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Muslim Voice Monthly newspaper www.aZMusliMVoice.coM Vol.19 issue no.194
noVeMber 2012 thul hiJa/MuharaM 1433h
Muslim Voters Disappointed With Obama, Wary of GOP
11Top 5 Foreign Policy Differences
U.N. investigator calls for boycott of companies linked to Israeli settlements
How the Next President Will Sway Higher Education Policy
Syria fighters clash with Kurds
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The Human Rights Council’s special rapporteur, Richard Falk, urged the international community to boycott 13 companies benefiting from business with Israeli settlements, the United Nations reported on its website on Thursday.“Businesses should not breach international humanitarian law provisions,” Falk said in
In less than a month, millions of Americans will head to the polls and cast their ballot for one of two fundamentally d i f f e r e n t visions for America, and our higher education system.
Will we choose to expand fairness, opportunity and shared responsibility? Or will we opt for harmful spending cuts and tax breaks for the wealthy and reduced investments in education for young Americans?
SAN FRANCISCO – There are an estimated 8 million Muslim Americans living in the United States, with close to 100,000 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Four years ago, an overwhelming majority of them -- close to 90 percent -- voted for President Obama.But Javed Ali, founder and publisher of Illume Media based the East Bay city of Newark, says that same support may not be there this time around. “They are not as enthusiastic [about Obama],” Ali said. Pointing to disappointment over the president’s policies, he noted many in the community “are feeling a bit disenfranchised ... The drone strikes have intensified, Guantanamo hasn’t been closed yet … so they feel that President Obama has let them down.”Still, despite misgivings, Ali said it’s unlikely Muslim Americans will once again put their support behind the GOP, as they did in the initial weeks and months following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “Historically … Muslims have aligned themselves with the Republican Party because they felt their values were closely aligned,” Ali explained. “But a change has happened, especially in the post-9/11 world … I don’t think they’re going back to the Republican Party, mainly because it seems like the Republican Party has adopted an agenda that is anti-Muslim.”With disappointment directed at both sides of the political divide, one would expect to see a level of voter apathy among Muslim Americans. But that’s not the case, said Ali, who notes engagement is growing.“We’ve seen … a rise in the level of engagement when it comes to American Muslims, both online and offline,” he said. “There have been debate parties here in San Francisco and cities across the country. Mosques and Muslim organizations have mobilized mosque-goers and the youth.”He admits, though, that some do plan to withhold their vote. But with the race less than two weeks away and most polls showing both candidates running neck and neck, Ali said the Muslim American vote, especially in key swing states, could be critical. Pointing to a recent study on Muslim American political sentiment, he noted there are “about 1.2 million American Muslims who are registered voters,” many of them in battleground states. “We have seen a rise in the level of engagement … I don’t think there’s going to be a lower turnout overall.”
2 noVeMber 2012 www.aZMusliMVoice.coM19thYear
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
TERMS USED IN THIS PAPERAlhamdulilah: Praise GodAllah: Arabic word for GodFatwa: Islamic decision based on Shari’aHadith: Sayings of the Prophet MohammadHajj: Pilgrimage to MeccaHalal: Allowed in IslamHalaqa: Group studyHaram: Prohibited in IslamHijab: Head cover for womenHijra: Migration of the Prophet from Mecca to MadinaImam: Islamic scholarIman: FaithInshallah: God willingMadina: City near Mecca in Saudia ArabiaMasjid: Place were Muslims gather for prayer and studiesMecca: City in Saudi Arabia where Prophet Mohammad was bornPbuh: Peace be upon himQuran: Islam’s Holy bookShahadah: Is saying “I accept Allah as the one God and Mohammad as his messenger” when someone accepts Islam.Sharia’: Islamic lawShura: A council of Muslim scholars(SWT) Subhanahu Watala: Praise be to AllahTaqwa: God consciousness
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www.aZMusliMVoice.coM noVeMber 2012 319thYear
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By yousuf Bhuvad,
An interfaith event, sponsored by the Naqshbandiya Foundation for the Islamic Education (NFIE), Abrahamic Alliance International and the Trinity Mennonite church, brought together the volunteers from the 3 faiths Christianity, Judaism and Islam in a common cause to serve food to the homeless and hungry of Phoenix.
The volunteers arrived at the Trinity Mennonite church in Glendale on the afternoon of September 23rd. They were greeted and welcomed warmly by the Pastor of the church and the event leaders. The Pastor Hal Shrader gave a brief overview of the history of the Mennonite church. Eric Shank, the Christian event leader, briefed the volunteers about Abrahamic Alliance and Common Word. Each volunteer was paired with a person of different faith to share their backgrounds, education, family life and their preferences in what they called a buddy system. A dialogue initiated by the Muslim scholars and welcomed by Christians and Jews. Dr Ahmed Mirza, Muslim event coordinator, introduced the volunteers from diverse background that came to serve the poor. The Muslim group offered the Asr prayers inside the church. Pastor Hal gave a tour of the church while giving a historical perspective of the Mennonite movement. The group got together for a group photo outside the church.
The volunteers arrived at the St Vincent DePaul Shelter at 4.30pm. The homeless were served Tandoori Chicken, Afghani Pilaf, salad, rolls, fruit and cup cakes. The group served more than 200 guests at the shelter. After serving all the meals, the volunteers sat down to eat dinner. Dr. MIrza offered
closing prayer.
We congratulate Rod Cardoza of Abrahamic Alliance International (AAI) along with Dr Ahmed Mirza, Zeb Mirza and Christian leader Eric Shank for organizing
this very inspiration interfaith event. AAI is a faith based nonprofit organization uniting Jews, Christians and Muslims for active peace building and relief of extreme poverty.
in an interfaith GatheringnFie serves Food for the homeless
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phoenix city council considering local iD for undocumented immigrants
LOCAL
PHOENIX, ARIZ.--A member of the Phoenix City Council is exploring the possibility that the local government could create a form of identification care to help undocumented immigrants identify themselves with police when they enforce the “show me your papers” portion of Arizona’s SB 1070, the immigrant-crackdown law.
“I’m talking to our legal counsel to see what we can do,” said Michael Nowakowski, who represents Phoenix District 7, which has a heavily Latino population. “We have to make sure people feel safe when they call the police.”
Although, both supporters and opponents of SB 1070 have raised concerns about the possible use of local ID cards, this and other proposals show that anti-immigrant measures in Arizona and elsewhere continue to face challenges on different fronts.
Federal Actions, Sheriff Arpaio and Phoenix Police
Following recent actions in federal courts, Phoenix Police started enforcing section 2(b) of the law. It requires them to contact immigration authorities if they suspect a person they detained is in the United States without authorization.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court nullified much of SB 1070, but left intact the provision requiring Arizona law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of anyone a police officer believes might be in this country unlawfully. The court, though, left open the possibility of further challenges to the law, if its opponents could document a pattern of racial discrimination.
Then in early September, a U.S. District Court judge lifted a previous injunction that halted the law’s implementation.
Last Tuesday, after only two week of enforcement, advocates for immigrants presented the City Council committee on which Nowakowski serves with numerous complaints alleging ethnic profiling.
“They’re doing the same thing that Sheriff [Joe] Arpaio does, only they are not saying it,” said Salvador Reza, a pro-immigrant activist from the Neighborhood Defense Committee that has been collecting these accusations.
Arpaio, the Sheriff of Maricopa County,
is famous for conducting sweeps on immigrant neighborhoods. Arpaio and his agency are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and are facing a federal class-action lawsuit for racial profiling.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia pledged that he will adopt a zero tolerance policy on racial profiling for his officers.
Alejandra Garcia, the sister of an undocumented immigrant who was pulled over by the police, testified at the City Council meeting on Tuesday that the officers had no valid reason for the traffic stop.
According to Police Department spokesperson Tommy Thompson, Phoenix officers pulled over her brother, Arturo Garcia, for an illegal turn. He had no driver’s license, didn’t much speak English and showed the police a Mexican passport.
“Based on the circumstances we called ICE [federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement],” said Thompson. The officer ended up driving Garcia and his two passengers to the office of ICE.
ID Might Preclude Calling ICE
Nowakowski said that law-enforcement officers need to be able to identify the people they come in contact with, even for a traffic violation. The information on a city-issued ID might preclude officers from having to contact ICE.
“How do they know who you are to give you a citation,” Nowakowski asked?
Undocumented immigrants have few options when it comes to identifying themselves with the police, if they are stopped for a traffic or other offense, he said.
The state doesn’t allow undocumented people to obtain a driver’s license or state issued ID. Also, officers are known to dismiss the legitimacy of some foreign documents or to use them to question whether the person is in the United States legally.
Currently, the Phoenix Police
Department doesn’t recognize the Mexican Matricula card, an ID issued by the Mexican government. This is because it doesn’t have visible biometric information, such as height and weight of a person, said Nowakowski.
That information is encrypted in the ID and can be read through a special scanner, but Thompson of the Phoenix Police Department said officers shouldn’t have to rely on having a scanner to get this information.
While it sounds like a practical solution on its face, Reza worried that a city ID would raise even more suspicion among police that a person is in the U.S. illegally. The uncertainty might compel them to call ICE just to make sure they were following the law.
“Getting an ID for residents of the city won’t give them protection or allow them do obtain a driver’s license from the state,” said Reza. “Police officers will still enforce SB 1070.”
Reza believes that a better alternative would be to get the City Council to approve a resolution to make Phoenix an “Immigrant Welcoming City” following the footsteps of Tucson, which adopted this policy last August.
Councilmember’s agreed that like federal authorizes, Tucson Police should align focus on people committing serious crimes or who were previously deported.
“What’s most important is that the [Phoenix] City Council approve a resolution that would prevent officers from engaging in racial profiling,” said Reza.
Devil in the Details
Phoenix is not the first city that could consider the possibility of creating its own ID to help undocumented immigrants identify themselves. Dayton, Ohio contemplated it last year and had to drop the idea when they realize it was impractical and it could backfire.
Dayton, population 150,000, approved a resolution to be an “Immigrant Welcoming City” last October.
Tom Wahlbar, a former executive director of the Dayton’s Human Relations Council, helped draft the resolution, which grassroots organizations presented to the City Council as a community initiative.
But Wahlbar said the city found adding the local ID program would not be wasn’t cost effective for a jurisdiction of Dayton’s modest size. Another concern, he noted, was that only undocumented immigrants would apply for the IDs, creating a “list that becomes a public document that can be accessible to anybody including ICE.”
A major difference between Dayton and communities in Phoenix, Wahlbar emphasized, is that the policy for Dayton police is not to inquire about a person’s immigration status, even if a person does not have identification.
In Arizona, SB 1070 allows any citizen to sue a police department, if he or she believes the agency is not enforcing the law to its full extent.
Robert K. Lewis, Esq. Amy M. Pokora, Esq.
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NoticeBreek Publishing and its subsidiaries Muslim Voice, Arab Voice, Arabic Yellow
Pages and Multicultural Yellow Pages will stop doing business with the following companies due to refusal to pay debts owed to Breek Publishing inc.:
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www.aZMusliMVoice.coM noVeMber 2012 519thYear
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By Manar Milbis
Now that the chaos is over and the dust has almost settled, it is time for Muslims, both abroad and in the United States, to be frank about the events that took place after the release of Innocence of Muslims.
This honestly should first illustrate that Islam does not advocate for violence and the murder of innocent civilians; thus condemning the violent protests as a clear violation of Islamic traditions and principles. Secondly, we should be honest about that content of the film and through this honestly realize that despite its hideously offensive and hateful message, this movie was, and is, an ugly expression of free speech. Truthfulness about these incidents does not necessitate a contrite attitude that will blame all Muslims for the actions of a few radical individuals. However, it may facilitate the healing process to insure that these incidents do not happen again.
In the aftermath of the violent protests that resulted in the death of several innocent individuals including U.S Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, I couldn’t help but wonder WWMD or “What would Mohammad do?” How would he have responded to this movie? It is extremely difficult for the Muslims who advocated for violence to approach these questions with sincerity because
had they truly studied the life of our beloved Prophet, they would not have engaged in barbaric behavior that has maligned the Prophet’s legacy. We are talking about a man who was confronted with violent assaults, stoning and insults on a daily basis. yet he was able to exhibit an extraordinary amount of patience and mercy toward the very individuals who constantly attacked him. Recall the women who dumped trash on his doorstep everyday, and when the trash wasn’t there one day, he became worried about the woman and asked after her.
When he learned that she was sick he visited her. The Prophet would have condemned the violent approach of some of protesters because he was a merciful and tolerant man.
Innocence of Muslims has spurred a strong wave of individuals advocating
for censorship. But where do we draw the line? I believe the movie, despite its derogatory and disrespectful message is protected under free speech. Perhaps we should think about how offensive speech maybe before we say it, however our right to say it should never be revoked. Increased censorship of free speech will only impede our ability to openly and freely engage in the exchange of ideas and thought. We must recognize that our demand for free speech does not translate into “only speech we agree with.” Perhaps we must
evaluate the intent of free speech. It is interesting that this movie was released on the anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, which, to me, suggests something larger than just an opinion on Prophet Mohammed. If someone’s intent is to incite violence, which later results in the death of innocent lives then they should be held accountable, not for the content of their speech—their right to say it is undeniable—but for the intent to cause
violence.
Free speech can and will engender feelings of anger; however we need to learn to channel this frustration towards open and free debates that challenge the very speech
we disagree with. We cannot reject anti-Islamic movies with violence. This will generate a ripple effect of even more anti-Islamic ideas. Remember, the same exact Constitution that extends the right to offend each other while exercising free speech also gives us the right to feely practice our religion. Do not be quick to denounce the very rights you have demanded.
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NATIONALcontinued from p. 1
how the next president will sway higher education policyAs a college professor, student adviser and mentor at California State University East Bay, I’ve seen first hand just how critical higher education is for our youth. At the same time, as a father, I’m all too familiar with the difficult choices families make when determining whether they can afford to send their kid off to college.
A good education is an economic necessity for everyone and essential for a strong economy. Our nation must make higher education more affordable and accessible for those with financial need. To do so, we must secure the cornerstones of our nation’s student aidprograms.
The next president of the United States, like his predecessors, will have significant sway over the shape and impact of our higher education policies – and our economic growth, prosperity and prospects for generations to come.
That’s why making smart investments in higher education and doubling investments in scholarships and financial aid is what will allow middle-class and working-class families to achieve the dream of a college education and spur innovation and growth in the U.S. economy.
President Roosevelt understood all that when, in 1944, he signed the G.I. Bill and expanded higher education for military veterans – and ushered in the era of community colleges and the modern-day middle class.
When the Soviet Union launched the first man-made satellite into space 10 years later, America’s lawmakers again sprang into action. The future of the
country’s economic competitiveness and marketplace was at stake. The National Defense Act of 1958 created federal student loans to help more college students enter the fields of math and science.
But these vital government student aid programs have been under threat for some time. Republicans in Congress want to make aid for students less accessible, eligibility harder, and lower overall funding for college grants. All while the rising costs of a college education is getting more out of reach for the average family.
Seeing these obstacles, and understanding just how important student loans are, President Obama made higher education a priority in his administration from day one.
He has increased the maximum Pell grant award from $4,731, to $5,550, to more fully cover college-bound students who have financial-need. He has enacted a college tax credit that has helped 9 million
students and families pay
for college. He has shifted billions of federal dollars away from the mismanagement of private lenders, and put the money into expanding the Pell grant program, and also into
the Federal Direct Loan program that provides funds at low interest rates.
President Obama has also expanded the post-9/11 G.I. Bill and helped more than 800,000 veterans go to college.
These policies have allowed millions of young adults and hard-working Americans to have a shot at a great education and a chance to become our next generation of scientists, teachers and innovators. These investments and reforms, however, will be at risk under a Romney-Ryan administration.
The Romney-Ryan budget and tax plan proposes cuts in federal spending so drastic that even Veterans Affairs would have to be cut by $11 billion a year. Nearly 10 million students would see their Pell grant amounts go down. The rich would get richer while millions of working class students and families would have to pay more for college. The Romney-Ryan tax plan would also let President Obama’s college tax credit expire.
Between now and Election Day, voters are going to hear a lot about reducing the national debt and federal government expenses. But any policy that accomplishes this by vast cuts to college aid programs does so on the backs of college-bound students and families. This is simply bad policy. Even in these tough economic times, we need to invest in our young adults and our nation, and provide access and equity to millions of working class and immigrant students that a college education provides.
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california’s pickiest eaters Grade new school lunchesTwo months into a new school year that saw stricter federal nutrition guidelines go into effect for school meals, youth reporters from New America Media fanned out in high schools across California to interview their peers and check out the view from the lunch line.
What the reporters found were wide variations in how students grade their new school meals. While none of the school meal programs earned an A, the overwhelming majority of students surveyed – 85 percent – gave them passing grades, and only 13 percent actually handed out F’s.
The findings correlate with those of a formal telephone and internet-conducted survey of students and parents just released by The California Endowment, which found that students and parents in the Golden State prefer the new meals to the old ones, by a ratio of 3 to 1.
The findings also starkly contrast with a report in the New york Times that described the sentiments of some high school students on the East Coast and in Kansas, who are rebelling against the healthier menus on social media, and several others who said they are throwing the food away in preference for chips, cookies and other vending machine options.
New America Media’s youth reporters carried out their peer survey in six California communities – Richmond, Fresno, Merced, South Kern County, Long Beach and the Eastern Coachella Valley -- where the vast majority of students attending K-12 public schools qualify for free or subsidized lunch programs. While anecdotal, the interviews – in all, 45 students were surveyed -- shed
light on what high school students in California are thinking, both positive and critical, about their school lunches.
What exactly do California’s pickiest eaters like most and what do they dislike about their new lunches? What would they change to improve the fare? And how often do they eat school meals?
The youth reporters found some intriguing trends, ones that didn’t always fit the stereotype of junk food-loving, soda-guzzling teenagers. Indeed,
if there was one consistent theme, it was an endorsement for fresher food, tastier food, a better variety to choose from and larger portions. None of the students interviewed by NAM mentioned actually throwing their food away. In fact, a number complained that there isn’t enough food being offered and they are often left hungry.
A majority said chicken is their favorite food item -- it holds the most flavor, according to students -- followed by fruits and vegetables:
“The spicy chicken patty, it’s the only
thing with actual flavor. Usually I have to add a bunch of condiments to everything else in order to taste good.”
-- Gumaro Vargas, 17, Olive Crest Academy, Coachella
“The spicy chicken burger because it tastes great and the texture has a nice feeling to it.”
-- Isidro Gonzalez, 17, Arvin High School, South Kern County
“The best item, I guess I would have to say, is the chicken sandwich.”
-- Nancy Her, 16, Edison High School, Fresno
“The salad is my favorite because that seems like the healthiest thing on there. Everything is greasy.”
-- Shante Henderson, 16, Wilson Classical High School, Long Beach
“The fruit, because it’s the one thing that seems fresh.”
-- Mia Robinson, 17, DeAnza High School, Richmond
“It would probably be the spicy chicken sandwich. It has flavor and its taste is a lot better than the other things served.”
-- Juan Rodriguez, 17, Buhach Colony, Atwater
A majority of students interviewed said they would improve on the school lunches by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, providing more options in general, and improving the presentation. A few said they needed more time to eat, and those paying for their lunch said they would appreciate lower prices:
“I would change the way the food is cooked and use fresh food, not expired or frozen.”
-- Isidro Gonzalez. 17, Arvin High School, South Kern County
“I would like to see more fresh fruits and vegetables that are actually meals, not just sides.”
--- Thomas Moua, 16, Buhach Colony High School, Merced
“It’s healthy for us, but portion size is not very much so not all students are very satisfied with what they have and they’re not fully satisfied with the selection either. There’s not that big of a selection. Also cheaper food and drinks.”
-- Christian Gangler, 15, Wilson Classical High School, Long Beach
“I’d say the calories are too low because I still feel hungry afterwards.”
-- Gumaro Vargas, 17, Olive Crest Academy, Coachella
“More choices, because it’s not that many.”
-- Trinity Jackson, 18, DeAnza High SChool, Richmond
“There’s not a lot for everyone. If you’re a vegetarian, all you have to eat is salad every day, and that’s about it.”
-- Shaina Prakash, 16, Edison High School, Fresno
“Something I would like to see improved is since they have yogurt with a piece of bread, that is not actually a plate of food. I think there should be a bigger
version included to that plate. Also I would like there to be more vegan and vegetarian food and for the food to be more fresh.”
-- yenesis Reyes, 16, Wilson Classical High School, Long Beach
How often do these teenage food critics take advantage of their school meal program? A majority (71 percent) said they are regular diners (at least 3 times per week), describing the school meals as vital to their diets. More than 50 percent said they eat the school meals every day. Even some of the sharpest critics said the school meals are what keeps them from going hungry:
“Every day, because I get hungry.”
-- Brenda Espinoza, 15, Golden Valley High School, Merced
“Only about three times a week, and I only get them from the salad bar, because I don’t like getting them from the cafeteria because I know most of them are high in salt and oil, saturated fats.”
-- Naomi Garzon, 17, Edison High School, Fresno
“Every day, because I kind of have to. It’s too much work to prepare lunch in the mornings.”
-- Daniel Hernandez, 17, Olive Crest Academy, Coachella
“I eat every day, ‘cause I would starve when I get home.”
-- Nancy Her, 16, Edison High School, Fresno
“Hardy ever, because I don’t like it.”
-- Mia Robinson, 17, DeAnza High SChool, Richmond
“I’ll eat two times a week because it’s expensive to purchase $2.75 per lunch.”
-- Isidro Gonzalez, 17, Arvin High School, South Kern County
“Only when they have hot dogs, because that’s the only thing I like.”
-- Trinity Jackson, 18, DeAnza High School, Richmond
“When I was a junior or freshman I used to eat it every day a week but now I only eat it maybe 3 times a week. To me, it’s the same thing over and over again. It doesn’t even fill me anymore.”-- Abrhajaam Berruecos, 17, Wilson Classical High School, Long Beach
The varied responses are not surprising, given that some schools have the advantage of offering meals cooked from scratch in their own kitchens, and some districts have already invested several years in their healthy school meal programs, while others are only just now getting started.
Students who gave their school lunches the lowest grades (F’s and D’s) tended to come from two urban communities (Richmond and Long Beach), while students in the rural communities were far more likely to put a positive spin on the revamped school menus.
The jury is still out what the long-term impact of the new federal nutrition guidelines on school lunches will be on students. But as the aforementioned anecdotal survey of students in some of California’s poorest school districts show, teenagers -- by far the pickiest eaters -- not only rely on the meals to stave off hunger, but give the new school lunches passing grades, especially when they’re fresh and tasty.
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Syrian fighters clashed with Kurdish militia in the northern city of Aleppo, leaving 30 dead and around 200 captured, a watchdog said on Saturday, sparking fears of a new front in an already fractured country.
The fighting between armed fighters and members of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PyD), the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), erupted on Friday in the majority Kurdish neighborhood of Ashrafiyeh, it said.
“There were 30 people -- Arabs and Kurds -- killed in the fighting, including 22 combatants from both sides,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement, adding that Ashrafiyeh was still under PyD militia control.
Some 200 people were captured, all but 20 of them by the fighters, the Observatory said.
Residents said some 200 fighters had moved in to the area on Thursday, announcing they had come to spend the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Adha, starting the next day, in the neighborhood.
Before they moved in, the Kurdish area of Aleppo had been relatively free of the violence that has plagued the city since fighting between President Bashar al-Assad’s forces and armed fighters broke out there on July 20.
Some 15 percent of Syria’s population of 23 million are Kurds. The minority has largely remained neutral during the country’s civil war, which has sown divisions among its patchwork
of ethnic and religious groups.
Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Britain-based Observatory, said if Kurdish militias were to join the fighting, the results could be devastating.
“There are 100,000 Kurds in Aleppo province ready to fight if need be,” he said. “If Arab-Kurdish fighting really kicks off, then you can forget about the revolt and Assad stays.”
Friday’s fighting was the fiercest clash between Kurds and fighters since the
March 2011 start of Syria’s conflict.
Strategically important, Ashrafiyeh sits in Aleppo’s heights and on a route between the city’s north and centre.
Over the summer, the army withdrew from majority Kurdish areas, including Ashrafiyeh and several towns on the Turkish border, leaving Kurds with some degree of autonomy.
Rebel fighters are only allowed to enter these areas unarmed and in civilian clothing.
A PyD statement published after the fighting blamed both Assad’s regime and the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) for violence against Kurds.
“We have chosen to remain neutral, and we will not take sides in a war that will only bring suffering and destruction to our country,” the statement said.
For two days before Friday’s clash, the army shelled Ashrafiyeh, the PyD said. On Friday, the FSA stormed a road that cuts through Ashrafiyeh and the nearby Sheikh Maksud district, it
added.
“They started to shoot at crowds gathered at the (militia) checkpoints,” it said. “They were protesting, calling on the armed groups to leave residential areas.”
A rebel group described Friday’s violence as the result of a misunderstanding and blamed it on Assad’s regime.
“Our Kurdish brothers are comrades in our nation,” the Free Syrians Brigade said in a statement. “The problem... was the result of a misunderstanding that was created by a regime plot.”
Massud Akko, a prominent Kurdish activist and journalist from Syria, said he feared Assad would use Friday’s violence to stir up conflict between the anti-Assad and Kurdish militia.
“While I am opposed to the Free Syrian Army’s entry into safe areas, Assad’s regime is looking for ways to create conflict among Syrians,” he said.
The conflict, which has pitted the regime against rebel fighters since a revolt against Assad morphed into an armed insurgency, has left at least 35,000 people dead, according to the Observatory.
The PKK, listed as a terrorist group by the West, took up arms in the Kurdish-majority southeast of Turkey in 1984
Fears of new front as syria fighters clash with Kurds
a statement during the U.N. General Assembly aimed at discussing international issues concerning the Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.“They might otherwise be subject to criminal or civil liability, which could extend to individual employees,” he warned. The rapporteur named the companies, Caterpillar Incorporated, Veolia Environment, G4Sm, The Dexia Group, Ahava, the Volvo Group, Riwal Holding Group,
Elbit Systems, Hewlett Packard, Mehadrin, Motorola, Assa Abloy and Cemex, as violating human rights for their linked business with Israeli settlements. “The scale of Israel’s settlement enterprise, especially the massive financial investment in it, appears to confirm Israel’s intention to retain control over much, if not all, of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”These companies according to Falk have “to implement its international
h u m a n rights and humanitarian l a w o b l i g a t i o n s and certify that private b u s i n e s s c o n d u c t i n g operation in Palestine were accountable for any activities that may affect Palestinians’ rights.”Falk, who blamed Israel for not making any efforts in cooperating with his humanitarian goals in Palestinian territories, said that Israeli settlements have control over 40 percent of the West Bank.In his report, he said that around 600,000 Israeli citizens had already transferred in Palestinian territories and that an estimate of 200,000 had settled in East Jerusalem.A record of 15,000 people made up the “settler population” in 2011, he added. The Israeli settlements-linked businesses may have been put-up in violation of the Fourth Geneva
Convention, he said, urging an advice from the International Court of Justice.Falk, assigned on the current situation of human rights in Palestine, said that unless these profiteers brought their business operations in line with international human rights and humanitarian law should be reprimanded and forced to take necessary actions.The Fourth Geneva Convention is a treaty signed to protect the rights of civilians in war zone countries and areas.
u.n. investigator calls for boycott of companies linked to israeli settlements
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In a presidential election that was supposed to be all about the economy, global events have turned the spotlight on foreign policy just weeks before Election Day. The killing of Christopher Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya, concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and what to do about China will all likely be points of discussion when President Barack Obama and his GOP challenger, Mitt Romney, meet Monday night in the last presidential debate before voters go to the polls Nov. 6. Here’s a cheat sheet on the two candidates’ positions on various foreign policy points heading into Monday night’s debate:Middle EastThe killing of Christopher Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya, sparked renewed concern that the U.S. government (and its allies) are losing its influence with fledgling democracies where dictatorial leaders have been deposed. A concern for the U.S. and its allies, particularly Israel, is that new “Arab Spring” democracies could become vulnerable to terrorist groups and corruption in the region. GOP critics also charge the Obama administration has not been forthcoming about whether Stevens’ death was a result of terrorism or a riot over an anti-Muslim film. In addition, an ongoing crisis in Syria between the government and citizens demanding change also poses a threat in the region.OBAMA: The president’s chief concern is stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction and advancing “the rights and dignity of all human beings,” as he noted during his speech at the Democratic National Convention. His administration’s efforts, managed to a large degree by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has worked to ensure America, its interests and allies are protected in the region.ROMNEy: The former governor wants to be sure that “the Arab Spring is not followed by an Arab Winter,” and is advocating post-revolutionary relationship building in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, according to his campaign
website. Romney views Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad as an “unscrupulous dictator” who hasn’t earned the privilege of America’s outstretched hand of diplomacy.War in AfghanistanThe number of U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan is being reduced, but a series of recent deadly strikes on NATO and American forces have threatened the notion that President Hamid Karzai and the U.S.-trained Afghan military force will be ready in time for a complete withdrawal in 2014. Radical Islamist elements in Pakistan and Iran are threatening to undo America’s costly dismantling of terrorist networks in Afghanistan. With thousands of American troops and countless injuries, several analysts suggest the progress (or lack of) can no longer dictate the U.S. timeline.
ELECTIONS
obama vs. romney: top 5 Foreign policy Differences
continued from p. 1
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Allah has decreed that, in this life, hardships and disasters strike both believers and non-believers. For a non-believer, they are inconveniences that hinder him from proceeding with his normal involvement in the worldly life. For a believer, on the other hand, they are instances of rest and remembrance, tests that promise great rewards, and indications of atonement and expiation of sins. Regardless of how little is the harm that strikes a believer, it carries with it good news of forgiveness and elevated rank ( in Paradise ). The Righteous Predecessors used to be pleased when a hardship afflicted them, seeing it as a token of Allah’s forgiveness and benevolence.
expiations of Sins
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet said: “Hardships continue to befall a believing man and woman in their body, family, and property, until they meet Allah (S) burdened with no sins.” [Tirmithee]
Sign of Allah’s Love
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “ Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity” [Bukhari and others]
Sign of eeman
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “ The parable of a believer is that of a fresh and moist plant; the wind tilts it this way and that way; and so is the believer; he continues to be subject to affliction. And the parable of a hypocrite is that of a firm cedar tree; it does not shake - until it is uprooted all at once.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Sign of righteousness
the prophets and righteous people are afflicted the most, and their rewards are the highest. Sa’d (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The most in their suffering among the people are the prophets, then the best, then the (next) best. One is afflicted in accordance with his faith. If his religion is firm his affliction is hard, and if his deen is weak, his affliction is light. Indeed, one would be so much subjected to adversity until he walks among the people without any sins. “ [Ahmad, Tirmithee]
early Punishment
Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “ When Allah wills good for a servant of His, He expedites his punishment in this life; and when He wills retribution for a servant of His, He holds his sins for Him to judge him by them on the Day of Resurrection.” [Tirmithee]
Multiplication of rewards
Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet
(SAW) said: “ The amount of reward is in accordance with the amount of suffering. When Allah (SWT) loves some people, He tries them (with affliction). He who then is content (with Allah’s decree) has achieved the acceptance (of Allah), and he who is dissatisfied (with Allah’s decree) will attain the anger (of Allah).” [Tirmithee]
rewards for Sickness
One should not look to sickness as a gloomy episode, but should remember the great good in it. It is one form of affliction with which Allah (SWT) tests His ‘ibaad (servants), giving them a chance to acquire rewards, as was explained above, as is further emphasized below.
removal of Sins and elevation in ranks
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “ Whenever a Muslim is afflicted by harm from sickness or other matters, Allah will drop his sins because of that, like a tree drops its leaves.” [Bukharee and Muslim]
Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “A Muslim is not afflicted by hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression - even if pricked by a thorn, but Allah expiates his sins because of that. “ [Bukharee and Muslim]
Expect good because Allah (SWT) makes a believers sickness an expiation (for his sins) and a period of rest. However, when a disbeliever falls sick, he is like a camel whose owner ties it then lets it loose - it does not understand why it was tied nor why it was freed.” [Bukharee]
‘Aishah (RA) narrated that once some pain afflicted the Prophet (SAW) causing him to suffer and turn about in his bed. she said: “Had one of us done this, you would have blamed him.” He (SAW) replied: “ An ailment is intensified for the righteous. Whenever a believer is afflicted by a hardship, whether it is a thorn or more, a sin is taken off from him because of it, and he is elevated by one rank (in Jannah). “[Ahmad]
retaining rewards for deeds Before Sickness
Usually, when a believer falls sick, he would not be able to do the same amount of good (prayer, fasting, helping Muslims etc) that he used to do when he was well. But Allah out of His great mercy, continues to record for him the good deeds that he was forced to stop because of his sickness. Abu Musa Al-Ash’aree narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “ For a traveling or sick person, his deeds will be recorded in accordance with what he used to do when he was resident or well.” [Bukharee]
‘Abdullah Bin ‘Amr reported that the Prophet said: “No (believing)
person gets sick, but (his deeds) will be recorded for him in accordance with what he used to do when he was well.” [Bukharee] Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “ No Muslims body is afflicted by Allah, but He will record (his deeds) foe him in accordance with what he used to do when he was well - as long as he is sick. Thus, if He takes his life, He forgives him; and if He cures him, He washes him (from sins).” [Bukharee]
“Each days deeds are sealed with it. Thus, when a believer gets sick, the angels say, “Our lord! your servant such and such, you have restrained him.” And the lord replies, “Seal his day in accordance with his (usual) deeds, until he is cured or dies”. [Ahmad]
reason for the reward
‘Atta Bin Rabaah reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas (RA) told him, “Do you want to see a woman from the people of Jannah (paradise)?” He said “yes”. He said: “It is this black woman. She came to the Prophet (SAW) saying, “I have (epileptic) seizures, and I get exposed, so supplicate to Allah for me.” He (SAW) said: “If you wish, be patient and you will attain Jannah; or if you wish, I will ask Allah to cure you.” She replied, “I will be patient! But my body gets exposed (because of the fall), so supplicate to Allah for
me that I do not become exposed.” and he (SAW) did.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The scholars have differed in opinion as to whether a sick person will be rewarded for the sickness itself or for being patient during it. the correct opinion is that if he is patient and submits to Allah’s will, as in the above hadith, he would be rewarded for both the submission and the sickness, otherwise, he would not be rewarded at all; because he resented Allah’s decree. “The authentic hadith are clear in that the rewards are recorded once affliction strikes a Muslim. As for patience and acceptance, they are virtues for which a person may get additional rewards over those for the affliction.” ‘Abdullah Bin ‘Amr reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “If a Muslim is pricked by (as little as) a thorn in the worldly life, and he seeks its reward from Allah, some of his sins will be removed, because of it, on the Day of Judgment.”[Bukharee]
“True believers are only those whose hearts are filled with awe whenever God is mentioned, and whose faith is strengthened whenever His revelations are recited to them. In their Lord they place their trust.” (Chapter 8: Verse 2)
hardships benefit the believer
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Don’t Get carjacked in Maricopa countyPHOENIX, Ariz. -- The switchblade pressing into her neck took Aurora Tristan by surprise. She jumped out of her ‘98 Honda Civic and ran. The carjackers – two young women who had asked her for a ride outside the grocery store – drove off with her car.
The 45-year-old said she was unaware at the time she dialed 911 from her cell phone that her status as a victim of an armed robbery might qualify her for a U-visa if she cooperated with law enforcement and prosecutors.
“I wanted to help because I felt they need to pay for what they did to me,” said Tristan, who is Mexican. “I don’t hate them or resent them, I just wanted justice.”
Across the country, undocumented crime victims like Tristan work with local law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices. But when it comes to certifying their help in an investigation – something that helps lead to legal status through a U-visa – where the crime occurred is often as critical as the case itself.
In Maricopa County, victims find themselves at the mercy of lingering anti-immigrant sentiment.
Too Afraid to Seek Help
The U-visa was created by Congress in 2000 to help law enforcement with the prosecution of violent crimes committed against undocumented immigrants – especially women – and to encourage these crime victims to come forward without fear of detention or deportation.
But in an atmosphere clouded by the “Show me your papers” provision
of Arizona’s 2010 immigration law, SB 1070 -- which went into effect in September -- policies meant to protect are all but ignored.
And with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) – the largest
prosecutor’s office in the state – refusing to certify them, immigration lawyers agree law enforcement is now the only avenue left to get a certification to obtain a U-visa.
To get one, crime victims first need a certificate, called an I-918 B form, proving they are indeed victims of a violent crime, and have cooperated or will cooperate with police or prosecutors. The form must be signed by a police officer, a prosecutor or a judge, or victims can’t begin proceedings with
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that ultimately decides if they qualify for the visa.
In Tristan’s case, she helped the
Phoenix Police Department identify the carjackers. But she didn’t get a U-visa because neither the department nor the prosecutor’s office agreed to sign the I-918 B form.
Police waited until after the case was closed to deny the request.
“They [said they] did not sign the certification form because ‘the defendants were already sitting in jail,’ explained Randall Rowberry, Tristan’s immigration attorney, who said he had made the initial request before the pair
were sentenced.
Rowberry then tried his luck with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Four months later, he got a rejection letter from the chief of the Special Crimes Bureau with no explanation.
Automatic Rejection
While agencies are allowed some discretion when deciding on U-visa certifications, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, led by Republican Bill Montgomery, has approved only a tiny fraction of cases. For victims like Tristan, who turn to the prosecutors’ office as a last resort, this has proven a major roadblock.
“I don’t want my office to be in a position to help someone gain legal status for the purpose of prosecuting a criminal case,” Montgomery explained in an interview. Since 2009, his agency has received 83 requests, turned down 19, referred seven to other agencies and granted only six. As of the middle of October, they had a backlog of 51 cases, according to MCAO public records.
Among the few cases MCAO did certify was that of a Latina immigrant who was the victim of a high-profile serial rapist known as the “Baseline Killer.” Montgomery explained the decision as being “absolutely necessary to take care of a situation,” but added, “I don’t want immigration attorneys to default to a request for a visa on behalf of someone because they were the victim of a crime.”
In Tristan’s case, her carjackers pleaded guilty after she offered to help prosecutors.
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½ yellow onion, peeled and halved1 medium jalapeno pepper, stem and seeds removed, cut in half lengthwise2 cloves garlic, peeled¼ cup olive oil1 tsp. Kosher salt½ tsp. black pepper2 lbs. lamb stew meat, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes Put the onion, jalapeno, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process until smooth. Mix the blended onion with the lamb in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator a half hour before you are ready to grill. Thread the lamb meat on metal or wooden skewers and grill until cooked through but still tender.
Creamy Cilantro Chutney 2 small bunches fresh cilantro, stems removed1 medium jalapeno pepper (more if you like it really spicy)2 tbsp. lebni (or Greek yogurt if you can’t find lebni)¼ cup white vinegar or lemon juice½ tsp. Kosher salt Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Blend until smooth. Serve kebabs with nan or pita bread that you have warmed on the grill along with chutney. Serves 4 to 6
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ISLAMIC CENTERS IN ARIZONAISLAMIC CENTERS IN ARIZONAPHOENIXArizona Cultural Academy 7810 S. 42nd Pl. • Phoenix602-454-1222
Islamic Center of Arizona9032 N. 9th St. • Phoenix
Islamic Center of N. Phoenix13246 N. 23rd Ave. 85029602-371-3440
Islamic Comnty Ctr of Phx7516 N. Black Canyon Hwy. Phoenix • 602-249-0496
Muslim Community Mosque1818 N. 32nd St. • Phoenix602-306-4959
Masjid Al-Rahmah2645 E. McDowell Rd. • Phoenix602-275-5493
Masjid Muhammad Ibn Abdullah5648 N. 15th ave.Phoenix, AZ 85015602-413-5279
Al Rasoul Mosque5302 N. 35th Ave. • Phoenix602-864-1817
PEORIAGreenway Islamic Center6724 West Greenway • Peoria, AZ www.greenwaymasjid.com
TEMPEIslamic Comnty Ctr of Tempe131 E. 6th Street • Tempe480-894-6070
Masjid Al Mahdi1016 S. River Dr. • Tempe480-557-9699
Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab6225 S.McClintock • Tempe 480-775-6627
MESAMasjid-el-Noor 55 N. Matlock • Mesa 480-644-0074
SCOTTSDAlEIslamic Center of N.E. Valley 12125 E. Via Linda • Scottsdale480-612-4044
CHANDlERMasjid AsSalam1071 N. Alma School Rd.• Chandler 480-250-7522
Islamic Center of East Valley425 N. Alma School Dr. • Chandler602-388-9900
lAVEENIslamic Center of laveen P.O. Box 1107 • Laveen602-361-4401
MARICOPAMasjid Bilal Ibn Rabah44370 W. Arizona Ave. Maricopa Arizona 85138 contact# (602)312-7913
CASA GRANDEMasjid Sajda is located c/o:The Legacy Suites540 North Cacheris CourtCasa Grande`, Arizona 85122480.332.8618
ISlAMIC WEEKEND SCHOOlSIslamic Community Center of Phoenix: Sunday at 9:45 am-1:20 pm.Islamic Cultural Center: Sunday at 10:00 amMuslim Community Mosque: Sunday at 10:00 am until 2:30 pm.Masjid Omar Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.ICNEV Weekend Islamic School Tel: (480) 346-2081Classes held on Sunday K thru’ grade 12 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.ACA Weekend School Sunday 10:00 am-1:15 pm. www.azacademy.org/weekendSultan Education in Chandler Saturdays & Sundays - children/adults 480-593-7066Greenway Islamic Academy Tajweed, Islamic Studies, & Arabic Language 602-565-0500
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• Total cost is $1,800.00
FrOm THE ISlAmIC CulTurAl CENTEr (ICC):
1) Go South on Forest to university Drive. Turn right.2) Go West on university to the I-10 highway. Take I-10 East.3) Proceed on I-10 East (~12 miles). Exit at Queen Creek rd. (EXIT #164).4) Turn right on route 347 South. Proceed for about 14 miles.5) Turn right on route 238 West. Proceed for about 8.7 miles.6) Turn right on unnamed/unpaved street after you see the street sign which reads “36 miles” and proceed to the cemetery.
Check our website for up to date information
www.tempemasjid.com
CALENDAR / ANNOUNCEMENTS
tucson Prayer timesNovember 2012 • Thul Hija/Muharam 1433 H
Phoenix Prayer timesNovember 2012 • Thul Hija/Muharam 1433 H
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