on deaths and injuries:-

UPDATE: According to #AlShabaab, the casualties of last night attack on hotels Wehliye & Siyad in #Mogadishu #Somalia are as follows:-

1) – Issa Wehliye, MP & owner of Hotel Wehliye, broke a shoulder – Abdirashiid Adan Gabyow, MP, injured – Abdiqadir Ali Hareeri, MP, injured

2) – Afdima, manager of Somali Medicines Agency, injured – 3 govt soldiers from Alfa group injured – Bare Xaashi, ex MP, killed

3) – Ibrahim Jeebe, ex MP, killed – Hanad Sargal, intelligence official, killed – Col. Abdinasir, killed – 4 soldiers frm Alfa group killed

4) Total casualties 20 killed & 33 injured, including MP’s, ex MP’s, intelligence officials, govt ministerial employees & govt soldiers.

Journalist Hamza Mohamed gives his analysis on the attack for Al Jazeera, see following link,

The situation following the attacks is said to be tense.

Radio Dalsan tweeted,

BREAKING journalists arrested for covering the wounded people in Madina Hospital over last nights attack in #Mogadishu

Live from Mogadishu put out the following tweet highlighting more unrest after a young boy was killed. This follows on from the recent clampdown arresting anyone suspected of having links to militants.

BREAKING: Huge demo agnst #AMISOM erupts in Marko town after #AU troops executed a 15 yr old boy they grabbed from Al Rahma mosque. #Somalia

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.