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The following is a selection of entries from daily reports over the last week, on issues including Turkey, Iran, and economics.
From the MEMRI Iran Blog www.thememriblog.org/iran
Tehran Friday Sermon By Leading Cleric: NIE Report's "Acknowledgement" Of Iran's Nuclear Progress Is "Honor," "Success"
In his Friday sermon today, December 14, Tehran substitute Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said that Iran was considering the U.S.'s NIE report neither a big political victory nor unimportant.
He told the crowd of worshipers at the Tehran University campus, "We consider the report by 16 U.S. intelligence institutions as neither a big political victory nor something (of) minor (importance)."
He added that the report had "positive points," specifically "that it explicitly acknowledges that Iran does not have nuclear weapons today... and that since 2003 Iran's nuclear energy has been peaceful."
Another point, he said, "which is a source of honor for our system, is that they reported that in 2007 Iran made a serious jump in the field of nuclear technology.
He said that such "acknowledgements by the enemy is a success."
Commenting on what he called "inaccurate points in the report," he said that its claim, "that Iran had perhaps been seeking nuclear weapons prior to 2003" was "an American lie which has been raised repeatedly by U.S. statesmen." He also said that the report's claim "that Iran had stopped seeking nuclear weapons [due to] U.S. pressure" was "another lie."
He added that Iran should be "pessimistic" regarding its enemy, and that "if it bore smile on its face, we should say that's satanic" and that Iran "maintain[s] our vigilance. Our Islamic system carefully watches all movements of the enemy."
Khatami added that the assassination this week of senior Lebanese commander Gen. Francois Al-Haj was in line with the plots to escalate tension in the country, and blamed "the Zionist regime," and called U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates's visit to Manama to "form an Arab-Israeli camp against Iran," which he termed a failure, a "political victory" for Iran. He called "certain countries' claims" of ownership of the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Moussa a "U.S. trap," and referred to the CIA's removal of "proof and evidence of interrogation and torture" at Guantanamo "a dark stain for the U.S." and "seriously a fiasco for Western democracy."
He also ridiculed British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in claiming that Britain will take its forces out of Basra by the next two weeks. "That's a sweet fruit of Iraqi people's resistance. This proves that if they resist the enemy will start to escape."
He added, "At the same time, Brown has claimed they will remain in Afghanistan for another 10 years. We tell Brown, rest assured that you cannot remain long in Afghanistan too and will escape from there without gaining anything. The reason for this is your claim that you wanted to be in Afghanistan to reduce poppy cultivation, while it has tripled."
He also said that "the occupiers" were cooperating with the Taliban in Afghanistan and funding the militia: "You said you want to fight terrorism. We have reliable evidence that you are cooperating with Taliban and provide the militia, which is an outstanding example of terrorism, with money so as to remain in power for another short time. That too is a British-style lie. Thank God, our nation is for ages resentful and hateful of the old colonialist."
Sources: IRNA, IRIBnews.ir, Iran, December 14, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4110.htm
Iran Builds Supercomputer from AMD Parts
Despite a ban on U.S. PC hardware, Iranian technicians have built an enormously powerful supercomputer from 216 AMD processors.
The Linux-cluster machine has a "theoretical peak performance of 860 gig-flops."
The disclosure, from an undated posting on the University of Amirkabir's website, brought an immediate response December 10 from AMD, which said it had never authorized shipments of products either directly or indirectly to Iran or to any other embargoed country.
Source: FARS, Iran, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4067.htm
Ahmadinejad Proposes Iran-Gulf State Council
At a December 11 press conference, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proposed the establishment of a joint Iran-GCC member state council.
Source: IRNA, Iran, December 13, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4082.htm
U.S. Filmmaker Oliver Stone Cleared To Visit Iran To Make Ahmadinejad Documentary
The art advisor to Iranian President Ahmadinejad has said that arrangements have been made at the Iranian Embassy in Abu Dhabi for an Iran entry visa for U.S. filmmaker Oliver Stone.
According to previous reports, Stone is planning to make a documentary about Ahmadinejad (see "Ahmadinejad Cultural Advisor: Filmmaker Oliver Stone Should Visit Iran For His Proposed Documentary On Ahmadinejad" http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/2943.htm ).
Commenting on a recent statement by Stone's spokesman that the filmmaker had suspended plans for the Ahmadinejad film, the advisor said, "We don't know if the Los Angeles Times article [with the statement] is based on correct information or not."
About a month ago, Ahmadinejad's art adviser said that Ahmadinejad would permit the film to be made but would first have to see the screenplay and receive an explanation of the film's real aims, and that Ahmadinejad had stipulated that the film had to be a documentary.
Source: Fars, Iran, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4073.htm
IRGC Theoretician Abbasi Hints: Iranian Students Who Criticize Their Country Are "Foot Soldiers Of The West"
In a speech yesterday at the engineering college of Tehran University, IRGC theoretician Hassan Abbasi told students that while anti-imperialism is a common theme of student movements all over the world, "unfortunately, streaks of such [imperialist] movements have been detected in Iranian universities recently."
Talking about Iranian students who criticize their country, he said, "Some students are only foot soldiers of the West."
He added, "I pity students who are beholden to imperialists and who propagate against Iran in the Western media."
Source: Rooz, Iran, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4066.htm
Iranian Students At Conference: "Death To The Dictator"
In a speech at a students' convention yesterday, December 11, at Tehran University, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami attacked the economic policy of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and condemned the imprisonment and repression of students.
Students in the crowd shouted, "Death to the dictator!" and "Free the imprisoned students!"
Last week, three students were arrested while protesting against Ahmadinejad's policy.
Source: Rooz, Iran, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4060.htm
Columnist In Iranian Opposition Paper: Offer Jews Asylum In Islamic Countries
In his column in the Iranian opposition daily Etemad-e Meli, which is affiliated with the party of the same name headed by Mahdi Karroubi, Abbas Nasser wrote that Iran and the Muslim countries must give asylum to Jews who leave Israel and must enable them to continue their lives respectably.
This, he wrote, would be instead of fighting Zionism by means of Holocaust denial, which has given rise to comparisons of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Hitler.
Source: Etemad-e Meli, Iran, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4057.htm
Iran Appoints New Ground Force Deputy Commander
In a Tehran ceremony today, Iranian Army Ground Force commander Gen. Dadras appointed Gen Ahmad Reza Pour-Dastan as lieutenant commander of the ground force of the Iranian army.
Source: Fars, Iran, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4046.htm
Iranian Army Ground Forces Commander: We Are Closely Monitoring All Moves In Region
Iranian Army Ground Forces commander Gen. Dadras said today that Iran's military forces were very closely monitoring every single move in the region.
Speaking at a ceremony to introduce his new deputy, Gen. Dadras underlined his troops' military capabilities, and said that they have the most advanced technologies and equipment.
He said, "We are among the innovative and creative countries and we are not a follower. We have succeeded in reaching a desirable level of preparedness and defensive capability through relying on our own aptitude and talents and using Iranian experts in manufacturing, repairing, reconstructing and optimizing the various types of tools and equipment, including super-heavy, heavy and light military vehicles, weaponry, parts and arsenals," he said.
He added, "No move in the region is hidden from the sharp eyes of the defenders of the ruling system."
Source: Fars, Iran, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4045.htm
IRGC Commander Jafari: IRGC To Develop "Scientific Power"
IRGC commander Mohammad-Ali Jafari said today that the strategy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was to promote its "scientific power" and to be a source of "Islamic intellectualism."
Speaking at the ceremony during which he appointed Hosseini Tash as new chancellor of Imam Hossein University, Jafari said that the IRGC was trying to establish a scholarly and attractive environment for developing research activities in technological fields that seem more needed.
He also cited extending scientific cooperation with other academic centers as further IRGC priorities.
Tash was previously Supreme National Security Council deputy secretary for strategic affairs, under Ali Larijani.
Source: Mehr, Iran, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4041.htm
Over 2,000 Students Demonstrate In Iran
Over 1,500 students demonstrated December 9 at Tehran University to demand the release from jail of student movement and women's movement activists and of Prisoners' Rights Association chairman 'Amad Al-Din Baqi.
Also, over 500 students demonstrated at Shahrood University of Technology in Semnan, in northern Iran, carrying signs saying "Yes to Peace and Human Rights, No to War," and "Condemn Internal Tyranny and External Interference." They expressed fears of a possible war and of the loss of Iran's independence because of the policy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Source: Norooz News, Iran, December 9, 2007; Rooz, Iran, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4025.htm
IRGC Commander Highlights Basij Role in Asymmetric Warfare
IRGC commander Maj.Gen Mohammad Ali Jafari has said that Basij paramilitary volunteer troops are playing a decisive role in the country's asymmetric warfare strategies.
Jafari said, "What makes up for asymmetries in wars against countries which enjoy technological superiority and hi-tech military tools and equipment are faithful and highly motivated troops."
He added, "This faith and motivation can resist the enemies' superior equipment and make up for a given country's technological lacks and inferiorities."
He called the Basij "a faithful and motivated force playing a decisive, fundamental and pivotal role in asymmetric battles."
Jafari said that Basij forces number 12.5 million, including five million female volunteers, and that they aim to grow to 20 million, as demanded by the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini following the Islamic revolution.
Source: Fars, Iran, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4011.htm
Iranian DM: U.S. Efforts To Sow Discord Between Iran, Gulf States "Fruitless"
Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najar said today, December 12, that U.S. claims of wide gaps between Iran and its neighbors in the region by between Tehran and regional countries were false, and called such efforts by Washington to sow discord "fruitless."
Najar's comments followed earlier remarks by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates at a regional security meeting in Manama that Iran was seeking to cause chaos in the region and that its neighbors must demand that it renounce any intention of pursuing nuclear weapons.
Source: Fars, Iran, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4012.htm
Iran-China Sign Oil Deal Despite U.S. Opposition
China's Sinopec has signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Iran to develop an oil field in southern Iran, despite U.S. opposition.
Iranian Oil Minister Gholam-Hossein Nozari said that this agreement indicates that Washington's claims that international firms are unwilling to invest in Iran are baseless. He added that the deal was a message to all nations that foreign firms can invest in Iran's oil industry.
Under the agreement, the Chinese company is obliged to make all necessary investments to develop the Yadavaran oil field.
Source: IRNA, ISNA, Iran, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4013.htm
Iranian Intelligence Ministry Report: Agitators Sent By "Enemies Of Iran" Arrested At Tehran U
Iran's Intelligence Ministry said December 8 that it had arrested a number of agitators at Tehran University.
According to a report from the Intelligence Ministry's public relations office, a number of agitators with fake IDs who had entered Tehran university campus to hold an illegal gathering in front of Technical College were recognized and later arrested by officers from the Tehran branch of the Ministry.
The report said that those arrested had been called from different cities by the enemies of Iran and by certain political groups to hold an illegal gathering and to create conflict and disturbance in the cultural and academic place of the university. It added that "the agitators had already provided arrows and bows, pieces of stones and strong sound grenades."
The officers also confiscated a large number of insulting publications, booklets containing insults to the sanctities, and alcoholic beverages.
Source: IRNA, December 8, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4014.htm
Iranian Foreign Ministry: Ahmadinejad To Visit Turkey
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini said December 9 that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is planning a trip to Turkey.
The exact date of the trip has yet to be determined.
Hosseini told his weekly press conference that Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki would be visiting Turkmenistan today, December 10, and that he would also be visiting Moscow this week.
Source: IRNA, Iran, December 9, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4015.htm
Iranian Army Deputy Chief Calls For Tribunal To Try Bush
Iranian Armed Forces deputy chief of staff Gen. Seyed Masoud Jazayeri yesterday called on all peace movements, advocates of human rights and freedom, and those opposing war and terrorism to join Iran in a move for a war tribunal to try U.S. President George W. Bush.
He said, "U.S. President George Bush has lied to the American people and the world public opinion about Iran and Iraq, and he should take the responsibility and account for his deeds in front of the people and before the law."
Pointing to recent IAEA and NIE reports, he said, "The reports recently released by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate, and others revealed that the claims by the U.S. administration and neoconservatives about [the] existence of nuclear weapons in Iraq... as well as their allegations about Iran's military drives... have all been baseless and unfounded."
Source: Fars, Iran, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/4010.htm
From the MEMRI Blog www.memriblog.org/
Mash'al: Hamas Needs Green Light From Syria To Step Up Struggle Against Israel
A senior Hamas official said that Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Mash'al had met with the senior Iranian intelligence official who was present with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at last week's GCC conference in Qatar.
He said that the two discussed Hamas's operation against the planned Israeli attack on Gaza, and that Hamas had told the Iranian that Hamas needed a green light from Syria in order to step up its struggle against Israel by carrying out attacks in the heart of Israeli territory and by kidnapping Israeli soldiers to be used as bargaining chips.
Source: Al-Jarida, Kuwait, December 14, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4114.htm
Hizbullah: No Cutbacks To Nasrallah's Authority, Report Issued Due To World Intelligence Circles' "Shock"
A senior Hizbullah source has denied a report yesterday in the London daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has cut back on the authority of Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah (http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4089.htm).
The source stated that the report did not contain a single grain of truth, and that its release was the result of the shock experienced by the world's intelligence circles when they discovered the extensive support for Hizbullah, Nasrallah's status in the Lebanese, Arab, Islamic, and international arenas, and the Hizbullah fighter's opposition to the occupation.
The source added that the fact that the report was first published the day before in the Israeli daily Ma'ariv raised some thoughts about who was spreading these rumors.
Source: http://www.hizbollah.org/, December 13, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4111.htm
Syrian Columnists In Gov't Papers: March 14 Forces, Israel Behind Lebanon Assassination
In his column in the Syrian government daily Al-Ba'th, Bassem Hashem accused the March 14 Forces of assassinating Lebanese general Francoise Al-Haj, with the aim of bringing about an international resolution to enable the Lebanese majority to take over the authorities of the presidency during a period of power vacuum, and in order to send a message to president-designate Michel Sleiman on the limitation of his powers at this time.
Ahmad Sawa wrote in the Syrian government daily Al-Thawra that Israel was behind the Al-Haj assassination, and that the move was aimed at harming the Lebanese military and its policy that is hostile to Israel.
Source: Al-Ba'th, Al-Thawra, Syria, December 13, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4091.htm
Report: Khamenei Transferred Hizbullah Command To Nasrallah's Deputy
Sources close to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Office of Coordination and Recruiting in Lebanon have confirmed that in August 2007, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei transferred command over the military wing of Hizbullah from Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah to his deputy Na'im Qasim.
According to the sources, the transfer of the powers followed a report by an IRGC intelligence delegation that visited Lebanon.
An officer in the IRGC in Lebanon said Khamenei's move came against the backdrop of increased disagreement between Nasrallah and Qasim over issues connected to Hizbullah's military wing. He added that Qasim is now Khamenei's representative in Lebanon and Palestine, and thus is more senior than Nasrallah.
Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, December 13, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4089.htm
Iraqi FM: Number Of Infiltrators Via Syria-Iraq Border Down
Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said during his visit to Syria that the number of infiltrators from Syria to Iraq had dropped from 100 a month to less than 30, thanks to Damascus's willingness to take security measures to stop infiltrators.
Source: Al-Hayat, London, December 13, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4088.htm
Rioting In Egypt Over Suspicion Of Muslim-Christian Sexual Relations
Hundreds of Muslims set a shop on fire in the city of Isna, Egypt, following suspicions that a Muslim girl was having a sexual relationship with two Christian youths inside it.
The crowd also smashed windows of a pharmacy where the youths worked, and handed the youths over to police and returned the girl to her family.
Security forces were deployed at the scene and near Christian homes and shops, and a partial curfew was imposed on the city.
Source: Alarabiya.net, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4086.htm
Al-Shar': No One Can Overcome Syria In Lebanon
In a speech at the National Progressive Front conference, Syrian Vice President Farouq Al-Shar' expressed support for the election of Lebanese Army Commander Michel Sleiman as president of Lebanon.
However, Al-Shar' warned that Sleiman's candidacy could be a maneuver by the March 14 Forces, and that they would then refuse to discuss the assembly of an agreed-upon government or the appointment of an agreed-upon prime minister.
He said that the situation of Syria's allies in Lebanon was now better than it was when Syrian forces were in Lebanon, and that no one could overcome Syria in Lebanon even if they received help from the Americans or the Israelis.
On a different issue, Al-Shar' noted that the Arab League summit, which Syria was to host, would take place as planned in March 2008, and that the Iranian and Turkish presidents would be participating.
Source: Al-Ba'th, Syria; Al-Hayat, London, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4062.htm
Al-Qaeda Maghreb Takes Responsibility For Algiers Bombings
In a communiqué, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb announced its responsibility for yesterday's two attacks in Algiers, calling them the "Martyr Sufyan Abu Haydara attacks" after an Al-Qaeda Maghreb commander killed two months ago by Algerian security forces.
In its communiqué, the organization said that the operation against U.N. headquarters in Algeria was carried out by Sheikh Ibrahim Abu 'Othman, and that the one against the Constitutional Council building and the police academy was carried out by Abd Al-Rahman Abu 'Abd Al-Nasser Al-Asimi. It added that truck bombs with 800 kg of explosives were used in both operations.
According to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the attack was aimed at exploding the myth being spread by Algerian authorities regarding "the elimination of the hard core" of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and also at avenging the blood of its martyrs.
The organization called on all Muslims to kill Crusaders, traitors, and those collaborating with the enemy, and to send their sons to the jihad arena to carry out martyrdom operations.
Source: http://www.alhesbah.net/v/, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4059.htm
Syrian Culture Minister: Golan To Return To Arab Control In 2008, Jerusalem In 2009
Syrian Culture Minister Diafy Agha has said in a television interview that Israel feared the power of the Arabs, giving as evidence its helplessness in Gaza and its defeat in southern Lebanon.
Agha expressed confidence that the Golan would be returned to Arab control in 2008 and that the same would happen to Jerusalem in 2009. He added that when they occurred, these events would be celebrated in Syria for three months.
Source: Al-Masri Al-Yawm, Egypt, December 11, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4058.htm
World Maronite Union: Iran Aims To Establish Iranian Mini-State In Lebanon
The U.S.-based World Maronite Union has condemned the sale of Christian lands in Lebanon and has accused Iran of acquiring the lands via Hizbullah, in order to establish an Iranian Islamic mini-state in Lebanon.
Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4054.htm
UAE Investigating Human Rights Violations Leak To HRW
The UAE government has launched an investigation following a leak of negative information on the human rights situation in the emirates to Human Rights Watch.
The information was leaked by a member of the UAE human rights watch association, who wrote critical reports on violations and on the treatment of foreign workers.
The report has led to international pressure on the UAE.
Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4052.htm
Egyptians Selling Books In Sudan Indicted For Harming Islam
Sudanese Justice Minister Muhammad 'Ali Almardha yesterday told a press conference that the prosecution in Khartoum had filed an indictment against two Egyptian nationals for harming the religion.
The two, who were arrested recently, are accused of marketing a book that harms God and talks about denying the Prophet Muhammad and his wife 'Aisha.
The book was at a Khartoum book fair, where the two were selling books from the Egyptian publishers Madbouli.
Source: Al-Sahafa, Sudan, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4051.htm
Egypt: New Law Would Ban Demonstrations At Mosques, Churches
The joint committee for legal and constitutional matters in Egypt's Shura Council is to discuss a bill that would ban demonstrations at mosques and churches, in order to maintain their sanctity of places of worship.
Under the proposed law, anyone participating in such a demonstration, or inciting to such a demonstration, will be imprisoned for six months and fined 500 Egyptian lira.
Source: Al-Ahram, Egypt, December 8, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4033.htm
Saudi Ministry Orders Educational Activity For Int'l Human Rights Day
The Saudi Ministry for Girls' Education ordered Riyadh schools and educational centers to conduct special activity to mark International Human Rights Day, December 10.
The activity includes articles in school papers and discussions on human rights in Islam, freedom of discussion, and creation of a free opinion.
Source: Al-Watan, Saudi Arabia, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4008.htm
Qatari Emir Orders Establishment Of Press Freedom Center
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Aal Thani has ordered the establishment of the Doha Center for Press Freedom, aimed at strengthening freedom of the press in Qatar.
The decision was praised greatly by Qatari intellectuals and media members, who stated that the move would serve democracy and freedom of expression.
Source: Al-Raya, Qatar, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4006.htm
From the MEMRI Turkey Blog www.thememriblog.org/turkey
Father Of Turkish Fashion Dead; Antisemitic Islamist Press Condemns Eulogies
All mainstream media organs yesterday eulogized Turkish-Jewish businessman Vitali Hakko, who passed away at 94. The founder of Turkey's first and largest high-fashion house Vakko started his business as a small hat manufacturer following Ataturk's 'hat and attire revolution' that Westernized the way Turks dressed. He was the first to introduce ready-to-wear fashion, fashion shows, and magazines in Turkey. A business of international fame, Vakko employs thousands of people worldwide. His funeral was attended by large crowds of employees, members of the Turkish business world, and loved ones.
The attention and love extended to Hakko at his funeral angered the Islamist media, which attacked him for becoming wealthy on "Ataturk's cruel and oppressive reforms," and mainly for being Jewish. Some Islamist columnists said that following Ataturk's reforms, Jews became rich by bringing from Europe garments that they bought cheap and sold for much more.
The Islamist daily Vakit attacked the mainstream media under the headline "How Much Love is That? Love They Don't Show to Muslims, They Showed to a Jew." Vakit listed the names of all the press organs that praised and eulogized Hakko as the "father" and "dean" of fashion, attacking them by saying, "…Moreover, the funeral service that they chose to attend was at a synagogue, and the burial at a Jewish cemetery."
Source: Vakit, habervaktim.com, Turkey, December 13, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/turkey/blog_personal/en/4100.htm
Milliyet: YOK President Defended Islam, Called Western World Source of Sins, Perversion
The mainstream Turkish daily Milliyet reported today that Turkey's Higher Education Board (YOK) President Prof. Yusuf Ziya Ozcan had written in a 1995 article, "There would be far fewer problems if every Muslim lived according to the rules of Islam."
In an article titled "Is Islam a Hindrance to Economic Development?" written as a visiting tutor at the International University of Islam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ozcan addressed Western academics, writing: "It is overlooked that when Europe lived in darkness of Middle Ages, Muslims ruled the world. And unlike in Christianity, Islam's rules have not changed. The fact that Muslim countries are underdeveloped cannot be attributed to Islam." He claimed that Islam was misunderstood and said that Muslims should respond to Western academics with Koran verses and hadith.
He wrote that if all Muslims lived according to Islamic rules these problems would not exist: "The history of Muslim nations attests to the fact that when they followed Islamic rules closely they ruled the world in many fields, and that they lagged behind when their ties to Islam were loosened. Therefore, accusations should be directed at Muslims and their interpretation of Islam rather than to Islam itself. Were the same logic to be applied to the Western world – which is the source of many sins and perverse modes of behavior – Christianity would be accused, which would not be the right thing to do."
Most of Professor Ozcan's academic work was on Islam and Muslims.
Source: Milliyet, Turkey, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/turkey/blog_personal/en/4079.htm
New YOK President Gives Green Light to Turban At Turkish Universities
Middle East Technical University sociology professor Yusuf Ziya Ozcan, who was appointed by Turkish President Abdullah Gul as president of Turkey's Higher Education Board (YOK), took office yesterday. Speaking to the press, Ozcan said, "One of my visions is the elimination of all bans in universities, and for universities to place more importance on their sublime duty – science." He added, "We have serious problems with regard to pre-university and post-university education. Our aim is to overcome these problems by providing an atmosphere of freedom and by highlighting science in universities."
In response to a question about turban ban in universities, Ozcan said that once a liberal atmosphere prevails, these issues will find their solutions.
Source: Zaman, Sabah, Turkish Daily News, December 12, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/turkey/blog_personal/en/4078.htm
Survey: Turkey More Islamic During AKP Rule
In a move that gave rise to a fierce public debate, last week the mainstream Turkish daily Milliyet published, in six parts, the results of a survey conducted by Tarhan Erdem of the KONDA research institute, on "Religion, Laicism and the Headscarf in Daily Life" in Turkey.
Although the Islamist media slammed the survey and questions its reliability, KONDA is a reputable polling institute that accurately predicted the AKP victory in July elections almost to the last vote.
According to the survey, in the last four years, during AKP rule, 69.4% of women wear headscarves, up from 64.2%. However, the number of women who wear the turban – which is considered a symbol of political Islam in Turkey – increased almost fivefold, from 3.5% to 16.3%. This significant increase in turban wearers is seen mainly among younger women.
While 30.6% of the female respondents said that they do not cover their heads, of the 69.4% who do, 51.9% wear the traditional headscarf (that leaves some hair, throat and neck showing); 16.2% wear the turban (that covers the hair, throat and neck), and 1.3% wear the burqa and veil. Head covering increases as women age, and is more prevalent among the less educated, while wearing the turban is high among young and educated women. Burqa wearers are the least educated, and are mostly illiterate.
The study found that head covering among students and working women is low, whereas three-fourths of housewives cover their heads in some way.
Marriage is also a factor contributing covering the head: 35.4% of the women who do so are single, compared to 75.7% of married women. As the income levels rise, the rate of women covering their heads fall – with the exception of turban wearers.
KONDA also examined other aspects of religiosity, finding that 82.5% of respondents regularly fast during Ramadan and that 75.2% pray. Those attending regular namaz prayers stand at 43.9%, and turban wearers attend prayers more than headscarf wearers.
The survey found that about one in 1,000 respondents said they were atheists, and that the majority wanted restaurants and bars to close during Ramadan. However, slightly less than 10% expressed positive views towards instituting some sharia laws.
The study established a correlation between political preferences and covering the head; the turban is clearly prevalent among those who vote for the AKP and the SP.
The article on the survey results concluded that the increase in women covering their heads was the result of the mentality and policies of the ruling AKP party.
Source: Milliyet, Turkey, December 3-10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/turkey/blog_personal/en/4048.htm
MPs In Turkish Parliament Row Over Fethullah Gulen Movement
During the hearing in the Turkish parliament on the Ministry of Education budget, a fight broke out between AKP and CHP MPs, when CHP MP Nur Serter said in her speech, "Our universities are besieged by Islamist sects and [Fethullah Gulen's] Isikevleri [Lighthouses/dormitories]. Go to universities and see how every year at registration time Islamist sects hunt for students to lure them into these houses. Fethullah Gulen says, 'With Allah's help, Isik houses will spread throughout the entire world, and everyplace in the world will be decorated with mescits [small mosques].' These houses are acting as a secret organization. What have you done so far, Mr. [Education] Minister, against these houses? But of course we do not expect any measures from the minister, who cannot stop praising Fethullah Gulen which he so admires."
Angry AKP MPs banged on their desks during Serter's speech, and some MPs moved towards one another to pick a physical fight.
Serter asked, "Why do you jump up every time the 'Islamist sects' are mentioned?" AKP MP Bayram Ozcelik shouted at her, "Why are you stirring up parliament? Why don't you speak like a lady?"
Source: Cumhuriyet, all dailies, Turkey, December 20, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/turkey/blog_personal/en/4039.htm
From the MEMRI Economic Blog www.MEMRIeconomicblog.org
Qatar PM: We've Begun Work on Peaceful Nuclear Technologies
The Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim al-Thani said that his country has started to use peaceful nuclear technology, pointing out that it is an economic decision and not a political one. He was talking at the Manama Dialogue Forum on Economic Security.
Sheikh Hamad added that the lack of stability and harmony in the region is due to the poverty and wars that the people in the region are suffering from, and to the interest of multiple parties, including the multinational companies, which have widened the gap between the various parties. He also called on his country to treat Iran as a good neighbor.
The Manama Dialogue, organized by the International Center for Strategic Studies, brought in officials from across the world to discuss the issues of security and economy in the Middle East. The conference witnessed an unusual public disagreement between two members of the Iraqi delegation, vice-president Tariq al-Hashimi and the National Security Adviser, Muwaffaq al-Rubbei', over the performance of the Iraqi government.
Source: Al-Hayat, London, December 10, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4029.htm
Iraq: $600 Million for the Development of Al-Basra City
The Iraqi government has allocated 700 billion Iraqi dinars ($600 million dollars) from the 2008 budget for the reconstruction of the city of Basra, the Iraqi government spokesman said.
Source: Aswat al-Iraq, Iraq, December 13, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=396
1,000 Acts of Sabotage Against Iraqi Oil Installations
An official from the Ministry of Petroleum in Iraq told a roundtable on "The Future of the Iraqi Oil" that about 1,000 acts of sabotage had been carried out against Iraqi oil installations in the last four years, causing considerable destruction to property and the environment apart from incalculable losses in human resources. As a result, oil production has been limited to 2 million b/d. [Iraq has the potential to produce 6 million b/d, far in excess of the Iranian oil production capacity.]
Source: al-Mada, Iraq, December 13, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=386
Arab Cash Finds New Regions as Dollar Falls
The weakening dollar is having a strong impact on the relative weight of Arab trade and investments.
With the dollar dragging the value of the currencies of the GCC countries down with it, investing in Europe or Asia has become more expensive in terms of local currencies, relative to opportunities within the GCC or in the US. Therefore, the trend is inspiring more investment between Arab companies-especially among Egyptian companies desiring to penetrate new markets, as the national trend of privatizing financial services, IT and manufacturing industries continues.
One expert was quoted as stating that 46% of the foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing to Egypt comes from Arab countries, based on the issued capital accumulated since 1970.
The growth rate of Egypt's non-oil exports touched 35% according to the latest data announced by the Egyptian ministry of finance, and the figure is still growing.
Source: Gulfnews.com, December 12, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=390
Gulf SWF Ready to Pounce on Banks Hurt by Sub-Prime Problems
In the aftermath of the investment of $7.5 billion by the sovereign wealth fund (SWF), of Abu Dhabi in Citigroup, Western banks, and particularly the American banks, are on the radar screen of the Gulf SWFs, who are ready to pounce on banks which have been hurt by the recent crisis arising from the recent sub-prime interest crisis.
In addition to Western banks, the Gulf SWFs are also looking for banks elsewhere. For example, the Kuwaiti Investment Authority has announced early this year its plan to purchase 10% of China's Commercial and Industrial Bank.
Source: al-Sharq al-Awsat, December 11, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=356
Report: $1 Trillion – Value of Islamic Banks in 2010
The 2007 Islamic Banks Competitive Report issued by McKinsey Global Partners, said that the value of the Islamic banks assets and assets under management was estimated at $750 billion in 2006. The value of the Islamic banking sector, excluding Iran, was estimated at $400-450 billion, and this figure is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2010.
In terms of assets, the Islamic banks have been able to achieve high growth rates in 2006 and at a rate exceeding the average growth in the banking sector in most countries of the world. The performance of Islamic bank profits reached levels equivalent or exceeded those of the traditional banks, the report added.
The competitiveness report highlights three future expected growth areas: first the sukuk (Islamic bonds), which are continuing their rapid growth, driven by strong infrastructure projects, giant real estate projects and the interest of investors in diversification with fixed-income investments; second, asset management; and third, the Islamic financial services market in Asia, which is experiencing rapid growth.
Source: al-Qabas, Kuwait, December 10, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=344
Report: Iran Stopped Oil Sales in Dollars
Iran has completely stopped selling its oil in U.S. dollars, an Iranian news agency reported, quoting the country's oil minister. A senior Iranian oil official had said last month that the bulk of the Iranian crude oil exports are now being paid for in non-US currencies.
For nearly two years, Iran has been reducing its exposure to the dollar, saying the weak US currency is eroding its purchasing power.
Source: al-Khaleej, UAE, December 9, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=340
Iran Expects to Supply Dana Gas with Fuel by September
The Iranian Offshore Oil Company expects to start supplying natural gas to Al-Hilal Petroleum firm, one of UAE Dana Gas partners, by September, ending a two-year delay, Iran's News Agency said.
The Sharjah-based (Sharjah is one of UAE's seven emirates) Al-Hilal Petroleum, was supposed to receive the first delivery in the middle of last year, but the supplies were postponed because of disagreement over price, the news agency said.
Dana Gas will process the fuel for distribution in the UAE.
Source: Al-Rai Al-Am, Kuwait, December 7, 2007
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=327
Importance of Islamic Financing in France
The secretary-general of the French-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Saleh Al-Tayar, has stressed the importance of the existence of Islamic financial institutions in France, a country with the largest Muslim community in Europe, estimated at some five million.
He expressed his regret that the French financial system is "very strict" and outdated, especially regarding Islamic financing, compared to the other European countries. He added: "We are facing a problem that investors interested in Islamic financing system are heading to other countries, such as the UK, to open financial accounts in Islamic banks."
He expressed his surprise that some French banks have Islamic investment portfolios that operate through their branches in Muslim countries, such as the GCC countries, and not operating such portfolios in France.
France Central Bank affirmed its opposition to the presence of an Islamic financial system that would finance Islamic operations, Al-Tayar added.
Source: KUNA, Algiers, December 9, 2007
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/4022.htm
