Hamas Training Own Diplomats
U.S. media is reporting that Hamas has begun a training program for diplomats in the Gaza Strip. According to a Reuters report:GAZA (Reuters) – Hamas has begun a training program for diplomats in the Gaza Strip where it rules, a senior official of the Islamist group said, raising the specter of divisions in the Palestinian national movement spreading to its representation abroad. Hamas seized Gaza in a 2007 civil war with the Western-backed Fatah party that long dominated Palestinian politics and now rules parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But Hamas has hitherto not challenged the Palestine Liberation Organisation, dominated by Fatah and recognized by the United Nations as the Palestinians’ sole representative abroad for almost 40 years. It may be time to end that diplomatic monopoly, Hamas deputy foreign minister Ghazi Hamad suggested on Wednesday. ’We have relations with some countries and we need to prepare our cadres and develop the diplomatic skills of staff to deal with those countries on joint projects,’ he told Reuters. ’The aim of such a step and training is to develop relations with world countries when time and conditions permit,’ said Hamad. He declined to say how many diplomats-in-waiting would be trained, what tasks they would perform or where. Hamas officials seemed keen to play down the scheme to matriculate envoys from its mostly makeshift and short-staffed foreign ministry. They said they hoped a deal with Fatah could remove any need to deploy Hamas diplomats, but planned to have a corps of envoys ready should reconciliation prove impossible. The PLO, with roots as a paramilitary organization and umbrella body for the many, often feuding Palestinian factions, finally won recognition from Israel in the landmark Oslo interim peace deal of 1993. But Hamas is not part of the PLO.The Hamas charter states that it “is one of the wings of the Muslim Brothers in Palestine” and in July 2011, Egyptian Brotherhood leader Dr. Essam al-Arian acknowledged the relationship between the Brotherhood and Hamas stating “The Muslim Brotherhood Group as a public Islamic organization is the umbrella for many Islamist movements, including Hamas” In June 2007, a Hamas journalist acknowledged the role that the “international Muslim Brotherhood” has played in providing funds for the purchase of weapons for the organization.The Global Muslim Brotherhood supports Hamas through the Union of Good, a worldwide coalition of charities headed by Global Muslim Brotherhood leader Youssef Qaradawi.
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| Monday, July 4, 2011 |
| Left-wing leader warns Muslim Brotherhood of alliance with US |
| Left-wing leader warns Muslim Brotherhood of alliance with US 04/07/2011 By Mohammed Hassan Shabaan http://www.asharq-e.com/news.asp?section=1&id=25755 Cairo, Asharq al-Awsat- reservations by Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood over the US Administration's use of the expression "resuming" contacts reveals the group's awareness of the probable dangers that stem from opening up to Washington, which in general does not enjoy the "appreciation" of the Egyptian people. Despite the Muslim Brotherhood's immediate welcoming of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's statements in which she stated her country's desire to continue contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood, the most organized group in Egypt has stipulated conditions for such rapprochement. The Muslim Brotherhood says that the group "does not rush hurriedly to open a channel of communication with the United States." Analysts say that the US statements might worsen the apprehensions of Egypt's liberals and left-wingers about the Muslim Brotherhood monopolizing power. The Muslim Brotherhood is trying to remove the causes of these apprehensions before the parliamentary elections which are scheduled for September 2011. The Muslim Brotherhood, which has the largest presence in the Egyptian street, has announced that it will compete over half the parliamentary seats, has engaged in a dialog with major parties over the coordination of the principles of the new constitution of the country, has announced that it would be possible to revise the number of the parliamentary seats it aims to occupy in the upcoming parliament that will elect the commission that prepares the constitution, and has announced that it will not compete over the post of president. Former Muslim Brotherhood Guide Mahdi Akif wonders: "What more can the group offer (to calm down apprehensions)? They attack us without any logic or vision, but the Muslim Brotherhood should not pay any attention to such words." Akif plays down the impact within the group of the US desire to open up to the Muslim Brotherhood. Akif told Asharq Al-Awsat: "These statements are worthless, because our policy is firm. We work for the benefit of this country, and for serving the faith." Days before the US statements, the Muslim Brotherhood Group ostracized a national newspaper that published details of a meeting that took place during the final days of Mubarak's rule between the US ambassador to Cairo and Dr Saad al-Katatni, member of the Muslim Brotherhood Guidance Bureau. The group has been keen to explain this by saying that Al-Katatni's meeting at the US Embassy was undertaken in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, with the knowledge of the previous regime, and with the attendance of former People's Assembly Speaker Dr Fathi Surur. In statements to the press, Clinton hinted that the US Administration's contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood were part of a policy that commenced in 2006, when the group won 88 seats in the parliament that was elected in 2005, which was the greatest percentage of representation obtained by an Egyptian opposition power since the former Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat restored partisan life to Egypt. However, Dr Rifat al-Said, leader of the left-wing National Progressive Unionist Grouping Party [NPUG], warned the Muslim Brotherhood against opening up to Washington; telling Asharq Al-Awsat, "Every time the Muslim Brotherhood has tried to engage in alliance with tyranny under the pretext that necessity knows no law, its fingers were burned." Al-Said went on to say that: "The Muslim Brotherhood has allowed itself to establish relations with foreign countries as part of the joint-interests game. This has not only happened today. The German documents that the British discovered in the office of a German press attaché say that Hasan al-Banna (founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928) received funds allocated to him to promote the propaganda of the Axis (Germany, Italy, and Japan) in Egypt. This was done to the extent that Al-Banna then claimed that the three countries converted to Islam." Al-Said adds that the Muslim Brotherhood have engaged in an alliance with King Farooq, and this ended up with a catastrophe; in an alliance with Al-Nuqrashi Pasha (Mustafa al-Nuqrashi was one of the Egyptian prime ministers before the 1952 revolution), before he ordered the dissolution of the group, which led to his assassination; and in an alliance with former Egyptian President (Jamal) Abdul-Nasser, before he launched his campaign against them. This time, the issue is more serious because the US statements refer to that the US Administration is contacting the cadres of the second rank of the Muslim Brotherhood. The expected rapprochement between the Muslim Brotherhood and the US, which is trying to establish a foothold in post-Mubarak Egypt, is a test for the group. Observers say that the relations between Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which is considered a part of the International Organization of the Muslim Brotherhood, and with which the United States has labeled a terrorist organization, will be one of the most sensitive issues. Analysts are contemplating what the group can offer to get closer to the US dealing with the Islamic resistance movements. Leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood (Freedom and Justice Party) express their belief that the latest US statements (about resuming dialog with the Muslim Brotherhood) mean implicitly contacting Hamas. Dr Essam al-Aryan says: "The Muslim Brotherhood Group as a public Islamic organization is the umbrella for many Islamist movements, including Hamas." Al-Aryan points out that any contact with the United States ought to be established on Washington's interests and not Israeli interests. |
| s the PAs financial crisis genuine? |
| Is the PA's financial crisis genuine? Published yesterday (updated) 04/07/2011 17:47 By Bassam Abu Eid http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=402110 BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- As the Palestinian Authority blames the financial crisis for recurrent delays in paying civil servants' salaries, the public is uncertain if the crisis is genuine. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Sunday that government employees will only receive half their salaries in July. He said the PA was dealing with a "financial crisis" because promised donor funds were behind schedule. Before reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah was announced, salaries were paid regularly, suggesting that the political situation is behind the PA's financial crisis. Political analyst Talal Ukal believes the PA is claiming there is a crisis to send a message about the formation of a unity government and its agenda. "The announced financial crisis is related to reconciliation and to who will head the upcoming government. We have not heard of any sanctions imposed on the PA, though we know that Arab countries have not paid the PA what they pledged. "Nevertheless, this financial crisis emerged only after reconciliation was announced," Ukal told Ma’an. Ukal said the PA's bid to seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state in September had nothing to do with the financial crisis as no international donor had even threatened to cut off funds to the PA. "It is only the Arab countries who breach their commitments regarding funds, and this is nothing new," he added. But economist Dr Nasr Abdul-Karim, who teaches at Birzeit University, says the financial crisis has nothing to do with Hamas-Fatah reconciliation. "[PA Prime Minister] Salam Fayyad should give clear explanations. Fayyad said the PA received $330 million over the past six months, and that means the government should not fail to pay salaries in full. "Since he did not say that income or international fund was reduced this month, neither did he claim that expenses went up over the past, say, five months, he has to explain." Abdul-Karim said the sustainability of the PA's economy was dependent on two factors: Israel and international aid. "To say that the PA can achieve a sustainable financial situation on its own is unrealistic given the political and economic conditions." The PA, added Abdul-Karim, receives $120 million in tax revenue each month, which Israel collects, and $100 million from donor countries. Meanwhile, the PA only collects $50 million in domestic taxes. Abdul Karim noted that the PA only controlled a quarter of its income. Government spokesman Ghassan Al-Khatib gave a vague explanation for the financial situation. "This crisis does not need experts and analysis, but rather it needs very simple calculations," he said. |
WAMY Conference Features Global Muslim Brotherhood Figures Print This Post
Arab media has further identified participants at the 11th
international conference of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY)
which opened in Indonesian capital Jakarta on Sunday. According to a report in the Arab News:JEDDAH: About 700 Muslims scholars and religious experts from 80 countries are attending the 11th international conference of the Riyadh-based World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), which was opened in Indonesian capital Jakarta on Sunday. Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali inaugurated the two-day conference at Hotel Sultan. According to WAMY Secretary-General Dr. Saleh Al-Wohaibi, several world Muslim figures are attending the gathering. The dignitaries include Saudi Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh, Saudi Islamic scholars Sheikh Abdullah Al-Manie and Sheikh Salman Al-Audah, former Sudanese religious affairs minister Sheikh Essam Al-Bashir and Islamic preacher Amr Khaled. The conference will include seminars, discussions and workshops that would focus on the role of Muslim youths in promoting social development. The recommendations of the meeting will be sent to concerned parties, such as the governments or ministries of WAMY member countries, organizations and others. The heaviest task of WAMY will be implementing the results of the meeting in the field, Al-Wohaibi said. WAMY Southeast Asia representative Makmur Hasanuddin said “the main task of WAMY is educating and developing Muslim youths. WAMY also carries out various social activities such as developing mosques and extending aid to natural disaster victims.” Al-Wohaibi said his organization would contribute its efforts to keep Muslim youths away from extremism. “Youths are really the main target of those extremist groups as well as those deviant thinkers,” he told reporters. Al-Wohaibi appreciated Indonesian Muslim youths for their steadfastness in showing solidarity with their fellow Muslims, especially with regard to the struggle of the Palestinian people in defending their homeland. He emphasized the need to work out a comprehensive action program that seeks to reclaim this vulnerable section of the society through measures that are inspirational in their scope and dimension.Essam Al-Bashir (aka Issam El-Bashi , Essam Al-Basheer) is originally from the Sudan and has held numerous positions associated with the global Muslim Brotherhood including as a former director of the UK charity Islamic Relief and a member of the European Council for Fatwa and Research. He also headed the Kuwaiti Center for Moderation until he was apparently dismissed from that position in 2008. Salman Al-Audah (aka Salman al-Oadah, Salman Bin Fahd Al Ouda, Salman Al-`Udah, Salman Al Awda) was until recently known to be a sympathizer of Osama Bin Laden but, likely under pressure from the Saudi government, has moderated his public positions and has been a regular feature at Global Muslim Brotherhood events. Muslim Brothers were instrumental in the founding of WAMY and the organization continues to enjoy close relations with the global Muslim Brotherhood. U.S. government agencies and officials have argued that WAMY has helped spread Islamic extremism around the world as well as sponsoring terrorism in places such as Bosnia, Israel, and India. Numerous previous posts have discussed WAMY’s activities throughout the world. Previous posts have discussed the organizations apparent recent financial difficulties. WAMY Leaders Says Western Operations Downsized Print This Post
Arab media has reported further on the financial difficulties
reported by leaders of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) who
said that the organization had downsized its operations in Western
countries. According to a report in the Arab news:RIYADH: The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), a major Islamic charity of Saudi Arabia, has downsized its operation in the US, Canada and in many other Western countries because of the stringent restrictions imposed by the respective governments on the fundings of Islamic aid organizations. The WAMY, an UN-recognized NGO, had a “symbolic presence in the US, while it has closed its offices in Canada,” according to Saleh Al-Wohaibi, WAMY’s secretary-general. Al-Wohaibi, however, said that the WAMY values its partnership with the US and will continue to work with the community stakeholders in that country. The WAMY chief was speaking during the charity’s annual dialogue and iftar party, attended by about 500 guests including 51 ambassadors and diplomats as well as businessmen and donors. Johannes Wimmer, Austrian ambassador, and Syed Omar Al-Saggaf, Malaysian ambassador, were keynote speakers. On behalf of the businessmen, Yousef Al-Yousef, a leading Saudi businessman, addressed the audience. Referring to the problems faced by WAMY, especially the financial constraints, he said that it was becoming increasingly difficult to meet the operational costs of 26 offices in Saudi Arabia and 38 WAMY chapters across the globe. “Our office in Washington is currently manned by only three aid workers,” said Al-Wohaibi, adding that the Islamic workers associated with WAMY’s Washington chapter were laid off in a staggered schedule after the 9/11. “The workers there in the US,” he said “seems to be terrified even today.” Asked about the absence of US diplomats from the WAMY’s function, he said, “WAMY invited the US embassy officials, but there was no response … maybe because of security reasons.” “I am planning to visit the US embassy after Eid Al-Fitr holidays to renew my contacts with them and to discuss if there is any misunderstanding,” said the WAMY chief. Al-Wohaibi pointed out that WAMY had 39,000 orphans under its sponsorship program across the world. This is in addition to 2,800 scholarships granted by WAMY for poor meritorious students in several countries. He said that the charities today needed more international support. “We, the humanitarian organizations, are mainly concerned with human suffering resulting from poverty and disasters,” said the WAMY chief. In cases of displacement of millions of people as in the case of Pakistan now, the need for relief work becomes more pressing, he added.A previous post reported on concerns expressed by the WAMY leader over what was described as a “steep shortfall” in the organization’s budget. Muslim Brothers were instrumental in the founding of WAMY and the organization continues to enjoy close relations with the global Muslim Brotherhood. U.S. government agencies and officials have argued that WAMY has helped spread Islamic extremism around the world as well as sponsoring terrorism in places such as Bosnia, Israel, and India. Numerous previous posts have discussed WAMY’s activities throughout the world. WAMY Chief Says Steep Budget Shortfall To HInder Operations Print This Post
Arab media is reporting concerns expressed by the leader of the
World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) over what is described as a “steep
shortfall” in the organization’s budget. According to a report in the Arab News:Saleh S. Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), has voiced concerns over the steep shortfall of WAMY’s budget that is cutting deep at the WAMY-affiliated organizations that cater to the needs of poor Muslim children and youths worldwide. The budgetary constraints, he said, was mainly caused by the economic crisis and the stringent measures imposed by the US and the Western nations on collecting donations and remitting funds abroad for Islamic projects. “This year, WAMY has reported five percent budget shortfall, that will eventually affect our services, aid and relief operations worldwide,” said Saleh S. Al-Wohaibi, WAMY’s secretary general, while addressing a press conference here Wednesday night. Several WAMY officials including Mohammed Al-Surri, WAMY’s executive director; and Hassan A. Kudaish, chief of the WAMY’s education department, were also present during the briefing at the WAMY’s headquarters…..Al-Wohaibi, however, lamented that the curbs imposed on charities like WAMY, which has over 450 youth organizations among its members worldwide, are creating more problems for poor children and youths across the world. “One of the oft-repeated charges against charitable organizations is that they have become a channel for funding terrorism,” he said. The fact that WAMY has nothing to do with such activities is clear from its membership to several international organizations including the UN, he added. The WAMY chief said: “Islamic charities like their counterparts in the US and Europe must have rights to accept donations, transfer funds to foreign countries for humanitarian projects and help people in need and in hours of crisis.”Muslim Brothers were instrumental in the founding of WAMY and the organization continues to enjoy close relations with the global Muslim Brotherhood. U.S. government agencies and officials have argued that WAMY has helped spread Islamic extremism around the world as well as sponsoring terrorism in places such as Bosnia, Israel, and India. Numerous previous posts have discussed WAMY’s activities throughout the world.http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05852.pdf |
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