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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

How jihadists get the money to wage jihad




The dirty little secret is that the money financing jihad comes from ransom paid to the jihadists for the release of kidnapped countrymen.

"Officially, Germany had budgeted the money as humanitarian aid for the poor, landlocked nation of Mali.  In truth, all sides understood that the cash was bound for an obscure group of Islamic extremists who were holding 32 European hostages, according to six senior diplomats directly involved in the exchange"

Well there you go.

From the New York Times July 29 by Rukmini Callimachi

Paying Ransoms, Europe Bankrolls Qaeda Terror

BAMAKO, Mali — The cash filled three suitcases: 5 million euros.

The German official charged with delivering this cargo arrived here aboard a nearly empty military plane and was whisked away to a secret meeting with the president of Mali, who had offered Europe a face-saving solution to a vexing problem.

Officially, Germany had budgeted the money as humanitarian aid for the poor, landlocked nation of Mali.

In truth, all sides understood that the cash was bound for an obscure group of Islamic extremists who were holding 32 European hostages, according to six senior diplomats directly involved in the exchange.

The suitcases were loaded onto pickup trucks and driven hundreds of miles north into the Sahara, where the bearded fighters, who would soon become an official arm of Al Qaeda, counted the money on a blanket thrown on the sand. The 2003 episode was a learning experience for both sides. Eleven years later, the handoff in Bamako has become a well-rehearsed ritual, one of dozens of such transactions repeated all over the world.

Read it all

Gaza health clinic run by UN blown up, Israel blamed, Hamas the culprit

The IDF is methodically finding and destroying every tunnel in Gaza.  They find one inside a UNRWA healthcare clinic and as the IDF is preparing to destroy the tunnel without destroying the building, the booby-trap goes off, collapsing the building, killing 3 and injuring more than a dozen.

Israel will surely be blamed for cravenly targeting a clinic, but now you know the truth.

From the Times of Israel July 30 by Mitch Ginsberg

3 IDF soldiers killed in ‘booby-trapped UNRWA clinic’

Three IDF soldiers were killed on Wednesday in Gaza in an explosion at a booby-trapped UNRWA health clinic that housed the opening of a tunnel, the IDF’s Gaza Division commander, Brig. Gen. Micky Edelstein, said
The clinic had apparently been abandoned by its UN personnel. UNRWA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The army named the soldiers as Staff Sgt. Matan Gotlib, 21, of Rishon Lezion, Staff Sgt. Omer Chai, 21, of Savion, and Sgt. Guy Algranati, 20, of Tel Aviv.

The three soldiers, members of the elite Maglan unit, were taking precautionary measures in efforts to limit damage to the structure before eliminating the tunnel, when the explosives detonated in the small building.

The soldiers had sent in sniffing dogs and a small robot to minimize damage to the structure, located in Khan Yunis, but explosives rigged to the building detonated, toppling part of the building on top of the soldiers.

Fifteen soldiers were injured. IDF soldiers evacuating the wounded came under fire from Palestinian fighters. All of the fatalities and injured were eventually brought back to Israeli territory.

The deaths brought the toll of IDF soldiers killed since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge to 56.

“Once you enter such a clinic and you see the UNRWA sigh on it and you know there is a terror tunnel there, you know it’s a very very sensitive building, and you’re thinking of the not-terrorist Palestinians living there all around, and you’re trying not to harm this place,” Edelstein said

He said Hamas gunmen have used more than a thousand IEDs so far, destroying thousands of buildings in the Gaza Strip.

Not just using your people as human shields, but deliberately destroying their homes, businesses and markets.  

Read it all

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Hillary Clinton: Hamas human shields are because Gaza is so small

 She wants to be president yet knows nothing of the foundational reasons that drive Hamas.  I would send her a copy of the Hamas Charter but we all know she would dismiss it by saying they really don't mean it, they just want peace, and if Israel just gives up a bit more land everything will be OK.

Clinton could have pulled up Google Earth and looked at Gaza from above.  When one does, one can see vast open farming areas where there are few people, perfect launching sites for Hamas.  But no, she would never do anything to change her worldview that the "Palestinians" are victims of Israeli occupation.

Excuse my while I go throw up on my shoes.

From CNS July 29 by Curtis Kalin

Hillary Clinton: Hamas Uses Human Shields Because ‘Gaza is Pretty Small’
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton explained that Hamas hides their military weapons among civilians due mainly to geography, not religious extremism or hatred of the state of Israel.
In an interview with Fusion TV, Clinton said “Hamas puts its missiles, its rockets in civilian areas; part of it is because Gaza is pretty small and it’s densely populated.”

At no time does Clinton mention the official charter of Hamas, a terrorist organization, which denies the right of Israel to exist and asks all Muslims to help “obliterate” it:

Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it."

But, it seems Sec. Clinton believes geographical limitations trump deeply-held religious hatred, in terms of motivations for terrorism.

A true anti-semitic president




The case is almost closed on Obama and his overt hatred for Israel.  Time and again he has thrown Jews under the bus, scoring international points with our enemies (and a few friends) and at the same time giving credence to global demonization by his words and deeds.

Empty rhetoric when he says the US will always support Israel, actions by him, his staff and his cabal of lackeys tells a different tale.

This conversation between Netanyahu and Obama shows clearly the disrespect and disdain Obama has for Israel, as well as his overt support for Hamas and its doctrinal hatred of the Jews.  To cut off Netanyahu in the middle of his words of warning about Hamas in order to force Netanyahu to capitulate is disgusting.

Obama hates Israel and sees the Jews as does Islam; to be dismissed, marginalized and finally destroyed...all for the good of society.

From Arutz Sheva July 29 by Ari Soffer

In Leaked Tape, Hostile Obama Tries to Force PM to Accept Truce

Damning evidence has emerged of US President Barack Obama's dismissal of Israel's position in favor of supporting the position of Hamas and its allies during ceasefire talks.

A "senior US official" leaked an audio recording of a telephone conversation between Obama and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to Channel One. In it the 35-minute conversation, which took place on Sunday, the US President appears downright hostile at points, and even cuts off Netanyahu in the middle of his protestations over a one-sided truce proposal which would have seen Hamas receive all its key demands, but that Israel ultimately rejected.

The following is an excerpt of the conversation, published in Hebrew byChannel One:

Obama: I demand that Israel agrees to an immediate, unilateral ceasefire and halt all offensive activities - particularly airstrikes.

Netanyahu: What will Israel receive in return for a ceasefire?

Obama: I believe that Hamas will stop firing rockets - silence will be met with silence.

Netanyahu: Hamas violated all five previous ceasefires, it is a terrorist organization which is dedicated to the destruction of Israel.

Obama: I repeat and expect Israel to unilaterally stop all its military activity. The pictures of destruction from Gaza distance the world from Israel's position.

Netanyahu: Kerry's proposal was completely unrealistic and gives Hamas the military and diplomatic advantage.

Obama: Within a week of the end of Israel's military activities, Qatar and Turkey will begin negotiations with Hamas on the basis of the 2012 understanding [following the end of Operation Pillar of Defense - ed.], including Israel's commitment to removing the siege and restrictions on Gaza,

Netanyahu: Qatar and Turkey are the biggest supporters of Hamas. It is impossible to rely on them to be fair mediators.

Obama: I trust Qatar and Turkey, and Israel is in no position to choose its mediators.

Netanyahu: I object, because Hamas is able to continue and to fire rockets and to use tunnels for terror attacks...

Obama - interrupts Netanyahu mid-sentence: The ball is in Israel's court - it is obligated to end all military activities.
  

Monday, July 28, 2014

A "prolonged" war with Hamas is required, says Netanyahu

The new leader of the free world, and one who speaks truth to power.  The Hamas Charter spells out the why, who, where and when of jihad against the Jews, and even though Netanyahu cannot  name Islam as the enemy, he knows this is the case, and acts accordingly.

No truce, no peace treaty, no agreement will stop Hamas from trying to achieve its ultimate goal; the elimination of Israel and the scattering of the Jews to the four winds.

Keep it up, Bibi and know that many in America stand with you against the most determined Islamic enemy.

From the Amarillo Globe-News July 28 by Karin Laub and Tia Goldenberg

Be ready for 'prolonged' Gaza war, Netanyahu says

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Signaling an escalation of Israel's Gaza operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israelis Monday to be ready for a "prolonged" war, and the military warned Palestinians in three large neighborhoods to leave their homes and head immediately for Gaza City.

The warnings came on a day of heavy Hamas-Israeli fighting in which nine children were killed by a strike on a Gaza park where they were playing, according to Palestinian health officials — a tragedy that each side blamed on the other.

Israeli tanks also resumed heavy shelling in border areas of Gaza, killing five people, including three children and a 70-year-old woman, and wounding 50 in the town of Jebaliya, which was among the areas warned to evacuate, the Red Crescent said.

Many Jebaliya residents said they did not dare attempt an escape. Sufian Abed Rabbo said his extended family of 17 had taken refuge under the stairway in their home.

Why?  The IDF gives plenty of time for residents to flee, why would he "not dare attempt an escape" unless there were other weapons pointed at him, weapons of Hamas, forcing him and his family to be human shields.

"God help us. We have nothing to do but pray," the 27-year-old told The Associated Press by phone. "I don't know who left and who stayed, but in our street, we are all very scared to move."

Later Monday, Israeli forces fired a large numbers of flares over Gaza City, turning the night sky a bright orange.

The latest bloodshed came despite mounting international calls for a cease-fire and followed failed attempts by both sides to agree to even a lull in fighting of several hours for the start of the three-day Muslim holiday of Eid el-Fitr that marks the end of Ramadan.

The Hamas-run health ministry said 10 people, including nine children under the age of 12, were killed and 46 wounded in the blast at a park in the Shati refugee camp on the outskirts of Gaza City.

Each side blamed the other.

Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an Israeli military spokesman, said the explosion was caused when a rocket launched by Gaza militants misfired and landed in the park. Palestinian police and civil defense said an Israeli missile hit as children were playing on a swing set.

"The children were playing and were happy, enjoying Eid, and they got hit," said Nidal Aljerbi, a witness.

After three weeks of bloodshed, both Israel and Hamas are holding out for bigger gains and a cease-fire remains elusive, despite an appeal by the U.N. Security Council and growing pressure from the United States.

Israel says its troops will not leave Gaza until they have demolished scores of Hamas military tunnels under the Gaza-Israel border that militants use to infiltrate Israel and smuggle weapons. Hamas says it will not cease fire until it receives international guarantees Gaza's 7-year-old border blockade by Egypt and Israel will be lifted.

Netanyahu defended the Gaza air and ground offensive, saying in a televised speech Monday that "there is no war more just than this."

Israel has said it is defending its citizens against attack from Gaza by hitting Hamas rocket launchers, weapons storage sites and military tunnels. However, there is growing U.S. frustration with the mounting number of Palestinian casualties — at least 1,072 killed and 6,450 wounded since July 8, the vast majority civilians, according to Hamas health officials.

No, that is a lie.  Most of those killed are Hamas soldiers, not civilians.  Hamas does everything it can to kill their own people in order to protect its missiles, but Israel does everything it can to NOT kill innocents.  See here and here for examples of the humanity of Israel.

The Israeli military says 52 soldiers have been killed, including four killed Monday in a mortar attack on southern Israel. Two Israeli civilians and a Thai citizen working in Israel also have been killed.

President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have been pressing Israel to accept an immediate and unconditional humanitarian cease-fire.

The Obama administration pushed back Monday against a torrent of Israeli criticism over Kerry's latest bid to secure a cease-fire with Hamas, accusing some in Israel of launching a "misinformation campaign" against the top American diplomat.

"It's simply not the way partners and allies treat each other," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

Her comments were echoed by the White House, where officials said they were disappointed by Israeli reports that cast Kerry's efforts to negotiate a cease-fire as more favorable to Hamas.

Israel had accepted an Egyptian call for an unconditional cease-fire early in its Gaza campaign, but Hamas rejected the idea.

Read it all

Anti-semitism from Facebook




Imagine if a Facebook page was started with the title "Death to christian baby killer roman catholics". It's life would be measured in seconds, if not minutes at most.  Yet, Facebook refused multiple times to take down "Death to zionst baby killer israeli jews",  finally relenting after a storm of protest and it is now down.  The point is, Jew hating and anti-semitism is no longer couched in family friendly phrases; it is open, virulent, violent and growing world-wide.  It is companies like Facebook that perpetuate the hatred by allowing a page like the one mentioned to stay up longer than needed.  It appears Facebook, at least from this humble opinion is anti-semitic and a water-carrier for Islam and jihad.

From the Washington Examiner July 28 by Philip Klein

Facebook says page calling for death to Jews doesn't violate 'community standards'

A Facebook page calling for the death of Israeli Jews does not violate the social network's "community standards," according to multiple messages sent by Facebook in response to user complaints.

The page in question, is named, "Death to zionst baby killer israeli jews." The page, which spells "Zionist" incorrectly, features an Image of Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu as a vampire with blood dripping down his chin as he feasts on a child. It was started on July 25.

Individuals complaining about the page were greeted with the following message (screen captured below):

"We reviewed your report of Death to zionst baby killer israeli jews. Thank you for taking the time to report something that you feel may violate our Community Standards. Reports like yours are an important part of making Facebook a safe and welcoming environment. We reviewed the Page you reported for containing hate speech or symbols and found it doesn't violate our Community Standards"

Last Thursday, a mob of more than a dozen men assaulted a Jew in his suburban Paris home who had been identified through a French Facebook page that listed the faces and identities of Jews to be attacked. The social network declined to remove the page until after the assault had taken place.

UPDATE: Facebook has since removed the page.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

"Hamas is the aggressor. Hamas is the one committing war crimes ... Open your eyes to reality"

So says Israel ambassador Eviator Manor to the UN as they begin to investigate Israel for "war crimes".

If it wasn't so absurd it would be silly.  Unfortunately it is all too real, and the wolves are licking their chops to get at Israel by any means.

The UN is not a friend of Israel.

From MSN July 23 by Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles (Reuters)

U.N. launches probe into alleged Israeli crimes in Gaza

GENEVA, July 23 (Reuters) - The United Nations on Wednesday launched an international inquiry into human rights violations and crimes that may have been committed by Israel during its military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The U.N. Human Rights Council condemned the Israeli assault which it said had involved "disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks", including aerial bombing of civilian areas, collective punishment, and the killing of more than 650 Palestinians.

At the end of an emergency session, the 47-member forum adopted a resolution presented by Palestinians by a vote of 29 states in favor, 1 against (the United States) with 17 abstentions (including all nine European Union members).

"We came here to try to achieve together with you at least minimum justice for children who are being dismembered, for women whose bodies are lying in the streets, to find some justice for those who are being exterminated," said Ibrahim Khraishi, ambassador of the Palestinian observer mission to the U.N. in Geneva.

Israel and its ally United States rejected the probe, calling it one-sided and counterproductive amid efforts to clinch a ceasefire. Israel has observer status at the talks.

Israel ambassador Eviator Manor, in remarks before the vote, told the forum: "Why does this Council believe that naming and shaming Israel will get it anywhere?

"Throughout the entire escalation of events, Israel has always acted with maximum restraint, fully committed to international law in general and the laws of armed conflict."

Israel had established its own special commission of inquiry "with a scope beyond what is required under international and criminal law," Manor said.

"Hamas is the aggressor. Hamas is the one committing war crimes ... Open your eyes to reality," he said.

Read it all

Monday, July 21, 2014

What the MSM refuses to tell you regarding Hamas, Islam and Israel




As disturbing as it is to watch women and children die due to war, we know Israel does everything to minimize civilian casualities.  This does not assuage those who hate Jews, and the recent meteoric rise of anti-semitism shows that many across the globe are more than willing to give public support to open hatred of Jews and Israel.

With the media in full anti-Israel mode, we see the moral equivalence meme again making equal Hamas and Israel, blaming as they usually do Hamas for lobbing indiscriminate rockets and Israel responding with targeted air strikes and precision artillery fire.  It is as if Israel would only respond by shooting little rockets like Hamas, everything would be better.

Why have their been over 500 "Palestinian" deaths and less than 40 Israeli deaths?  Israel protects its citizens with the "Iron Dome" defense system, which does an admirable job keeping the public safe. Hamas, on the other hand encourages their citizens to become human shields, knowing any deaths occurring because of their wanton disregard for human life could, and would be blamed on Israel.

Despite the obvious crimes and moral violations Hamas continues to inflict on their own people and Israelis, their support is manifest across the globed.  Rioting in France and Germany, death threats in the US and anti-Israeli protests in cities across America bear witness to a new, virulent rebirth of classic Nazi anti-semitism.  No longer content to couch their phrases with words such as
"Destroy Israel" the hate is out of the closet and has become "Kill the Jews"

Shades of "Kristallnacht" in the 21st century.

Government authorities seem powerless to stop the hatred, or they are unwilling to step in, defend their culture and society and keep the lineage that is a heritage alive.  Below are some of the many articles and news stories that are of utmost import if one is to remain vigilant, yet are ignored, downplayed or misrepresented by the press, pundits, editorials and the global MSM.

May God help us all in our most troubling time.

“Gaza Terrorists Using Ambulances and Kids to Move Around Safely,” Jewish Press, July 18
“UNRWA Gives Rockets to Hamas,” by Shimon Cohen and Maayana Miskin, Arutz Sheva, July 20
“In Support of Gaza, Berlin Imam Prays for the Annihilation of Jews, the ‘Slayers of Prophets,’” MEMRI, July 18
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2014/07/nyc-pro-israel-rally-threatened-with-jihad-suicide-bombing
“Leaflets threaten Chicago Jews over Israel in Gaza,” JTA, July 21
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2014/07/video-french-muslims-and-leftists-violently-riot-attack-police
“Gaza conflict: France criticises ‘anti-Semitic’ riot,” BBC, July 21
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2014/07/hamas-fires-artillery-at-tank-from-inside-a-house
“Fatah hands out candy to celebrate ‘kidnapping’ of Israeli soldier falsely claimed by Hamas,” by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik,Palestinian Media Watch, July 21

These few bits are but a small picture of what is really going on.  Be prepared.  Be vigilant.  Be informed.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

"Anyone killed or martyred is to be called a civilian from Gaza or Palestine, before we talk about his status in jihad or his military rank. Don't forget to always add 'innocent civilian' or 'innocent citizen' in your description of those killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza"

The next time the MSM tells you that the majority of those killed by Israel are innocent civilians, remember this article.

Hamas tells the lapdog, water-carrying, jihadist enabling press how to demonize Israel, and they willingly comply.

Disgusting.

From MEMRI July 17

Hamas Interior Ministry To Social Media Activists: Always Call The Dead 'Innocent Civilians'; Don't Post Photos Of Rockets Being Fired From Civilian Population Centers

In light of the recent round of fighting in Gaza, the Hamas interior ministry has issued guidelines to Gaza Strip social media users for reporting events and discussing them with outsiders.

The ministry's guidelines, which it is calling the "Be Aware – Social Media Activist Awareness Campaign," were issued via an instructional video posted on its official website and via posters published on its Twitter and Facebook pages. Both the video and the posters were also posted on the ministry's social media accounts and forums.

The guidelines are aimed at ensuring preservation of the line of Hamas and other Palestinian organizations; preventing the leaking of information that would be of military value to Israel; bolstering Hamas's propaganda efforts outside the Gaza Strip, in both the Arab world and the West; and preventing damage to Hamas's image. Hamas particularly seeks to cement the perceptions that its actions are a response to Israeli aggression and that all Gaza casualties are "innocent civilians," and to ensure that there is no evidence of rockets being fired from Gaza population centers.

The Hamas interior ministry website included the following text along with its instructional video: "The Information Department of the Ministry of the Interior and National Security has instructed activists on social media websites, particularly Facebook, to correct some of the commonly used terms as they cover the aggression taking place in the Gaza Strip. The following Information Department video calls on all activists to use the proper terminology, in order to play their part in strengthening the home front and in properly conveying information worldwide."

Following are excerpts from the guidelines:

"Anyone killed or martyred is to be called a civilian from Gaza or Palestine, before we talk about his status in jihad or his military rank. Don't forget to always add 'innocent civilian' or 'innocent citizen' in your description of those killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

"Begin [your reports of] news of resistance actions with the phrase 'In response to the cruel Israeli attack,' and conclude with the phrase 'This many people have been martyred since Israel launched its aggression against Gaza.' Be sure to always perpetuate the principle of 'the role of the occupation is attack, and we in Palestine are fulfilling [the role of] the reaction.'

"Beware of spreading rumors from Israeli spokesmen, particularly those that harm the home front. Be wary regarding accepting the occupation's version [of events]. You must always cast doubts on this [version], disprove it, and treat it as false.

Read it all

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Bowe Bergdahl back at active duty, will receive 350K in back pay

So far, the investigation (as shallow as it is) into his desertion has led those in power to decide that he deserves to be back on active duty.  Who knows if Bergdahl will ever face justice, but we shall see.

From the Mail Online July 15 by James Nye, David McCormick, Lydia Warren and Zoe Szathmary

Bowe Bergdahl could receive $350,000 tax-free when he returns to active duty with US Army today with 'desk job'

The US Army confirmed Monday that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is returning to active duty just four weeks on from his return to the United States after five years as a Taliban captive - and will be working behind a desk.

'To use a slang term, he will be working a desk job,' Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for the Pentagon, told ABC News.

'Sgt. Bergdahl is not restricted in any way,' he said, noting Bergdahl will reside in noncommissioned barracks. 'He is a normal soldier now.'

Col. Scott Bleichwell offered a similar description in a phone interview with MailOnline.

'It's an office job within the headquarters - just general office work,' he said.

Bleichwehl explained that Bergdahl will also have a sponsor, which he described as 'a person who's designated, not only for him, but for every soldier in Army North [...] and assists with assimilating into the unit.'

The sponsor helps with 'very basic administrative functions,' Bleichwehl said, which include '[helping become] a part of the unit, processing records, becoming familiar with the day to day schedule.'

'We're always there for every soldier,' he said.

Bergdahl may also receive $350,000 from the US government without paying taxes: $200,000 would be for wages earned during his captivity and $150,000 if he in fact was a prisoner of war...

Read it all

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Cognitive Dissonance and Hamas




First we have Canadian PM Stephen Harper "accusing" Hamas of using human shields.  The operative word here is "accusing" which, in this PC world is required reporting if one is to be published.  The evidence however is overwhelming that Hamas uses human shields, there are many videos of them doing just that, so there is really no accusation, it is a truth that Hamas puts their people directly in the line of fire.  Still, the media insists on assuming innocence until proven guilty and does such in this case.

Then we have Ibrahim Khreisheh, "Palestinian" envoy to UNHRC saying that Hamas does not warn Israeli targets they are going to attack, whereas Israel does everything it can to let innocents know that their area is going to be bombed in just a few minutes.  There is a cognitive dissonance between the reality of the situation and the reality created by world leaders that lets them ignore the Islamic elephant in the tent.

Both stories below.

From Yahoo/Canadian Press July 13

PM accuses Hamas of using human shields, urges world leaders to side with Israel

OTTAWA - Terrorists are deliberately placing people in the path of an Israeli offensive aimed at stopping rocket attacks from Gaza, says Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Harper says there is evidence that Hamas, listed by Canada as a terrorist organization, is using human shields in its attempts to stave off the Israeli offensive.

"The indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza on Israel are terrorist acts, for which there is no justification," Harper said in a statement issued Sunday.

"It is evident that Hamas is deliberately using human shields to further terror in the region."

Harper also called on other world leaders to rally behind Israel as it tries to prevent rockets being fired from Gaza into its territory.

Silence, he suggested, would only embolden Israel's attackers.

"Failure by the international community to condemn these reprehensible actions would encourage these terrorists to continue their appalling actions," Harper said.

"Canada calls on its allies and partners to recognize that these terrorist acts are unacceptable and that solidarity with Israel is the best way of stopping the conflict."

Harper's statements came as Israel briefly deployed ground troops inside the Gaza Strip.

Israel had earlier warned northern Gaza residents to evacuate their homes as the six-day offensive that has killed more than 160 Palestinians was widened.

The United Nations Security Council and others have called for a ceasefire but the attacks have only escalated as Israel masses tanks and soldiers at Gaza's borders.

From JihadWatch July 15 by Robert Spencer

“Palestinian” rep to UNHRC: Israel warns civilians before attacks, we don’t

“I am not a candidate in any Palestinian elections,” says Ibrahim Khreisheh, “so I don’t need to win popularity among the Palestinians.” In other words, he can speak the truth beyond the endless barrage of “Palestinian” jihadi propaganda. His claims about Israel are nonsense, although international bodies are now so anti-Israel that he may be able to push them at the International Criminal Court; however, he knows that if he does, there is a much stronger case against the “Palestinians.”

The following are excerpts from a Palestinian Authority TV interview with Palestinian Representative at the U.N. Human Rights Council Ibrahim Khreisheh. The interview aired on July 9, 2014 on Palestinian Authority TV.

Interviewer: The popular demand is to appeal to the International Criminal Court and to sign the Rome Statue. The demand is to do this immediately. To what extent is this realistic? You are our representative in all the international organizations. What can we gain from such a step, and could we ourselves be indicted?

Ibrahim Khreisheh: I am not a candidate in any Palestinian elections, so I don’t need to win popularity among the Palestinians. The missiles that are now being launched against Israel – each and every missiles constitutes a crime against humanity whether it hits or misses, because it is directed at a civilian targets. What Israel does against Palestinian civilians also constitutes crimes against humanity. With regard to crimes of war under the Fourth Geneva Convention – the settlements, the Judaization, the checkpoints, the arrests, and so on – we find ourselves on very solid ground. However, there is a Palestinian weakness with regard to the other issue. Therefore targeting civilians – be it one civilian or a thousand – is considered a crime against humanity.

Interviewer: This why Israel resorted to an attack against Gaza…

Ibrahim Khreisheh: Appealing to the ICC requires a consensus in writing, by all Palestinian factions, so when a Palestinian is arrested for his involvement in the killing of an Israeli citizen we will not be blamed for extraditing him....

Read it all

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Netanyahu: No two state solution, no sovereign West Bank




"He made explicitly clear that he could never, ever, countenance a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank. He indicated that he sees Israel standing almost alone on the frontlines against vicious Islamic radicalism, while the rest of the as-yet free world does its best not to notice the march of extremism"

A great breath of fresh air from a leader that truly understands the danger facing Israel, and calls it what it is.  We need more Netanyahus and less Obamas.

From the Times of Israel July 13 by David Horovitz

Netanyahu finally speaks his mind 

Does Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu really support a two-state solution, or is his rhetoric to this effect disingenuous? Did he genuinely seek an accommodation with the Palestinians during the nine months of US-brokered negotiations that collapsed in April, or was he just stringing the Americans and the Palestinians along, while his heart is truly with the settlement enterprise?

These are fundamental questions — questions you’d think Israelis and the watching world would long since have been able to answer, especially given that Netanyahu is Israel’s second-longest serving prime minister ever. In fact, though, while many pundits claim to have definitive answers, most Israelis would acknowledge that they’ve never been entirely sure how Netanyahu sees a potential resolution of the Palestinian conflict, which concessions he’s truly ready to make, what his long-term vision looks like.

But now we know.

The uncertainties were swept aside on Friday afternoon, when the prime minister, for the first time in ages, gave a press conference on Day Four of Operation Protective Edge.

He spoke only in Hebrew, and we are in the middle of a mini-war, so his non-directly war-related remarks didn’t get widely reported. But those remarks should not be overlooked even in the midst of a bitter conflict with Gaza’s Islamist rulers; especially in the midst of a bitter conflict with Gaza’s Islamist rulers. The prime minister spoke his mind as rarely, if ever, before. He set out his worldview with the confidence of a leader who sees vindication in the chaos all around. He answered those fundamental questions.

Netanyahu began his appearance, typically, by reading some prepared remarks. But then, most atypically, he took a series of questions. And while he initially stuck to responses tied to the war against Hamas, its goals, and the terms under which it might be halted, he then moved — unasked — into territory he does not usually chart in public, and certainly not with such candor.

For some, his overall outlook will seem bleak and depressing; for others, savvy and pragmatic. One thing’s for sure: Nobody will ever be able to claim in the future that he didn’t tell us what he really thinks.

He made explicitly clear that he could never, ever, countenance a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank. He indicated that he sees Israel standing almost alone on the frontlines against vicious Islamic radicalism, while the rest of the as-yet free world does its best not to notice the march of extremism. And he more than intimated that he considers the current American, John Kerry-led diplomatic team to be, let’s be polite, naive.

Perhaps most reporters switched off after he’d delivered his headlines, making plain that “no international pressure will prevent us from acting with all force against a terrorist organization (Hamas) that seeks to destroy us,” and that Operation Protective Edge would go on until guaranteed calm was restored to Israel. If they did, they shouldn’t have.

Netanyahu has stressed often in the past that he doesn’t want Israel to become a binational state — implying that he favors some kind of accommodation with and separation from the Palestinians. But on Friday he made explicit that this could not extend to full Palestinian sovereignty. Why? Because, given the march of Islamic extremism across the Middle East, he said, Israel simply cannot afford to give up control over the territory immediately to its east, including the eastern border — that is, the border between Israel and Jordan, and the West Bank and Jordan.

The priority right now, Netanyahu stressed, was to “take care of Hamas.” But the wider lesson of the current escalation was that Israel had to ensure that “we don’t get another Gaza in Judea and Samaria.” Amid the current conflict, he elaborated, “I think the Israeli people understand now what I always say: that there cannot be a situation, under any agreement, in which we relinquish security control of the territory west of the River Jordan.”

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Hamas vows to kidnap IDF soldiers if Israel enters Gaza

What else is new.  Hamas saw how kidnapping a IDF soldier reaped rewards in the hundreds of released jihadists for one IDF soldier.  No reason to stop now, given the benefit Hamas receives.

From the Telegraph July 11 by Robert Tait

We will kidnap soldiers if you invade, Hamas warns Israel

Hamas leaders issued a blunt warning to Israel against invading the Gaza Strip on Friday by promising that it would exploit any ground incursion to kidnap Israeli soldiers.

The threat came as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, pondered sending thousands of troops into the tiny coastal enclave after days of aerial and naval bombardment in which more than 100 people have been killed and 340 Palestinian houses have been destroyed.

About 33,000 Israeli reservists have been mobilised and are poised near the Gaza frontier in southern Israel with tanks and artillery for an invasion order that could signal an even bloodier phase of the conflict.

Navi Pillay, the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights, criticised Israel’s practice of targeting houses used by known militants, saying it contravened international law – in contrast to Israeli claims – and had displaced 2,000 people. Mr Netanyahu issued a stern riposte, saying international condemnation would not deter Israel from “striking the terrorists who are attacking us”.

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Hamas "scare video" is third in series

Aimed at the general Israeli population, these videos are meant as propaganda to do two things; intimidate the Israelis and bolster the "nationalistic" fervor among the refugees.

"Exterminate the cockroach nest, expel all the Zionists"

Yet they really want peace, or so we are told.

From Arutz Sheva July 11 by Tova Dvorin


Hamas 'Scare Song' Vows Genocide on Israel
Hamas terrorists have released a Hebrew version of yet another propaganda'scare video,' AFP reports Friday, translating the lyrics to a popular Hamasbattle song calling to 'exterminate' Jews and Israel.

The original Arabic version of "Shake Israel's Security" has long been a popular anthem of Hamas's "military wing," the Ezzedine
al-Qassam Brigades.

Now the Hebrew translation is on the brigades' YouTube site, proclaiming to a dramatic orchestral accompaniment: "Wipe out all the Zionists...burn soldiers and their bases."

"Exterminate the cockroach nest, expel all the Zionists," it exhorts.

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Mosque bombed by IDF; weapons cache explodes, destroys mosque

What a surprise; a weapons storehouse in a mosque.  How do you deal with an enemy that keeps its weapons in a house of worship?

From the New York Times July 12 by Steven Erlanger

As Israel Hits Mosque and Clinic, Air Campaign’s Risks Come Home

BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip — As Israel’s air war against Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters in Gaza entered its sixth day on Saturday, a pair of bombings threw the difficulties of the campaign into painful relief: Israel bombed a mosque, which its aerial photos indicated was harboring a weapons cache, and a center for the disabled, killing two residents and wounding three, as well as a caretaker.

A separate strike on the house of a police commander killed at least 18 people, the highest toll so far this conflict, bringing the total number of dead to at least 140, Palestinian officials said.

In response, Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city, garnering much attention despite causing no deaths or injuries, as three of them were intercepted.


There were also signs of imminent escalation as the Israeli military said it was going to send messages to northern Gaza residents to vacate their homes “for their own safety,” amid preparations for a possible ground invasion.

Israel warns residents that they are about to be bombed and tells them to flee.  Hamas launches rockets at Israel with no warning.  Who is civilized and who is the savage?

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It's all about those poor refugees and those evil Israelis




Israel is always the aggressor and the refugees are always the victims.  This conflict has always been framed as a struggle between the oppressed little guy and the big bad colonial power, and how all that was stolen must be returned...or else.  The problem is the "or else", which is never identified but always exercised; Islamic theology and its requirement to convert, subjugate or kill un-believers
(sura 9 verse 29).  No matter the rhetoric that comes from Western apologists, the media or water-carrying pundits, the bottom line which is never identified is that this desire to destroy Israel is based entirely in the Qur'an, the hadiths of Muhammad and the requirement to conquer the globe.

From the Seattle PI July 12 by Edith M. Lederer
UN calls for Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council called Saturday for a cease-fire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict centered on the Gaza Strip.

A council statement approved by all 15 members calls for de-escalation of the violence, restoration of calm, and a resumption of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two-state solution.

In other words, a resumption of talks that will ultimately end with the destruction of Israel.

The statement calls for "the reinstitution of the November 2012 cease-fire," which was brokered by Egypt, but gives no time frame for when it should take effect.

Palestinian U.N. envoy, Riyad Mansour stressed, however, that the Palestinians' understanding is that the cease-fire should go into effect immediately.

"We will observe very closely whether Israel will abide by this call and we hope they do," Mansour told reporters. "If they don't, we have a lot in our arsenal, and we will not allow the Security Council to rest for a minute. It is its job to maintain international peace and security, and it is its job to stop this aggression against our people."

Putting all the blame on Israel means that any aggression by Hamas will be excused by the above statement.

In a sign of increasing international pressure to end the conflict, British Foreign SecretaryWilliam Hague also called for a cease-fire Saturday and said he would meet with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the foreign ministers of Germany and France in Vienna on Sunday to discuss a halt to the fighting. Mansour said Arab foreign ministers will also meet Monday "to continue the effort to stop the aggression against our people."

No talk about the continued rocket attacks by Hamas however.

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Former chemical weapons depot now controlled by the Islamic State

Whatever weapons are left are probably too old to be of any use, although you never know.

From the Chicago Tribune July 8

Iraq tells U.N. 'terrorist groups' seized former chemical weapons depot

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Iraq's government has lost control of a former chemical weapons facility to "armed terrorist groups" and is unable to fulfill its international obligations to destroy toxins kept there, the country's U.N. envoy told the United Nations.

In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, made public on Tuesday, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim said the Muthanna facility north of Baghdad was seized on June 11. He said remnants of a former chemical weapons program are kept in two bunkers there.

"The project management spotted at dawn on Thursday, 12 June 2014, through the camera surveillance system, the looting of some of the project equipment and appliances, before the terrorists disabled the surveillance system," Alhakim wrote in the letter dated June 30.

The Sunni Muslim group known as the Islamic State is spearheading a patchwork of insurgents who have taken over large swaths of Syria and Iraq. The group, an al Qaeda offshoot, until recently called itself the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

"The Government of Iraq requests the States Members of the United Nations to understand the current inability of Iraq, owing to the deterioration of the security situation, to fulfill its obligations to destroy chemical weapons," he said.

Iraq would resume its obligations when the security situation improves and it has regained control of the facility, Alhakim said.

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ISIS threatens to blow up all 296 American embassies

Now calling themselves the Islamic State, ISIS issues another in the never-ending stream of hatred and threats against non-believers.  The battle continues and yet we still cannot name the enemy, for to do so would be Islamophobic.

From the Express July 6 by Scott Campbell

Isis threaten to plant bombs at ‘every American embassy'

All 294 US diplomatic outposts are on high alert after the terror threats were posted online by rebels.

One ISIS post said: “If America attacks Iraq every American embassy in the world will be exposed and attacked with car bombs.”

Another vowed: “If the United States bomb Iraq, every American citizen is a legitimate target.”

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Obama and Global Islam

It should be clear by now that Obama is no friend of the Judeo-Christian history.  The article below is frightening as it presents a picture that few of us want to believe.  It is true Islam has been elevated and promoted more on Obama's watch than at any other time, just another sign of the impending apocalypse.

From Jihad Watch July 6 by Raymond Ibrahim

Raymond Ibrahim: Obama’s Secret Directive Supporting Global Islamism

A recent Gulf News report sheds some light on how and why the United States helped bring the Muslim Brotherhood and its Islamist allies to power, followed by all the subsequent chaos and atrocities in the Mideast region.

Large portions of the report follow with my commentary interspersed for added context:

Dubai: For the past decade, two successive US administrations have maintained close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and Libya, to name just the most prominent cases.

The Obama administration conducted an assessment of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2010 and 2011, beginning even before the events known as the “Arab Spring” erupted in Tunisia and in Egypt. The President personally issued Presidential Study Directive 11 (PSD-11) in 2010, ordering an assessment of the Muslim Brotherhood and other “political Islamist” movements, including the ruling AKP in Turkey, ultimately concluding that the United States should shift from its longstanding policy of supporting “stability” in the Middle East and North Africa (that is, support for “stable regimes” even if they were authoritarian), to a policy of backing “moderate” Islamic political movements (emphasis in bold added throughout).

And we have certainly witnessed this shift. Chaos and the Islamic ascendancy in the Middle East and North Africa never flourished as under the Obama administration—and precisely because the administration shifted from supporting stability under secular-minded autocrats.

The most significant example of this is how the Obama administration threw Hosni Mubarak—a U.S. ally for three decades—under the bus in order to support the Islamists, most specifically the Muslim Brotherhood. And we saw how that ended—with another revolution, hailed as the largest revolution in human history, with the average Egyptian accusing Obama of being a terrorist supporter.

To this day, PSD-11 remains classified, in part because it reveals an embarrassingly naïve and uninformed view of trends in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

“Embarrassingly naïve and uninformed view” is synonymous with the “orthodox and mainstream view pushed forth by Mideast studies professors and academics,” especially those with political influence, such as the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies of Georgetown University, in Washington D.C. Such programs, which I’m only too well acquainted with, begin with false—that is, “embarrassingly naïve and uninformed”—premises, namely: that the source of all the region’s woes are (formerly) U.S.-propped autocrats (reality is that dictators don’t create such societies but rather are the natural outcome of Islamic societies and are the ones most prone to keeping law and order—compare Iraq under Saddam and Iraq now, as a “democracy,” with “ISIS” proclaiming a caliphate).

Mideast academics have also long spearheaded the idea that there are “moderate” Islamists and “radical” Islamists, and that the U.S. should work with the former (in reality they are all radical—to be an Islamist is to be radical—the only difference is that the “moderate” Islamists don’t wear their radicalism on their sleeves, even as they work toward the same goals that the more open “radicals” work for, namely, a Sharia-enforcing caliphate).

The revelations were made by Al Hewar centre in Washington, DC, which obtained the documents in question.

This too is significant. As Daniel Greenfield writes: “Al-Hewar, which actually got hold of the documents, is linked to the International Institute of Islamic Thought… which is a Muslim Brotherhood front group. Figures in the Muslim Brotherhood had threatened to leak understandings with Obama Inc. This is the next best thing. It warns Obama that if he tries to forget about them, they can prove that the relationship was official policy.”

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Lebanon coffee shop attacked because they refuse to close for Ramadan

Don't insult Muslims by eating during Ramadan.  What are you, some kind of Islamophobe?

From Al Arabiya July 3 by Nisrine Hatoum


Coffee shop attacked in Lebanon for not closing during Ramadan

A café open for customers during the day of the fasting month of Ramadan in the Lebanese city of Tripoli was attacked by unknown gunmen with a grenade, wounding four people and causing material damages to the café.

Two unidentified men on a motorcycle threw the bomb at Makiya café whose owner insists on opening his shop for customers who do not observe Ramadan fasting.

Observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan.

One of the city’s residents, who refused to be named, said that Makiya is one of the cafés in the northern city which opens its doors to non-fasting customers who have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, pressure, kidney and ulcers, pointing out that they are regular customers.

He said that this incident reminds him of the time when Tripoli was controlled by the Islamic Unification Movement in the eighties of the last century.

The attack comes after a statement issued by the Municipality of Tripoli urging residents to respect the Muslim holy month by not eating in public places.

Respect, or else.

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Nigeria Update: July 2

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56 murdered by Islam, most were old women selling peanuts and lemon juice.

This is Boko Haram.  This is Islam.

From WABC July 1 by Haruna Umar

CAR BOMBING KILLS 56 PEOPLE IN NIGERIA MARKET
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria --A car bomb in a marketplace in Maiduguri, the northeast Nigerian city that is the birthplace of Boko Haram extremism, killed at least 56 people on Tuesday, the leader of a civilian group that recovered the bodies said.

Sadiq Abba Tijjani, leader of the Civilian Joint Task Force, told the Associated Press his group recovered at least 56 dead bodies at the blast site, mostly elderly women who sold peanuts and lemon juice at the market.

Tijjani said they managed to identify 21 of the dead but the rest "were either burnt or damaged beyond recognition."

Other witnesses also estimated the death toll to around 50. Some officials said only 17 people died in the explosion that ripped through the market early Tuesday, but officials regularly play down the death toll.

Witnesses and officials blamed Boko Haram extremists who have been accused of a series of bomb attacks in the West African nation. The group, which attracted international attention with its April abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls, has scaled up its activities in recent months, launching more frequent and deadly attacks.

The inability of the military to curb attacks has brought international criticism, with the United Nations noting the government is failing in its duty to protect citizens. In a statement issued Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated the readiness of the United Nations "to support Nigeria as it responds to this challenge in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations."

Maiduguri, a city of more than 1 million people, has suffered from many strikes. In March, twin car bombs killed more than 50 people at a late-night market where people were watching a football match on a big screen.

Tuesday's explosives were hidden under a load of charcoal in a large vehicle, according to witnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Stalls, goods and vehicles were reduced to piles of trash. The burnt-out shells of five vehicles and some tricycle taxis marked the site of the explosion.

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New information on 9/11 and the Saudi family who fled 2 weeks before the attack

Curiouser and curiouser, says Alice.

"...authorities who searched the dumpster found “a self-printed manual on terrorism and Jihad, a map of the inside of an unnamed airport, a rudimentary last will and testament, a weight to fuel ratio calculation for a Cessna 172 aircraft, flight training information from the Flight Training Center in Venice [Fla.] and printed maps of Publix shopping centers in Tampa Bay"

It is also confirmed that Mohammad Atta, 9/11 ringleader visited this Saudi family.

From The Miami Herald July 1 by Dan Christiansen and Anthony Summers

FBI records: Chilling find in Bradenton dumpster


Freshly released but heavily censored FBI documents include tantalizing new information about events connected to the Sarasota Saudis who moved suddenly out of their home about two weeks before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, leaving behind clothing, jewelry and cars.

The documents were released to BrowardBulldog.org Monday amid ongoing Freedom of Information Act litigation. The news organization sued in 2012 after being denied access to the FBI’s file on a once-secret investigation focusing on Abdulaziz al-Hijji, his wife, Anoud, and her father, Esam Ghazzawi, an advisor to a Saudi prince.

An FBI letter accompanying the documents, the fourth batch to be released since the lawsuit was filed, cites national security and other reasons to justify why certain information was withheld. The letter does not explain why the documents were not previously acknowledged to exist.

One FBI report, dated April 3, 2002, recounts a chilling discovery made by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on Halloween 2001.

Deputies were called after a man with a Tunisian passport was observed disposing of items in a dumpster behind a storage facility he had rented in Bradenton.

The man’s name is blanked out, but the report says authorities who searched the dumpster found “a self-printed manual on terrorism and Jihad, a map of the inside of an unnamed airport, a rudimentary last will and testament, a weight to fuel ratio calculation for a Cessna 172 aircraft, flight training information from the Flight Training Center in Venice [Fla.] and printed maps of Publix shopping centers in Tampa Bay.”

The Flight Training Center is where 9/11 hijack pilot Ziad Jarrah, who was at the controls of United Airlines Flight 93 when it crashed in Shanksville, Pa, took flying lessons.

The three paragraphs that follow are completely blanked out. The reasons cited include information “specifically authorized under criteria established by [presidential] executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy.”

The documents were located via court-ordered text searches using the names of the al-Hijjis and Ghazzawi. U.S. District Judge William J. Zloch in Fort Lauderdale is currently reviewing more than 80,000 pages of 9/11 records.

“This release suggests that the FBI has covered up information that is vitally important to public safety..."

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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/01/4212644/fbi-records-chilling-find-in-bradenton.html#storylink=cpy


Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/01/4212644/fbi-records-chilling-find-in-bradenton.html#storylink=cpy"

New caliphate established, al-Baghdadi calls for Muslims to come and wage offensive jihad

Here is what I had warned about; the new caliphate with a recognized leader.  This changes everything, as now the caliphate can declare all jihad to be offensive, which means the gloves come off and direct attacks on American (and European) soil will commence.  ISIS seems to be on a roll, and with little effective resistance from the West the new caliphate is sure to come to fruition.

Welcome to the ISIS Empire.

From JihadWatch July 1 by Robert Spencer

Islamic State caliph calls on Muslims worldwide to move to his new caliphate and wage jihad against Infidels

Here is his full statement. Note yet again the many, many quotes from the Qur’an and the grounding of his whole appeal in Islamic teaching. Will any Western Muslim spokesman explain how he is getting Islam all wrong? None need do so, of course, because the mainstream media will just assume it has been done anyway:

Truly all praise belongs to Allah. We praise Him, and seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our souls and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides can never be led astray, and whomever Allah leads astray can never be guided.

I testify that there is no god except Allah – alone without any partners – and I testify that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His slave and Messenger.

{O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims} [Āl ‘Imrān: 102].

{O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer} [An-Nisā’: 1].

{O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His messenger has certainly achieved a great triumph} [Al-Ahzāb: 70-71].

As for what follows:

Allah (the Exalted) said, {O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous} [Al-Baqarah: 183].

{The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it} [Al-Baqarah: 185].

We congratulate the ummah (people) of Islam, in the East and in the West, on the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, and we praise Allah (the Exalted) for allowing us to reach this virtuous month.

Al-Bukhārī and Muslim reported on the authority of Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, having faith and anticipating a reward, will have his past sins forgiven.” He also said, “Whoever stands in prayer in the month of Ramadan, having faith and anticipating a reward, will have his past sins forgiven.”

So congratulations to you, O slaves of Allah, as Allah has allowed you to reach this noble month. Praise Allah and thank Him for having granted you long lives, thereby giving you a chance to correct your past deeds. Meet the month of Ramadan with sincere repentance and truthful resolve.

{O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him} [At-Tahrīm: 8].

{And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous} [Āl-‘Imrān: 133].

And there is no deed in this virtuous month or in any other month better than jihad in the path of Allah, so take advantage of this opportunity and walk the path of you righteous predecessors. Support the religion of Allah through jihad in the path of Allah. Go forth, O mujahidin in the path of Allah. Terrify the enemies of Allah and seek death in the places where you expect to find it, for the dunyā (worldly life) will come to an end, and the hereafter will last forever.

{So do not weaken and call for peace while you are superior; and Allah is with you and will never deprive you of [the reward of] your deeds. This worldly life is only amusement and diversion} [Muhammad: 35-36].

{And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter – that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew} [Al-‘Ankabūt: 64].

{But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope} [Al- Kahf: 46].

And blessed is the one who parts with his dunyā in Ramadan and meets his Lord on a day from amongst the days of forgiveness.

O mujahidin in the path of Allah, be monks during the night and be knights during the day. Bring joy to the hearts of a believing people, and show the tawāghīt (rulers who claim Allah’s rights) what they are wary of.

O mujahidin in the path of Allah, truly the matter is that of Allah’s religion and His commodity. You only have one soul, and an appointed time of death that will neither be hastened nor delayed. It is a matter of Paradise and Hellfire, happiness and misery. As for the religion of Allah, then it will be victorious. Allah has promised to bring victory to the religion. And as for Allah’s commodity, then it is precious and valuable. Indeed His commodity is costly. Indeed His commodity is Paradise. As for the soul, then what a lowly, miserable, wretched soul it is if it does not seek what is with Allah and does not support the religion of Allah.

By Allah, we will never be mujahidin as long as we are stingy with our lives and our wealth. By Allah, we will never be truthful as long as we do not sacrifice our lives and wealth in order to raise high the word of Allah and bring victory to the religion of Allah.

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