Death toll in Saudi Blast nearing 100; US president condemns killing innocent US civilians!

Riyadh  -- 91 people were killed in a series of suicide bombing attacks in the Saudi capital of Riyadh Monday night, including some 10 US citizens, US State Department officials said on Tuesday. One official said the figure is expected to rise. "Today's attacks in Saudi Arabia, the ruthless murder of American citizens and other citizens, remind us that the war on terror continues." US President Bush said. More

Britain's think tank warns against backlash of Iraq war Britain warns citizens against nonessential Saudi travel Germany still threatened by terrorism: minister More Reports on Saudi Explosions

Saudi Arabia is kernel of evil, says US brief

Washington's growing distrust in Saudi Arabia spilled into the open yesterday with the leak of a Pentagon briefing describing Saudi Arabia as "the kernel of evil" that should be ordered to stop backing terrorists or face the seizure of its overseas assets, Reported The Telegraph. The briefing to the Defence Policy Board - which includes former generals, defence secretaries and statesmen including Henry Kissinger - runs contrary to official US policy towards Saudi Arabia. Full Report

Saudi Blasts have "all earmarks of Al-Qaeda": Powell

AMMAN, May 13- Bomb attacks targeting foreigner's residential compounds in the capital of Saudi Arabia Monday night had "all the earmarks of al-Qaeda," US Secretary of State Colin Powell said here on Tuesday.Speaking at a press conference, Powell said "It's just part of al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations' willingness to kill innocent people in order to push forward a criminal agenda." More

3 Dutch expats injured in Saudi bomb attacks British PM's wife pulls out of London charity event for security reason - 14 die in accidents in India

Bombs Rock Western Expatriate Residential Complexes in Riyadh

13 May 2003 — Saudi Arabian capital was rocked by four explosions last night in which many western expatriates, were wounded. A series of blast took place just before Collin Powell, US Secretary of State was planning a state visit to Saudi Arabia. At least one was killed and over 40 US citizens were wounded in the explosions which occurred in residential areas of the Saudi capital, the Cable News Network (CNN) television network reported on Tuesday. The blast which Al-Arabiya television channel reported that Saudi security forces exchanged fire with the terrorists inside the compound. The network also reported that many charred bodies were seen being taken from ambulances at a local hospital. According to Saudi Interior Ministry an investigation is under way. There has been growing anti American sentiment in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Full Report

Saudi Police Campaign to nab Suspected Al Queeda Members

JEDDAH, 11 May 2003 — Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to nab terrorists who were planning major attack within the Kingdom. At least three of the 19 wanted Al-Qaeda suspects who escaped on Tuesday after a shootout with police fled in a Mercedes which was parked in front of a car maintenance workshop on the Riyadh-Dammam Expressway, Al-Watan Newspaper reported yesterday. More News

Controversial Private School MoU Goes Public

Undue favours to Private Promoters to Control Board Monopoly in Schooling - no other schools within 10 Kms

An Agreement was executed at Muscat, on the 26th day of March 1992 between the then Indian Ambassador Ranjith Guptha and the Hindu Mahajan Association, Muscat President Kanaksi G. Khimji. This was regarding the schools run by the Association in Muttrah and Sohar. According to the Board which passed a resolution to revoke the license, the first clause of the agreement itself indicates that the two schools "shall adhere to the rules and regulations as applicable from time to time." KM is giving some of the clauses for the Indian community members to make their own judgments about the whole issue. "The income of the schools from collection of fees and any other source will belong to the Association and to no other party," says the agreement. In the event of income exceeding expenditure, such excess will belong to the Association to be disposed off in any manner it wishes," says clause 4 of the agreement Full Report

An Appeal to Parents, Board Members and Community Leaders

There is no doubt that a prominent Indian like Kanaksi Khimj who was recently selected for the Pravasi Bharathi Award and Dr.P.Mohammed Ali, who has build up a big business empire from a humble beginning have played crucial roles in developing their respective schools . The Hindu Mahajan Association too played crucial role in developing business and educational infrastructure. Through their hard work and entrepreneurship, they have been able to amass sufficient wealth and reputation not only in Oman, but back home in India too Full Report

MoUs of Indian School Al Ghubra,Wadi Kabir Revoked as per Board Meeting Norms.

American -British Colonial Intentions Revealed by Halliburton Secret Oil Deals to pump Iraq oil

DUBAI -The US British administrations ask the people of both the United States and Iraq to trust that, when the dust of war settles, Iraq's oil wealth will belong to its people and will be used to rebuild the country's infrastructure and institutions. But to gain that trust, the administration must stop appearing to wield secrecy and favoritism in the award of contracts to companies like Halliburton.The secret colonial intentions of American British big business in Iraq is slowly coming out in open as intense lobbying is going on to remove the sanctions and market Iraqi oil --Full Report

U.S., U.K., Spain Introduce Resolution On End To Sanctions; Al Jazeera to combat 'boycott' with new Income Sources

First Middle East Non-Frills Airlines from Sharjah

Dubai - 8th May 2003 The Middle East's first no-frills airline, menaJet, is to be launched in Sharjah in December, it was announced today. The carrier to be based at Sharjah International Airport will operate low fare scheduled services, initially utilising two Airbus A320 aircraft each fitted with 162 single class seats. The principal shareholders in menaJet are Gulf Finance House and the Al Zamil Group.Full Report

Liberation of Iraq Oil - Dick Cheny Company to make a killing

"Only now, over five weeks after the contract was first disclosed, are members of Congress and the public learning that Halliburton may be asked to pump and distribute Iraqi oil under the contract." Waxman also has repeated the Corps' statement that the contract could be worth up to $7 billion for up to two years, but the Corps said that figure was a cap based on a worst-case scenario of oil well fires. In fact, few wells were burning during the war with Iraq and the Corps said that by early April, the company had been paid $50.3 million. Full Report

 Gulf Media Monitor
"Masala giri giri" headline attracts popular columnists comment
Adarsh Madhavan's spicy column in Times of Oman salutes Mohan Lal for the patient handling of journalists

MALAYALAM superstar, Mohanlal, swept the crowd off their feet here in his recent ‘spicy’ visit. The superstar, unlike many other stars who came here, had the patience to talk to the press, sometimes at length. Everyone was full of praise for the charming manner in which he fended off queries, some, critical and others not and soon he had bowled everyone in the media here, who has given him maximum column centimetres. And the man deserves it. For there are few actors of his stature in India today. While all of those who met him gave good coverage, one of the spiciest headlines was given by the popular web portal keralamonitor: They had tagged the word masala, with Mohanlal’s famous screen expression ‘…giri, giri’ to form Masala Giri Giri as title to their article. Hey Mohanlal, you seem to have struck a right chord in Muscat! -

Riyadh Daily, Saudi English Newspaper to Close down

 Sacked Indian School President in Dubious Land Deal

One of the Indian School Presidents who was removed from the school management committee by the Patron has been allegedly involved in a dubious land deal, which appears to be against the interest of the school and community. According to school sources, the controversial land deal to construct a multipurpose hall for one of the largest Indian community schools in the Gulf has been objected to by the school Internal auditor and a member of the School Infrastructure Committee. While the running market rate for land in the areas adjacent to the school is around RO 45 to RO 50 per square meter, the School President has negotiated for a premium price of RO 130 per square meter - at least 100 per cent inflated rate. More

Transfering Meena to regain lost glory of Indian shaikhs

Why Should some people grumble now when board members who completed two years in office are removed as per the rules? Recent reshuffle and expansion of the Indian school board and school management committee should be seen as a positive step because these bodies have been filled with sycophants of business houseses and private interests. While the two private schools had at least four representatives on the main school board, the Indian community schools had only less representation. More

56-year-old man jailed in Malaysia for raping daughter Police checking records in Dawood property case Iraq: Basra: Unprotected Munitions Injure Civilians Lebanon: Torture and unfair trial of the Dhinniyyah detainees France gave passports to help Iraqis escape: US paper Greek aid convoy attacked outside Baghdad Nigeria: Nine killed in elections to state assemblies No Threat to Shrimp Export to USA

Iraq: Amnesty International urges Bush and Blair to intervene in relation to "disappeared"

(London/Basra) Irene Khan Secretary General of Amnesty International has today written to President George W Bush, and Prime Minister Tony Blair to seek their intervention in relation to the issue of Iraq's 'disappeared' people. Amnesty International is concerned that evidence related to past 'disappearances' may be being destroyed or interfered with and seeks assurances that US and UK forces in Iraq are doing all within their power to safeguard such evidence.More News

Indian Ambassador going to New Delh to....as former Indian Diplomat from Saudi Arbabia Plannint to Visit Muscat-?

Centre to ask for comprehensive report from Kerala Govt: Swami

Kozhikode,Tuesday, May 06, 2003: Centre will seek a comprehensive report from the UDF Government in Kerala on the sudden attack by unidentified assailants at Marad on Friday that left nine persons dead, Union Minister of State for Home I D Swami said here today. More News

Oman's New Labour Law to control Exploitation of Expatriate Workers Kanoo Travel and mytravelchannel.com partner in 'Internet Travel'

Dubai Strategically Placed for Iraq Reconstructin Projects

May 6, 2003 Dubai is strategically placed to play a vital role in the reconstruction of Iraq, according to Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, Director General of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).More

Governments should draw on the expertise of eServices to provide smoother implementation of ICT projects

Kuwaiti job Advertisement Discriminates Against Muslim Applicants

DUBAI 6 May 2003 - A discriminatory job advertisement placed by a Kuwait company - Marafi - in Indian Newspapers is created new controversy about American influence in Kuwait. The company, which has a maintenance contract with the US Army has placed discriminatory advertisements in Indian newspapers, allegedly on behalf of the US Army. The advertisement is for recruitment of candidates for jobs at the US base in northern Kuwait. The advertisements, explicitly bar Muslim applicants from applying for various positions with the company. Full Report

Bahraini woman raped by masked gang of three in the Car

Dubai : A Bahraini woman was kidnapped, beaten and repeatedly raped after being ambushed as she sat in her car with a male friend.Three masked Bahraini men in a stolen car attacked them as they sat at the seafront near Umm Al Hassam, at around8 .30pm on Saturday night, Full Report

Mohan Lal Acting in Masala Role

 DUBAI- Padmabhooshan Bhrath Mohan Lal is acting for a new masala movie! Surprising to believe? The super star of Malayalam cinema is stooping down to the level of a Masala actor? The answer is Yes and the new Mohanlal masala will reach every Gulf Malayali home within three weeks..Special Report More News

Tariq Aziz not Telling the Truth -Bush

Masala Giri Giri 
Sixty year old Indian Manager, wife face harassment from Company officials
 
Manager in Police Custody for 2 months; what is the non bailable crime that he committed?
 
Sixty Year Old Indian Manager of a manufacturing company is being detained in Police custody for two months on the basis of what his wife says is false pretenses. The Tamilian was arrested on March 9, 2003 and detained in police custody without granting bail. According to informed sources, the old man's family is facing harassment and an Indian General Manager from Bengal is apparently enjoying a saddistic pleasure to deport the lady, isolate her from other employees of the company using the influence of a senior officer and keep the man in police custody. "It may be possible that the company is trying to slap all kinds of false charges and coerce my father to confess under duress. My mother is lonly and helpeless condition may also be used to emotionally blackmail my father into accepting the false charges against him," his daughter wrote to the concerned authorities. "My father is susceptible to serious age related problems. Is it happening because one of the company's senior official is occupying a prominent position in the law enforcement machinery? " Because his wife is trying to fight the case in court they are cancelling her visa and if she does not leave Oman then they are threatening police action against her. The company officials are using their influence very much in this matter. The manager still has not got bail," says a well wisher. "His wife is alone and very afraid. Nobody is helping due to fear of their influence . The main person responsible for this incident is an Indian national who told all workers not to contact wife of manager. Is it due to Vastha that the man and his family facing such a situation? Anybody in the Indian Community listening? - Watch this space
 
 
13th World Press Freedom Day Kerala Chief Minister against Palm Oil Import Tariff changes by Central Government, Finance Minister wants measures withdrawn; Nuclear Energy , Antony Yousuf Ali represents Kerala in the revised Waqf Council Air India likely to restore all services by May 8: Hussain

KM is neither for nor against private schools. We are publishing this report just to throw some light on what happened 10 years back.

An Agreement was signed Between Mohammed Ali and Renjith Gupta for establishing a branch of Indian School Muscat

"The School will be governed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman as applicable from time to time and within the framework of the management of Indian schools in the Sultanate. The same rules and guidelines as are applicable to other branch schools shall be applicable to the Indian School, Ghubra Branch. says an agreement between the former Indian Ambassador in Oman, Ranjith Guptha with Mr.P.Mohammed Ali on 22 January 1992 "All financial obligations for establishing and running of the school, including providng the required facilities, procurement and payment of salaries, adminstrative and all other expenses shall be met by the first Party (Mohammed Ali) The Second Party is the sole Proprietor of all the deficit and surplus funds of the school subject to provisions...The Second Party shall enter into a lease agreement with the landlord of the school premises for payment of rent to be fixed from time to time by mutual agreement between The fee structure and salary structure shall be subject to the approval of the First party (Ambassador) ...Watch this space for the full report on 3 controversial agreements that were used to legitimise commercialisation of community schools by leading business tycoons. Similarly Kanaksi Khimji has signed an agreement with Renjith Guptha

Bin Laden is in US Custody, says report American shot in Saudi Arabia

Former CIA analyst comments on US/ Saudi relations

Haifa Workers Protest non payment of salary

Welfare Ministers came and gone, a new labour law is active, but non Payment of Salary continues to affect the life of workers of Haifa Construction. These workers came and sat in front of the Indian Embassy Muscat pressing their basic demands. The problem has been persisting for several months. Why the Indian Embassy cannot do anything to settle the workers problem? -watch this space.

U.S., U.K. Waged War on Iraq Because of Oil, Blair Adviser Says

London, May 1 -- The U.S. and U.K. went to war against Iraq because of the Middle East country's oil reserves, an adviser to British Prime Minister Tony Blair said.Sir Jonathan Porritt, head of the Sustainable Development Commission, which advises Blair's government on ecological issues, said the prospect of winning access to Iraqi oil was ``a very large factor'' in the allies' decision to attack Iraq in March. Full Report

"Saddam's letter" published in Arabic newspaper

LONDON, April 30 -- A London-based Arabic newspaper published on Wednesday what it believes to be a handwritten letter from ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein calling for Iraqi people's uprising against US occupation.The letter, sent by fax to the Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily newspaper, was dated on April 28, the day of Saddam's 66th birthday.It urged the Iraqi people to rise up against the United States, a country which was described as an "infidel, criminal, murderous and cowardly occupier."The paper's editor, Abdul Bari Atwan, said he believed the message was genuine. Full Report and More News

Declining Moral Values - Control Free Sex, Group Sex Culture

Four Indian School Students - two girls, two boys caught indulging in Immoral Behaviour in School Bathroom.The incident occured on the school day . Earlier KM reported about an Indian School (Gulf) student becoming pregnant. Do we needto do something about declining moral values of Indian school students? Watch this space.

US Warns of Terror Plans Against Americans living in Saudi

JEDDAH, 1 May 2003 —Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif said that the government has no knowledge about the contents of a security message issued by the US Embassy in Riyadh yesterday warning that terrorist groups may be in the final phases of planning attacks against the American community in Saudi Arabia.“There is nothing that currently suggests that something like this is imminent, but given the circumstances and developments taking place something might,” Prince Naif said. “I know nothing of this matter. This is a matter relating to the country concerned and we have not received any information from anyone regarding this matter,” Prince Naif told reporters. The US Embassy advised the American community in Saudi Arabia that it has received information that terrorist groups may be in the final phases of planning attacks on American interests in Saudi Arabia. The embassy admitted that it had “no information as to the likely target” and added that US citizens in the Kingdom should “take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.” There are currently between 30,000 and 40,000 Americans living and working in the Kingdom, down from 60,000 a decade ago.

...and the winner is a Bandhar!

"A scene from Theen Bandhar"

 

The Indian Social Club Gujarathi Wing snatched away the Best One Act Play Rolling Trophy this year from the Indian Social Club Kerala Wing, the winner of 2002. Theen Bandhar, an excellent play directed by Sunil K.Vaidhya, a journalist, has won the best play, best director and the best script awards. The Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing, has to be satisfied with a second prize. The Hindi Wing got the third best drama awardSharath Thakur and Swamy Dalwad shared the best actor awards. More

Explosion caused fire in Pakistan Expatriate location ? Watch this space.

Malayali Screen Printer missing

  K E R A L O L S TA V A M

The three day Keralolsvam iskick started in Muscat. The Indian Ambassador K.M.Meena, inaugurated the cultural extravaganza in the presence of M Mukundan, Malayalam writer, Issa bin Mohammed Al Zadjali, Editor in Chief of Times of Oman, Dr. Sathish Nambiar, Chairman Indian Social Club, Prominent Keralites like Ameer Ahmed, C.Preman, Co Convenor, Kerala Wing, Fr. Chempoli, Chenda Master Mattannur Shankaran and Mappila Pattu Singer Eranjoli Moosa . P.M.Jabbir Convenor ISC Kerala, Pradeep Menon Cultural Coordinator andothers were present. More

 

Saudi Man Gets10 Years Jail Term, 3600 lashes for Torturing Wife

One fifth of marriages in Saudi Arabia end up in Divorce!

DUBAI - 29 April 2003 - A court in Baha, Saudi Arabia has sentenced a man, suspected to be a drug addict, to 10 years in prison and 3,600 lashes, some of them to be administered in public, for torturing his wife The wife lost her sight and hearing in addition to sustaining serious injuries all over her body because the husband emptied boiling water over her head, burned her with a heated piece of metal and used a vacuum cleaner to drown out her screams. More News

 Former top Iraqi official says Saddam survives strikes: report Iraqis at Saudi refugee camp anxious to return home

Rumsfeld arrives in Abu Dhabi for Gulf tour

ABU DHABI, April 27 -- US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived here Sunday for a tour in the Gulf region as the US-led war on Iraq draws to an end.Rumsfeld is expected to hold talks with top officials of the United Arab Emirates' armed forces to express thanks to Abu Dhabi's access to bases for US forces during the Iraq war, local media reported US officials as saying. More News

Air India taking five retired pilots on contract CAG criticises IA for incurring avoidable expenses Four US soldiers wounded in Baghdad ambush LG Electronics sued for "misdeclaring" fridge capacity Halliburton, Dick Cheney, and wartime spoils Controlling the news with 'embedded' journalists Air India cancels 37 flights from Gulf

Fury as explosion at weapons dump kills 40

April 27 2003

As many as 40 Iraqi civilians were killed and many were injured in a series of blasts at an arms dump on Baghdad's outskirts yesterday, an Iraqi medic told Reuters near the scene. US troops blamed unidentified attackers who fired flares into the munitions store. But local people turned their anger on the Americans, shooting and forcing them back, soldiers said. More

Kuwait opposed to threats to Syria: FM

Another Iraqi official netted: US Central Command

DOHA, April 27) -- Former Iraqi National Monitoring Directorate chief Hossam Mohammad Amin was captured Sunday to become the 13th most wanted official taken to US custody, the US Central Command (Centcom) said in Qatar. More

US Continues blood bath in Baghdad? 

14 more people killed by US

BAGHDAD, April 26-- Fourteen people were killed and a number of others were injured when US troops destroyed an ammunition depot in southern Baghdad on Saturday morning, eyewitnesses said. They said the US troops destroyed the depot in Zaafarania area, some 20 kilometers south of the Iraqi capital, without previous warning to people living nearby. Six explosions were heard in the area, presumably caused by the destruction of the ammunition depot, they said. Full Report

Kuwait bans inbound passengers from SARS-affected areas

KUWAIT CITY, April 26 -- The Kuwait Health Ministry has notified the Kuwait Airways and all other carriers to ban direct inbound flights from countries and areas stricken by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the official KUNA news agency said on Saturday. More

US Attack Deliberate, allege Residents

The US military said unknown attackers fired an incendiary device into an Iraqi munitions store at Zaafaraniya on the capital’s southern outskirts, triggering a series of blasts. But local people turned their anger on the Americans, shooting at soldiers trying to help relief efforts and forcing them back from the scene for a while. Residents said US troops had packed cars with confiscated weapons and detonated them at the site. The Americans denied this and said the location of the dump near a residential area showed Saddam Hussein’s disregard for civilians. Full Report

SPECIAL REPORT

Are Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) created to legitimise private control over community schools? Is Indian Embassy working only for private party benefit ? Watch this space for a special report on 3 controversial MoUs that govern private schools

Hospital workers in Baghdad say at least 12 people have been killed by explosions at an ammunition dump on the edge of the Iraqi capital. More US Army Chief Quits Over Enron Scandal Conquest but no success for Bush in Iraq

US should focus on Israel's WMDs: Pak MP

Asian countries to fight SARS, WHO holds out vaccine hope Petrol, diesel prices slashed in India

Kerala Govt takes special measures to control SARS More Kerala News

Air India revises schedule for 22 flights Govt suspends 12 AI pilots

Mumbai,Saturday, April 26, 2003: Taking a tough stand, Government today decided to place under suspension 12 Air India pilots after the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) refused to withdraw the directives for operating in SARS affected areas More.

 Naked Colonialism of the 21st Century? US Occupation - Freedom to plunder oil, loot wealth

 On 25 April 2003, the newspaper Dagbladet (Norway) published photos of armed US soldiers forcing Iraqi men to walk naked through a park. On the chests of the men had been scrawled an Arabic phrase that translates as "Ali Baba - Thief." A military officer states that the men are thieves, and that this technique will be used again.More

Amnesty International expressed concern today at the disturbing article and images portrayed in the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet which show American soldiers escorting naked Iraqi men through a park in Baghdad. The pictures reveal that someone has written the words 'Ali Baba - Haram(i)' (which means Ali Baba - thief) in Arabic on the prisoners' chests.

More News 1, 2, 3 and 4

Amal Hijazi is the new Panasonic brand ambassador

 Iraqis Stripped, Walked Nude by US Forces

But US Soldiers Admired for Looting Iraq

BAGHDAD, April 24 -- When reports came out that millions of dollars in cash were left behind in bricked-up buildings inside one of fallen president Saddam Hussein's palace compounds, US officers said, a half-dozen U.S. soldiers had stashed away $12.3 million for themselves. The accused soldiers returned the money after officers shamed them by invoking their fallen comrades. According to Washington Post, these soldiers are now under investigation and face punishments ranging from letters of reprimand to general courts martial, officials said. More

Egypt: Torture in State Security Headquarters

Washington, April 24, 2003) – Seven students, journalists and activists detained more than ten days ago in connection with antiwar protests have been subjected to torture and beatings at the Cairo headquarters of Egypt’s State Security Investigations (SSI), Human Rights Watch charged today. More

 U.S.: Three "Enemy Combatants" Held At Guantanamo Are Under Age 16 IRAQ: UNHCR Plans For Mass Refugee Return; More U.N. Aid Staff Returns As Food Convoys Roll U.S. Floats Security Council Resolution To Lift U.N. Sanctions Quit Iraq, Arab states tell U.S. U.S.: Three "Enemy Combatants" Held At Guantanamo Are Under Age 16 IRAQ: UNICEF Backs Push To Reopen Schools Quickly Iraq: Garner Must Address Human Rights Ajman University Teaches Accounting with ACCPAC

Sathish Nambiar Panel Wins ISC Election,

Four Keralites in ISC committee - Abraham Mathew, Babu Rajendran, Dr.Sathish Nambiar and C.N.P.Nampoothiri

MUSCAT - April 25, 2003 The much talked about election in the Indian Social Club witnessed more than 75 per cent polling and the panel led by Dr. Sathish Nambiar, Chairman ISC won with a thumping majority. Except two, other members of the 11 member panel presented by Dr. Nambiar won the election Full Report

Saudi Boys Death not Due to SARS, claims Hospital Director General

JEDDAH, 26 April 2003 — The director general of Erfan & Bagedo Hospital, Saudi Arabia Dr. Mohammed Erfan, has denied reports that a 13-year-old Saudi boy died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) at the hospital. According to the official Saudi Press Agency Erfan said that Mazen Madani Enebsi died as a result of an acute bacterial inflammation.“The Saudi child died of acute bacterial inflammation and not of SARS,” Erfan said in a press statement. He also saida report carried by Arab News earlier was untrue.More

Kuwait will boost economy by US$ 375 million

KUWAIT April 25, 2003 The IT sector in Kuwait is expected to grow from US $400 million at present to US$712 million by the year 2006 if the concerted campaign against piracy continues to bring down the software piracy rates from the existing 76% to 66% in the near future according to the results of a study conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC). More

Mohammed Atta of World Trade Centre Attack Worked for US German Government Exchange Programme. Tariq Aziz in US Custody

School Board pass resolutin to convert private schools into community schools

Chairman not keen to implement it!

Indian School Board recently passed a strong resolution to convert all Indian schools in Oman into community schools. The board Chairman is not so keen to follow up the decision due to unknown reasons. After becoming the school board chairman he has already lost his job with a local company for unknown reasons (any pressure from Indian Shaikhs?) and apparenlty dont want to displease the Indian shaikhs who want only private schools. The Ambassador who initiated these steps himself may be called back anytime to Delhi and the private lobby would soon start reversing the positive changes introduced for the betterment of Indian community.

Some of the honourable board members refused to pass another resolution upholding the educational rules of India and Oman. Theresolution said among other things that "Indian schools in Oman shall at all times uphold the prestige, dignity, respect, reputation and image of India, Government of India, the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate, the collective Indian community." The rejected resolution. would have debarred members who are disqualified from holding positions in Indian community institutions. The decision of the patron on matters referred to him by the BOD wold have been final and nobody could challenge it. Watch this space.

BBC leader criticizes US coverage of war against Iraq US journalist charged with smuggling stolen Iraqi paintings Iran refutes US charges of interference in Iraq US forces to stay as long as necessary in Iraq: Bush

Saddam's Son In Law Arrested

DOHA, April 22 -- The US Central Command confirmed Tuesday the capture of Jamal Mustafa Abdullah Sultan, deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's only surviving son-in-law, who was handed over by an Iraqi opposition group.Jamal, who ranked No. 40 in the US list of 55 top Iraqi fugitives, was in the hands of the coalition forces, Brigadier-General Vincent Brooks confirmed at the war command headquarters in Qatar. More News

Chief UN inspector wishes to do further inspection work independently US renews terror caution for Americans US rules out toxins in suspicious powderKuwait to open up exports to Iraq CBI chargesheets Shiela Kaul in housing scam case CAG pulls up Govt for violating CVC guidelines Network Associates to consolidate network security expertise in the region with acquisition of IntruVert Networks CBI chargesheets Shiela Kaul in housing scam case

Resuming Gulf Kerala Ferry Service- Myths and Reality - Watch out. Non Payment of Workers Salary, leading construction company headed by a prominent NRK businessman allegedly delaying payment! More
Saddam is alive and kicking in Iraq

 LONDON, April 21 -- Ahmad Chalabi, head of the opposition Iraqi National Congress, said on Monday that President Saddam Hussein was still in Iraq."Yes, he is in Iraq. Yes, he is moving around," Chalabi told the BBC Radio Today Program from Baghdad."We have received information about his movements and the movements of his sons," Chalabi said. Full report and more news

 

Saddam still elusiveTikrit Residents Mourn Fallen Statue Of Saddam

How Bush And Rumsfeld Traded American $, Citizenship And Residency In The US For The Capitulation Of Baghdad. - Story of Republican Guard

Will the Indian Ambassador be allowed to Complete two years in office ?

Battle for Indian Schools

Will the Indian Ambassador complete two years in Office or the Indian shaikhs in the Gulf will get rid of him before he could complete his mission? is the billion dollar question haunting many Non Resident Indians. It is learned that a powerful lobby may achieve what they have been trying to do in the last two years - oust the belligerent diplomat and bring in a new " Business Friendly" Ambassador who will allow private schools to flourish and private business interests prevail over community interests. A recent report warned the Indian community to watch for the latest developments in what they called a Mahabharath Battle. Are the decision makers in New Delhi under the influence of suitcase diplomacy to replace him in a hurry even before the battle started? Are they preparing to terminate a sincere diplomat before revoking the license of two private schools owned by influential NRI businessmen. More

Related Report

NORKA Minister's main aim -woo more investments from Gulf countries

Unfazed by the belligerent atmosphere in the Gulf region, the Minister for NORKA, Mr. M. M. Hassan, is now on a tour of the Gulf countries with an objective to persuade expatriates to pick up stake in a company formed to promote development of the state. Mr. Hassan is visiting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman to market ROOTS, a company floated by the Kerala Government last year. He has other plan propagate various schemes designed for the welfare and rehabilitation of NRKs. This includes formulation of Private Limited Companies in Food & Nutrition and allied sectors. More NORKA News

Criminal charges filed against two persons during raids on software resellers

Sheikh Ahmed presents the first-ever Emirates Businesswomen Award

Pope uses Easter pulpit to call for free Iraq

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul said in his Easter Sunday message that the Iraqi people should determine their future, adding his moral authority to the international debate on the aftermath of the U.S.-led war in Iraq More

Al Jazeera Reporter Detained by British Forces in Basra

US Implicated In Planned Theft Iraqi Antiquities

As the full extent of the looting of Iraq's National Museum in Baghdad emerges, it becomes clear that there was nothing accidental about it. Rather it was the result of a long planned project to plunder the artistic and historical treasures that are held in the museums of Iraq.
Using Sex to influence FBI, Spy work

Katrina Leung has been accused of using sex to obtain secrets for China while earning more than £1 million as an FBI spy.The allegations against Katrina Leung, said by prosecutors to have had secret affairs with her FBI bosses, have brought inevitable comparisons with the Dutch dancer accused of working for both the French and German secret services during the First World War Full Report

US intends to maintain military presence in postwar Iraq: paper

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- The United States, planning to have a long-term military relationship with the postwar Iraq, intends to maintain its military presence in the oil-rich country,the New York Times reported Sunday.The planned long-term military relationship with the emerging government of Iraq would grant the US access to the Iraq military bases, the paper quoted senior Bush administration officials as saying. More

Part of Five-Story Building Collapses in Saudi

JEDDAH, 21 April 2003 — Residents and shoppers in Balad were evacuated when part of a five-story building collapsed yesterday morning, reports Arab News. The Saudi Civil Defense reported that two units were called to the area about 11 a.m. yesterday after reports that the top floor of the old premises of the Riyad Bank building had collapsed More

Britain launches inquiry into UK soldier's death

LONDON, April 20 -- British army had launched investigation into the death of a British soldier shot in Iraq after his colleagues claimed that he and some other soldiers were not issued with correct body armor, The Sunday Telegraph reported. "We are expecting answers to the most important questions in a few days and his family will be the first to be informed," the newspaper quoted a military officer as saying. More

Blair 'no' to Iraq arms inquiry

Tony Blair has ruled out an inquiry into allegations that the public was misled about Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction, the main justification for the war. Putting himself at odds with a growing number of MPs, the Prime Minister said there was no need for a separate inquiry as a 1,000-strong Anglo-American inspection team prepares to search Iraq for weapons. More

Iraqi opposition leader urges US troops to stay until elections 11 killed as tourist ship sinks in Brazil Italian helicopter crash kills six people

US army takes over control of Baghdad from Marines

BAGHDAD, April 19 -- The US army took over the control of Baghdad Saturday from the Marines, who started to pull out from the Iraqi capital that they captured 10 days ago. Soldiers from the US army's 3rd Infantry Division have replaced the Marines in many areas of Baghdad Saturday, while elements of the US 4th Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne also moved intothe city More News

New Digital Horror Stories from the Iraq Battlefield by Digital Journalist

Sonia talks to Karunakaran, end to crisis in sight

Preliminery steps to implement GIM Projects Worth 13500 Crores in Kerala

Iran predicts sharp fall of oil price

TEHRAN, April 19 -- Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh on Saturday predicted a sharp fall of oil price on the international market More

US says Iraqi finance minister captured in Baghdad Iraqi children facing threat of bomblets left over by US forces Aptec Holdings appoints Jo Dalling to focus on improving business standards

US company wins first major contract in rebuilding Iraq

Betchel which plans Pipeline to Israel is behind many US invasions and regime changes in Asia and Latin America Watch this space for special report on US dollar diplomacy

LOS ANGELES, April 17 The Bush administration on Thursday awarded Bechtel Group, a US construction company, the first major contract in a vast reconstruction plan for Iraq, but it assigned no position of authority to the United Nations or Europe. In a statement released by Bechtel, the San Francisco-based company said it defeated a handful of other US construction companies to win the contract awarded by the United States Agency for International development. More News

Dubai e-Government to showcase online job search innovations at Careers UAE 2003 Iraq : Experts Suspect Art Looting Was Planned Chilean analysts warn of US pressure on South America after Iraq Saudi FM urges Iraq neighbors to support crucial UN role IMF Approves US$701 Million Disbursement Under Stand-By Credit to Turkey Post-War Oil Management Should Bolster Rights, Benefit Iraqis Iraqis stage mass rally in Baghdad against occupation troops A revealing glimpse of Washington’s "free and democratic Iraq"

Muslim woman's body found in hospital morgue covered with bacon

The body of a Muslim woman was found in a hospital mortuary, covered with rashers of bacon. The desecration was discovered when the family of the grandmother, aged 65, was waiting to see her body after she lost her fight with cancer. The Metropolitan Police's racial crime task force was called in to investigate the incident, at Hillingdon Hospital in west London, and an extensive inquiry was launched. It is strictly against the Muslim religion to touch or eat pork and the woman's family, who do not want to be identified, have been left deeply traumatized More

Rain toll rises to 30; 7 member UAE Family rescued from Stranded Vehicle

MUSCAT — The rains have claimed the lives of 30 people, said a Royal Oman Police statement yesterday. The ROP recovered a body yesterday morning in Al Amerat, it said, adding that the victim has been identified as one of the three expatriates whose vehicle was swept away in the torrential rains on Monday. The ROP men recovered the bodies of a UAE family of seven members in the wilayat of Mahda after their car was swept away in a flooded wadi, the Times of Oman reported More

IRAQ: 1,000 U.S. Inspectors To Hunt Doomsday Weapons;

Despite calls by U.N. Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission Executive Chairman Hans Blix for his weapons inspectors to be allowed back into Iraq, the United States plans to send 1,000 of its own inspectors to Iraq to hunt for weapons of mass destruction, a U.S. defense official told CNN yesterday. The official said the group should be fully operational within weeks. More

Footage shows Saddam's 'final public appearance' US Bribed Iraqi Military Leaders The Rumsfeld Saddam Deal ''Saddam's fall: a warning to the Third World'' Post-War Oil Management Should Bolster Rights, Benefit Iraqis

Behind The Scenes Of The Iraq War

The plan for the Iraq war, which has erupted in the face of opposition from the entire world, was drawn up at least decades ago, by Israeli strategists In its attempt to realize its strategy of destabilizing or dividing the Middle Eastern Arab states, Israel has Egypt, Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia on its list of subsequent targets. As these lines are being written, the United States of America has begun striking at Iraq. Despite the fact that most countries of the world, and even the majority of the USA's allies, opposed it, the US administration was determined for the strike to go ahead. When we look behind the scenes of this insistence, it seems that Israel and its powerful lobby in the US, have the greatest share in the make-up. The Age-Old Israeli Plan to Divide Iraq More

Democracy for the Middle East? Bah, humbug!"

Exiled Shiite Chief: Iraqis Should Rebel Exiled Shiite Opposition Leader Calls on Iraqis to Oppose U.S.-Led Interim Administration

US Marines loot Iraq bank

American Marines Robbing and Looting? This picture shows American Marines removing the gold covered entrance of one of the Saddam Palaces

BAGHDAD, April 17- US marines launched an attack on a bank Thursday in western Baghdad and dug out 60 million US dollars from the bank, a witness said. The move was believed to have aimed at saving the Alrashid Bank from being robbed after mobs attacked and looted several Iraqi banks over the past few days. More

Colonialism of the 21st Century -Divide and Rule US forces behind anarchy in Iraq: Pak analyst

Bush's cultural adviser resigns in protest over looting of Iraq museum

WASHINGTON, April 17-- Martin Sullivan, head of a presidential panel on cultural property, stepped down this week in protest over the failure of US forces to prevent the massive looting of Baghdad's antiquities museum. "The reports in recent days about the looting of Iraq's National Museum of Antiquities and the destruction of countless artifacts that document the cradle of Western civilization have troubled me deeply, a feeling that is shared by many other Americans," Sullivan wrote in a letter released Thursday. More

Storm Flood affect Normal Life in the Gulf

4 keralites dead in Oman due to wadi flood

MUSCAT/DUBAI -A strong warning is issued by companies and individuals about a possible storm in Oman. It is said that the storm is coming from the UAE where a sudden storm burst over the Emirates with high winds of up to 70 knots. According to Gulf News, swirls of sand blanketed highways and drastically reduced visibility to less than 00 metres. Some of the leading trading companies in Oman have warned the employees to keep their vehicles from the office because they expect a storm. Normal life in the Sultanate has been affected by continuous rainfall for the last two three days which caused at least 20 confirmed deaths and damage to vehicles and property. In Kuwait, light rain was reported in some places. Storm warning is passed on through SMS messages, telephone etc. More

 DNRD wins 'Distinguished Technical Project' award for e-Gate in Dubai Government Excellence Program

 Award highlights e-Gate's role in automating passport control at Dubai International Airport

 

DUBAI - The e-Gate project implemented by Dubai Naturalisation & Residency Department (DNRD) at Dubai International Airport has won the 'Distinguished Technical Project' in the prestigious Dubai Government Excellence Awards for 2002. The annual awards, which were presented by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. More

Iraq: Killings, Expulsions on the Rise in Kirkuk U.S. Not Fulfilling Duties of “Occupying Power”

U.S. Use of Clusters in Baghdad Condemned

(New York, April 16, 2003) – The U.S. Central Command should respond publicly to evidence that U.S. forces used cluster munitions in a populated area of Baghdad, Human Rights Watch urged today. According to a report in yesterday’s Newsday, a Central Commandspokeswoman has anonymously confirmed that U.S. forces have hit urbanareas of Baghdad with cluster munitions, stating that they were aimed atIraqi artillery and missile systems located inside the city. More

Iraq: US and UK forces must deal with situation of lawlessness USA: Call for Inquiry into possible excessive force against anti-war protesters; WHO Health Briefing on Iraq U.S. Use of Clusters in Baghdad Condemned Iraq: Coalition Forces Must Stop Iraqi Looting

Flood Creates Havoc in Muscat

200 Traffick Accidents in Muscat due to flooding, storm. 14 people dead one Malayali dies trapped in Vehicle carried away by flood, 4 Indian workers missing. Power supply, telephone lines disrupted

U.S. Use of Clusters in Baghdad Condemned

Anti US Protest in Iraq urgest Marines to go Home

NASSIRIYAH, 16 April 2003 — Thousands of demonstrators gathered yesterday on the road leading to a hastily constructed air base outside this city, the location of a meeting between US government representatives and members of the opposition Iraqi National Congress, reported Essam Al-Ghalib, Arab News War Correspondent. According to him, the demonstrators, numbering in their tens of thousands, railed against US occupation of Iraq and the resulting hardships its citizens are being made to suffer. Full Report

Rumsfeld confirms Iraq-Syria oil pipeline shut down Lebanese PM, Cabinet Resign GCC FMs call for quick establishment of civilian government in Iraq Egyptian FM rejects US pressure on Syria Roundup: US military goals in Iraq shift

US Troops Fire on Mosul Mob; Twelve Killed

MOSUL, 16 April 2003 — At least 12 people were shot dead and scores wounded yesterday in the northern Iraqi town of Mosul, a hospital doctor said, with witnesses claiming US troops had opened fire on a crowd after it turned against an American- installed local governor, reported AFP.Full Report

US brands Syria as "terrorist state" More Reports

Iraq Hospitals badly hit by Looting, War

An assessment team from the World Health Organization has conducted its first comprehensive survey of the situation in hospitals in the northern city of Kirkuk. The team, made up of two public health doctors, two pharmacists and one engineer, reports that the water and electricity infrastructure in the town is severely disrupted and that health facilities have been seriously damaged and disrupted by looting. More

Yemen grants asylum to Iraqi envoy to Arab League US defense chief says some Iraqi leaders flee to Syria

Dyncorp Rent-a-Cops May Head to Post-Saddam Iraq

US Company starts recruiting Iraqi Police?

The scenes of looting in Iraq are heart-rending: the Saddam Hospital in Nasiriyah in southern Iraq was pillaged last week by 20 armed thieves who grabbed a haul of drugs and several ambulances just as a man died in the hospital lobby from gunshot wounds. He sustained his injuries while resisting another gang that was trying to steal his car. More

GCC States Urged to Ratify Migrant Rights Treaty

Saudi Arabia Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates ill-treat migrants

(New York, April 12, 2003) -- Millions of migrants who work in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries lack real legal protection, Human Rights Watch said today. In letters to the six states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- Human Rights Watch strongly urged their leaders to endorse the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Saudi Arabia and the other GCC states have a special responsibility to participate in all international efforts to guarantee rights and justice for this vulnerable population,” said Hanny Megally, executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch. becoming parties to the migrant rights convention will signal the GCC’s willingness to help address a serious worldwide problem.” Full Report

Half a million anti-war protesters march in Rome

ROME, April 12 - Half a million Italian anti-war protesters marched through Rome on Saturday to demonstrate their opposition to the allied offensive in Iraq which toppled the Iraqi regime.Organizers claimed that more than a half a million people took part in the march which was marred by several acts of vandalism by the so-called Disobedient groups who targeted bank ATM machines and American interests. More

Three Saudis who fought for Saddam Against the US killed
JEDDAH, 13 April 2003 — Three Saudis who were fighting in Iraq against the US-led forces were killed last week, Okaz Arabic daily reported yesterday. Abdul Wahab Al-Shehri said he had learned that his relative, Khaled Abdul Hadi Muhammad Al-Shehri, 28, was among the three Saudis killed. More

Immediate measures needed to restore law and order in Iraq, Amnesty International

"As forces of an occupying power they should urgently take measures to enforce law and order in the areas under their control, specifically by preventing acts of pillage, destruction, and violence to persons," the organization said. More

U.S. Plans for Iraq Tribunals A Mistake
International Tribunal Needed Protect Government Archives from Looting
Thousands march in London in protest against "occupation of Iraq" Saddam's top adviser surrenders, first opposition leader returns 59 men arrested in Iraq carrying cash rewards for killing US troopsMore News

 

Bush expects Syria to hand over Saddam supporters

April 12 2003, US President George W. Bush today urged Syria to shut its borders to fleeing followers of Saddam Hussein and turn over any who have already found "safe haven" in Iraq's western neighbour. "We expect them to do everything they can to prevent people who should be held to account from escaping in their country," he said after meeting for the first time at two area military hospitals with US soldiers wounded in Iraq. Full Report

Baghdad descends further into anarchy, Iraqi troops abandon Mosul

BAGHDAD, April 11 - Public order is deteriorating in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Friday amid a widespread looting spree that gripped one Iraqi city after another while Iraqi troops have abandoned the oil-rich town of Mosul after US forces signed acease-fire agreement with Iraqi troops there.More

WHO Urges authorities to restore Water and Electricity to Hospitals, ensure safety of Hospital staff Iran is happy about ouster of Saddam Iraqi government is gone: White House Concern over prison overcrowding Floods kill 1,000 in Malawi more News

US military issues list of most wanted Iraqi leaders:

DOHA, April 11 -- US commanders in Iraq have been issued with a list of 55 most wanted Iraqi leaders, which includes President Saddam Hussein, said a spokesman of the US Central Command in Qatar on Friday. More

Prolonged War to worsen Economic Hardship of Gulf Keralites

DUBAI - The ongoing Anglo American invasion of Iraq and the overt threat to neighbouring countries like Iran, Syria and even Saudi Arabia will create major political and economic repercussions in the Gulf region which may adversely affect the peaceful life of thousands of Indians living in the six GCC countries. Even though the presence of Indian community is limited in Iran and Iraq, nearly 3 million Indians are employed in various sectors. Majority of the Keralite workers in the Gulf are engaged in the construction sector, which is already affected by the skyrocketing prices of construction materials like cement and steel as a result of the war.Full Report

55 workers living without food and salary in Doha

Indian Embassy Publishes name of companies which fail to pay workers

Dubai, Apr 11 In order to protect the interests of Indian workers, the Indian embassy in Doha has posted on its website the names of Qatari companies that have gained notoriety for failing to pay salaries to their expatriate workers.The website has named a Doha-based manpower supply company, which does not have any project of its own, for perennial labour law violations. More

US says flag incident involving US Marines was a 'coincidence'

Toppling Saddam Statue mere Propagand (click the link)

It was, by any measure, an astonishing coincidence, says a report by K Senguptha of Independent." As the biggest statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad was pulled down "spontaneously" in front of the world's media, the Stars and Stripes which flew on the Pentagon on 11 September was at hand to be draped over its face, the paper said in a report. According to The Indepdent, US army denied that the toppling of the 20ft edifice by a tank tower was stage-managed. It was a coincidence, they said, that Lt Tim McLaughlin, the keeper of that flag, happened to be present. There was some suspicion that the crowd that jumped up and down on the metal carcass had been bused in from the Shia suburb of Saddam City. Read the full Report

Dead US marine's family complains of little concern from government

US Government Not Concerned About Dead Marines

LOS ANGELES, April 10 - "The US government only paid 3,000 dollars for my son's death. Only 3,000," said Rosa Gonzalez in an interview with an international news Agency on Thursday. Her son, Jorge Gonzalez, who served as a corporal in the US Marine Corps, was sent to Iraq to fight against Saddam Hussein's forces and was finally killed on the battlefield half a month ago. US marine's family complains of little concern from government Full Report

Iran Condemns Murder of Shiite Leader in Iraq Dead

Courages Iraqis Continue Fighting Mighty American Marines

At least one US Marine killed when man blows himself up in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, April 10-- At least one US marine was killedand three others were seriously wounded in downtown Baghdad Thursday night when a man strapped with explosives approached a Marine checkpoint and blew himself up. The incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. (1530 GMT) near the Palestine Hotel, where most foreign journalists are based.US Marine Capt. Joe Plenzler said initial reports showed that it was an apparent suicide attack and he gave no further details on the circumstance of the incident. More

Pro American Iraqi General, Muslim Leader Killed by Iraqi People for being stooges of America

A former Iraqi general Nizar Al-Khazaraji and Islamic scholar Majid Al-Khoi’i have both been executed by Iraqi residents of Najaf, according to five independent Iraqi witnesses to the incident who spoke to Arab News. In an exclusive report, the newspaper reported that the two potential Iraqi leaders of the city, who were supported by the US, “were chopped into pieces with swords and knives inside the Ali Mosque this morning by Iraqis who accused them of being American stooges.,” One of the witnesses told Arab News. Another said that a US Special Forces Soldier, who had been acting as their body guard, was also killed in the incident. More

British firms press for rebuilding contracts in Iraq Iraqi prominent Shiite leader assassinated in Najaf Bush, Blair send TV messages to Iraqis - German police raid extremist Islamic group Switzerland tightens grip on Iraqi assets Iran summons Swiss ambassador to protest US missile accidentIraqi leadership vanishes : US intelligence Schroeder warns against more US wars in other regions after Iraq war - Britain warns of "dangers" ahead in Iraq war EU monitors US contracts in Iraq for WTO compliance Coalition working with locals on security in Iraqi cities Blair, Bush to send TV message to Iraqis Wartime security plan to continue in New York British Foreign Secretary to head for Gulf to discuss Iraq Japan groping for information on journalist missing in Iraq Powell: US to seek UN resolutions endorsing new Iraqi government -Germany urges US, UK to protect embassies in BaghdadMore

Renewed Attack on US Marines in Baghdad, 1 killed 12 injured

BAGHDAD - April 10, 2003 US Marines came under heavy fire from the Iraqi forces on Thursday along the northern banks of the Tigris river in Baghdad, with one Marine killed and 13 others injured.. Since dawn, the US troops were under heavy attack from Iraqi troops hiding in buildings, in cars, on roofs or under bridges More

Propaganda by CNN CIA News Network and Bush Blair Corporation BBC

First there is a photo from the BBC website showing the statue toppling. Below that is a long-shot in which you can see the whole of Fardus Square (conveniently located just opposite the Palestine Hotel where the international media are based), and the presence of at most around 200 people ? most of them US troops (note the tanks and armoured vehicles) and assembled journalists. Full Report

Rumsfeld accuses Syria of sheltering Ba'athists

The US defence secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, accused Syria yesterday of helping senior members of Iraq's Ba'ath regime to escape.In some cases the fugitives were stopping when they got to Syria, but others were travelling on to other countries. "Senior regime people are moving out of Iraq and into Syria," Mr Rumsfeld said. Asked what evidence he had, he said the US was getting "scraps of evidence" that Syria had been "facilitating" the traffic in leading Ba'athists. More

From Disinfopedia, the encyclopedia of propaganda.

The Rendon Group is a secretive public relations firm that has assisted a number of U.S. military interventions in nations including Argentina, Colombia, Haiti, Iraq, Kosovo, Panama and Zimbabwe. Rendon's activities including organizing the Iraqi National Congress, a PR front group designed to foment the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. More

Israel to release more reservists call up for war-preparation Automechanika's commitment to exhibit authentic car parts endorsed by Automotive Brand Protection Group

Multibillion Oil Pipeline to flow Iraqi Oil to Israel, US through Jordan

Pro-US, Pro-Israel Iraq Govt to facilitate Project for US multinationals

The flow of oil from Mosul was redirected from Haifa to Syria after the British Mandate for Palestine expired in 1948. There were several attempts to renew the flow of oil to Haifa in subsequent years. One such effort occurred during the Iraq-Iran war in the 1980s, after Syria acceded to a request from Iran to block the flow of Iraqi oil to the Mediterranean. It may be recalled that Iran was then preventing oil tankers from moving Iraqi oil via the Persian Gulf. The Israeli prime minister at the time, Yitzhak Shamir, proposed to Iraq to renew the flow of oil through the pipeline to Haifa. More

U.K. Forces Committed Mass Killing In Umm Qasr: Iraqis S. Arabia supports Iraqi people to choose their own leaders Jordan supports Iraqis' rights to rule themselves: FM Over 1,000 Iraqi refugees arrive in Iranian border Saddam and son alive in Iraq: Iraqi opposition leader -US defense chief warns Syria against aiding Iraq

Russia denies Saddam hiding at Russian Embassy in Baghdad

MOSCOW -April 9, 2003 Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has urged the US Secretary of State Colin Powell to ensure safety of Russian diplomats remaining in Baghdad.In a telephone conversation Wednesday Ivanov "emphasized the importance of providing full security to the Russian Embassy in Baghdad and its staff," the foreign ministry said in a statement.Some Russian diplomats are still in Baghdad. More News

US forces switch targets to close fighting in Baghdad Russian Diplomat Alleges that the US Army Fired Deliberately at the Convoy -Jordan denies talks on restarting Iraq-Israeli pipeline, American Multinational's Controversial Gas Pipeline from Iraq to Israel

Gulf-Kerala ship service soon, says Hassan once again -Jordan draws up SARS emergency plan.

WHO Report on situation in Iraq Some 110 feared dead in ferry disaster South Africa enacts New immigration laws e-Gate earns well deserved recommendation for simplifying passport control at Dubai International Airport Isayas visits US warship to trace terrorist groups Cheaper AIDS drugs to be made locally in South Africa Blair, Bush see "vital" UN role in post-war Iraq India Parliament unanimously adopts resolution "deploring" Iraq war No Indians evacuated from Iraq, says Minister Indian firm supplies "blood warmers" used by US Army in IraqUS can win war but not peace in Iraq Suspected SARs patient hospitalised British Gurkhas to guard post-Saddam Iraq's temporary ruler Apple announces Final Cut Pro 4

US/UK ‘Intent on Regime Change in Syria’
Walter Pincus, The Washington Post

WASHINGTON, 9 April 2003 — Conservatives within the Bush administration would like to see a change of government in Syria but want it to happen through peaceful means rather than US military action, according to current and former senior US officials. Full Report

Iraq war dominates parliamentarians' conference Saddam Still Controls Republican Guard British forces seek tribal leader's help to restore order in Basra One Killed in Iran due to US Rocket Atack Iranian students protest against Iraq war before British embassyReporters Without Borders outraged at bombing of Al-Jazeera office in Baghdad 4 journalists wounded in US attack in Baghdad US military presence increasing in Baghdad Iraqi information minister says "we will destroy them"

US warplane strikes leadership target in Baghdad

Baghdad - April 8, 2003 The US Central Command confirmed Tuesday that the US air forces had struck a "leadership target" in Baghdad on Monday, where some top Iraqi officials were holding a meeting.Major Brad Bartlett, a spokesman at the Qatar-based war headquarters of the US Central Command, told reporters that a US B-1 bomber dropped four heavy bombs, each of 2,000 pounds, at a building in the Baghdad district of Mansur on Monday afternoon. More News

Al-Jazeera reporter killed in US bombing

CAIRO, April 8 -- The Al-Jazeera TV channel reported on Tuesday that one of its staff reporters was killed in the latest US bombing of Baghdad.In the latest air raid, al-Jazeera's office in Baghdad was hit by a US missile and caught fire, leaving two of its staff injured,one in serious condition.Its earlier report said that in the US air raid, one person waswounded and another missing. More

War Against Saddam or War Against Iraqi People

Sami Osama, a truck driver, was delivering 5,000 kg of tomatoes through the small town of Sanawa when he approached an American checkpoint. According to witnesses who spoke to Arab News yesterday, he did not understand the orders in English and approached the checkpoint as normal. The US forces opened fire, killing him instantly and injuring two of his passengers.More

Bombardment unleashed on Iraq equal to nuclear conflict: physicians

AMMAN, April 8 -- Condemning the US-led war on neighboring Iraq, Jordanian physicians believed the ongoing war is no less than a nuclear one, the Jordan Times reported Tuesday."We condemn this immoral war as we believe the amount of bombardment unleashed on Iraq is equal to any nuclear conflict," said Mahmoud Taher, vice president of the Jordanian Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (JPPNW). More

Killing Civilians, the Immoral Face of War

Robert Fisk, The Independent

BAGHDAD, 8 April 2003 — They lay in lines, the car salesman who’d just lost his eye but whose feet were still dribbling blood, the motorcyclist who was hit by a shell fired at him by bullets from American troops near the Rashid Hotel, the 50-year-old female civil servant, her long dark hair spread over the towel she was lying on, her body pock-marked with shrapnel from an American cluster bomb. For the civilians of Baghdad, this is the real, immoral face of war, the direct result of America’s clever little “probing missions” into Baghdad. Full Report

US warplane strikes leadership target in Baghdad l-Jazeera reporter killed in US bombing Bombardment unleashed on Iraq equal to nuclear conflict: physicians US, Iraqi forces exchange fire in east Baghdad

Iraq shot down two US military Planes

Baghdad, April.7 Iraq announced that its forces had downed two US military planes, an A 10 and an F 15over the gates leading to Baghdad city. An Iraqi military spokesman, said that the A10 , best known for tank killer, was downed near Baghdad gates whereas the F 15was downed inside the city, from above the Iraqi Air Force Academy.

Iranian armed forces urged to prepare for probable foreign threats 9 civilians killed in bombing of Baghdad's residential neighborhood Aptec projects a 40% increase in growth in 2003 Dubai Cable Company to build a new factory in Abu Dhabi WHO Health briefing for Iraq

Blair Wants Free Speech in Iraq, But Not in Britain

George Galloway, The Guardian

Blair, it seems, wants free speech in Baghdad, but not in the British Parliament. He wants to use his systems of regime control — the whips, the emasculated national executive committee and the party conference (now dragooned more carefully than a Ceausescu mass wedding) — to ensure that only “licensed” and low-key opposition is heard. Full Report

Al Qaedaa plans major hit in the US by Entering via Mexico - Washington Times

A group of al Qaeda terrorists is attempting to infiltrate the United States from Mexico to conduct attacks in the country, The Washington Times reported. A warning about Iraqi intelligence agents also was received as the Bush administration began a worldwide effort to have such agents expelled from foreign capitals. The warnings about the al Qaeda and Iraqi threats come as the United States remains on heightened alert for a terrorist attack after military operations began against Iraq. The national terrorism alert level has been at Orange, or heightened.Full Report

WHO Report on the fate of 12 million Iraqi Children

Hundreds of civilians are being injured, every day. And civilian injuries have a double impact on children - whether or not they are the direct victims, they may find themselves without a mother, a father, brothers or sisters. And don't forget that many of the "military casualties" we hear about are men whose children will now have to grow up without them. More

Counselling Board Constituted for Engineering Exams 22 killed in Russian School Fire

Journalists covering anti-war protest roughed up by police

Reporters Without Borders protested today against new police attacks on journalists covering anti-war demonstrations in Cairo. "Yet again police have targeted journalists," said Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard. "We are very concerned and once again urge interior minister Habib al-Adeli to ensure that journalists, whether Egyptians or foreigners, are allowed to do their job freely and cover protests without having to fear for their own safety." More

Iraqi minister calls on world "not to believe Americans" Key ministries still controlled by Iraq 1,200 Bangladesh Muslims to fight against US, UK.Opposition Wants US troops to stay for two years Iraq still has some military capability: US Central Command Arab League not to admit new US-controlled Iraqi government US troops fired at Russian diplomats: Iraqi ambassador GCC FMs kick off emergency meeting in Kuwait UN chief appoints special adviser on Iraq Karroubi accuses US of waging atomic warfare against Iraqi people More

Three bomb alerts in Belfast ahead of Bush-Blair summit

BELFAST, Britain, April 7 -- Belfast police said Monday they had already cleared one bomb alert in the Belfast International Airport where US President George W. Bush is set to arrive later in the afternoon for his second talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair since the Iraq war broke out on March 20. More

Iraq denies British troops have controlled Basra. More US troops reportedly seize key buildings in Baghdad

Iraqi Woman Allegedly Raped by US Marine After Shooting Her Husband
 War Crimes by USA

An event that had happened 5 days before also received publicity at the coalition HQ. During a night "cleanup" in one of suburban houses near An-Nasiriya three marines shot a man and afterwards raped and shot his wife. The command got information about this accident from one of its informers. After interrogation the marines were sent to Qatar for additional investigations. More

Eighteen Kurdish fighters Killed by US

 School War in Muscat

Proposal to Make Indian Schools into Community Schools Pending with the Concerned Authorities? Watch this space.

First US airplane lands at Baghdad airport : US

BAGHDAD, April 6 - A US military official said the first US military airplane landed at Baghdad airport on Sunday. The official from the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division's aviation brigade said a C-130 military transporter landed at about 8 p.m.local time (1600 GMT), Reuters reported. On Friday, US forces seized the airport, some 20 km (12 miles)southwest of the Iraqi capital center More

US journalist killed in Military accident

Invasion of Iraq is not an excursion trip as the US Media suggested initially

American journalist Michael Kelly was killed when a military vehicle he was travelling in plunged into a canal while trying to dodge Iraqi shooting near Baghdad airport, US officials said yesterday. Kelly, 46, who worked for the Washington Post and Atlantic Monthly, was the first "embedded" journalist to die in the war. He was with the Third Infantry Division. A US soldier also died in the incident. (1130 GMT) Read all the news

Iraq War Front Reports from Russian Military Intelligence in Baghdad

3000 Casualties -- How they were buried? No video? -Media Column by Reporters Sans frontiers Journalist

Between 2,000 to 3,000 Iraqis killed

DOHA, April 6 -- Between 2,000 to 3,000 Iraqis were killed when US infantry moved through southern Baghdad, US Central Command spokesman Jim Wilkinson said on Sunday. Wilkingson said the chief of the US Central Command, Gen. Tommy Franks, was briefed on the death toll of Saturday's raid "I know the number that Gen. Franks was briefed on and it was between 2,000 to 3,000," the spokesman said. More

Up to 3,000 Iraqis killed as US army moves through southern Baghdad Iraq to impose travel ban as coalition forces advance toward capital Iran identifies 200 bodies found near Basra as Iranian soldiers Evacuating Russian diplomats from Baghdad come under fire US Europe Differences Erupt Over Post War Iraq First SARS case suspected in Kuwait

Kuwait Speaker Urges Arabs to Avoid Hypocrisy

Interview with Arab News Correspondent

KUWAIT, 7 April 2003 — Kuwait’s Parliamentary Speaker Jasim Al-Khorafi has urged Arab and Islamic countries to participate actively in the reconstruction of Iraq after the war. “This war will end within a few weeks and we have to be prepared to meet the huge challenges in the post-war Iraq,” he told Arab News in an interview. More

US may keep permanent military presence in Iraq: Pentagon

A senior US defense official indicated Sunday that the United States may keep a permanent military presence in a postwar Iraq as it has done in Germany since the end of World War II. "It's a possibility," US deputy defense secretary Paul Wolfowitz told Fox News Sunday when asked about the likelihood of a US military presence in Iraq as there was and still is in Germany. But he quickly said that it is "too soon" to say what those arrangement would be. More

SEC Secret Probe of Stock Dealings before September 11 World Trade Center Attack

Between August 26 and September 11, 2001, a group of speculators, identified by the American Securities and Exchange Commission as Israeli citizens, sold “short” a list of 38 stocks that could reasonably be expected to fall in value as a result of the pending attacks. These speculators operated out of the Toronto, Canada and Frankfurt, Germany, stock exchanges and their profits were specifically stated to be “in the millions of dollars.” More

Saddam fled Baghdad 3 days ago: Ex-aide

London, April 6 As American forces tightened their grip on Baghdad, senior US officials, according to reports here, said that intelligence on Saddam Hussain's whereabouts had "dried up". But they also say that in all probability he is alive and possibly hiding in a network of tunnels believed to stretch over a 50 mile area in and around Baghdad. Full Story

American Media Blackouts on the Iraqi War

Doubts grow over US war claims Iraq still in control of much of Baghdad: US Deputy Defense Secretary Saddam chairs meeting as bombardment continues in Baghdad

200 -  300 American Soldiers Killed in Airport War--More News

DNRD to offer for e-Gate users unable to use fingerprint scan

Dubai - April 5, 2003 Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD),which operates e-Gate, the hi-tech card-operated access system at the Dubai International Airport, is exploring further secure screening procedures for the benefit of those travelers who are unable to utilize the fingerprint scan due to disabilities or fingerprint defects. More

Central Baghdad under new bombardment Saudi denies massive inflow of Iraqi refugees Bush says Saddam's days numbered

Baghdad to be a cemetery for American, British troops: Yassin

GAZA, April 4 - Baghdad would turn into a graveyard for the American and British troops, Islamic resistance movement Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin warned Friday.Yassin made this remarks on Friday evening as he led a rally in Gaza City to show support for Iraqis, in which thousands of Palestinians participated. More War News Update

US, Iraqi forces fight for control of Saddam International Airport

Iraqi leader's fate not necessary for US to claim victory: White House
Iraq might use "human shields", WMD to retake Saddam airport: British commander

Iraqi forces destroyed 17 coalition tanks, downed helicopter: militarySaddam appears on TV addressing the nation Iraqi forces destroyed 17 coalition tanks, downed helicopter: military Letter from bin Laden found in mosque in Italy Iraq threatens to take "unconventional" action Friday night Blair says no plans to attack Syria, Iran Republican Guard active around Baghdad, airport unusable -US US claims 2,500 elite Iraqi troops surrender Protracted Iraq war to hurt India's competitiveness: CII New Television News Channels Launched

Karunakaran faction toughens stand, fields rebel in RS poll

Thiruvananthapuram,Sunday, April 04, 1999: In a belligerent move to express resentment over the denial of a berth for their nominee in the Rajya Sabha poll, the Karunakaran faction in the Congress in Kerala today fielded Kasargod DCC president Kodoth Govindan Nair as a `rebel' candidate for the April 14 poll. More

Car bomb explodes near coalition checkpoint in Iraq, killing six

DOHA, Qatar, April 4 -- In what appears to be a suicide bomb attack, a car bomb exploded near a coalition checkpoint Thursday evening near the Haditha Dam northwest of Baghdad, killing three coalition soldiers, a pregnant woman and the car's driver, the US Central Command in Qatar said Friday More

Saddam vows Again to defeat coalition forces

BAGHDAD, April 4 Iraqi President Saddam Hussein vowed Friday to defeat the coalition forces at the gates of Baghdad. Saddam made the remarks in a statement read by Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf on the president's behalf. Saddam said in the statement that "we are determined, God willing, to defeat them and destroy them on the walls of our capital, just like we are determined to destroy their wretched armies and defeat it on every spot of the land of Islam." "Fight them and hit them night and day and make the land of Muslims a blazing fire for the invaders," the statement said.More

Iraqi FM says Saddam Hussein alive

Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri said on Friday that President Saddam Hussein was still alive and well, but he refused to say if he had seen the president in person, BBC Radio reported. "The president is well, the leadership are well and functioning normally," Sabri said in Baghdad during an interview with BBC Radio.However, Sabri evaded a question as to whether he has actually seen the president personally, saying: More

Britain says Iraqi troops may regroup in Baghdad

New round of airstrikes starts with coalition warplanes flying over central Baghdad

US Forces seize Baghdad International Airport

The US forces and Iraqi troops are still clashing in a fierce battle at the Saddam International Airport, which is some 20 km southwest of Baghdad. On Thursday night, the ABC television network of the United States reported that US forces had captured the airport, after meeting skirmishes from the Iraqi side. More

BAGHDAD - US forces has captured Saddam International Airport, 20 km from the center of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, with almost no resistance from the Iraqi army, the ABC television network reported on Thursday.A reporter of the ABC network said "US forces encountered very little Iraqi resistance, although some units of the 3rd Infantry Division did encounter scattered firing by Iraqi foot soldiers and men in pickups." More

US-led war on Iraq a "grave mistake": French PM

WHO Urges US-UK Invaders to maintain neutrality of Medical facilities, staff in Iraq

WHO asled $300 million for Iraq, Gets just $3 million!

Baghdad WHO has received reports that on the night of Wednesday, April 2nd to Thursday, April 3rd, a hospital compound on the outskirts of Baghdad was badly damaged. The compound includes a maternity hospital, a surgical hospital, and the headquarters of the Iraq Red Crescent Society.Outside the hospital 27 people were injured and three people died. This hospital is in a residential area, some 10 kilometres from Baghdad. This is the fourth confirmed report of damage to medical facilites during this conflict. Previously, a hospital in Basra was damaged, a primary health centre in Najaf was totally destroyed and a hospital in Nasiriya was damaged. More

WHO Predicts 15 million new cases of Cancer Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld Wednesday, on the War ProgressAl's opposition to war no bias against Kuwait: Moussa Saddam regime "coming to an end": Bush,Blair says the war will not end soon Central Baghdad under new bombardment Electricity goes off in most of Baghdad One More US soldier killed US special forces advance toward Baghdad: US officialBritain says coalition forces make "remarkable" progress in Iraq War on Iraq is blatant violation of UN resolutions: Khatami Iraqi information minister declares success in fighting Iraq accuses coalition of targeting civilians, coalition claims close to Baghdad Straw Comes out with New Peace Gestures US DoD identifies killed marines, soldiers in Kuwait, Iraq

Iraqi Children Victims of American Invasion

More and more Iraqi children are becoming victims of the US-led war against Iraq as the coalition forces are intensifying air and missile attacks on the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, witnesses said here early Thursday More

Saddam salutes defenders of southern Iraqi city of Kut

BAGHDAD, April 3 - Saddam Hussein saluted Iraqi defenders of the southern city of Kut in a letter read by Iraqi Information Minister Mohammad Said al-Sahhaf on television. Saddam hailed the "noble struggle and resistance" by Iraqi troops fighting invading coalition forces in the city 160 km south of Baghdad."May God bless the valiant men ready for sacrifice to defend Iraq," said the message. The letter was read after US Central Command in Doha, Qatar, said their troops had advanced within 10 km of the Iraqi capital city.

F/A-18 Hornet fighter from Kitty Hawk reported missing

DOHA - A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter was reported as missing in Iraq at midnight Wednesday, a spokesman of the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier said Thursday morning. "Search and rescue for the F/A-18 Hornet fighter is under way," said spokesman Lt. Brook Dewalt. More

US Black Hawk helicopter shot down in Iraq, killing seven

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- A US Army Black Hawk helicopter was shot down in southern Iraq Wednesday, killing seven and wounding four others.The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, with 11 US soldiers aboard, was downed by small-arms fire near Karbala, where the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division was in fierce fighting with Iraqi troops. More

KM Special - Live from Doha,Kuwait Central Command Media Center US denies Iraqi charge on attacking "human shields" convoy, US Counter Attack - Iraq Military attacking Mosques and More

FBI warns of clandestine labs making chemical, biological weapons US troops in Iraq face new enemy - heat US claims to close in on Baghdad -Amnesty Blasts US for using cluster bombs in Civilian Areas

BBC cameraman killed by landmine in Iraq

London- A BBC cameraman has been killed after stepping on a landmine in northern Iraq on Tuesday, said the company.Kaveh Golestan got out of the car and stepped on to the landmine near the town of Kifri at midday. He was killed instantly,a BBC statement said.BBC correspondent Jim Muir and producer Stuart Hughes, who were working , were also injured in the explosion. Hughes suffered leg injuries and is being treated at a US medical unit near Sulaymaniyah in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq. Muir was not seriously injured. More

Iraqi Maternity Hospital Bombed

US Troops Beat Up Western Journalists

KUWAIT CITY, 3 April 2003 — Two Western journalists have arrived safely back in Kuwait City after being arrested, beaten up and deprived of food and water in Iraq — by members of the US Army’s military police Reported Essam Al-Ghalib, Arab News War Correspondent

Missile Attack on Kurds kill 17? Middle East "roadmap" to be discussed in Brussels

Latest News Saddam warns Kurdish leaders against allying with "invaders" US arms transferred to northern Iraq: Turkey Gulf Education and Training Exhibition attracts over 300 educational institutes Bahraini Business Leaders hail Mobile Opportunity

Iraq Invasion
US troops move closer to Baghdad: Pentagon

DOHA, April -- A US Central Command spokesman said here on Wednesday US forces have entered "red zone" around the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Brigadier General Vincent Brooks told a daily news briefing that "We have forces that have already crossed those red lines," an area which is within the artillery and missile ranges of Iraqi forces and could trigger a chemical attack by Iraqi forces. More

Reporters Without Borders petitions the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission over bombing of Iraqi state TV Iranian Journalist Killed in Mine Explosion in Iraq UK Against US Plans to Attack Iran : Straw

Syria, Iran could be targeted after Iraq: Lebanese party chief

BEIRUT, A Lebanese prominent politician warned on Wednesday Washington will shift its targets to Iran, Syria and the Lebanese resistance guerrillas Hezbollah after the Iraq war, the official NNA news agency reported. During his meeting with Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, chief of the Progressive Socialist Party, said defending Iraq is to defend Syria, Iran and all parties that oppose US-led war on Iraq and "our dignity." More

Iraq says US troops have not crossed Tigris River

BAGHDAD, April 2 - Iraqi information minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf denied on Wednesday that US troops had crossed the Tigris river in the attack toward Baghdad as claimed by US officials. Speaking at a press conference in Baghdad, al-Sahaf said, More News

Russia protests US bombardment near its embassy in Iraq Arab league leader flays Arab Govts for failure to stop war Iraqis Banned from Using Satellite Phones- More News

Iraqis banned to use satellite phones

Iraqis have been banned to use portable satellite telephones, which could be used by "agents" to guide US and British bombs and missiles.In a statement read on the Iraqi state television on Wednesday, a government spokesman said Iraqis should hand over their satellite phones "before it is too late." More

Syria, Iran could be targeted after Iraq: Lebanese party chief

BEIRUT, A Lebanese prominent politician warned on Wednesday Washington will shift its targets to Iran, Syria and the Lebanese resistance guerrillas Hezbollah after the Iraq war, the official NNA news agency reported. During his meeting with Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, chief of the Progressive Socialist Party, said defending Iraq is to defend Syria, Iran and all parties that oppose US-led war on Iraq and "our dignity." More

VHP warns of Dec 6 repeat if law is not enacted on Ayodhya

New Delhi,Wednesday, April 02, 2003: AdoNews Mediang a tough posture, VHP today said the Supreme Court's recent decision disallowing prayers at Ayodhya had closed its oNews Mediaon of seeking a solution through judiciary and warned December 6, 1992 would be repeated if Parliament does not enact a law to hand over land to Hindus for temple construction. More

Iraqi Forces inside Ali Mosque, US Claims

Camp As Sayliyah, near Doha, Qatar -- U.S. Central Command has received reports from An Najaf that Coalition forces in the city are receiving hostile fire from Iraqi forces who have positioned themselves inside the Ali Mosque – one of the most important religious shrines to Shia around the world. More News from US Central Command

Bahrain expels Iraqi diplomat for suspected bombing links

Manama, April 2 -- Bahrain on Wednesday expelled the first secretary of the Iraqi Embassy due to his suspected links to a bombing outside a US naval base, Egypt's official MENA news agency reported. Charge d'Affaires Abdullah al-Gabori of the embassy was summonedto the Bahraini Foreign Ministry and handed the order of the departure of Nazem Gawad Ali, MENA said, quoting the Bahraini news agency. More

Egypt denies expelling Iraqi diplomat

CAIRO, April 2 -- An Egyptian diplomatic source on Wednesday denied reports that the Egyptian government has asked the first secretary of the Iraqi Embassy to leave Cairo in seven days. More

Russia protests US bombing near its embassy in Baghdad

MOSCOW, April 2 -- Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday protested the repeated United States bombing near the Russian embassy in Baghdad, Iraq earlier in the day, the Interfax news agency reported.Russia "has demanded that the US authorities take urgent and exhaustive measures to prevent such dangerous and unacceptable incidents from happening in the future," said a Russian Foreign Ministry statement More

 Iraq accuses coalition forces of using banned weapons
2003-04-02 20:38:12

BAGHDAD, April 2- Iraqi Information Minister Mohammad Said Al-Sahaf on Wednesday accused the US-led coalition forces of using banned weapons in military attacks against Iraq."The aggressors are lying about what is happening on the battle field," Sahaf said, referring to US claims that its troops have made gains in the encounters with Iraqi troops and militia. More

US troops accelerate advance toward Baghdad

Baghdhad - US troops accelerated their advance toward the Iraqi capital Wednesday after making gains in their first major ground battle with the elite Iraqi Republican Guard. US Marine troops crossed a major bridge over the Tigris river near Kut, a key central Iraqi city 170 kms to southeast of Baghdad,after heavily bombing positions held by the Republican Guard The advance on the eastern flank came at a time when US troops secured all exit roads of the city of Karbala, about 100 kms to thesouth of Baghdad, and continued its thrust northward. Backed by warplanes, Apache attack helicopters and furious artillery barrage, the US 3rd Infantry launched a strong attack on the shiite holy city of Kerbala at midnight. More News Updates

Two crew members rescued from US Marine fighter jet

US military confirms rescue of American POW in Iraq

A female American prisoner of war (POW) has been rescued in Iraq, the US Central Command confirmed Wednesday. "Coalition forces have conducted a successful rescue mission of a U.S. Army prisoner of war held captive in Iraq," announced Brigadier General Vincent Brooks in a short statement issued at the As Sayliya Camp, Qatar. More

Saddam a No-Show on Iraqi Television, Says US Saddam to appear on Iraqi TV

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2003 – It's Day 12 of "Where's Saddam?"Since Sunday, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, and other senior DoD officials have noted that no one has seen Saddam Hussein since the operation to open the war. So many military and civilian personnel in the Pentagon watched a bit more intently when the news networks started announcing Hussein would make an appearance at noon today.More

 “Since Saddam has asked his people to sacrifice for the country... he should be the first to sacrifice for his country,” prince Saud .  
 Saddam calls for holy war against US-British invaders, "Do Self-Sacrifice for Iraqi People," says Saud More

Switzerland to host new round of talks on Iraq

GENEVA, April 1 -- Experts and government representatives from around 30 countries, including the United States, are to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, according to a report by Swiss Radio International (SRI) on Tuesday.The talks, the second to be hosted by Switzerland, aim to strengthen dialogue between Iraq's neighbors, aid organizations and donor countries. More News

Iraq says it launches 37 missiles on coalition troops
BAGHDAD, April 1 -- Iraq said Tuesday that it has launched 37 missiles on US and British troop concentrations at the Harir area in northern Iraq over the past 24 hours, an Iraqi military spokesman said. More

Hijacker of Cuban passenger plane surrenders to US police First Iraqi Missile Destroyed by Patriot Battery in Iraq Investigations into Civilian Killing by US Forces; US Piolot Rescued More News from the War Front Six Year Old Iraqi Girl Taken to London for Treatment Powell arrives in Ankara for talks on Iraq with Turkish officials

Coalition bombing kills 19, wounds over 100 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, April 1 -- Iraqi Information Minister mohammed Saeed Al-Sahaf said here on Tuesday 19 civilians were killed and over 100 others wounded in the overnight airstrikes on the Iraqi capital by US-led forces. Sahaf told a press briefing that US and British planes deliberately targeted civilian areas during an attack on south of Baghdad and killed nine children, including an infant. More

UK Completes first Chemical Destruction project in Russia

The Ministry of Defence has completed its first project in support of Russia's main chemical weapon destruction facility at Shchuch'ye in the Urals. The £2 million project involved construction of a water pipeline and components of a water wells facility. More

Unconditional Surrender Demanded of Iraqi Regime

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2003 – The only thing the coalition is willing to discuss with the leaders of the Iraqi regime is their unconditional surrender, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said today.To get an idea of the progress the coalition is making in Iraq, people must try to view the world as Saddam Hussein – if he's still alive – sees it, he said.In northern Iraq, coalition special operations forces are working with local groups to bomb Republican Guard targets and otherwise harass Iraqi forces. The U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade is now at full-strength in the area and is providing security. More News

EU says civilian killings in Iraq "horrible" Syria's Assad: 'We will not wait' to be next U.S. target More News

Human shields defending Iraq wounded in air raid

BAGHDAD, April 1 -- US and British warplanes Tuesday attacked two buses from Baghdad to Amman, Jordan carrying Americanand European citizens as part of the human shields voluntarily defending Baghdad, wounding a number of them, Iraqi Information Minister Mohammad Said al-Sahhaf said.Sahhaf said the incident took place in the western town of Rutba between Baghdad and neighboring Jordan. He said that those wounded have been taken to hospitals in Rutba. More

US Aircraft slid off Aircraft Carrier

ABOARD USS KITTY HAWK AIRCRAFT CARRIER (GULF), April 1 )-- An S-3B Viking aboard the USS Constellation veered off the flight deck Tuesday morning after making an arrested landing, said a press release from the US Naval Forces Central Command based in the Fifth Fleet. More

No family member of Saddam Hussein leaves Iraq: spokesman

Iraq on Tuesday denied that any family member of President Saddam Hussein has left the country after the beginning of the US-led war on Iraq.A spokesman for the Iraqi Presidency said the family of President Saddam Hussein "is part of the big family of the Iraqi people" and "the fate of the small family cannot be isolated from the fate of Iraqi people." The denial came following Western press reports that some family members of President Saddam Hussein have left Iraq.

Possible Jordanian weapons found in Iraq predate embargo: minister

AMMAN, April 1 -- The munitions with Jordanian mark reportedly found in Iraq, if proved to be true, must date back to pre-embargo period, a senior Jordanian official was quoted as saying by the Jordan Times on Tuesday. More

Powell to visit Turkey on northern Iraq

India reacts sharply to Powell's remarks

India on Tuesday reacted sharply to US Secretary of State Colin Powell's remarks that he hopes to take up the Indo-Pakistan issue after Iraq."It is our war," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told reporters, "I must make it clear that the role of outsiders is limited to cross-border terrorism."He was asked to comment on Powell's remarks that the Indo-Pakistan issue would be taken up to ensure that there is no threatof a nuclear war between the two subcontinental rivals.More

Russian newspaper says US helps Iraq develop WMD

700 foreign companies helped Iraqs Nuclear Programme worth $1 bn

MOSCOW, March 31 -The United States had provided Iraq with military equipment and technology for a long period of time, and had helped Iraq develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD), Russia's Moscow Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper reported on Monday.The paper said that from 1970's to 1990, the United States committed itself to helping Iraq develop nuclear and biological weapons, and missile weaponry. The US, which once regarded Iraq as its allies, supported Iraq with weapons in its eight-year war with Iran. In all, about 700 foreign companies were involved in the development of Iraq's nuclear projects under nearly 2,000 signed contracts with a total volume of one billion US dollars, said the paper. More

 Gulf War click

Truck Breaks Into British Embassy in Tehran

TEHRAN, March 31 - A truck broke into the British Embassy premises in central Tehran and caught fire on Monday night,the local ISNA news agency reported. The truck slammed into the wall near the main entrance to the embassy at around 10:15 p.m. local time (1845GMT), and the driver was killed in the wreck, ISNA said. The vehicle burst into flames, but there were no reports of casualties among embassy staff, many of whom live within the embassy compound. It is not yet clear if it was an attack or accident, which occurred three days after hundreds of anti-war protesters threw stones at the British Embassy and smashed some windows of its main building. Police is investigating the case. More News

Iran rejects Powell's terrorism accusations as baseless

Tehran, March 31, --Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi here Monday rejected as 'baseless' recent statements by US secretary of state terming them a flagrant interference in Iran's internal affairs.Colin Powell and his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom in the US-Israel Public Affairs Committee's (AIPAC) policy conference Sunday accused Iran of supporting terrorism. More

WFP Head Voices Optimism; Agencies Criticize Aid Distribution;

World Food Program Executive Director James Morris said today that a major food crisis in Iraq can be averted despite "very difficult" circumstances. "We have enough supplies. We will be able to meet the needs," Morris said in London. The U.N. agency on Friday launched a $1.3 billion appeal for Iraq operations, part of a $2.2 billion overall U.N. appeal that is meant to fund six months of humanitarian work in the country. More News

Iraq calls on UN to immediately stop US-led war

BAGHDAD, March 31BAGHDAD, March 31 Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabrion Monday called on the United Nations to take steps to immediately stop the current US-led war against his country.The appeal was contained in a letter from the Iraqi foreign minister to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.In his letter, Sabri called on Annan to "urge the UN Security Council to immediately decide to stop the aggression and withdraw the forces" taking part in the war against Iraq.The foreign minister described the US-led bombing of Iraq as a "barbaric aggression." More

SC orders status quo on undisputed land, rejects Union plea

New Delhi,Monday, March 31, 2003: The Supreme Court today rejected the Union Government's plea for vacation of an earlier order banning all kinds of religious activities on the 67 acres of undisputed land around the disputed site at Ayodhya and directed maintenance of status quo till disposal of the title suits by the Allahabad High Court. More

 WAR ON FREE MEDIA

Coalition accused of showing "contempt" for journalists covering war in Iraq

Reporters Without Borders calls on Iraqi authorities to explain disappearance of four journalists More

Reporters Without Borders today accused the US-British coalition forces of displaying "proven contempt" for the work of the journalists trying to cover the war in Iraq and called on the coalition authorities to carry out an internal investigation into the treatment of the press and to publish the results. "Many journalists have come under fire, others have been detained and questioned for several hours, and some have been mistreated, beaten and humiliated by coalition forces," Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard said. "Furthermore, the information ministry in Baghdad has been bombed twice although, as everyone knows, it houses the offices of the international news media." Ménard said. More

Pentagon confirms three marines killed in helicopter crash

WASHINGTON, March 30 Three US marines were killed and at least one injured when a UH-1 Huey transport helicopter crashed on Sunday in southern Iraq, said Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Lapan.The crash "looks like an accident," the spokesman said More

Pentagon claims Iraq secretly bought 1,000 Kornet missiles

New York,Monday, March 31, 2003: Iraqis have secretly bought as many as a thousand Russian-made Kornet anti-tank missiles which are lightweight, very powerful and easy-to-use, Pentagon officials claimed. The sellers are Ukrainian arms dealers and possibly some entrepreneurial Syrian generals or the Syrian government itself, the officials were quoted as saying by 'Newsweek'. They reportedly sent Baghdad some 500 Kornets in January. More

Mumbai International Airport on high alert for SARS

Mumbai,Monday, March 31, 2003: In the wake of fast spreading of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), health officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here have put in stringent screening methods to detect passengers suffering from the dreaded disease. Under instructions of the Directorate of Health, Government of India, the airport health officials are conducting mandatory screening on every passenger coming from abroad, Airport health Officer Dr M R Thambare said More

British American Forces Change Tectics

US and British soldiers have changed their tactics in fighting with Iraqi militia, Iraqi Information Minister Mohammad Said Al-Sahaf said on Tuesday.Coalition soldiers adopted a new tactic to avoid being exposed to Iraqi militia by setting up small hiding places, the Iraqi minister told a press conference.Iraqi militia discovered one such hiding place and destroyed five tanks and four armored personnel carriers and killed all enemy soldiers inside the vehicles along the main road from Nasiriyah and Baghdad, he said.More

Khalid spills details of terror plots in US

New York,Wednesday, March 31, 1999: Captured top al-Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has surprised CIA interrogators with his willingness to spill the details of terror plots in the US, including his network's plans to attack gas stations and suspension bridges in Washington and New York. In recent days, Mohammed has confirmed that al-Qaeda had specific plans to attack the gas stations and suspension bridges, Newsweek magazine reported. More

Arab League secretary general concerned over Iraq crisis

ATHENS, March 31 -- Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa expressed concern over Iraq crisis here Monday following histalks with Greek leaders.He told the press after his talks with Greek Premier Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou that he was extremely concerned that the Iraq war could spill over and destabilize the entire Middle East. More News

US says Iraqi elite units depleted by special targeting

DOHA, March 31 A United States general said here on Monday that Iraq's Republican Guard units, the elite troops now defending the capital of Baghdad, have been "depleted by special targeting" and some of them were in "serious difficulty"More

Iran warns against violation of its territorial integrity

Tehran, March 30, -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said here on Sunday that the Islamic Republic of Iran has warned the belligerent sides of the Iraq war against violation of the Iranian territorial integrity. Addressing a press conference, he said a US missile hit the southwestern city of Abadan in the early days of the war. An Iraqi missile also hit the western Iranian city of Sardasht. More

NBC fires journalist for giving interview with Iraqi national TV

WASHINGTON, March 3 NBC, one of major US television networks, said Monday they had terminated their relationship with journalist Peter Arnett after he told state-run Iraqi TV that the US-led coalition's initial war plan had failed."It was wrong for Mr. Arnett to grant an interview to state controlled Iraqi TV -- especially at a time of war -- and it was wrong for him to discuss his personal observations and opinions inthat interview," NBC News President Neal Shapiro said in a statement.More

Allied Forces hold 8000 Iraqi Prisoners of War : Hoon

LONDON, March 31- British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon said on Monday that Britain has seen no defections yet of senior Iraqi commanders as the ongoing US-led war on Iraq entered the 12th day."There have been as yet no defections of very senior (Iraqi) politicians or very senior military commanders, but that is certainly not to say there have not been significant surrenders," he told the House of Commons, Britain's lower house of the parliament."We currently hold around 8,000 prisoners of war," Hoon said. More

Britain says no senior Iraqi military defections yet

LONDON, March 31 - British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon said on Monday that Britain has seen no defections yet of senior Iraqi commanders as the ongoing US-led war on Iraq entered the 12th day. "There have been as yet no defections of very senior (Iraqi) politicians or very senior military commanders, but that is certainly not to say there have not been significant surrenders," he told the House of Commons, Britain's lower house of the parliament. More

Iran-Syrian foreign ministers discuss attack on Iraq

Damascus, March 31, -- Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and his Syrian counterpart Farouq al-Shara, in a telephone conversation Monday discussed the latest developments on the attack on Iraq. Syrian state news agency (SANA) reported that the two sides called for a cease-fire in the war and highlighted the "unfortunate death of numerous innocent people since the beginning of the hostilities." More

British troops slam US "cowboy" pilot over "friendly fire" attack More

Former FM criticizes Britain's involvement in Iraq war

MADRID, March 31 - British Prime Minister Tony Blair has made a mistake by tailing the US unilateralism in launching the so-called "pre-emptive" attack on Iraq and turning a deaf ear to the anti-war protests both at home and abroad. More

 

Fourteen British troops wounded in Iraq war flown home

US arms trader to rule post- war Iraq

Jay Garner, the retired US general who will oversee humanitarian relief and reconstruction in postwar Iraq, is president of an arms company that provides crucial technical support to missile systems vital to the US invasion of the country. Garner's business background is causing serious concerns at the United Nations and among aid agencies, who are already opposed to US administration of Iraq if it comes outside UN authority, and who say appointment of an American linked to the arms trade is the 'worst case scenario' for running the country after the war, Observer reported today. More

Bomb scare creates panic in US, American targets in the Gulf

The American British Academy faces bomb scare.

University Night Postponed until further notice

MUSCAT - This morning, March 17th, at approximately 8:50am, the school received a bomb threat via a telephone call taken by the school’s receptionist. Immediately, the school enacted security procedures that involved (a) sweeping the Hall to establish a “safe zone” and (b) evacuating all the children to the safe zone in an orderly fashion. Also according to procedure, we contacted the ROP and the American and British Embassies.We were advised at around 9:30 to clear out the campus so that the police could make a sweep of the entire premises. Teachers and staff immediately brought all the children out into the exterior parking lot, again according to procedure. At around 10:00, it became apparent that the police sweep of the campus would take several hours. At that point, the administration made a decision to call into effect plans to gather all the children at the Rugby Club. The PTA phone tree was activated and parents and guardians were contacted to take their children home from there."--Mona Nashman Smith, American British Academy. Muscat.More

 

"The Week" turns out to be Weak

The Much awaited launching of "The Week," supposed to be Oman's First Free Independent Weekly has disappointed many readers who were expecting something different from what is already available in the market. Even though the publishers claimed to bring in a "new attittude to news publication" , people who are used to the censored news content of the Gulf media have realized that TheWeek can be better called TheWeak, in terms of informative news, views or any serious analysis. While the lead story "Who Is Bahja" is all about a little girl who was featured as the Mascot of Muscat Festival, (which was nothing but a Major flop) it is not a major scoop by any standard to run with a half page headline. More

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May 14, 2003
 
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House of Cards Tareq Aziz, former Iraqi deputy prime minister
M.M.Hassan attracts Crowd
 
M.M.Hassan who is touring Oman to market an NRK Welfare Scheme and an insurance policy has received an overwhelming response in Muscat. However, the response is not to the welfare schemes. A number of NRKs and their families came forward with labour problems, non payment of salary, harassment by local sponsors and police Going by the public response at a function organised by the Muscat Chapter of Keral a Muslim Cultural Centre, KMCC, the NORKA minister was almost stunned to hear an young lady speaking emotionally about the plight of her father who is sentenced to two years imprisonment without wactually committing any crime. The Minister met the Indian Ambassador K.M. Meena and visited two labour camps. Realizing the seriousness of labour problems affecting large number of Keralite workers in Oman, the Pravasi welfare minister will be meeting the Omani Minister of manpower. While the minister blamed the central government for all the ills facing the NRK Community in the Gulf, he said the NRK bureaucrats will come back to sell the insurance policy. Also there is no concrete plans to resume the much talked about shipping service from Gulf and Kerala. We are keenly monitoring what the minister will be doing about the scores of complaints. Apparently the NRK welfare minister is more keen to sell premiums than to solve the genuine problems. Watch this space.
 

Gulf News Labour Monitor
 
Workers of Dessert Palm LLC, a construction company in Oman owned by a leading Indian business house are living without salary for several months. They made a protest march from their work place to the company head office in Wadi Kabir and the Labour Office located near the Indian Embassy. "We are not paid money for six months," said one of the affected employees. As per the local rules, workers have no right to form trade unions or strike work to press for their basic needs. Recently workers of Haifa Construction staged a similar protest march. In Rusayl Industrial estate, workers of an aluminum manufacturing company also struck work for allegedly denying some benefits. Majority of the workers are Omanis and Indians who constitute just 20 per cent of the work force also did not work.
 
Meanwhile workers of a poultry farm in Bakra who were not getting salary regularly thanked keralamonitor.com for taking up the issue. According to the workers, they were paid salary after the report appeared in KM and the company owner scolded the Manager who was responsible for delaying the payment. The poultry farm owners had threatened keralamonitor.com with dire consequences if we did not disclose the source of information about the report. They alleged that KM report was baseless and intended to damage their company's public image. KM do not publish baseless stories and we are responsible for what appears in this portal.
Editor
 
Entertainment Monitor
 
Drama Director Sacked
 
Sunil Dutt, an Employee of Galfar Construction Company had to leave his job in an unceremonious way a few days after he directed an interesting drama at the Indian Social Club, which depicted a revolution by a group of Slaves against the mighty Roman Empire. While lot of theories are floating around about the sacking drama, everyone is tightlipped about it. It is part of an Omanisation process, says one group. He was sacked due to"politics behind drama competition in Indian Social club, says another group. Another theory says he was not regular in his work and was more involved in acting and directing - something which is not encouraged in this part of the world! When he was directing the drama, the company transferred him to an interior location far away from the drama location! The ISC drama competition has created a real life drama of defections and sackings!
 
Hari Menon Singing and Dancing in Sri Lanka
 
However, another company the Bahwans group has sent its employees to Colombo as part of a corporate meeting. Hari Menon, the noted singer of Muscat, who is working as a sales executive of the group will be singing in Colombo. According to his well wishers, Harimenon is denied due role in many music concerts organised by the ISC linguistic wings, including the Kerala wing in which he has been a member since the beginning. He was denied a role in the Kairali Music Pegantry, which in any way is postponed due to war! Hari has performed in a number of countries including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and some other countries. But in Muscat he is among the neglected artists. Video clips of music programmes send to newschannels are properly edited to ensure that Hari Menon is no where in the clip. The artist has resigned from the club a number of times because of the ISC Kerala Wing neglect and what he says is the promotion of another singer, the daughter of an influencial ISC Committee member. Recently a group of drama artists defected from ISC Kerala Wing and joined the arch rival ISC Malayalam Wing. The reasons, we are not revealing here. Everything is not rosy in ISC Kerala Wing as claimed by its leaders. In petty politics and showing partiality the wing, which claimed to represent a new culture, is proving to be worse than the ISC Malayalam Wing, the original wing representing the Kerala community.
 
School Monitor
 
Sacking Principal for not making Committee members son the head boy!
 
While the recent move to sack the principal of an Indian School within one night sparked off a new controversy about his own earlier decision to sack 11 teachers in one day! KM source revealed that the former principal of Indian School Muscat Mr. Bharadwaj was sacked overnight because he refused to make one of the committee members son as the school head boy! The principal was reluctant and said there were better candidates for the coveted school leadership post! He also refused to sign an order to sack 11 teachers together! So the new principal was brought in to sign the sacking order of 11 teachers. And now the committee members are planning to bring another principal to sign What?? It was the timely intervention of Indian Ambassador K.M.Meena, the patron of Indian schools that saved Mr.Joshi's head.
 
Teachers Worried about Transferring Patron
 
Reacting to KM News report about the secret moves to transfer the Indian ambassador in Muscat, the teaching community of Indian schools have started shivering once again. "Many teachers have been feeling relieved because the new Ambassador has been willing to listen to their grievances. Once he is gone, things will be back to square one, they fear. Teachers of one of the private schools which prepared a long list of unwanted teachers to be sacked are particularly concerned because the school had to reverse its sacking decision and even take back a sacked lady teacher on the intervention of the ambassador. The recruiting agents who used to make money from the regular process of sacking and recruiting are eagerly watching the situation.!
 
Indian Social Club Election!
 
The ISC -the official club representing a few lakh Indians in Oman is going to the polls witthin a few days. How many people will vote for the two panels headed by the old Nambiar group and the new Namboothiri group. Hold your breath - just 260 elite members. According to ISC, the total membership inclusive of linguistic wings is 1400! Majority of the ISC members are from the Gujarathi and North Indian community. Hardly 50 Malayalis in the club have no say in the total campaign. Abraham Mathew and C.N.P Nampoothiri, the traditional allies of the ISC Malayalam Wing are positioned at opposite panels this time. Is the the division between the saffron and minority community members in the Social clubs becoming more open? The saffron brigade is doing an all out campaign to win the ISC, which would be like capturing power at New Delhi. If BJP can capture power in New Delhi, why not the ISC too! Thaks to Abraham Mathew, the Church is definitely with Nambiar. A section of the Gujarathic community is also with Nambiar. Who is with Nampoothiri? Whether the leading Gujarathi business family will support Namboothiri or Nambiar will decide the fate of ISC. Namboothiri panel has raised issues of transparency in ISC. Dont forget the Keral Cultural Centre Fund story, ISC transparency is as good as ISC Malayalam Wing. Namboothiri is as good as Nambiar and there is nothing social about Indian social clubs in this part of the world. Watch this space for more.
 

 Gulf News

E D I T O R I A L
MM Hassan Inc. returns with new promises of NRK Welfare

We have heard the honourable Kerala Ministers speaking emotionally about the welfare of NRK Community in the Gulf. While Gulf based NRK Businessmen and community associations are vying with each other to greet and treat the " minister", for their own interest, it is worth asking --What did the Kerala Government actually do for NRK Welfare? Except conducting a Global Investors Meet (GIM) for the sake of a few rich and affluent NRKs? We have already had enough of empty promises. This time too Hassan has promised to kick start the much talked about Gulf - Kerala shipping service . A billion dollar question is whether the minister really intends to implement the project for the welfare of ordinary Indians or keep on making empty promises ? The very same coterie of businessmen and airline-airport lobby which sabotaged the shipping service is now hosting the minister Mr. Hassan, what we the ordinary NRKs need is not mere words, but deeds which unfortunately are not forthcoming. The airlines have so much concern for the NRI welfare that when a crisis like the Gulf war started, they increased the fare to Indian destinations! Making hay when the sun shines?

Our journalist friend Adarsh Madhavan has this story to tell quoting the Minister..." Kerala minister offers Onam gift to Gulf Keralites." Read the Full Report Paradoxically enough, the very same Indian community associations and community leaders of the Indian Social Club which maintained a studied silence when the ship actually came to Muscat port is now hosting the minister. The airline-airport lobby which covertly controls these associations are confident that the shipping service is only an emotional issue to stir up NRK Community sentiment. "Many of the NRKs had a reason to smile when the service was announced two years ago. However, the ferry could not take any passengers from Oman. Although it transited through Port Sultan Qaboos, on its way from Doha to Dubai to Kochi on one occasion, passengers could not board from here" says a report in Times of Oman. Why the ship could not carry passengers from Muscat? Who worked against it? The Indian Social club leaders(membership 1500 NRIs) know the answer. May be because it is an election time in Indian Social Club that its leaders are hosting the NRK welfare minister who is coming back to Muscat with the same old wine in old bottle. Ministers will come and go. We know the reasons for their frequent Gulf tours. But will the ship ever reach Muscat shores? Let us keep monitoring the project. Meanwhile, another Kerala Minister handling crucial projects is expected to reach the Gulf any time. Keep watching who is hosting him. Oh, M.V.Raghavan was here wining and dining with his coterie of businessmen. The rebel comrade came with an NRI cooperative bank project.

One more question, Is A.K. Antony is too busy protecting his chair that he forgot the austerity measures which cut the government employees salary as per Asian Development Bank suggestions . Well his ministers have started appearing in the Gulf quite often! At least due to SARS caution, they should control their travelling.

Why the Indian Social Club is hosting Kerala Minister? Where are the Lingustic Wings representing the Kerala community? The ISC is never known to have hosted a Kerala Minister in the recent past. Both the ISC Kerala and Malayalam Wings which maintained strict silence about the shipping service may not want to upset the airline lobby which is still working against the proposed Gulf-Kerala ferry service. Or is there any other reason? Editor.KM.

Kuwait records highest Web penetration rate

Gulf Malayali Kids

Saudi Malayali Boy

Oman Floods Special Gallery

Storm in Gulf War in Indian School Muscat

ISM MC has recently recommended the retirement of Mr..Joshi School Principal which was not approved by the school board. Is he a construction Company Manager to be sacked overnight? asked board members in a recent meeting. Joshi like some other school principals has crossed sixty.The same committee members have been lobbying covertly to shield an administration manager in the same school who has forged his passport to reduce date of birth by five years. Is there a war going on in the largest Indian community school in Oman Another vice principal in the same school has been facing a continuous harassment from the school management and seniors for some reasons. Watch this space.

Heavvy Rains in Muscat, Dubai

In-House Memos On Television News Presentations, How US Televisin Presented Iraq Invasion

BSA felicitates efforts of Dubai Police for copyright protection

Success of Gulf Education showcases Dubai's reputation as a leading educational hub in the region More News

Crime Branch Inquiry into Illicit Liquor Tragedy in Kerala More Kerala News

Britain Withdrawing Army from Gulf Saddam Seeking Asylum In Russia - Al Jazeera -US War Against Iraq is for Kuwait, say a group of Kuwait Malayalis -join the KM War Debate Editorial

Al Jazeera Journalist Killed in US Bombing
“God is a witness to how I feel. My husband was a wonderful father to a one-year-old daughter, and he wanted to cover this war because he believed in showing the truth at all costs.” Dima wife of Al Jazeera Journalist Tareq Ayoub 35, who was killed by US. More
 
KM INTERVIEW
 
"The military operation continues to go extremely well. There's little doubt that the regime is crumbling, just exactly when hostilities will cease I can't predict, and it would be foolish to imagine that it's going to be in the next couple of days," says the Australian Prime Minister about his controversial support for US British imperial mission in Iraq More
 
DoD News Briefing - Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld
 
 
BOYCOTT AMERICAN BRITISH PRODUCTS
 
Anti War Groups Links Click
American Way of Liberating People
 
Al Jazeera English Site
 
Exclusive War Coverage by Arab News
 
I told the truth and got sacked for it: Arnett
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Happy Birthday
 
 
Ashok, 1 year son of Sathish, Maya Muscat
Russian Intelligence Report from Iraq War Front
 
Iraq Kuwait Media
 
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An Iraqi girl in a crowd assembled to get food aid given by US British troops after bombarding the civilian areas
 
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Advocate Thomas Panicker
 
 
Leading Kuwait Indians Worried about Prolonged War
 
Aishwarya seriously injured in accident
 
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War Reports March 2003
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M.C.A.Naser, Bahrain Bureau Chief
 
Visit Gulf Madhyamam's Special Gulf War Coverage from Iraq

 
CNN Being wholly an American government propaganda machine, an organ of the CIA, and indeed as claimed by many in the right as well as left, extraordinarily influenced to the point of near subservience to a Zionist political agenda (more so than any discernible American agenda), CNN is in charge of faking out the American people and tricking us into thinking there is support for the government, Bush and the war. CNN, Fox and the other government propaganda channels are clear warnings of what these New World Order types have in store for us - lies, war, death, slick 3D graphics, fraudulent polls, fraudulent elections, ominous theme music and dumb newsreaders. CNN - the masters of the televisual lie. Full Report
 
March 2003 KM Reports
 
Putin talks with British, Italian prime ministers on Iraq
 
Indian ship turned back by coalition forces at Umm Qasr
 
Indian envoy rules out trouble for Indians in Kuwait
 
"What r the effect of all protesters rightnow under hundres of boomb!!!!!!" an Iraqi Citizen asks
 

Cheney's Close Ties to Brown and Root

Make money from War Halliburton, Brown and Root's parent company, is a Fortune 500 construction corporation working primarily for the oil industry. From 1962 to 1972 the Pentagon paid the company tens of millions of dollars to work in South Vietnam, where they built roads, landing strips, harbors, and military bases from the demilitarized zone to the Mekong Delta. The company was one of the main contractors hired to construct the Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean, according to Pentagon military histories. More

HSBC linked to Saddam bankers
 
Unique Anti War Protests -Make Love, Not War

Baghdad under new air raids

CAIRO, March 29 -- The Iraqi capital city of Baghdad was under a new round of air raids by coalition forces Saturday night, al-Jazeera TV channel reported.Huge explosions were heard in the city, home to 5 million people, the Arabic-language news network said. More

Hundreds Protest BBC's Coverage Of Iraq War

By Wan A. Hulaimi

LONDON, March 30 (Bernama) -- Hundreds of anti-war demonstrators gathered at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) broadcasting complex, 4.8km west of their traditional protest ground in Hyde Park, to voice dissatisfaction against the BBC's biased reports on the war in Iraq. The protesters arrived from different rallying points in London just after 2pm Saturday, chanting "BBC, Tony Blair...How many lies did you tell today?" More

US military suspends missile launches over Saudi Arabia

 
Turkey refutes US criticism on Iraqi issue "BBC, ITV, how many lies have you told me," the protesters shouted Pentagon downed Web site, Al-Jazeera editor says German Doctor Refuses Treating Americans, British
 
Hijacking of Turkish plane ends peacefully
 
Rumsfeld hopes for Shiite uprising in Baghdad
 
Iraq Fires 12 Missiles Against Kuwait: Coalition Spokesman Family of dead British soldier refute Blair's execution claim Iraq denies Blair's allegation Iraq executed British soldiers Britain says Iraqi troops pinned down in southern Iraq UN Security Council adopts "oil-for-food" program for Iraq Russian President calls again for immediate end to Iraq war Iran surprised by "irresponsible" remarks of Russian officials 53 people killed in bombings on Baghdad market Other areas of the world could also be threatened by Iraq war: Sonia Gandhi UN role on post-war Iraq should be determined by Security Council: Annan - Bush frustrated with US media questioning on war plan Bush says US military showing "great progress" in Iraq war US Army's 4th Infantry Division not to be operational in weeks:Pentagon - Explosion damages McDonald's
 
Turkish plane with 203 on board is hijacked -50 US warplanes leaving Incirlik airbase in Turkey for Iraq war: report -Saudi Diplomat Murdered? Syria, Iraq say US claims on military supplies "groundless" Four US Marines missing in fierce combat in Nasiriya 53 people killed in bombings on Baghdad market UN role on post-war Iraq should be determined by Security Council : Annan Bush frustrated with US media questioning on war plan -AI Asks for investigation into Civilian Deaths in Iraq; Iraq: Impending Inter-Ethnic Violence in Kirkuk-Japan to provide Rs. 4417 Crore ODA loan to India

Rumsfeld accuses Syria of sending military equipment to Iraq
 
WASHINGTON, March 28 -- US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld accused on Friday Syria of shipping military supplies to Iraq, stressing that it posed a "direct threat" to the coalition. Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon, Rumsfeld termedthis as a "hostile" act More
 

SC notice to Advani and others on Ayodhya demolition case

New Delhi,Sunday, March 28, 1999: The Supreme Court today issued notices to Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, HRD Minister Murli Monohar Joshi, CBI and 33 others on a petition seeking review of the Court's earlier order allowing transfer of the trial proceedings in Ayodhya demolition case from Lucknow to a Rae Bareilly Court. More

100mn people of Asia, Africa, Latin America defecate in open

 
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Iraq says "graves" waiting for "aggressors" in Baghdad

Iraq on Thursday vowed to deal a heavy blow to coalition forces, saying its capital Baghdad would be "graves" for the "aggressors.""They (the Americans) would try to come close to Baghdad outskirts where their graves lie," Iraqi Information Minister Mohammad Said al-Sahaf said in an interview with the Qatar-based al-Jazeera TV network. More

 

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