An Afghan army-led joint force of corps, commandos and other fighters have conducted an operation against the Taliban in the eastern province of Laghman, leaving 61 terrorists killed or seriously injured, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Nabard, the commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade in Laghman, said.

"As a result of the operation, 44 Taliban terrorists, including seven key commanders, were killed and 17 others were seriously wounded," Nabard said.

According to the military, the six-day operation was conducted in Laghman`s Dawlat Shah and Alishang districts.

The army officer claimed that the areas had been completely cleared of the Taliban and that security checkpoints had been set up there.

An Afghan army-led joint force of corps, commandos and other fighters have conducted an operation against the Taliban in the eastern province of Laghman, leaving 61 terrorists killed or seriously injured, Brig.

An Afghan army-led joint force of corps, commandos and other fighters have conducted an operation against the Taliban in the eastern province of Laghman, leaving 61 terrorists killed or seriously injured, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Nabard, the commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade in Laghman, said. "As a result of the operation, 44 Taliban terrorists, including seven key commanders, were killed and 17 others were seriously wounded," Nabard said. According to the military, the six-day operation was conducted in Laghman`s Dawlat Shah and Alishang districts. The army officer claimed that the areas had been completely cleared of the Taliban and that security checkpoints had been set up there.

Afghan Army operation in Laghman leaves 44 Taliban terrorists dead

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals. These European countries are all secular. But many of them have laws to regulate Islam

Austria in 2015, banned foreign funding to religious institutions. Germany in 2019, kicked off a pilot project to train Imams. It created a special university course. Can we imagine such a thing in India?

16 Islamic preachers have been expelled from India in last three years. But the situation has deteriorated because we have gone from expulsion to arrests.

Italy deported 16 radical Imams from 2015 to 2018.&nbsp;

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Laws in Denmark are specific still. It has a law for children living in 'Ghetto neighbourhoods'. Ghetto neighbourhoods are enclaves with a large population of Muslim citizens. Children from these neighbourhoods must spend at least 25 hours apart from their parents every week. In these 25 hours, these kids are taught 'Danish values'. They are taught about Christmas and Easter traditions.

Denmark is a secular country. But the government mandates Muslim children to learn about Christmas and Easter. They also take Danish language classes.

How does the govt explain this? It says it is westernising these children. And immersing them in the secular culture of country. This is a constitutionally mandated intervention. The government says it's not an interference in religious affairs. It's something they must do to tackle the rising threat of Islamism.

This is part of a global pattern.

Take a look at this report from two days back.

"In 2018, government restrictions on religion reach the highest level globally in more than a decade," says a Pew research report. It's based on laws around the world.

What they found is very interesting. More and more countries are pushing laws, policies and actions that restrict religious practices. And most of them cite extremism as the reason for this.

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Let's see what European Union charter of fundamental rights says about freedom of religion.

"Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

So there is freedom of religion but with reasonable restrictions. Leaders in Europe and all over the world are well within their rights to make laws to protect their countries.

In some cases, even sweeping powers may be justified. In India, the previous UPA government introduced two laws after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The first set up a National Investigation Agency.

The second strengthened existing anti-terror laws to allow suspects to be detained without bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge.

The current n.D.A govt introduced the UAPA or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

It has special provisions to deal with terrorist activities. Both laws have been slammed as draconian. But neither is unique in the global context.

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals.

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals. These European countries are all secular. But many of them have laws to regulate Islam Austria in 2015, banned foreign funding to religious institutions. Germany in 2019, kicked off a pilot project to train Imams. It created a special university course. Can we imagine such a thing in India? 16 Islamic preachers have been expelled from India in last three years. But the situation has deteriorated because we have gone from expulsion to arrests. Italy deported 16 radical Imams from 2015 to 2018. × Laws in Denmark are specific still. It has a law for children living in 'Ghetto neighbourhoods'. Ghetto neighbourhoods are enclaves with a large population of Muslim citizens. Children from these neighbourhoods must spend at least 25 hours apart from their parents every week. In these 25 hours, these kids are taught 'Danish values'. They are taught about Christmas and Easter traditions. Denmark is a secular country. But the government mandates Muslim children to learn about Christmas and Easter. They also take Danish language classes. How does the govt explain this? It says it is westernising these children. And immersing them in the secular culture of country. This is a constitutionally mandated intervention. The government says it's not an interference in religious affairs. It's something they must do to tackle the rising threat of Islamism. This is part of a global pattern. Take a look at this report from two days back. "In 2018, government restrictions on religion reach the highest level globally in more than a decade," says a Pew research report. It's based on laws around the world. What they found is very interesting. More and more countries are pushing laws, policies and actions that restrict religious practices. And most of them cite extremism as the reason for this. × Let's see what European Union charter of fundamental rights says about freedom of religion. "Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others." So there is freedom of religion but with reasonable restrictions. Leaders in Europe and all over the world are well within their rights to make laws to protect their countries. In some cases, even sweeping powers may be justified. In India, the previous UPA government introduced two laws after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The first set up a National Investigation Agency. The second strengthened existing anti-terror laws to allow suspects to be detained without bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge. The current n.D.A govt introduced the UAPA or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. It has special provisions to deal with terrorist activities. Both laws have been slammed as draconian. But neither is unique in the global context.

How countries are tackling Islamic extremism with the help of laws

In the wake of two horrific incidents of Islamist terrorism in France, President Emmanuel Macron and many of his countrymen have reacted angrily to criticism from abroad suggesting that French policies, and especially the French version of state-enforced secularism, somehow contributed to the lethal radicalization of a sliver of the country’s large Muslim population.

The French reaction is understandable. The beheading of a schoolteacher and the murder of three churchgoers in Nice by Islamist terrorists cannot be justified by any grievance, real or perceived. Any attempt to lay the blame for these horrific crimes on their victims, or on national policies, is perverse. France, a country with a deep commitment to human rights and a robust tradition of self-criticism, offers many legal avenues of protest — witness the yellow vest movement that has periodically convulsed France for two years now.

In the face of scathing criticism from Macron — expressed in a letter in The Financial Times, an interview with Ben Smith, the media columnist of The New York Times, and elsewhere — The FT and Politico Europe both removed articles questioning the role of French policies in Islamist violence. The core of the president’s complaint was that English-speaking countries that share France’s values were in effect “legitimizing this violence, and saying that the heart of the problem is that France is racist and Islamophobic.”

It is not always fully appreciated outside France’s borders that the country is home to the largest number of Muslims in the Western world, more than 8% of the country’s total population. It also has a history of horrific terrorist attacks, including, in 2015, the raid on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and the assaults on Paris cafes and entertainment halls that left 130 dead.

Furthermore, France’s approach to ethnic minorities differs from the American model in fundamental ways not often understood. The American way is basically to promote the coexistence of different ethnic groups and religions; the French model, born of the French Revolution, is a universalist one in which people of all races, religions and backgrounds are treated without differentiation as citizens with equal rights. France maintains no register of people’s ethnicity or religion.

A critical element of that model is the French concept of secularism, laïcité, a legacy of the French struggle against the power of the Roman Catholic Church. Whereas freedom of religion in the United States began as defense of religion against the state, France’s began with a defense of the state against religion. So French policies such as banning Muslim headscarves in school, perceived by many of the French as combating religious coercion, is often criticized in what the French call the “Anglo-Saxon” world as an attempt to forcibly impose French identity on immigrants.

To its critics, the French model does too little to improve the lot of Arab and African Muslims living in suburban public housing, the “banlieues” where youth unemployment runs sky-high and many of the Islamist radicals are incubated. Conditions there have only worsened with the coronavirus pandemic.

In a major speech in early October, Macron assailed the rise of “Islamist separatism” and promised a new law to defend France’s secular and democratic values. He also recognized the problem of the “ghettoization” of French cities where “we built our own separatism ourselves,” but the speech drew sharp criticism from French Muslims, including charges that it stigmatized Muslims, especially women and working-class Muslims.

These are issues that should be open to debate, both within France and among mature democracies. But the debate cannot cross into any notion that any victim of Islamist terror “had it coming.” Macron is right to reject any such suggestion.

But he goes too far in seeing malicious insult throughout the “Anglo-American media.” Serious news organizations in the United States, including The New York Times, have sought to offer full and nuanced reports on the terror attacks in France and on the French government’s policies. It was unfair of Macron’s international communications adviser, Anne-Sophie Bradelle, to suggest that The Times and The Washington Post said France was “at war with Islam.” Neither suggested this, or argued that France’s core problem was that it is “racist and Islamophobic.”

But racism and Islamophobia are major problems in France, as they are in the United States, Britain and elsewhere in the Western world. So is Islamist terror, and the many issues of cultural integration, tolerance and competition posed by mass migration. These are the common challenges of the Western world, and no country has demonstrated a fully adequate response.

Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. government has woefully abandoned its tradition of openness to immigrants and refugees, and the president has deliberately fanned racism and intolerance for political ends. French news outlets have not spared Trump and his followers in their coverage of his administration, nor should they.

The French media has also demonstrated a robust readiness to assail Macron’s policies, as it has done in recent weeks against the introduction of a “general security” bill that, among other things, included what looked like an attempt to protect the police from public scrutiny. After two incidents of police brutality caught on video, the bill was pulled back for a rewrite.

That’s what the news media does, at home and abroad. It is its function and duty to ask questions about the roots of racism, ethnic anger and the spread of Islamism among Western Muslims, and to critique the effectiveness and impact of government policies. When terrorists strike, however, there is only one response. On that front, Macron, France is not alone.

In the wake of two horrific incidents of Islamist terrorism in France, President Emmanuel Macron and many of his countrymen have reacted angrily to criticism from abroad suggesting that French policies, and especially the French version of state-enforced secularism, somehow contributed to the lethal radicalization of a sliver of the country’s large Muslim population.

In the wake of two horrific incidents of Islamist terrorism in France, President Emmanuel Macron and many of his countrymen have reacted angrily to criticism from abroad suggesting that French policies, and especially the French version of state-enforced secularism, somehow contributed to the lethal radicalization of a sliver of the country’s large Muslim population. The French reaction is understandable. The beheading of a schoolteacher and the murder of three churchgoers in Nice by Islamist terrorists cannot be justified by any grievance, real or perceived. Any attempt to lay the blame for these horrific crimes on their victims, or on national policies, is perverse. France, a country with a deep commitment to human rights and a robust tradition of self-criticism, offers many legal avenues of protest — witness the yellow vest movement that has periodically convulsed France for two years now. In the face of scathing criticism from Macron — expressed in a letter in The Financial Times, an interview with Ben Smith, the media columnist of The New York Times, and elsewhere — The FT and Politico Europe both removed articles questioning the role of French policies in Islamist violence. The core of the president’s complaint was that English-speaking countries that share France’s values were in effect “legitimizing this violence, and saying that the heart of the problem is that France is racist and Islamophobic.” It is not always fully appreciated outside France’s borders that the country is home to the largest number of Muslims in the Western world, more than 8% of the country’s total population. It also has a history of horrific terrorist attacks, including, in 2015, the raid on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and the assaults on Paris cafes and entertainment halls that left 130 dead. Furthermore, France’s approach to ethnic minorities differs from the American model in fundamental ways not often understood. The American way is basically to promote the coexistence of different ethnic groups and religions; the French model, born of the French Revolution, is a universalist one in which people of all races, religions and backgrounds are treated without differentiation as citizens with equal rights. France maintains no register of people’s ethnicity or religion. A critical element of that model is the French concept of secularism, laïcité, a legacy of the French struggle against the power of the Roman Catholic Church. Whereas freedom of religion in the United States began as defense of religion against the state, France’s began with a defense of the state against religion. So French policies such as banning Muslim headscarves in school, perceived by many of the French as combating religious coercion, is often criticized in what the French call the “Anglo-Saxon” world as an attempt to forcibly impose French identity on immigrants. To its critics, the French model does too little to improve the lot of Arab and African Muslims living in suburban public housing, the “banlieues” where youth unemployment runs sky-high and many of the Islamist radicals are incubated. Conditions there have only worsened with the coronavirus pandemic. In a major speech in early October, Macron assailed the rise of “Islamist separatism” and promised a new law to defend France’s secular and democratic values. He also recognized the problem of the “ghettoization” of French cities where “we built our own separatism ourselves,” but the speech drew sharp criticism from French Muslims, including charges that it stigmatized Muslims, especially women and working-class Muslims. These are issues that should be open to debate, both within France and among mature democracies. But the debate cannot cross into any notion that any victim of Islamist terror “had it coming.” Macron is right to reject any such suggestion. But he goes too far in seeing malicious insult throughout the “Anglo-American media.” Serious news organizations in the United States, including The New York Times, have sought to offer full and nuanced reports on the terror attacks in France and on the French government’s policies. It was unfair of Macron’s international communications adviser, Anne-Sophie Bradelle, to suggest that The Times and The Washington Post said France was “at war with Islam.” Neither suggested this, or argued that France’s core problem was that it is “racist and Islamophobic.” But racism and Islamophobia are major problems in France, as they are in the United States, Britain and elsewhere in the Western world. So is Islamist terror, and the many issues of cultural integration, tolerance and competition posed by mass migration. These are the common challenges of the Western world, and no country has demonstrated a fully adequate response. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. government has woefully abandoned its tradition of openness to immigrants and refugees, and the president has deliberately fanned racism and intolerance for political ends. French news outlets have not spared Trump and his followers in their coverage of his administration, nor should they. The French media has also demonstrated a robust readiness to assail Macron’s policies, as it has done in recent weeks against the introduction of a “general security” bill that, among other things, included what looked like an attempt to protect the police from public scrutiny. After two incidents of police brutality caught on video, the bill was pulled back for a rewrite. That’s what the news media does, at home and abroad. It is its function and duty to ask questions about the roots of racism, ethnic anger and the spread of Islamism among Western Muslims, and to critique the effectiveness and impact of government policies. When terrorists strike, however, there is only one response. On that front, Macron, France is not alone.

Editorials of The Times: Responding to terrorism in France

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action".

India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world. It threatens to engulf the world in a carnage similar to what we witnessed during the two World Wars. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and can only be defeated by a global action."

India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism.

Ashish Sharma, who was speaking at a UN event on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 highlighted the role Indian soldiers had played and how they had "participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense casualties".

He said, "Despite being under colonial occupation", India contributed 2.5 million soldiers who fought in "every theatre of World War II, from North Africa to Europe and as the Far East as Hong Kong"

During the war, the Indian army was the largest volunteer force ever raised in the history of which 87,000 died or went missing and over a hundred thousand suffered grave injuries.

The first secretary said, "we also cannot forget the sacrifices of our Asian, African and Arab brothers and sisters who fought and died for the freedom of the Allied powers, although they were under the yoke of colonial rule.'

Interestingly, New Delhi pointed out "Although the battlefronts of Europe were romanticized in novels, history books and films" much of the war was "fought in and over colonies controlled by the colonial powers, with front lines springing up from North Africa to East Asia."&nbsp;

The event was organized by Russia in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War. Earlier this year, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had represented India at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of 75th Anniversary celebrations. A tri-services contingent of the Indian army took part in the Victory Day Parade.

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action". India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world.

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action". India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world. It threatens to engulf the world in a carnage similar to what we witnessed during the two World Wars. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and can only be defeated by a global action." India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism. Ashish Sharma, who was speaking at a UN event on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 highlighted the role Indian soldiers had played and how they had "participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense casualties". He said, "Despite being under colonial occupation", India contributed 2.5 million soldiers who fought in "every theatre of World War II, from North Africa to Europe and as the Far East as Hong Kong" During the war, the Indian army was the largest volunteer force ever raised in the history of which 87,000 died or went missing and over a hundred thousand suffered grave injuries. The first secretary said, "we also cannot forget the sacrifices of our Asian, African and Arab brothers and sisters who fought and died for the freedom of the Allied powers, although they were under the yoke of colonial rule.' Interestingly, New Delhi pointed out "Although the battlefronts of Europe were romanticized in novels, history books and films" much of the war was "fought in and over colonies controlled by the colonial powers, with front lines springing up from North Africa to East Asia." The event was organized by Russia in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War. Earlier this year, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had represented India at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of 75th Anniversary celebrations. A tri-services contingent of the Indian army took part in the Victory Day Parade.

Terror has emerged as a means of waging war, requires global action: India at UN

There has been a noticeable increase in the religious extremism in Bangladesh. This trend saw a rise in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo related killings in France in the last couple of months when wide stage protests rocked Bangladesh. Such a development was adequately covered in these columns as soon as they unfolded.

Amid this spurt in the activities of the zealots, a new controversy has erupted which is just a pretext to air bigotry thoughts of the Islamic radicals in Bangladesh. Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s centenary year (2021) is being planned in a big way all across Bangladesh. Prevailing COVID pandemic has also not dampened the spirits of the celebrations. Yet, a controversy sparked off relates to a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman creation of which is being most vehemently opposed by these fanatics. They want its immediate removal. 
 
Those opposed say this is against the tenets of Islam as the religion according to them doesn’t allow bust or statues. Seculars, on the other hand, put forward a counter-argument that sculpture is a piece of art and is found in many Muslim countries. Only those of regressive thinking are criticising and trying to usurp the progressive space through medieval and irrational thinking.

Meanwhile, the most disturbing happening is the activities of Hefazat-e-Islam which claims to be close to Sheikh Hasina and the ruling establishment but its actions in the recent months have been of very violent and belligerent nature. The decade-old all Muslim organisation has its bastion in the port city of Chittagong, running many madrasas and of late, it’s defiant and perverse aggressive posturing has come to the fore after the killings in France. It’s leader, Junaid Babunagari has been spewing venom and vitiating the communal scene by his hate and provocative rhetoric.

More disturbingly, Hefazat-i-Islam joining hands with ultra-intolerant outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami and Khilafat Majlish has been worrisome to the government. This is because Jamaat is backed by Pakistan and it stands de franchised by the establishment. Jamaat is well known for being anti-India, anti-Hindu minority and was a collaborator with Pakistani occupation forces in 1970-71. It is trying to piggy ride Hefazat-e-Islam and wants to stay afloat to oppose the forward-thinking forces. Pakistan intelligence agencies must be happy with Hefazat-e-Islam and other like-minded forces attempts to capitalise on the rising wave of Islamic fundamentalism.

In the meantime, continuing with its glaring pro fanaticism agenda, Hefazat-e-Islam Chief, Babunagari has given a four-point demands/ultimatum to the government which include (1) Closure of all activities of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON) all across Bangladesh (2) Banning of Ahmediya activities and declaring it as un-Islamic in Bangladesh (3) Expulsion of the French Ambassador from Bangladesh and (4) Closure of French Embassy in Dhaka &amp; passing a resolution in the BD parliament condemning the anti-Islam happenings in France.

Bangladesh watchers, in the meantime, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam is likely to increase its list of demands as the government doesn’t seem to be acting tough. Hefazat-e-Islam is also feeling emboldened on the sculpture issue because in 2017 its strong-arm tactics had succeeded even the government was forced to remove a statue of a lady from the precincts of the Supreme Court stating it to be against the Islamic ideals. Under the circumstances, Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamic ultras have given a call for pulling down of all statutes and sculptures in Bangladesh. TV channels and social media have generated animated debates on the issue. There have been feeble attempts by some ministers including Awami League General Secretary, Obaidul Qader to rein in the communal forces but results are yet to show up on the ground.

Defenders of Hasina, however, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam has no support from her or her ruling party but they are cautious in any blistering criticism of this Islamic body saying that though Hasina remains an ardent adherent of Islam, she believes in the modernisation of the religion and backs a scientific temper for the religion. Such reckonings don’t seem to convince the minority population or the seculars in Bangladesh who want Hefazat-e-Islam to be put on a tight leash lest it assumes perilous proportions.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and Bangladesh watcher. Views expressed are personal) 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

There has been a noticeable increase in the religious extremism in Bangladesh. This trend saw a rise in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo related killings in France in the last couple of months when wide stage protests rocked Bangladesh.

There has been a noticeable increase in the religious extremism in Bangladesh. This trend saw a rise in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo related killings in France in the last couple of months when wide stage protests rocked Bangladesh. Such a development was adequately covered in these columns as soon as they unfolded. Amid this spurt in the activities of the zealots, a new controversy has erupted which is just a pretext to air bigotry thoughts of the Islamic radicals in Bangladesh. Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s centenary year (2021) is being planned in a big way all across Bangladesh. Prevailing COVID pandemic has also not dampened the spirits of the celebrations. Yet, a controversy sparked off relates to a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman creation of which is being most vehemently opposed by these fanatics. They want its immediate removal. Those opposed say this is against the tenets of Islam as the religion according to them doesn’t allow bust or statues. Seculars, on the other hand, put forward a counter-argument that sculpture is a piece of art and is found in many Muslim countries. Only those of regressive thinking are criticising and trying to usurp the progressive space through medieval and irrational thinking. Meanwhile, the most disturbing happening is the activities of Hefazat-e-Islam which claims to be close to Sheikh Hasina and the ruling establishment but its actions in the recent months have been of very violent and belligerent nature. The decade-old all Muslim organisation has its bastion in the port city of Chittagong, running many madrasas and of late, it’s defiant and perverse aggressive posturing has come to the fore after the killings in France. It’s leader, Junaid Babunagari has been spewing venom and vitiating the communal scene by his hate and provocative rhetoric. More disturbingly, Hefazat-i-Islam joining hands with ultra-intolerant outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami and Khilafat Majlish has been worrisome to the government. This is because Jamaat is backed by Pakistan and it stands de franchised by the establishment. Jamaat is well known for being anti-India, anti-Hindu minority and was a collaborator with Pakistani occupation forces in 1970-71. It is trying to piggy ride Hefazat-e-Islam and wants to stay afloat to oppose the forward-thinking forces. Pakistan intelligence agencies must be happy with Hefazat-e-Islam and other like-minded forces attempts to capitalise on the rising wave of Islamic fundamentalism. In the meantime, continuing with its glaring pro fanaticism agenda, Hefazat-e-Islam Chief, Babunagari has given a four-point demands/ultimatum to the government which include (1) Closure of all activities of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON) all across Bangladesh (2) Banning of Ahmediya activities and declaring it as un-Islamic in Bangladesh (3) Expulsion of the French Ambassador from Bangladesh and (4) Closure of French Embassy in Dhaka & passing a resolution in the BD parliament condemning the anti-Islam happenings in France. Bangladesh watchers, in the meantime, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam is likely to increase its list of demands as the government doesn’t seem to be acting tough. Hefazat-e-Islam is also feeling emboldened on the sculpture issue because in 2017 its strong-arm tactics had succeeded even the government was forced to remove a statue of a lady from the precincts of the Supreme Court stating it to be against the Islamic ideals. Under the circumstances, Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamic ultras have given a call for pulling down of all statutes and sculptures in Bangladesh. TV channels and social media have generated animated debates on the issue. There have been feeble attempts by some ministers including Awami League General Secretary, Obaidul Qader to rein in the communal forces but results are yet to show up on the ground. Defenders of Hasina, however, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam has no support from her or her ruling party but they are cautious in any blistering criticism of this Islamic body saying that though Hasina remains an ardent adherent of Islam, she believes in the modernisation of the religion and backs a scientific temper for the religion. Such reckonings don’t seem to convince the minority population or the seculars in Bangladesh who want Hefazat-e-Islam to be put on a tight leash lest it assumes perilous proportions. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and Bangladesh watcher. Views expressed are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Is Islamic radicalism on the rise in Bangladesh?

At one time, several countries in Europe including Britain, France, and Portugal ruled most of the rest of the world in Asia, Africa and the Americas. &nbsp;Europeans entered these impoverished regions as traders and then found that they could dominate these countries by exploiting the illiteracy of the local population and the enmity and conflicts between the local chieftains. European countries succeeded and finally ruled these occupied countries for several centuries. Europeans exploited the resources of these countries ruthlessly and enriched themselves. However, with local people getting better awareness, the rule by Europeans ended.

Domination attempt by communists

Later on, communism emerged and communists attempted to dominate the world by spreading the communist philosophy, which was explained as supporting the cause of proletariat (working class) and to prevent the exploitation of the poor people by the employers and landlords. The essence of the communist campaign was that establishment of communist governance should be an international goal and the nationalism should be subordinated to it. However, the communist governments fell one by one, as it amounted to dictatorship and rule by a coterie of ruthless leaders, who were proved to be bigger exploiters than the employers and the landowners they decried earlier. &nbsp;At present, China claims itself to be a communist country but such claim is a fraud, as China has a ruthless government essentially believing in the suppression of freedom and liberty of individuals and having sort of capitalist economy pattern.

Domination attempt by China

China too has now the ambition of dominating the world to make China emerge as a superpower. The method and strategy being adopted by the Chinese government are somewhat different from that of the Europeans and communists earlier, as China is seeking to exercise economic control over the weak countries and is organizing OBOR (One Belt One Road) scheme, which essentially is aimed to make all countries look up to China for support and in the process enabling China to become a superpower. Apart from this, China combines it’s economic and trade strategies with war tactics, where it seeks to expand its territory by sending its army and indulging in warfare. So far, it has been successful to some extent, as it is evident from its occupation of Tibet by aggressive military action. &nbsp;It remains to be seen as to what extent China would be successful in the long run.

Islamic extremism

Islamic extremism is now a strongly emerging force that seeks to convert the entire world to become followers of Islam. In other words, unlike the past pattern adopted by Europe and communist countries, Islamic extremism has a religious goal to be achieved by fair or foul means.

Islamic extremists believe (and they are not concealing this belief) that they can make the entire world follow Islam by acts of terrorism, killings, violence and also spreading the Muslim population around the world.

Europe and India targeted

Certainly, the immediate target of the Islamic extremists is European countries and India, as most of the European countries and India have a democratic form of governance and have a liberal attitude towards the dissenters, protestors and even violent movements.

Infiltration into Europe

In the case of &nbsp;Europe, the Islamic extremists (who are now described by many as Islamic terrorists and this term is getting into dictionaries) are indulging in terrorist activities, wanton killing of innocent people to frighten the Europeans and combining these tactics by infiltrating into Europe as refugees.

The democratic countries in Europe, such as Germany, Belgium and several others, have “innocently” allowed the entry of Islamic refugees in large number, without realizing the short term and long term adverse implications. &nbsp;Now, European countries are realizing their fault but such realization appears to be too late now.

The population of Islamic refugees in Europe have significantly increased in recent years and the families are multiplying themselves at a rapid pace. &nbsp;Most of them continue to adopt their own lifestyle and Islamic way of living and the majority of them live in separate colonies. Such Muslim dominated colonies are now so many in Europe, that the natives often avoid entering into these colonies at all.

Europe paying the price

France is now paying the price, more than other European countries, as it has a significant population of Muslims and Islamic extremists are effectively mingling with the local Muslim population and frequently carrying out attacks and killings under one pretext or the other.

The French government now says that it is determined to check the onslaught of Islamic extremism.

The question is whether it can really do so, as France is not getting the necessary support from other European countries, since most of the European countries also have significant Muslim population and are fearing backlash from Islamic extremists.

Role of Islamic countries

While European countries remain disunited in combating the Islamic extremism, the Islam dominated countries all over the world are supporting the terrorist activities by Islamic extremists in France and are organizing demonstrations all over the world against the French government and its leadership.

What is even more disquieting is that a few Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran are openly supporting Islamic extremism and the goal of making the entire world an Islamic world.

What future for Europe?

It remains to be seen how Europe would tackle the challenge posed by the Islamic extremists and one wonders as to whether Europe has already lost the war against Islamic extremists, particularly since Islamic refugees and other people following Islam religion are already well entrenched in Europe and expand their population steadily and rapidly and will never go away from Europe.

Once Europeans ruled almost the entire world. Are now Europeans being paid back in the same coin?

At one time, several countries in Europe including Britain, France, and Portugal ruled most of the rest of the world in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Europeans entered these impoverished regions as traders and then found that they could dominate these countries by exploiting the illiteracy of the local population and the enmity and conflicts between the local chieftains.

At one time, several countries in Europe including Britain, France, and Portugal ruled most of the rest of the world in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Europeans entered these impoverished regions as traders and then found that they could dominate these countries by exploiting the illiteracy of the local population and the enmity and conflicts between the local chieftains. European countries succeeded and finally ruled these occupied countries for several centuries. Europeans exploited the resources of these countries ruthlessly and enriched themselves. However, with local people getting better awareness, the rule by Europeans ended. Domination attempt by communists Later on, communism emerged and communists attempted to dominate the world by spreading the communist philosophy, which was explained as supporting the cause of proletariat (working class) and to prevent the exploitation of the poor people by the employers and landlords. The essence of the communist campaign was that establishment of communist governance should be an international goal and the nationalism should be subordinated to it. However, the communist governments fell one by one, as it amounted to dictatorship and rule by a coterie of ruthless leaders, who were proved to be bigger exploiters than the employers and the landowners they decried earlier. At present, China claims itself to be a communist country but such claim is a fraud, as China has a ruthless government essentially believing in the suppression of freedom and liberty of individuals and having sort of capitalist economy pattern. Domination attempt by China China too has now the ambition of dominating the world to make China emerge as a superpower. The method and strategy being adopted by the Chinese government are somewhat different from that of the Europeans and communists earlier, as China is seeking to exercise economic control over the weak countries and is organizing OBOR (One Belt One Road) scheme, which essentially is aimed to make all countries look up to China for support and in the process enabling China to become a superpower. Apart from this, China combines it’s economic and trade strategies with war tactics, where it seeks to expand its territory by sending its army and indulging in warfare. So far, it has been successful to some extent, as it is evident from its occupation of Tibet by aggressive military action. It remains to be seen as to what extent China would be successful in the long run. Islamic extremism Islamic extremism is now a strongly emerging force that seeks to convert the entire world to become followers of Islam. In other words, unlike the past pattern adopted by Europe and communist countries, Islamic extremism has a religious goal to be achieved by fair or foul means. Islamic extremists believe (and they are not concealing this belief) that they can make the entire world follow Islam by acts of terrorism, killings, violence and also spreading the Muslim population around the world. Europe and India targeted Certainly, the immediate target of the Islamic extremists is European countries and India, as most of the European countries and India have a democratic form of governance and have a liberal attitude towards the dissenters, protestors and even violent movements. Infiltration into Europe In the case of Europe, the Islamic extremists (who are now described by many as Islamic terrorists and this term is getting into dictionaries) are indulging in terrorist activities, wanton killing of innocent people to frighten the Europeans and combining these tactics by infiltrating into Europe as refugees. The democratic countries in Europe, such as Germany, Belgium and several others, have “innocently” allowed the entry of Islamic refugees in large number, without realizing the short term and long term adverse implications. Now, European countries are realizing their fault but such realization appears to be too late now. The population of Islamic refugees in Europe have significantly increased in recent years and the families are multiplying themselves at a rapid pace. Most of them continue to adopt their own lifestyle and Islamic way of living and the majority of them live in separate colonies. Such Muslim dominated colonies are now so many in Europe, that the natives often avoid entering into these colonies at all. Europe paying the price France is now paying the price, more than other European countries, as it has a significant population of Muslims and Islamic extremists are effectively mingling with the local Muslim population and frequently carrying out attacks and killings under one pretext or the other. The French government now says that it is determined to check the onslaught of Islamic extremism. The question is whether it can really do so, as France is not getting the necessary support from other European countries, since most of the European countries also have significant Muslim population and are fearing backlash from Islamic extremists. Role of Islamic countries While European countries remain disunited in combating the Islamic extremism, the Islam dominated countries all over the world are supporting the terrorist activities by Islamic extremists in France and are organizing demonstrations all over the world against the French government and its leadership. What is even more disquieting is that a few Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran are openly supporting Islamic extremism and the goal of making the entire world an Islamic world. What future for Europe? It remains to be seen how Europe would tackle the challenge posed by the Islamic extremists and one wonders as to whether Europe has already lost the war against Islamic extremists, particularly since Islamic refugees and other people following Islam religion are already well entrenched in Europe and expand their population steadily and rapidly and will never go away from Europe. Once Europeans ruled almost the entire world. Are now Europeans being paid back in the same coin?

Has Europe already lost the war against Islamic extremists?

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year". The attack took in Koshobe, a village near the main city of Maiduguri. The attackers targetted rice field farmers. The tragedy took place on Saturday (November 28)

"At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack," UN's Edward Kallon said in a statement after initial tolls indicated 43 and then at least 70 dead from Saturday's massacre by suspected Boko Haram fighters.

"The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year," Kallon said, adding: "I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice."

Borno Governor Babaganan Umara Zulum attended the burial Sunday in the nearby village of Zabarmari of 43 bodies recovered on Saturday, saying the toll could rise after search operations resumed.

According to a pro-government anti-jihadist media, the attackers tied up agricultural workers and slit their throats.

The victims were among labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, it said.&nbsp;

Six were wounded in the attack and eight remained missing as of Saturday.&nbsp;

Kallon, citing "reports that several women may have been kidnapped", called for their immediate release and return to safety.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, saying: "The entire country has been wounded by these senseless killings."

The attack took place as voters went to the polls in long-delayed local elections in Borno State. 
The polls had been repeatedly postponed because of an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and a rival dissident faction, ISWAP.

The two groups have been blamed for increasing attacks on loggers, farmers and fishermen whom they accuse of spying for the army and pro-government militias.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year".

A horrific attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadist group has claimed 110 lives in northeast Nigeria, said the United Nations. UN's humanitarian coordinator said that this was the "most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year". The attack took in Koshobe, a village near the main city of Maiduguri. The attackers targetted rice field farmers. The tragedy took place on Saturday (November 28) "At least 110 civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack," UN's Edward Kallon said in a statement after initial tolls indicated 43 and then at least 70 dead from Saturday's massacre by suspected Boko Haram fighters. "The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year," Kallon said, adding: "I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice." Borno Governor Babaganan Umara Zulum attended the burial Sunday in the nearby village of Zabarmari of 43 bodies recovered on Saturday, saying the toll could rise after search operations resumed. According to a pro-government anti-jihadist media, the attackers tied up agricultural workers and slit their throats. The victims were among labourers from Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away, who had travelled to the northeast to find work, it said. Six were wounded in the attack and eight remained missing as of Saturday. Kallon, citing "reports that several women may have been kidnapped", called for their immediate release and return to safety. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attack, saying: "The entire country has been wounded by these senseless killings." The attack took place as voters went to the polls in long-delayed local elections in Borno State. The polls had been repeatedly postponed because of an increase in attacks by Boko Haram and a rival dissident faction, ISWAP. The two groups have been blamed for increasing attacks on loggers, farmers and fishermen whom they accuse of spying for the army and pro-government militias. (With AFP inputs)

Nigeria attack blamed on jihadists claims 110 lives

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack. The killing has resulted in tension in the region. Iran has accused Israel for the killing.

"We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were.

"Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are."

Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint".

Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-in-iran-could-limit-bidens-options-was-that-the-goal-346211">Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal?</a> 
 
The ministry said that Fakhrizadeh was head of its research and innovation department.

Turkey and Iran are regional powers with a history of complex relations.

While they often line up on opposing sides, recent years have seen them build up cooperation in some areas like energy.

Both are fierce opponents of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack.

Turkey on Sunday condemned killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". It also said that the killing disturbed peace in the region. Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed on Friday (November 27) in an armed attack. The killing has resulted in tension in the region. Iran has accused Israel for the killing. "We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were. "Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are." Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint". Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said. Also Read | Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal? The ministry said that Fakhrizadeh was head of its research and innovation department. Turkey and Iran are regional powers with a history of complex relations. While they often line up on opposing sides, recent years have seen them build up cooperation in some areas like energy. Both are fierce opponents of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkey condemns Iranian scientist killing as act of terrorism

For a very long time, through the second half of the 20th century, as the world shrank, became globalised, and increasingly enlightened in its attitudes, the old prejudices declined. There were even those who bent over backwards to set things right.

Racism, with its horrific history connected with slavery, colonialism, imperialism and the agrarian economy, was not only frowned upon, but there was also legislation against it. Diversity and multi-ethnicity were encouraged in Europe and America and other parts of the First World. Immigration policies, largely based on mandatory Caucasian and Judeo-Christian applicants, became broad-minded. A steady trend began towards ignoring, colour, race, language, religious and cultural differences, even lack of education, in immigration policy. The West was keen to make amends for the sins of the past.&nbsp;

It was thought assimilation into a more prosperous and welcoming environment, often under-populated, offering education, health benefits, other welfare initiatives, jobs, would help it happen automatically. It was, we know now, a romantic notion. Instead, hostile ghettoes of immigrants sprang up with no appreciation for the Western values that had let them in.&nbsp;

It is an understandable mistake because in the past, when down-trodden European, Jewish, some Asian groups, became new citizens, it had worked very well. Many of these sometimes impoverished new entrants are admired for their industry and made rapid strides within a generation. Refugees were accepted as an act of social consciousness and affirmative action against the horrors of war-torn parts of the world.&nbsp; 
 
But of course, this was before immigrants were being radicalised and instigated by their community leaders to take over their host countries. 
 
Other nations, principally functioning democracies, with large minority populations such as India, frowned on religious discrimination as well. They defined their inclusive policies as the very essence of secularism. While this did not always go down well with the majority, public policy saw to it that their views were ignored. 
&nbsp; 
It may even be said to have worked tolerably well at first over nearly five decades. &nbsp;But in the early part of the 21st century, soon after the millennium, this changed. The liberal world, we can see clearly now, came under attack from a shadowy and ideological enemy. The liberals were welcome to provide a shield, but they too were to be pushed aside when the time came.&nbsp; 
 
9/11, in 2001, was an unprecedented terrorist attack on American soil. It was aimed at its thriving commercial heart, located in Manhattan, New York, and its military and political centre in Washington D.C. It claimed more than 3,000 civilian lives, those of some security men and several firemen. The nearest thing in the American experience was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour that brought America into WWII. &nbsp; 
 
A similar landmark occasion in Mumbai, India, was 26/11, in 2008, which followed on from several earlier bombings in retaliation for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.&nbsp; 
 
But 26/11 was a stand-alone act of terror sponsored by neighbouring Pakistan. Like 9/11, it was designed to intimidate. It was an unprovoked strike at India that succeeded, unlike a similar attempt made on its parliament and its members in New Delhi subsequently. &nbsp;It was aimed at the commercial capital, targeting an iconic luxury hotel used by foreigners and the Indian elite, its main downtown railway terminus, even its hospitals. The small and floating Jewish presence by way of Mumbai’s Chabad House was also attacked. All the casualties, running into their hundreds, barring some military and police personnel, were civilians, including several foreigners, Europeans and Americans amongst them. 
&nbsp; 
There are many less spectacular occasions of exported terror, mostly connected to Pakistan and its infamous ISI. 
 
These took place both before and after these marquee occasions, around the world. Some involved military and diplomatic installations, others were purely civilian or political targets. 
 
But for a long time, the country most affected was India, followed by Israel. Terrorist attacks were not frequent in Europe, America, Australia or New Zealand. Prime Minister Modi has never made an international speech without highlighting the scourge of international terrorism. He has urged the free world to unite in the necessary fight, and this is gradually gaining momentum now.&nbsp; 
 
The terrorists, on their part, have increasingly picked on non-military soft targets, hoping to provoke a backlash. This would then create a domestic cycle of violence and retaliation and give terror the desired local roots. 
 
By the third decade of the 21st century, it appears that terror has got its wish, even as it has sown the seeds of its ultimate destruction as the world comes together against it. It has indeed struck global roots, with local and homegrown incidents becoming very frequent. &nbsp;Following on from France to Russia, to Canada, India, and so on, terror strikes have happened within just one week of the news cycle.&nbsp; 
 
France under President Macron has decided to push back. The EU has decided to support it. So has India. And Russia, and a slew of other countries such as Saudi Arabia. The Scandinavians are threatening deportation and cancellation of citizenship. India is now formally legislating against the pernicious practice of “love jihad”. &nbsp;America under President Trump, and indeed since 9/11, has been tightening up its immigration and surveillance policies. 
What has changed drastically in recent days however is the liberal stance towards this violence. The old argument that terrorists actually have no religion is not being readily accepted anymore. Being offended over perceived insults and injustices cannot be used as an excuse to unleash murderous violence. Nor can it justify rioting, arson and murder is the prevailing view.&nbsp; 
 
This change in the sympathetic liberal mindset that has given succour to supposedly dispossessed and poor people, is not willing to be taken advantage of any longer. 
 
In India, the minorities are gradually being asked to face up to their responsibilities as Indian citizens instead of overemphasising their rights. It is a big shift from the appeasement policies of the past. But it is by no means an unreasonable demand. There will be no going back. The sponsors of cross-border terrorism and the financing of embedded terror groups in this country are coming under increased pressure. There is a shift in public awareness that makes anti-state and anti-national activity difficult. India is dealing with native minorities, but the world at large is fed up.&nbsp; 
 
Barring a couple of isolated countries which are in deep economic trouble, the support for terrorism is shrinking rapidly. Any escalation of violence will be met with determined resistance. &nbsp;There is no future for terror as a political tool anywhere in the world.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

For a very long time, through the second half of the 20th century, as the world shrank, became globalised, and increasingly enlightened in its attitudes, the old prejudices declined.

For a very long time, through the second half of the 20th century, as the world shrank, became globalised, and increasingly enlightened in its attitudes, the old prejudices declined. There were even those who bent over backwards to set things right. Racism, with its horrific history connected with slavery, colonialism, imperialism and the agrarian economy, was not only frowned upon, but there was also legislation against it. Diversity and multi-ethnicity were encouraged in Europe and America and other parts of the First World. Immigration policies, largely based on mandatory Caucasian and Judeo-Christian applicants, became broad-minded. A steady trend began towards ignoring, colour, race, language, religious and cultural differences, even lack of education, in immigration policy. The West was keen to make amends for the sins of the past. It was thought assimilation into a more prosperous and welcoming environment, often under-populated, offering education, health benefits, other welfare initiatives, jobs, would help it happen automatically. It was, we know now, a romantic notion. Instead, hostile ghettoes of immigrants sprang up with no appreciation for the Western values that had let them in. It is an understandable mistake because in the past, when down-trodden European, Jewish, some Asian groups, became new citizens, it had worked very well. Many of these sometimes impoverished new entrants are admired for their industry and made rapid strides within a generation. Refugees were accepted as an act of social consciousness and affirmative action against the horrors of war-torn parts of the world. But of course, this was before immigrants were being radicalised and instigated by their community leaders to take over their host countries. Other nations, principally functioning democracies, with large minority populations such as India, frowned on religious discrimination as well. They defined their inclusive policies as the very essence of secularism. While this did not always go down well with the majority, public policy saw to it that their views were ignored. It may even be said to have worked tolerably well at first over nearly five decades. But in the early part of the 21st century, soon after the millennium, this changed. The liberal world, we can see clearly now, came under attack from a shadowy and ideological enemy. The liberals were welcome to provide a shield, but they too were to be pushed aside when the time came. 9/11, in 2001, was an unprecedented terrorist attack on American soil. It was aimed at its thriving commercial heart, located in Manhattan, New York, and its military and political centre in Washington D.C. It claimed more than 3,000 civilian lives, those of some security men and several firemen. The nearest thing in the American experience was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour that brought America into WWII. A similar landmark occasion in Mumbai, India, was 26/11, in 2008, which followed on from several earlier bombings in retaliation for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. But 26/11 was a stand-alone act of terror sponsored by neighbouring Pakistan. Like 9/11, it was designed to intimidate. It was an unprovoked strike at India that succeeded, unlike a similar attempt made on its parliament and its members in New Delhi subsequently. It was aimed at the commercial capital, targeting an iconic luxury hotel used by foreigners and the Indian elite, its main downtown railway terminus, even its hospitals. The small and floating Jewish presence by way of Mumbai’s Chabad House was also attacked. All the casualties, running into their hundreds, barring some military and police personnel, were civilians, including several foreigners, Europeans and Americans amongst them. There are many less spectacular occasions of exported terror, mostly connected to Pakistan and its infamous ISI. These took place both before and after these marquee occasions, around the world. Some involved military and diplomatic installations, others were purely civilian or political targets. But for a long time, the country most affected was India, followed by Israel. Terrorist attacks were not frequent in Europe, America, Australia or New Zealand. Prime Minister Modi has never made an international speech without highlighting the scourge of international terrorism. He has urged the free world to unite in the necessary fight, and this is gradually gaining momentum now. The terrorists, on their part, have increasingly picked on non-military soft targets, hoping to provoke a backlash. This would then create a domestic cycle of violence and retaliation and give terror the desired local roots. By the third decade of the 21st century, it appears that terror has got its wish, even as it has sown the seeds of its ultimate destruction as the world comes together against it. It has indeed struck global roots, with local and homegrown incidents becoming very frequent. Following on from France to Russia, to Canada, India, and so on, terror strikes have happened within just one week of the news cycle. France under President Macron has decided to push back. The EU has decided to support it. So has India. And Russia, and a slew of other countries such as Saudi Arabia. The Scandinavians are threatening deportation and cancellation of citizenship. India is now formally legislating against the pernicious practice of “love jihad”. America under President Trump, and indeed since 9/11, has been tightening up its immigration and surveillance policies. What has changed drastically in recent days however is the liberal stance towards this violence. The old argument that terrorists actually have no religion is not being readily accepted anymore. Being offended over perceived insults and injustices cannot be used as an excuse to unleash murderous violence. Nor can it justify rioting, arson and murder is the prevailing view. This change in the sympathetic liberal mindset that has given succour to supposedly dispossessed and poor people, is not willing to be taken advantage of any longer. In India, the minorities are gradually being asked to face up to their responsibilities as Indian citizens instead of overemphasising their rights. It is a big shift from the appeasement policies of the past. But it is by no means an unreasonable demand. There will be no going back. The sponsors of cross-border terrorism and the financing of embedded terror groups in this country are coming under increased pressure. There is a shift in public awareness that makes anti-state and anti-national activity difficult. India is dealing with native minorities, but the world at large is fed up. Barring a couple of isolated countries which are in deep economic trouble, the support for terrorism is shrinking rapidly. Any escalation of violence will be met with determined resistance. There is no future for terror as a political tool anywhere in the world. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

The pushback against terrorism is gaining ground globally

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France.

The latest act of terror is the terrorist assault in a&nbsp;synagogue in central Vienna (Austria), where&nbsp;on November 2, a group of unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately killing three and grievously injuring 14.&nbsp;This has sent bone-chilling shockwaves in Austria in particular, and in other adjacent European countries particularly Germany.&nbsp;

Vienna has ordinarily&nbsp;been out of the terror radar of the perpetrators when compared to violent terror strikes in other parts of Europe including in London, Brussels, Paris etc.&nbsp;While one of the assailants has been killed by the Austrian counter-terror forces, the rest are on the run, raising the level of alertness to the highest. All border countries have upped their antenna to apprehend the absconders. &nbsp;

Barely two weeks ago, on October 16, Samuel Paty, the simple school teacher in a Paris school in his mid-forties was brutally beheaded by an Islamic fanatic in the suburbs of Paris. Samuel Paty’s only ‘ fault‘ was that in one of his classes, he explained his pupils the French tenet of freedom of expression which included the caricature drawing, even if that was of any religious leader as drawn and published fearlessly by Charlie Hebdo. Paty was slain mercilessly which was a murder most foul. This was followed by a series of more killings in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Nice. This perverse act, in quick succession, was yet another grim reminder that France in particular and Europe, in general, were rapidly getting into an insecure mode falling into huge vulnerability.&nbsp;

Earlier, a Pakistani national in his teens had injured a couple of French people openly using a meat cleaver. We see a Pakistani, a Chechen and some of the other Islamic settlers moving openly with lethal tools of murder like a cleaver, displaying the fact that they are so highly radicalised and are ready to be killed in their attempts to avenge any self-perceived affront to their Prophet.&nbsp;

Now the question is how these perpetrators of ghastly murders are getting emboldened? Primarily, because Islamic leaders in a bid to assume a pan Islamic global role have most irresponsibly embarked on the rhetoric of hate and belligerence. Former Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad‘s most provoking remarks exhorting for indiscriminate killings of the French were in very poor taste most unbecoming of a former Head of State. More lamentably, Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan’s tenor using expressions like relaunching of a crusade against Islam or Islamophobia have done incalculable harm in any damage control or providing healing touch but instead added fuel to the fire. Pakistan PM, Imran Khan so as not to lag behind, also emerged with unsavoury statements with no appeal whatsoever to the terrorists for calm.

As President Emmanuel Macron of France has hardened his stance describing the acts of terror in France as part of Islamic terror, the Muslim world has gone on protests&nbsp;taking to streets. Bangladesh saw thousands of people converging daily in capital Dhaka demonstrating against France, burning Macron’s effigy, boycotting French goods and even going to the extent of resorting to vandalism targeting Hindus and their properties. Hindu minority in Bangladesh has nothing to do with the killings in France. This looks bizarre.&nbsp;

As Paris is yet to return to normalcy, Vienna is the latest victim setting a pattern being followed by the terrorists carefully selecting their targets in Europe. Belgium, Holland, Germany, France etc. &nbsp;Many more countries have a considerable number of population, originating from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Tunisia. Many of them had been complicit in terror assaults in Belgium, Holland etc. Encouraged by the emotional support, they are likely to stun Europe by lone-wolf attacks making these countries and even others, more insecure forcing them to live in fear and in edges.&nbsp;

It is reckoned by security analysts, that there is an urgent need to increase the intelligence with a meaningful exchange of actionable and preemptive information. Europol could be the point of coordination. However, it doesn’t seem to be happening today or else, in Vienna, how could the terrorists acquire such modern weapons and open fire killing three and wounding more than a dozen? The same logic holds good for France. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, there are no signs of any abatement in containing the spiralling cases of terror as yet. Nor are there any attempts of reconciliation between the deeply polarised camps represented by the religiously radicalised countries on one hand, and Europe on the other. Top religious leaders from both the camps need to do some brainstorming and the security professionals must also tighten their border control mechanism, intelligence apparatus and counter-terror initiatives to rein in one of the worst terror menaces the world is afflicted with. Importantly, their approach should be purely professional cutting across religious lines.&nbsp;

The developments in Austria and France call for a ‘ zero tolerance ‘ attitude in India too where all the concerned security agencies must exercise maximum vigil keeping a sharp eye on the potential mischief-makers to foil any terror-linked agenda to mar peace. This is underscored also to rule out fanning of communal passions and planning of lone-wolf attacks.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst, and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France.

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France. The latest act of terror is the terrorist assault in a synagogue in central Vienna (Austria), where on November 2, a group of unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately killing three and grievously injuring 14. This has sent bone-chilling shockwaves in Austria in particular, and in other adjacent European countries particularly Germany. Vienna has ordinarily been out of the terror radar of the perpetrators when compared to violent terror strikes in other parts of Europe including in London, Brussels, Paris etc. While one of the assailants has been killed by the Austrian counter-terror forces, the rest are on the run, raising the level of alertness to the highest. All border countries have upped their antenna to apprehend the absconders. Barely two weeks ago, on October 16, Samuel Paty, the simple school teacher in a Paris school in his mid-forties was brutally beheaded by an Islamic fanatic in the suburbs of Paris. Samuel Paty’s only ‘ fault‘ was that in one of his classes, he explained his pupils the French tenet of freedom of expression which included the caricature drawing, even if that was of any religious leader as drawn and published fearlessly by Charlie Hebdo. Paty was slain mercilessly which was a murder most foul. This was followed by a series of more killings in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Nice. This perverse act, in quick succession, was yet another grim reminder that France in particular and Europe, in general, were rapidly getting into an insecure mode falling into huge vulnerability. Earlier, a Pakistani national in his teens had injured a couple of French people openly using a meat cleaver. We see a Pakistani, a Chechen and some of the other Islamic settlers moving openly with lethal tools of murder like a cleaver, displaying the fact that they are so highly radicalised and are ready to be killed in their attempts to avenge any self-perceived affront to their Prophet. Now the question is how these perpetrators of ghastly murders are getting emboldened? Primarily, because Islamic leaders in a bid to assume a pan Islamic global role have most irresponsibly embarked on the rhetoric of hate and belligerence. Former Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad‘s most provoking remarks exhorting for indiscriminate killings of the French were in very poor taste most unbecoming of a former Head of State. More lamentably, Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan’s tenor using expressions like relaunching of a crusade against Islam or Islamophobia have done incalculable harm in any damage control or providing healing touch but instead added fuel to the fire. Pakistan PM, Imran Khan so as not to lag behind, also emerged with unsavoury statements with no appeal whatsoever to the terrorists for calm. As President Emmanuel Macron of France has hardened his stance describing the acts of terror in France as part of Islamic terror, the Muslim world has gone on protests taking to streets. Bangladesh saw thousands of people converging daily in capital Dhaka demonstrating against France, burning Macron’s effigy, boycotting French goods and even going to the extent of resorting to vandalism targeting Hindus and their properties. Hindu minority in Bangladesh has nothing to do with the killings in France. This looks bizarre. As Paris is yet to return to normalcy, Vienna is the latest victim setting a pattern being followed by the terrorists carefully selecting their targets in Europe. Belgium, Holland, Germany, France etc. Many more countries have a considerable number of population, originating from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Tunisia. Many of them had been complicit in terror assaults in Belgium, Holland etc. Encouraged by the emotional support, they are likely to stun Europe by lone-wolf attacks making these countries and even others, more insecure forcing them to live in fear and in edges. It is reckoned by security analysts, that there is an urgent need to increase the intelligence with a meaningful exchange of actionable and preemptive information. Europol could be the point of coordination. However, it doesn’t seem to be happening today or else, in Vienna, how could the terrorists acquire such modern weapons and open fire killing three and wounding more than a dozen? The same logic holds good for France. Meanwhile, there are no signs of any abatement in containing the spiralling cases of terror as yet. Nor are there any attempts of reconciliation between the deeply polarised camps represented by the religiously radicalised countries on one hand, and Europe on the other. Top religious leaders from both the camps need to do some brainstorming and the security professionals must also tighten their border control mechanism, intelligence apparatus and counter-terror initiatives to rein in one of the worst terror menaces the world is afflicted with. Importantly, their approach should be purely professional cutting across religious lines. The developments in Austria and France call for a ‘ zero tolerance ‘ attitude in India too where all the concerned security agencies must exercise maximum vigil keeping a sharp eye on the potential mischief-makers to foil any terror-linked agenda to mar peace. This is underscored also to rule out fanning of communal passions and planning of lone-wolf attacks. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst, and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Europe in the grip of terror 

Two army soldiers were killed along the Line of Control in Suderbani sector of Rajouri district after Pakistan violated the ceasefire, the army said. &nbsp;

“Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation on the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani Sector of District Rajouri on 27 November,” Lt Col Devender Anand, army’s Jammu based spokesman told WION.

The deceased have been identified as Naik Prem Bahadur Khatri and Rifleman Sukhbir Singh who initially was critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries at a medical facility.

The incident comes after a JCO was killed and a civilian was injured on LoC in Poonch district in Pakistan ceasefire violation yesterday.

Two army soldiers were killed along the Line of Control in Suderbani sector of Rajouri district after Pakistan violated the ceasefire, the army said. “Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation on the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani Sector of District Rajouri on 27 November,” Lt Col Devender Anand, army’s Jammu based spokesman told WION.

Two army soldiers were killed along the Line of Control in Suderbani sector of Rajouri district after Pakistan violated the ceasefire, the army said. “Pakistan Army resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation on the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani Sector of District Rajouri on 27 November,” Lt Col Devender Anand, army’s Jammu based spokesman told WION. The deceased have been identified as Naik Prem Bahadur Khatri and Rifleman Sukhbir Singh who initially was critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries at a medical facility. The incident comes after a JCO was killed and a civilian was injured on LoC in Poonch district in Pakistan ceasefire violation yesterday.

J&K: Two army men killed in Pakistan ceasefire violations in 24 hours

On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister was in West Asia. He was meeting top leaders of the gulf world. Pakistan on the other hand was getting snubbed overtime. 
&nbsp; 
UAE has stopped issuing visa to Pakistanis because of security reasons, say reports. The gulf is gradually pulling away from Pakistan and coming closer to India.

Pakistan has done enough, and more to disappoint its Arab allies.

But there are likely more reasons behind Arab World shunning Pakistan

Firstly, there is Pakistan's obsession with Kashmir. This obsession has been there since 1947. Pakistan has fought wars, framed its foreign policies around Kashmir, exported terror to Kashmir, moved world bodies over Kashmir. And after India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan threatened the OIC Chair, Saudi Arabia just because it refused to hold a special session over Kashmir.

But Pakistan's threats to Riyadh were duly registered and that is one of the reasons why gulf countries sidelined Pakistan.

The gulf has grown to realise that anchoring ties on religion alone will not give it long term allies.

There are other aspects that the Arab world needs to acknowledge when picking sides between India and Pakistan.

The gulf has grown to realise that it needs to have India by its side as it heads into the future, opens up its economy and normalises ties with countries like Israel.

Saudi Arabia's bilateral trade with India amounts to USD 33.07 billion.

With Pakistan the number in 2017-18 was USD 1.8 billion.

The India-UAE bilateral trade stands at USD 60 billion. While Pakistan's trade volume with UAE stands at 8 billion dollars.

India is a vital economic partner of the gulf, With annual trade amounting to nearly 100 billion dollars. India also comes with far too many avenues of cooperation, From technology to oil.

India also offers investment opportunities, something that a bleeding economy like Pakistan does not.

West Asia is investing in India, and Indian companies have partnerships with their gulf counterparts.

At least 8 million Indians work in the region. Over 2.2 million of them work in the UAE alone.

So India has a multi-faceted relationship with the gulf countries. But Pakistan has questionable reputation. It is the world's biggest terror exporter. It is home to terror groups like Jamat ud-Dawah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Pakistan is a safe haven for terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. It is under the spotlight of the global anti-terror financing watchdog, the FATF.

As if this wasn't enough. Pakistan is also a sinking economy. With Pakistan, the Arab world has a lender-lendee equation. With India, the gulf has a partner.

A country of 1.4 billion that is pitted to become a 5 trillion dollar economy.

India spells opportunity. Pakistan is more of a liability.

Also, India has had historical ties with the Arab world and they have been defined by trust. Indian Rupee was even a legal tender in UAE long before Dirham.

Moreover, if Pakistan's ties with the gulf are defined on religious lines, it is India that has the world's second-largest Muslim population. In 2019, a record 2 lakh Indian pilgrims went to the Hajj.

So if it comes to the question of siding with either India or Pakistan, the Arab world has made its choice, it has reset its priorities. It has picked an ally that is reliable.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister was in West Asia. He was meeting top leaders of the gulf world. Pakistan on the other hand was getting snubbed overtime.

On Wednesday, Indian External Affairs Minister was in West Asia. He was meeting top leaders of the gulf world. Pakistan on the other hand was getting snubbed overtime. UAE has stopped issuing visa to Pakistanis because of security reasons, say reports. The gulf is gradually pulling away from Pakistan and coming closer to India. Pakistan has done enough, and more to disappoint its Arab allies. But there are likely more reasons behind Arab World shunning Pakistan Firstly, there is Pakistan's obsession with Kashmir. This obsession has been there since 1947. Pakistan has fought wars, framed its foreign policies around Kashmir, exported terror to Kashmir, moved world bodies over Kashmir. And after India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan threatened the OIC Chair, Saudi Arabia just because it refused to hold a special session over Kashmir. But Pakistan's threats to Riyadh were duly registered and that is one of the reasons why gulf countries sidelined Pakistan. The gulf has grown to realise that anchoring ties on religion alone will not give it long term allies. There are other aspects that the Arab world needs to acknowledge when picking sides between India and Pakistan. The gulf has grown to realise that it needs to have India by its side as it heads into the future, opens up its economy and normalises ties with countries like Israel. Saudi Arabia's bilateral trade with India amounts to USD 33.07 billion. With Pakistan the number in 2017-18 was USD 1.8 billion. The India-UAE bilateral trade stands at USD 60 billion. While Pakistan's trade volume with UAE stands at 8 billion dollars. India is a vital economic partner of the gulf, With annual trade amounting to nearly 100 billion dollars. India also comes with far too many avenues of cooperation, From technology to oil. India also offers investment opportunities, something that a bleeding economy like Pakistan does not. West Asia is investing in India, and Indian companies have partnerships with their gulf counterparts. At least 8 million Indians work in the region. Over 2.2 million of them work in the UAE alone. So India has a multi-faceted relationship with the gulf countries. But Pakistan has questionable reputation. It is the world's biggest terror exporter. It is home to terror groups like Jamat ud-Dawah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistan is a safe haven for terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed. It is under the spotlight of the global anti-terror financing watchdog, the FATF. As if this wasn't enough. Pakistan is also a sinking economy. With Pakistan, the Arab world has a lender-lendee equation. With India, the gulf has a partner. A country of 1.4 billion that is pitted to become a 5 trillion dollar economy. India spells opportunity. Pakistan is more of a liability. Also, India has had historical ties with the Arab world and they have been defined by trust. Indian Rupee was even a legal tender in UAE long before Dirham. Moreover, if Pakistan's ties with the gulf are defined on religious lines, it is India that has the world's second-largest Muslim population. In 2019, a record 2 lakh Indian pilgrims went to the Hajj. So if it comes to the question of siding with either India or Pakistan, the Arab world has made its choice, it has reset its priorities. It has picked an ally that is reliable.

Arab world witnesses a reset, moves closer to India

Just 48 hours before the commencement of DDC polls in Jammu and Kashmir, three terrorists&nbsp;travelling in a car attacked Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and killed two Army jawans on Thursday. The incident took place at Parimpora on the outskirts of Srinagar. CCTV footage of the incident is now being analysed by the security forces in order to identify the attackers, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said.

The terrorists&nbsp;opened fire on the security forces at Khushipora in the Parimpora area, resulting in injuries to two army personnel. The injured soldiers were rushed to a military facility in the nearby Shariefabad camp where they succumbed.

"Three militants travelling in a car fired indiscriminately at the army men, leaving two of them seriously wounded. Both the injured soldiers have succumbed,"&nbsp;Kumar told reporters near the site of the incident.

The IGP Kashmir said security forces are now chasing the vehicle which was used in the attack.

"It seems the attack was carried out either by Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) outfit," he said.

"There is movement of LeT and Jaish here and we will identify the group behind the attack by evening. Among the three, two could be FTs (foreign terrorists) from Pakistan and one local. We are analysing the CCTV footage," he said.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Just 48 hours before the commencement of DDC polls in Jammu and Kashmir, three terrorists travelling in a car attacked Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and killed two Army jawans on Thursday.

Just 48 hours before the commencement of DDC polls in Jammu and Kashmir, three terrorists travelling in a car attacked Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and killed two Army jawans on Thursday. The incident took place at Parimpora on the outskirts of Srinagar. CCTV footage of the incident is now being analysed by the security forces in order to identify the attackers, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said. The terrorists opened fire on the security forces at Khushipora in the Parimpora area, resulting in injuries to two army personnel. The injured soldiers were rushed to a military facility in the nearby Shariefabad camp where they succumbed. "Three militants travelling in a car fired indiscriminately at the army men, leaving two of them seriously wounded. Both the injured soldiers have succumbed," Kumar told reporters near the site of the incident. The IGP Kashmir said security forces are now chasing the vehicle which was used in the attack. "It seems the attack was carried out either by Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) outfit," he said. "There is movement of LeT and Jaish here and we will identify the group behind the attack by evening. Among the three, two could be FTs (foreign terrorists) from Pakistan and one local. We are analysing the CCTV footage," he said. (With PTI inputs)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists kill two armymen

The number of people killed in terror attacks worldwide fell for the fifth consecutive year in 2019, with conflict still the main driver of terror but an increase of "far-right terrorism" seen in the West, a leading think tank said Wednesday.

Deaths from terrorism fell in 2019 to 13,826, a 15 percent fall from the year before and a further annual decline from a peak in 2014, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) said in its 2020 Global Terrorism Index.

It warned that in North America, Western Europe and Oceania, deaths attributed to far-right terror have increased by 250 per cent since 2014, with 89 killings in 2019.

"They are higher now than at any time in the last 50 years," it said.

It emphasised that conflict remains the primary driver of terrorism, with over 96 per cent of deaths from terrorism in 2019 occurring in countries already in conflict.

It said the largest decreases in deaths occurred in Afghanistan and Nigeria but they remained "the only two countries to have experienced more than 1,000 deaths from terrorism."

It said that despite the overall fall in the global impact of terrorism, "it remains a significant and serious threat in many countries" with the situation deteriorating badly in Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Mali and Niger.

For the second year in a row, South Asia was the region most impacted by terrorism, it said.&nbsp;

"As we enter a new decade we are seeing new threats of terrorism emerge. The rise of the far-right in the West and the deteriorations in the Sahel are prime examples," said Steve Killelea, executive chairman of IEP.

The Taliban was still "the world's deadliest terrorist group" in 2019, it said, adding that the strength of the Islamic State extremist group continued to decline while its affiliates remained active, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

It said while data indicates a decline in terror incidents and deaths since the Covid pandemic began, the health situation is likely to present "new and distinct" counter-terrorism challenges.

The "extended economic downturn" caused by Covid-19 "is likely to increase political instability and violence," it said.

The number of people killed in terror attacks worldwide fell for the fifth consecutive year in 2019, with conflict still the main driver of terror but an increase of "far-right terrorism" seen in the West, a leading think tank said Wednesday.

The number of people killed in terror attacks worldwide fell for the fifth consecutive year in 2019, with conflict still the main driver of terror but an increase of "far-right terrorism" seen in the West, a leading think tank said Wednesday. Deaths from terrorism fell in 2019 to 13,826, a 15 percent fall from the year before and a further annual decline from a peak in 2014, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) said in its 2020 Global Terrorism Index. It warned that in North America, Western Europe and Oceania, deaths attributed to far-right terror have increased by 250 per cent since 2014, with 89 killings in 2019. "They are higher now than at any time in the last 50 years," it said. It emphasised that conflict remains the primary driver of terrorism, with over 96 per cent of deaths from terrorism in 2019 occurring in countries already in conflict. It said the largest decreases in deaths occurred in Afghanistan and Nigeria but they remained "the only two countries to have experienced more than 1,000 deaths from terrorism." It said that despite the overall fall in the global impact of terrorism, "it remains a significant and serious threat in many countries" with the situation deteriorating badly in Burkina Faso, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Mali and Niger. For the second year in a row, South Asia was the region most impacted by terrorism, it said. "As we enter a new decade we are seeing new threats of terrorism emerge. The rise of the far-right in the West and the deteriorations in the Sahel are prime examples," said Steve Killelea, executive chairman of IEP. The Taliban was still "the world's deadliest terrorist group" in 2019, it said, adding that the strength of the Islamic State extremist group continued to decline while its affiliates remained active, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It said while data indicates a decline in terror incidents and deaths since the Covid pandemic began, the health situation is likely to present "new and distinct" counter-terrorism challenges. The "extended economic downturn" caused by Covid-19 "is likely to increase political instability and violence," it said.

New fall in terror deaths in 2019, think tank says

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani spoke at the 2020 Afghanistan conference hosted by the United Nations. He thanked the NATO nations for support against terrorism.

Your Story: Afghan Prez thanks NATO nations for support against terrorism

Afghanistan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh vowed on Sunday to track down people responsible for rocket attack in Kabul. The attack has killed at least 10 people. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack was initially blamed on Taliban but the outfit denied having any hand in the attck.

The attack that took place on Saturday saw rockets being fired in densely populated areas of Kabul, including in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone.

"We will find out the networks who facilitated in transporting the materials (rockets) used in the attack," Saleh said on his Facebook page after a meeting with security officials. Saleh said the attack left 10 people dead and another 51 wounded. Several buildings were damaged, including the Iranian embassy and a medical complex.

The attack took place just hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was to meet with negotiators from the Taliban and Afghan government in Qatar, amid signs of progress in talks between the two warring groups.

It was the third attack in the capital claimed by IS in less than a month. Two previous attacks targeted educational centres and killed nearly 50 people, mostly students.

The Taliban and Afghan government have been engaged in peace talks in Doha since September 12, but violence on the ground continues unabated.

In the past six months the Taliban have carried out 53 suicide attacks and detonated 1,250 explosive devices that have left 1,210 civilians dead and 2,500 wounded, the interior ministry said this week.

Afghanistan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh vowed on Sunday to track down people responsible for rocket attack in Kabul. The attack has killed at least 10 people. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Afghanistan Vice-President Amrullah Saleh vowed on Sunday to track down people responsible for rocket attack in Kabul. The attack has killed at least 10 people. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack was initially blamed on Taliban but the outfit denied having any hand in the attck. The attack that took place on Saturday saw rockets being fired in densely populated areas of Kabul, including in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone. "We will find out the networks who facilitated in transporting the materials (rockets) used in the attack," Saleh said on his Facebook page after a meeting with security officials. Saleh said the attack left 10 people dead and another 51 wounded. Several buildings were damaged, including the Iranian embassy and a medical complex. The attack took place just hours before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was to meet with negotiators from the Taliban and Afghan government in Qatar, amid signs of progress in talks between the two warring groups. It was the third attack in the capital claimed by IS in less than a month. Two previous attacks targeted educational centres and killed nearly 50 people, mostly students. The Taliban and Afghan government have been engaged in peace talks in Doha since September 12, but violence on the ground continues unabated. In the past six months the Taliban have carried out 53 suicide attacks and detonated 1,250 explosive devices that have left 1,210 civilians dead and 2,500 wounded, the interior ministry said this week.

Afghan VP vows to track those behind Kabul terror attack

In a strong statement India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilising Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand Line should stop".

India slams Pakistan at the UNSC for destabilising Afghanistan

Afghan capital Kabul was rocked by a terror attack on Friday. Although the attack was blamed initially on Taliban, the responsibility is now claimed by Islamic State. Atleast 8 people have died. In Africa, Ethiopian government troops pushed towards Tigray region. Saudi King opened G-20 Summit that is being held amid coronavirus pandemic. In Thailand, anti-government protests have continued. US has extended Iraq sanction wavers. Read this and more in our top 10 world news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-terror-attack-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-344558">Kabul terror attack: Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

<img alt="Kabul terror attack" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e5bfef0-b615-4d4e-907c-176e66931ec4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kabul.JPG" />

The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-government-troops-push-towards-tigray-capital-rebuff-mediation-344553">Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-government-troops-push-towards-tigray-capital-rebuff-mediation-344553"><img alt="Ethiopia Tigray" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f7f6582-fa8f-4be1-a21d-63e266c30540" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ethiopia.JPG" /></a> 
 
The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-king-opens-g20-summit-pandemic-dominates-meet-344564">Saudi King opens G20 summit, pandemic dominates meet</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-king-opens-g20-summit-pandemic-dominates-meet-344564"><img alt="G-20 summit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84a110c2-5ab5-48e5-9fcf-0d4a02f9b77f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Saudi_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking virtually at the summit, said: "Cooperation within G-20 is key for us to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resume the pathway towards economic and social recovery."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-bad-student-group-protests-against-thailand-government-344542">Now, 'bad student' group protests against Thailand government</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-bad-student-group-protests-against-thailand-government-344542"><img alt="Thailand protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f77f59f8-ef65-404d-9a73-95d0401541fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Thailand.JPG" /></a> 
 
The student protests come amid large scale anti-government protests in Thailand which has shaken the Prayuth government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-extends-iraq-sanction-waiver-to-end-days-before-biden-inauguration-344530">US extends Iraq sanction waiver, to end days before Biden inauguration</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-extends-iraq-sanction-waiver-to-end-days-before-biden-inauguration-344530"><img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d4cf59b-af58-408e-8930-abe78477a433" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump_7.JPG" /></a> 
 
The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terribly-disturbing-australian-pm-reacts-publicly-on-unlawful-killings-report-344512">'Terribly disturbing': Australian PM reacts publicly on 'unlawful' killings report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terribly-disturbing-australian-pm-reacts-publicly-on-unlawful-killings-report-344512"><img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f7e4d5-374c-4aca-b064-548545d540bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Australia.JPG" /></a> 
 
Morrison had also called his Afghan counterpart on Wednesday where he underscored 'some disturbing allegations' and added that the government taking them 'very seriously'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-largest-city-toronto-to-be-on-covid-19-lockdown-starting-monday-344523">Canada's largest city Toronto to be on COVID-19 lockdown starting Monday</a>

<img alt="Canada" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a28a2bf9-71b2-4db1-81fa-117af2b27c7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Canada.JPG" />

The lockdown measures come as Toronto crossed 100,000 COVID-19 infections as PM Justin Trudeau warned citizens not to "see friends this weekend"

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-finds-controversy-surrounding-princess-diana-interview-investigation-horrid-report-344538">Prince Harry finds controversy surrounding Princess Diana interview investigation 'horrid': Report</a>

<img alt="Diana" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a17c606b-66d2-483e-a138-de0f2f08607e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/diana.JPG" />

A source close to Prince Harry is responded to a recent tabloid reports that accused the royal of failing to support his brother, Prince William and protect their late mother, Princess Diana's, legacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-enters-fourth-wave-of-covid-19-schools-shut-344511">Hong Kong enters fourth wave of COVID-19; schools shut</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-enters-fourth-wave-of-covid-19-schools-shut-344511"><img alt="Hong Kong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35375867-1459-4fcf-857e-6b770809eb74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hong%20Kong.JPG" /></a> 
 
The decision was taken after the city reported 26 cases on Friday, of which 21 were local cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-teacher-arrested-on-suspicion-of-murder-and-cannibalism-344506">Germany: Teacher arrested on suspicion of murder and cannibalism</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-teacher-arrested-on-suspicion-of-murder-and-cannibalism-344506"><img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2c33984-5f09-4e7e-a3e1-c21df03f009b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/germany.JPG" /></a> 
 
The prosecutors said they are 'investigating at full speed to shed light on the sexual murder with suspicion of a cannibalistic background' 
&nbsp;

Afghan capital Kabul was rocked by a terror attack on Friday. Although the attack was blamed initially on Taliban, the responsibility is now claimed by Islamic State.

Afghan capital Kabul was rocked by a terror attack on Friday. Although the attack was blamed initially on Taliban, the responsibility is now claimed by Islamic State. Atleast 8 people have died. In Africa, Ethiopian government troops pushed towards Tigray region. Saudi King opened G-20 Summit that is being held amid coronavirus pandemic. In Thailand, anti-government protests have continued. US has extended Iraq sanction wavers. Read this and more in our top 10 world news. Kabul terror attack: Islamic State claims responsibility The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban Ethiopian government troops push towards Tigray capital, rebuff mediation The government forces said they were set to take Mekelle even as TPLF dug in and said they had made advances in southern and northern fronts. Saudi King opens G20 summit, pandemic dominates meet Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking virtually at the summit, said: "Cooperation within G-20 is key for us to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resume the pathway towards economic and social recovery." Now, 'bad student' group protests against Thailand government The student protests come amid large scale anti-government protests in Thailand which has shaken the Prayuth government. US extends Iraq sanction waiver, to end days before Biden inauguration The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad 'Terribly disturbing': Australian PM reacts publicly on 'unlawful' killings report Morrison had also called his Afghan counterpart on Wednesday where he underscored 'some disturbing allegations' and added that the government taking them 'very seriously' Canada's largest city Toronto to be on COVID-19 lockdown starting Monday The lockdown measures come as Toronto crossed 100,000 COVID-19 infections as PM Justin Trudeau warned citizens not to "see friends this weekend" Prince Harry finds controversy surrounding Princess Diana interview investigation 'horrid': Report A source close to Prince Harry is responded to a recent tabloid reports that accused the royal of failing to support his brother, Prince William and protect their late mother, Princess Diana's, legacy. Hong Kong enters fourth wave of COVID-19; schools shut The decision was taken after the city reported 26 cases on Friday, of which 21 were local cases Germany: Teacher arrested on suspicion of murder and cannibalism The prosecutors said they are 'investigating at full speed to shed light on the sexual murder with suspicion of a cannibalistic background'

Top 10 World news: Kabul terror attack, Ethiopia conflict, and more!

Islamic State accepted responsibility for terrorist attack in Kabul, reported AFP. The terror attack has claimed at least 8 lives. The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban. The terrorist attack in Kabul took place in densely populated part of the city including near heavily fortified Green Zone. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for Kabul attack through its Telegram channels.

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Islamic State&nbsp;said 28 Katyusha rockets fired by "soldiers of the caliphate" hit Kabul's heavily fortified Green Zone that houses "the presidential palace, embassies of Crusader states, and the headquarters of Afghan forces".&nbsp;

The Afghan government initially blamed Taliban but it denied responsibility of the attack.

"The terrorists fired 23 rockets on the city of Kabul. Based on the initial information, eight people were martyred, and 31 others were wounded," said interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian earlier, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-kabul-rocked-by-several-rocket-explosions-344461">Afghanistan rocket explosions: Death toll jumps to 8; govt blames Taliban</a> 
 
The terrorist attack in Kabul took place around 0430 hours (GMT) on Saturday.&nbsp;

Green Zone, the heavily fortified area in Kabul that houses embassies was also affected.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mike-pompeo-to-meet-taliban-afghan-negotiators-in-doha-344444">Mike Pompeo to meet Taliban, Afghan negotiators in Doha</a> 
 
At least one rocket landed in an office inside the Green Zone, but did not explode.

The Iranian embassy said on Twitter that its main building had been hit by rocket fragments after one landed on the premises. No one in the compound, located just outside the Green Zone, was wounded.

The terror attack in Kabul took place on the day when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mike-pompeo-to-meet-taliban-afghan-negotiators-in-doha-344444">travelling to Qatar</a> to hold discussions with Taliban delegation on the&nbsp;Afghan peace process.

Islamic State accepted responsibility for terrorist attack in Kabul, reported AFP. The terror attack has claimed at least 8 lives. The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban.

Islamic State accepted responsibility for terrorist attack in Kabul, reported AFP. The terror attack has claimed at least 8 lives. The terrorist attack was earlier blamed on Taliban. The terrorist attack in Kabul took place in densely populated part of the city including near heavily fortified Green Zone. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for Kabul attack through its Telegram channels. × Islamic State said 28 Katyusha rockets fired by "soldiers of the caliphate" hit Kabul's heavily fortified Green Zone that houses "the presidential palace, embassies of Crusader states, and the headquarters of Afghan forces". The Afghan government initially blamed Taliban but it denied responsibility of the attack. "The terrorists fired 23 rockets on the city of Kabul. Based on the initial information, eight people were martyred, and 31 others were wounded," said interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian earlier, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also Read | Afghanistan rocket explosions: Death toll jumps to 8; govt blames Taliban The terrorist attack in Kabul took place around 0430 hours (GMT) on Saturday. Green Zone, the heavily fortified area in Kabul that houses embassies was also affected. Also Read | Mike Pompeo to meet Taliban, Afghan negotiators in Doha At least one rocket landed in an office inside the Green Zone, but did not explode. The Iranian embassy said on Twitter that its main building had been hit by rocket fragments after one landed on the premises. No one in the compound, located just outside the Green Zone, was wounded. The terror attack in Kabul took place on the day when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was travelling to Qatar to hold discussions with Taliban delegation on the Afghan peace process.

Kabul terror attack: Islamic State claims responsibility

Pakistani spy agency ISI had given the task of carrying out a suicide attack on the scale of Pulwama attack to the Jaish-e-Mohammed for which four terrorists were infiltrated into India from Samba sector on November 18/19 soon after which they were killed in an encounter by security forces near Nagrota in Jammu sector.

Senior government sources said the charge of carrying out a Pulwama scale terror attack bigger was given to the Jaish-e-Mohammed headed by Maulana Masood Azhar by Pakistan Army`s Inter-Services Intelligence.The man chosen to run the entire show was Azhar`s brother Abdul Rauf Asgar who selected four jihadis from the Shakargarh camp of Jaish in Pakistan near the Indian border.

Qazi Tarar, another terrorist ranking high in Jaish was also assigned with Asgar to plan the attack.A meeting was also held in Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur and included Maulana Abu Jundal and Mufti Tauseef of the Jaish terror network along with the above two and ISI officers, the sources informed.

After the initial planning was done, the Shakargarh unit of the Jaish was tasked to carry out the final preparations including the selection of terrorists and their training.The four terrorists received suicide attack training and also the drills to use available firepower to inflict maximum possible damage to Indian positions in the Kashmir valley.

The Jaish terrorists used the network of nullahs in the riverine border area to sneak into the Indian territory in the Samba sector and were picked up in a truck near Jatwal six kms from Samba towards Kathua in Jammu division. Sources said most of the Jaish infiltration attempts have been done using similar routes in the same sector in dark nights around 3-4 am.

The Jaish terror training camp in Shakargarh in Pakistan is around 30 Kms from the pick up point in terms of aerial distance.When the truck was intercepted by the troops around the Ban toll plaza by Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF troopers at 4.45 am, the driver ran towards dark while the terrorists hiding in the apple truck panicked and an encounter followed up.

The terrorists were raising slogans of Allah-O-Akbar, Islam Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad and Jasih zindabad when they were asked to surrender by security forces through numerous appeals and made it clear that they had come to die on Indian soil.

A huge cache of arms was recovered from them including 11 AK rifles, 23 magazines, 29 grenades, 10 under-barrel grenade launchers all made in Pakistan along with handheld Global Positioning Systems and CASIO watches at the same time set for all terrorists.

As soon as the terrorists entered the Indian territory, they were in constant touch with the Abdul Rauf Asgar and handler in Kashmir including Muhammed Asgar Khan Kashmiri, who is the operational commander of the Jaish in Kashmir valley.

The security forces are also trying to find out more details of the source of help provided to the terrorists who had entered India and were planning to reach Kashmir. The Indian security forces are also on the lookout for more possible attempts by terrorists to sneak in and carry out attacks on Indian soil.

Pakistani spy agency ISI had given the task of carrying out a suicide attack on the scale of Pulwama attack to the Jaish-e-Mohammed for which four terrorists were infiltrated into India from Samba sector on November 18/19 soon after which they were killed in an encounter by security forces near Nagrota in Jammu sector.

Pakistani spy agency ISI had given the task of carrying out a suicide attack on the scale of Pulwama attack to the Jaish-e-Mohammed for which four terrorists were infiltrated into India from Samba sector on November 18/19 soon after which they were killed in an encounter by security forces near Nagrota in Jammu sector. Senior government sources said the charge of carrying out a Pulwama scale terror attack bigger was given to the Jaish-e-Mohammed headed by Maulana Masood Azhar by Pakistan Army`s Inter-Services Intelligence.The man chosen to run the entire show was Azhar`s brother Abdul Rauf Asgar who selected four jihadis from the Shakargarh camp of Jaish in Pakistan near the Indian border. Qazi Tarar, another terrorist ranking high in Jaish was also assigned with Asgar to plan the attack.A meeting was also held in Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur and included Maulana Abu Jundal and Mufti Tauseef of the Jaish terror network along with the above two and ISI officers, the sources informed. After the initial planning was done, the Shakargarh unit of the Jaish was tasked to carry out the final preparations including the selection of terrorists and their training.The four terrorists received suicide attack training and also the drills to use available firepower to inflict maximum possible damage to Indian positions in the Kashmir valley. The Jaish terrorists used the network of nullahs in the riverine border area to sneak into the Indian territory in the Samba sector and were picked up in a truck near Jatwal six kms from Samba towards Kathua in Jammu division. Sources said most of the Jaish infiltration attempts have been done using similar routes in the same sector in dark nights around 3-4 am. The Jaish terror training camp in Shakargarh in Pakistan is around 30 Kms from the pick up point in terms of aerial distance.When the truck was intercepted by the troops around the Ban toll plaza by Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF troopers at 4.45 am, the driver ran towards dark while the terrorists hiding in the apple truck panicked and an encounter followed up. The terrorists were raising slogans of Allah-O-Akbar, Islam Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad and Jasih zindabad when they were asked to surrender by security forces through numerous appeals and made it clear that they had come to die on Indian soil. A huge cache of arms was recovered from them including 11 AK rifles, 23 magazines, 29 grenades, 10 under-barrel grenade launchers all made in Pakistan along with handheld Global Positioning Systems and CASIO watches at the same time set for all terrorists. As soon as the terrorists entered the Indian territory, they were in constant touch with the Abdul Rauf Asgar and handler in Kashmir including Muhammed Asgar Khan Kashmiri, who is the operational commander of the Jaish in Kashmir valley. The security forces are also trying to find out more details of the source of help provided to the terrorists who had entered India and were planning to reach Kashmir. The Indian security forces are also on the lookout for more possible attempts by terrorists to sneak in and carry out attacks on Indian soil.

Terrorist Masood Azhar's brother was handler of 4 Jaish attackers in Nagrota: Sources

Terror groups including Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to propagate conspiracy theories that the virus is "God's wrath upon the West" and asking terrorists to use it as a form of biological weapon, a UN report claimed.&nbsp;

"Groups associated with ISIL and Al-Qaeda have also spread conspiracy theories that assert that the virus is a ''soldier of Allah'' that is punishing the unbelievers and the enemies that have damaged Muslims over the last years. For example, ISIL and Al-Qaeda claimed that the virus is God's wrath upon the West," the report named ''Stop the virus of disinformation: the malicious use of social media by terrorist, violent extremist and criminal groups during the COVID-19 pandemic'' said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-says-al-qaedas-no-2-leader-was-killed-in-august-iran-refutes-claim-343091">Report says al Qaeda’s No 2 leader was killed in August; Iran refutes claim</a>

The report that was released on Wednesday by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) also said the extremist and violent groups are also using the pandemic to strengthen their support networks, undermine trust in government and even weaponise the deadly virus.&nbsp;

It also said these groups have used social media to peddle Covid-19 conspiracy theories.&nbsp;

Other than fatwas, the Global Fatwa Index has also identified non-official fatwas that called on ISIS members who are infected with the virus to act as "biological bombs" by "deliberately spreading the disease among the organisation's enemies," the report added.&nbsp;

Terror groups including Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to propagate conspiracy theories that the virus is "God's wrath upon the West" and asking terrorists to use it as a form of biological weapon, a UN report claimed.

Terror groups including Al-Qaeda and Islamic State are exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to propagate conspiracy theories that the virus is "God's wrath upon the West" and asking terrorists to use it as a form of biological weapon, a UN report claimed. "Groups associated with ISIL and Al-Qaeda have also spread conspiracy theories that assert that the virus is a ''soldier of Allah'' that is punishing the unbelievers and the enemies that have damaged Muslims over the last years. For example, ISIL and Al-Qaeda claimed that the virus is God's wrath upon the West," the report named ''Stop the virus of disinformation: the malicious use of social media by terrorist, violent extremist and criminal groups during the COVID-19 pandemic'' said. Also read | Report says al Qaeda’s No 2 leader was killed in August; Iran refutes claim The report that was released on Wednesday by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) also said the extremist and violent groups are also using the pandemic to strengthen their support networks, undermine trust in government and even weaponise the deadly virus. It also said these groups have used social media to peddle Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Other than fatwas, the Global Fatwa Index has also identified non-official fatwas that called on ISIS members who are infected with the virus to act as "biological bombs" by "deliberately spreading the disease among the organisation's enemies," the report added.

Al-Qaeda, ISIS using coronavirus to peddle conspiracy theories: UN report

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop". Durand Line is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at Arria Formula Meeting of United Nations Security Council said, "There needs to be zero tolerance of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations....It is important to ensure that no one provides sanctuary to terrorists who threaten Afghanistan or any other country in the region. Those who do so must be held accountable."

The number of terror attacks in Afghanistan has had links in Pakistan, and the long, porous border has helped the easy movement of terrorists. Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Al-Qaeda/Da’esh Sanctions Committee of UN has pointed out the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, many of which include Pakistani nationals.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-chief-ayman-al-zawahiri-may-have-died-in-afghanistan-report-344314">Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri may have died in Afghanistan: Report</a>

Tirumurti also pointed out, how Pakistan has not allowed "full transit rights to Afghanistan", hindering trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He explained, how it is being used by "States to extract a political price from Afghanistan" and "the international community should discourage medieval mentalities and work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan."

To increase connectivity, India has started an air corridor with Afghanistan and also via Chabahar port in Iran. In fact, amidst the COVID pandemic, New Delhi sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

On the Afghan peace process, the envoy reiterated India's stance that the process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "solutions must come from the Afghans themselves, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the all sections of Afghan society."

He also said, "gains of the last two decades" especially rights of women and minorities should be "strongly protected" and "safeguarded."&nbsp;

This year saw the US-Taliban pact and the start of the intra-Afghan ties between the Afghan govt and Taliban, but the violence level remains high in the country. America plans to substantially reduce troops level in Afghanistan by January, even hostilities on the ground continue.&nbsp;

India has played an important role in the development of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. It has helped build mega infrastructure projects like Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat, the Afghan National Parliament building in Kabul, and the electricity supply grid between Kabul and northern Afghanistan and capacity building.

As the envoy had put, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors. We are connected together by centuries of historical, people-to-people, and cultural relations. India has stood resolutely behind the Government and people of Afghanistan and has supported the development of Afghanistan."

New Delhi has also been involved in over 400 high impact community development projects spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop".

In a strongly-worded statement, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilizing Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand line should stop". Durand Line is the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti speaking at Arria Formula Meeting of United Nations Security Council said, "There needs to be zero tolerance of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations....It is important to ensure that no one provides sanctuary to terrorists who threaten Afghanistan or any other country in the region. Those who do so must be held accountable." The number of terror attacks in Afghanistan has had links in Pakistan, and the long, porous border has helped the easy movement of terrorists. Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team under the Al-Qaeda/Da’esh Sanctions Committee of UN has pointed out the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan, many of which include Pakistani nationals. Also Read | Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri may have died in Afghanistan: Report Tirumurti also pointed out, how Pakistan has not allowed "full transit rights to Afghanistan", hindering trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan. He explained, how it is being used by "States to extract a political price from Afghanistan" and "the international community should discourage medieval mentalities and work towards removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan." To increase connectivity, India has started an air corridor with Afghanistan and also via Chabahar port in Iran. In fact, amidst the COVID pandemic, New Delhi sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country to deal with the crisis. On the Afghan peace process, the envoy reiterated India's stance that the process must be "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "solutions must come from the Afghans themselves, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the all sections of Afghan society." He also said, "gains of the last two decades" especially rights of women and minorities should be "strongly protected" and "safeguarded." This year saw the US-Taliban pact and the start of the intra-Afghan ties between the Afghan govt and Taliban, but the violence level remains high in the country. America plans to substantially reduce troops level in Afghanistan by January, even hostilities on the ground continue. India has played an important role in the development of Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. It has helped build mega infrastructure projects like Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam in Herat, the Afghan National Parliament building in Kabul, and the electricity supply grid between Kabul and northern Afghanistan and capacity building. As the envoy had put, "India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbors. We are connected together by centuries of historical, people-to-people, and cultural relations. India has stood resolutely behind the Government and people of Afghanistan and has supported the development of Afghanistan." New Delhi has also been involved in over 400 high impact community development projects spread across 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

India slams Pakistan at UNSC for destabilising Afghanistan; says 'terror flow across Durand Line should stop'

Twelve civilians have been injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade at Security forces in the Kakapora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Police sources said that terrorists tried to target security forces' deployment, however, the grenade missed the target and exploded on road causing injures.

All the injured were shifted to a local hospital for treatment. The injured have received splinter injures and are being tested there. &nbsp;

A joint team of security forces have now cordoned off the area to nab the attackers.

Twelve civilians have been injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade at Security forces in the Kakapora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police sources said that terrorists tried to target security forces' deployment, however, the grenade missed the target and exploded on road causing injures.

Twelve civilians have been injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade at Security forces in the Kakapora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police sources said that terrorists tried to target security forces' deployment, however, the grenade missed the target and exploded on road causing injures. All the injured were shifted to a local hospital for treatment. The injured have received splinter injures and are being tested there. A joint team of security forces have now cordoned off the area to nab the attackers.

India: Twelve civilians injured in south Kashmir grenade attack

Former US President Barack Obama has claimed that there are many assistants of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Pakistan’s army and this fact is no longer hidden from anyone.

'Pakistan Army has people with close ties to Al-Qaeda', says Former US Prez Barack Obama

European Parliamentarians have raised concerns over the European Union's financial support to Pakistan despite the country's lack of efforts towards tackling terrorist groups in the country.

EU Parliamentarians raise concerns over financial support to Pak despite inaction on terror

India on Tuesday said that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) had become an "impaired organ" as it "failed to act with credibility essentially due to its unrepresentative nature".

WION Dispatch: UNSC an impaired organ, failed to act with credibility; says India

It is no surprise that several educational institutions in Pakistan give birth to extremism and radicalism, which eventually lead to terrorism.&nbsp;

And one such institution is Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar, which is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-strongly-rejects-claims-of-its-territory-being-used-for-terror-acts-against-pakistan-343314">Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan</a>

Maulana Yousaf Shah, a known cleric of Haqqania, proudly shares the list of former students of the seminary that later joined Taliban and reached its top brass.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharif-committed-highest-treason-by-targeting-military-leadership-pm-imran-khan-342918">Sharif committed 'highest treason' by targeting military leadership: PM Imran Khan</a>

"Russia was broken into pieces by the students and graduates of Darul Uloom Haqqania and America was also sent packing," said Shah to news agency AFP. &nbsp;

"We are proud."

About 4,000 students are currently admitted in this seminary, which gives them free food and education.&nbsp;

Several Pakistani and Afghan refugees have also been given education in this seminary, where they are taught to initiate war against the Russians and Americans or spread jihad.

Despite, the links with terrorism, it has been given state support.&nbsp;

Darul Uloom Haqqania's leaders this month proudly acknowledged supporting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan in a video shared online, inviting the wrath of government in Kabul.&nbsp;

These institutions "give birth to radical jihadism, produce Taliban and are threatening our country", said Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, demanding their shut down.&nbsp;

It is no surprise that several educational institutions in Pakistan give birth to extremism and radicalism, which eventually lead to terrorism. And one such institution is Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar, which is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics.

It is no surprise that several educational institutions in Pakistan give birth to extremism and radicalism, which eventually lead to terrorism. And one such institution is Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar, which is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics. Also read | Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan Maulana Yousaf Shah, a known cleric of Haqqania, proudly shares the list of former students of the seminary that later joined Taliban and reached its top brass. Also read | Sharif committed 'highest treason' by targeting military leadership: PM Imran Khan "Russia was broken into pieces by the students and graduates of Darul Uloom Haqqania and America was also sent packing," said Shah to news agency AFP. "We are proud." About 4,000 students are currently admitted in this seminary, which gives them free food and education. Several Pakistani and Afghan refugees have also been given education in this seminary, where they are taught to initiate war against the Russians and Americans or spread jihad. Despite, the links with terrorism, it has been given state support. Darul Uloom Haqqania's leaders this month proudly acknowledged supporting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan in a video shared online, inviting the wrath of government in Kabul. These institutions "give birth to radical jihadism, produce Taliban and are threatening our country", said Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, demanding their shut down.

A look at Pakistan's 'university of jihad' which is proud of Taliban alumni

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism, calling it a "particularly egregious example of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism."

Speaking virtually at the Deccan Dialogue, he said, "As regards terrorism, the era of "not my problem” came to an end in 9/11" and called for "whole-hearted international collaborative effort.'

His comments come even as Islamabad is yet to be seen acting on the issue of terror. Last week, Islamabad accepted its involvement in the 26/11 terror attacks with the country's federal investigation agency issuing an 800-page list of the country's most wanted which included 11 terrorists involved in the 2008 attacks on India's financial centre.&nbsp;

EAM said, "The world is gradually becoming aware of the global nature of international terrorism. Our relentless efforts have kept it in the spotlight, bringing out related aspects like terror finance, radicalization and cyber recruitment."

Adding, "The goal remains to reach a comprehensive convention on the subject and we will not rest till that happens."

India-backed CCIT or comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations calls for a common definition of terrorism. It was introduced in 1996 and due to lack of global consensus on the issue of terror has not been passed.

Jaishankar also spoke about FATF or financial action task force saying, "On terrorism, our efforts have contributed to a larger awareness of its different facets. The FATF has become a more important forum and black money is today firmly on the agenda of the G-20. The world no longer sees it as a law and order issue."

It has been more than 2 years and Pakistan continues to languish in the anti-terror financing body's grey list impacting the country's economy. By Pakistan's govt's own admission, the country loses $10 billion annually by being on the FATF grey list.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism, calling it a "particularly egregious example of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has highlighted Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism, calling it a "particularly egregious example of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism." Speaking virtually at the Deccan Dialogue, he said, "As regards terrorism, the era of "not my problem” came to an end in 9/11" and called for "whole-hearted international collaborative effort.' His comments come even as Islamabad is yet to be seen acting on the issue of terror. Last week, Islamabad accepted its involvement in the 26/11 terror attacks with the country's federal investigation agency issuing an 800-page list of the country's most wanted which included 11 terrorists involved in the 2008 attacks on India's financial centre. EAM said, "The world is gradually becoming aware of the global nature of international terrorism. Our relentless efforts have kept it in the spotlight, bringing out related aspects like terror finance, radicalization and cyber recruitment." Adding, "The goal remains to reach a comprehensive convention on the subject and we will not rest till that happens." India-backed CCIT or comprehensive convention on international terrorism at the United Nations calls for a common definition of terrorism. It was introduced in 1996 and due to lack of global consensus on the issue of terror has not been passed. Jaishankar also spoke about FATF or financial action task force saying, "On terrorism, our efforts have contributed to a larger awareness of its different facets. The FATF has become a more important forum and black money is today firmly on the agenda of the G-20. The world no longer sees it as a law and order issue." It has been more than 2 years and Pakistan continues to languish in the anti-terror financing body's grey list impacting the country's economy. By Pakistan's govt's own admission, the country loses $10 billion annually by being on the FATF grey list.

'Egregious' state-sponsored terrorism in India's neighbourhood: Jaishankar

After Pakistani PM Imran Khan said, 'India is organizing terrorism', Indian government has reacted sharply and put the facts and evidence that were widely known in International communities.

India reacts sharply when pakistan PM said 'India produce terrorism'

Major General S B Asthana (Retd) analyses India's response to Pakistan FM and DG ISPR who put up propaganda material to press trying to prove India was helping terror activities in his country.

Video analysis: India trashes Pakistan's claims of New Delhi sponsoring terrorism

Five Talibani terrorists were killed on Saturday as Afghan police repelled an attack in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Police spokesman said that another terrorist was injured.

"Last night, the Taliban attacked Yaro Qala and Maruf Qala [towns], including the seventh and eight [police] stations in Mianshin in Dand [districts]. Five terrorists were killed and one more was injured in the police counterattack," said Jamal Nasir Barakzai, a spokesman for the provincial police headquarters.

Taliban has not commented on the matter.

In a separate incident, five soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack. The attack took place in Khawaja Ghar district in Afghanistan`s northern Takhar province on Saturday, district governor Mohammad Omar Omar said

The armed terrorists stormed security checkpoints in Hawa Shinasi area outside district headquarters in the wee hours of Saturday, triggering a gun battle, the official said, adding that five soldiers were killed and five others injured in the fighting.He said the Taliban have suffered casualties but did not give an exact figure.

(With ANI inputs)

Five Talibani terrorists were killed on Saturday as Afghan police repelled an attack in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Police spokesman said that another terrorist was injured.

Five Talibani terrorists were killed on Saturday as Afghan police repelled an attack in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Police spokesman said that another terrorist was injured. "Last night, the Taliban attacked Yaro Qala and Maruf Qala [towns], including the seventh and eight [police] stations in Mianshin in Dand [districts]. Five terrorists were killed and one more was injured in the police counterattack," said Jamal Nasir Barakzai, a spokesman for the provincial police headquarters. Taliban has not commented on the matter. In a separate incident, five soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack. The attack took place in Khawaja Ghar district in Afghanistan`s northern Takhar province on Saturday, district governor Mohammad Omar Omar said The armed terrorists stormed security checkpoints in Hawa Shinasi area outside district headquarters in the wee hours of Saturday, triggering a gun battle, the official said, adding that five soldiers were killed and five others injured in the fighting.He said the Taliban have suffered casualties but did not give an exact figure. (With ANI inputs)

Five Taliban killed as Afghan police repel attack in Kandahar

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