The two faces of Islam UK
The News Review:
- The two faces of Islam UK
- Web giants face China probe
- Barton redeems himself in City win
- Leading article: An end to tolerance
- Border Medal wins no prize
The two faces of Islam UK
The Independent – Independent – Feb 12, 2006
We will not hesitate to act if we don’t see that happening in a fairly short period of time. " Gordon Brown, in a speech on terror tomorrow, will reinforce the message that more needs to be done to support the "moderate Muslim voice". But with a series of political battles looming about how to counter home-grown terrorism attention will remain firmly fixed on the other, extreme, face of Islamic Britain. Nor is the international situation likely to help to reduce tensions as Denmark withdrew diplomats from Iran, Indonesia and Syria yesterday in the face of escalating violence. Police broke up a riot that erupted in Jerusalem, and the previous day, the Muslim sabbath, saw angry demonstrations in dozens of countries. Police fired on marchers in Kenya, wounding one person, and protesters in Tehran threw firebombs at the French embassy. Eleven people died in Afghanistan last week during confrontations between police and rioters.
Web giants face China probe
NEWS.com.au – Feb 12, 2006
“Many agree that there is truth to what the Internet companies are saying,” said Bart Mongoven of Strategic Forecasting Inc. (Stratfor), a private US intelligence firm. But in order to get the same compliance from a Western Internet company, Beijing has to coax, cajole or threaten it, and the resulting controversy in the West is not in China’s interests, Mr Mongoven said. “At the very least, the presence of American Web companies irritates the Chinese government, because it places its political tactics on public display,” he said. The Congressional hearing could set the pace for legislation compelling Internet companies to locate e-mail servers outside “repressive countries” and prohibit the export of Internet technology to these countries. “The hearing is going to give Internet companies a chance to testify before Congressman Smith puts the final touches to the legislation,” Dayspring said.
Barton redeems himself in City win
rte.ie – Feb 12, 2006
But with Barton admitting he may have acted hastily, the ire has disappeared and the Blues fans were chanting his name in glee again when he latched onto Kiki Musampa’s lay-off and sent a brutal 30-yard strike flashing past Charlton keeper Thomas Myhre. The effort allowed City to hold off a late rally from the visitors after Marcus Bent had pulled them back into a contest which erupted with four goals in 21 thrilling minutes at the start of the second period. And it gave Stuart Pearce valuable bragging rights in the battle of the home-grown contenders to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss. If Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick follows the demand of Sam Allardyce and chooses an Englishman to lead the Three Lions into Euro 2008 combat, it is a fair bet, for all the Bolton boss’ claims, one of two protagonists at Eastlands will be it. It is easy to see why both Pearce and Alan Curbishley would be an attractive proposition, yet the drawbacks are just as obvious. Were it possible to mix the pair’s plus points, Barwick would not have much of a choice to make. As it is, Pearce’s managerial inexperience and Curbishley’s lack of exposure to international combat, either as a player or during his time at Charlton, mean the red warning lights will continue to flash.
Leading article: An end to tolerance
Times Online – Feb 12, 2006
It is a hoary old cliché to say that British society is tolerant and forgiving, but by and large it happens to be true. Race relations in Britain have not been perfect but they have until recently been getting better. After the London bombings of July 7 last year, perpetrated by four home-grown Islamic terrorists, there was no significant backlash against Muslims. A stoical hardiness, partially reinforced by years of IRA bombs, was the predominant reaction. Now, perhaps, we are paying the price of that unthinking tolerance. Amir Tahiri, the eminent Iranian writer, argues in this newspaper today that Britain has become a haven for Islamic political parties and movements that would be banned in much of the Arab world. Only in Britain, and a few other tolerant western countries, have these extremist factions been given the space to spout anti-western hatred.
Border Medal wins no prize
The Age – Feb 12, 2006
Modern-day players work extremely hard in preparation and arefar more professional than in days gone by, yet an incident such asSymonds’ puts the game back so many years in the eyes of most. Wasthere really any need to constantly highlight his indiscretionthroughout the telecast?The third bone of contention with the evening was theinvolvement of Mark Nicholas. Why was an Englishman given such aprominent presenting role when there is plenty of home-grown talentthat could do the same job? Nicholas is a polished performer anddid a very good job, but his references to “our cricketers” on morethan one occasion started to wear thin. Which cricketers was hetalking about? The team that won the Ashes last year or the onethat will win them back this year?James Brayshaw is a former first-class cricketer who has a goodrapport with the players, is well educated and most importantly hasa quick wit. He would have been the ideal man to do the job thatNicholas did. As an extension to this point, surely when the English arrivehere in November, we do not want to switch on our televisions andhave Nicholas welcoming us to the Gabba for the first Test. He hasbeen a welcome addition to the commentary team and will be avaluable person to have on board for the Ashes series, but pleasenot as host.