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Russian Man and Three Thai Nationals Arrested in Phuket for Financial Crimes
Nice job Thai police! -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 17 February 2025
to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 18 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1352046-thailand-live-tuesday-18-february-2025/ -
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UK Becoming a Hub for Radical Islam Amid Government Inaction, Analyst Warns
The United Kingdom is at risk of becoming a "global powerbase" for radical Islam due to the failure of Sir Keir Starmer’s government to take decisive action, according to counter-extremism analyst Amjad Taha. While countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been rolling back ultra-conservatism, the UK finds itself in an "extraordinary position" where militant Islam is spreading within its borders. Taha, who has 1.6 million followers on X and Instagram, has voiced concerns about harmful teachings in schools and local communities. He points to instances where children in London, Birmingham, and Manchester are reportedly being taught about global jihad against Jews and Christians, with Holocaust denial included in some curriculums. "The things that some of the Islamists say in various mosques, and we have been seeing it online—the terminology they use, the analysis they make, the statements they actually make—they wouldn't be able to say it all the way in Afghanistan or Iraq," he said. His comments come as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner launches a new council on Islamophobia, which aims to define the term officially. Some critics argue that this could lead to the introduction of a "blasphemy law" in the UK. The Home Office has responded to concerns by stating that the government is increasing training for officials to "spot terrorist ideologies, explicitly Islamist extremism." The new Islamophobia council, set to be chaired by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, will make recommendations that could criminalize certain criticisms of Islam, raising concerns about potential restrictions on free speech. Historian and founder of the Oxford Institute for British Islam, Dr. Taj Hargey, criticized the move, stating, "It is astounding that an unpopular Labour Party is seeking to sacrifice free expression just to placate Islamic fundamentalists." Taha echoes these concerns, suggesting that radical elements in the UK are growing unchecked while Middle Eastern countries are curbing ultra-conservatism. According to Taha, the Muslim Brotherhood exerts significant influence over press narratives in the UK’s Muslim communities. "The Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamists are radical Islamists, and they use freedom of speech in a manner where they will be anti-Semite in the name of freedom of speech. I absolutely stand against that, as I think anti-Semitism is not an opinion but a crime, and a crime against humanity," he stated. He further warned that extremists in the UK openly supported Hamas following the October 7 attacks against Israel. "What I saw and what we witnessed is the fact that some Islamists from all the way over here, we saw their voices—it was for Hamas," he said. He described Hamas as "the armed forces of the Muslim Brotherhood," pointing out that while the organization is banned in the UAE, it remains legal in the UK. He called for an immediate ban, arguing that "they use freedom of speech to censor your right to speak against them." Taha also raised concerns about Islamic Relief, a UK-registered charity that has been banned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to alleged ties to terrorist groups. "The fact that Islamic Relief, for instance, is registered as a charity here but all the way in Saudi Arabia, in the UAE, and other countries, it is banned because of the investigation that showed that this charity is sending money all the way to some terrorist groups in the Middle East—it tells you a lot," he said. He warned that "once-alien" ideologies are now deeply embedded in British society. "On London’s streets, the flags of terrorist groups are flown to protest against the war in Gaza, the Met Police happily explain on social media that 'jihad' on a flag means struggle, not war, and thousands of people are prepared to stand alongside Hamas terrorists and those sympathetic to ISIS and Al-Qaeda," he said. Meanwhile, Gulf nations are moving in the opposite direction, banning religious police, promoting arts and live music, and encouraging English-language education to create more global opportunities for their youth. Taha, who led the first independent youth delegation to Israel after the 2020 Abraham Accords, sees the rise in independent Muslim candidates in UK elections as a strategy to exert increasing influence. "We are seeing the realization of a radical Islamic strategy to exert increasing influence in the UK, emboldened by the lack of forceful pushback from the authorities," he said. "Keir Starmer sounds confident when he talks of this great democracy that values free speech and respect for international human rights. But the plan by extremists is to eradicate democracy while pretending to participate in it." He criticizes the UK government for failing to take strong action, allowing Islamist groups to operate freely under the guise of community organizations, advocacy groups, and charities. The Home Office has rejected these criticisms, stating that "Islamist extremism has no place in our society, and the government is committed to tackling the threat it poses to communities and individuals." A spokesperson emphasized that the government is working across departments to combat extremism, including radical Islamist ideologies. Meanwhile, Mr. Grieve, the former Attorney General, has been recommended to chair a committee defining anti-Muslim prejudice. In 2018, he wrote the foreword to a report on Islamophobia by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, which defined Islamophobia as "rooted in racism" and targeting "expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness." Some critics argue that this definition is overly broad and could suppress legitimate criticism of Islam. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has called it a "Trojan horse for a blasphemy law" and "deeply flawed." The new council will consist of 16 members, potentially including Leeds Imam Qari Asim, who was previously dropped as a government adviser after supporting a ban on The Lady of Heaven, a historical drama about the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. It remains uncertain whether the government will adopt the all-party group’s definition of Islamophobia. At the same time, the government is forming a separate council to address anti-Semitism. Some within the Jewish community argue that existing institutions already monitor the issue effectively. Additionally, the Home Office has announced plans to track more non-crime hate incidents related to both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. A spokesperson for Angela Rayner's Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has stated that the government aims to take a "more integrated and cohesive" approach to tackling religious and racial hatred. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has denied that the government is using the all-party group’s definition of Islamophobia and has reassured the public that authorities will pursue offenders "regardless of their race or religion." The government has firmly denied that it is considering any form of blasphemy law. "No blasphemy laws will be introduced by this government. We are firmly committed to tackling all forms of hatred and division, including the unacceptable rise in anti-Muslim hatred," a spokesperson confirmed. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-18 -
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Reform UK Seen as Stronger and More Trustworthy Than Conservatives, Poll Suggests
Reform UK is gaining ground against the struggling Conservative Party, with new polling indicating that Nigel Farage's party is now viewed as a serious competitor to the Tories. An exclusive YouGov poll for Sky News reveals that Reform UK is performing at least as well as the Conservatives in key areas, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Kemi Badenoch. The survey suggests that the Conservative brand has suffered significant damage, while Reform UK is increasingly resonating with voters. Despite the early stage of this parliamentary term, with most parties yet to outline detailed policy platforms, the poll provides insight into how the electorate perceives both parties. Only 10% of voters currently see the Tories as strong, while 61% view them as weak. By contrast, Reform UK fares much better, with 31% of respondents calling the party strong and just 27% considering it weak. This means that three times as many voters perceive Reform UK as strong compared to the Conservatives. A similar trend is evident when assessing whether each party has a clear sense of direction. Just 18% of voters believe the Conservatives have a clear purpose, while 59% say their direction is unclear. Reform UK, however, scores significantly higher, with 49% believing the party has a clear sense of purpose and only 24% unsure about what it stands for. Voters are thus more than twice as likely to see Reform UK as having a clear direction compared to the Tories. The gap is narrower when it comes to trust, but Reform UK still leads. Only 11% of voters see the Tories as trustworthy, while 65% consider them untrustworthy. For Reform UK, 19% say they are trustworthy, with 52% holding the opposite view. Ten years ago, when Nigel Farage led UKIP, some believed that his leadership or the party’s brand was too controversial for mainstream success. There was speculation that Farage had a lower potential ceiling of support compared to the Conservatives. However, the latest polling suggests that this perception may have changed now that he leads Reform UK. One way to gauge this is by examining the proportion of voters who say they would never support each party. According to the poll, 56% of respondents say they would never vote for Reform UK, leaving a potential voter base of 44%. An almost identical figure—55%—say they would never vote Tory, leaving them with a 45% pool of potential voters. This indicates that Reform UK does not face a lower ceiling of support than the Conservatives. Further analysis shows that right-leaning voters are more likely to switch from the Conservatives to Reform UK than the other way around. Among those who voted for Reform UK in the general election, 46% say they would never vote Tory. However, among Conservative voters from last year’s election, only 36% rule out voting for Reform UK. Additionally, 24% of those who voted Conservative in the last election now say they "will" or "might" vote for Reform UK, while only 8% of Reform UK voters indicate they "will" or "might" switch to the Conservatives. These figures suggest that Reform UK is emerging as a serious alternative for right-leaning voters, further challenging the Conservative Party’s position. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-18 -
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US Taxpayers Fund $24,000 for Irish College's DEI Film Initiative
The Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, has confirmed to Sky News that it received $24,000 (£19,000) from the US State Department to support a film project centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The funds were allocated to facilitate storytelling from marginalized communities through film. This revelation follows criticism of a separate $70,000 (£56,000) grant for a "DEI musical" in Ireland, which the Trump administration recently described as "crap" and a waste of taxpayer money. The administration is in the process of dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been involved in funding international cultural projects. However, spending records indicate that the $24,000 grant given to IADT in October 2021 was not through USAID but rather via the US Embassy in Dublin. The Irish college used the funding, along with additional support from Screen Skills Ireland, to produce four short documentaries created by individuals from marginalized backgrounds. These films premiered at a Galway film festival in July 2023. Project lead lecturer and filmmaker Vanessa Gildea expressed her strong belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion in the film industry. "I believe passionately that the future of film and television must be based on diversity, inclusion, and gender parity. This belief is the reason we created this film project," she said. "We are all incredibly proud of these beautiful and moving films, and of each and every filmmaker." Among the four short films was Falling, a poetic portrayal of a courageous young Afghan woman seeking a better life. Another, Cultural Medium, directed by Britney Madondo, offered a vibrant and lyrical exploration of the Black and Irish experience through the artistic lens of Yomi Attention. What is Freedom?, directed by Mohadesa Shojaee, took viewers on a journey of navigating freedom in a new land, while Sticks & Stones delved into experiences of discrimination and the significance of language. The revelation of the funding came amid a broader scrutiny of US government expenditures on DEI projects abroad. Two weeks ago, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted what she described as "insane priorities" funded by USAID, including $1.5 million (£1.2m) for workplace DEI initiatives in Serbia, $47,000 (£37,000) for a "transgender opera" in Colombia, and the previously mentioned $70,000 (£56,000) grant for the "DEI musical" in Ireland. "I don't know about you, but as an American taxpayer, I don't want my dollars going towards this crap, and the American people don't either," Leavitt stated. "And that's exactly what Elon Musk has been tasked by President Trump to do." The funding revelations have provoked strong reactions from conservative commentators in the US. However, it appears that both the $70,000 grant and the IADT funding were awarded by the State Department, not USAID. Reports suggest the $70,000 grant was used for an event in Dublin rather than a musical, though repeated attempts to contact the event's organizer have been unsuccessful. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-18 -
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British Jihadist Remains Defiant as Fears of an ISIS Resurgence Grow in Syria
With a power vacuum in Syria and little international will to repatriate jihadists, Kurdish forces warn that Islamic State could regain strength by breaking out prisoners like Hamza Parvez. As a masked guard opened a slot in the door and called for the British detainee, the air outside the cell filled with a foul stench. Hamza Parvez stepped forward, complaining about his meager hygiene supplies—a small bar of soap and a worn towel. Once known as "Hungry Hamza," the 31-year-old from west London was among the first Britons to join ISIS in 2014. He gained notoriety through social media, where he posted not only recruitment videos urging fellow Britons to join but also reviews of fast-food restaurants under the so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq. When The Times visited his cell this week in Syria’s al-Hasakah prison—a facility that exclusively holds former ISIS fighters—Parvez appeared gaunt. He described his treatment as “genocide,” complaining that he had been using the same blanket and pillow for years. However, he acknowledged that his conditions were far better than those endured by the prisoners tortured and executed by ISIS during what he once called “the golden era of jihad” between 2014 and 2019. The extremist group, once promising its followers an apocalyptic caliphate, has been reduced to small bands of fighters hiding in the Syrian desert. However, experts warn that the group’s best chance at resurgence lies in breaking out detainees like Parvez and rebuilding its ranks—something the heavily armed guards of al-Hasakah prison are determined to prevent. Parvez stopped short of renouncing ISIS, instead suggesting that the group had made errors in its approach. “They wanted to take a very hard stance,” he said. “They wanted to scare the world.” He admitted, “We definitely made mistakes. Here in the Middle East, unfortunately, they are not the most organised … I don’t want to lie. It’s not easy to say I don’t believe in the Islamic State. It’s an organisation. But the foundations of Islam, I believe in them.” At al-Hasakah, approximately 4,500 prisoners are held behind multiple layers of blast walls and razor wire. Most are kept in isolation, with cells holding 15 to 20 men. They are allowed about 45 minutes of outdoor exercise each day. Guards instruct journalists not to discuss current affairs with the inmates, preferring to keep them in the dark. Parvez, for instance, appeared unaware that the overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December had reignited discussions about the fate of foreign ISIS fighters and the thousands of women and children still held in separate detention camps. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which defeated ISIS in 2019 with Western support, now controls eastern Syria and oversees these prison facilities. The SDF has repeatedly urged foreign governments to take back their citizens for trial or establish an international court, but most nations prefer to strip their citizenship and leave them imprisoned in Syria. With Assad gone, the SDF fears ISIS could use the resulting instability to regain a foothold in Syria. The new regime in Damascus, led by former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, insists it can secure the prisons. However, doubts remain about whether hardliners within his ranks—many of whom resent his failure to implement Islamic law—could be swayed by the extremist ideology of the prisoners they are supposed to guard. In his headquarters in al-Hasakah, SDF commander General Mazloum Abdi warned that ISIS is already exploiting the security vacuum left by Assad’s downfall. His forces, which drove ISIS from its de facto capital of Raqqa and defeated them at their last stronghold in Baghuz in 2019, remain on high alert. “There is a security vacuum. In the desert, Daesh has been able to secure locations and weapons,” Abdi said, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS. “And we know their primary goal is the cities.” He added that ISIS has begun infiltrating urban areas. Abdi noted that the new Syrian administration is attempting to accommodate international demands for inclusivity. However, this runs counter to its base, which adheres to Salafism and jihadist ideology. “The direction now is towards imposing [non-Islamic] civil law and Daesh is exploiting this” by appealing to radical hardliners, he said. Critics, including some terrorism analysts, argue that the SDF and the US may be overstating the ISIS threat to justify maintaining control over northeastern Syria’s oil-rich regions while negotiating a federal arrangement with the central government. They also point out that the SDF has long faced opposition from Turkish-backed militias that reject Kurdish autonomy. However, the SDF, which claims it lost 13,000 soldiers fighting ISIS, strongly refutes these claims. US-led airstrikes, including multiple attacks coinciding with Assad’s ouster on December 8, have significantly weakened ISIS, according to two Western counterterrorism officials. However, intelligence suggests the group is quietly planning its next move. The US is reportedly considering a withdrawal of its troops from Syria, but Abdi, who maintains close ties with the American military, said he has not been informed of any such plans. “There are a lot of discussions in ISIS circles about assassinating Sharaa. So they could be quiet because they’re trying to plan along those lines,” said Aaron Zelin, a jihadist expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He noted that the absence of ISIS attacks over the Christmas period might indicate strategic planning rather than a loss of capability. A mass prison breakout could change everything. In 2022, ISIS orchestrated a major attack on al-Hasakah prison, detonating car bombs outside the facility while inmates staged an uprising inside. The ensuing battle lasted a week before SDF and US forces regained control. Since then, prisoners have been transferred to a more secure building within the complex. Beyond breaking out fighters, ISIS also aims to free the women and children held in SDF-administered camps, which are largely funded by US foreign aid. The largest, al-Hawl, holds nearly 40,000 people. The US has warned that it cannot continue funding the camps indefinitely. Al-Hawl’s director, Jihan Hasan, has voiced concerns over potential disaster if funding is cut. “At the end, the whole world is concerned with al-Hawl,” Hasan said. “The burden shouldn’t be on the [SDF’s] autonomous administration.” While Iraq has begun repatriating some of its citizens, most Western nations have only taken back a handful of detainees, leaving thousands of women and children in limbo. The SDF has attempted to send children to rehabilitation centers where they learn languages and music, but space is limited. Critics have also accused the SDF of separating children from their mothers. During a recent tour of the al-Hawl camp in an armored vehicle, children pelted the car with stones and chanted the ISIS slogan “baqiya”—meaning “it remains” in Arabic. One child climbed onto the vehicle’s bumper and raised his index finger in a sign of allegiance to the group, while his mother looked on. “The last time there was unrest in the camp, they were telling the guards: ‘Soon you will be the ones in the camp, and we will be the ones detaining you,’” said an SDF counterterrorism official. ISIS, he warned, sees these children as a future army. “You can’t defeat an ideological jihadist group only using combat.” Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-18
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