- Disgusting: New "October 7" Titled Restaurant Unveiled in Jordan
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/disgusting-new-october-7-titled-restaurant-unveiled-jordan
Location: Jordan
In Jordan, a newly opened shawarma restaurant named "October 7" has ignited controversy due to its association with the date of Hamas's deadly attack in southern Israel, which resulted in the death of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of hundreds of hostages. The establishment, situated in the Southern Mazar district, gained attention after Dima Tahboub, a former Jordanian parliament member and member of the conservative Islamist organization, the Muslim Brotherhood, shared a promotional video. Criticism escalated when Yair Lapid, Israel's Opposition Leader, denounced the naming as a "disgraceful glorification" of the attack, stating, “The incitement and hatred against Israel breeds the terrorism and extremism which led to the brutal massacre of October 7th,” and called for Jordanian condemnation. Amid backlash, the restaurant's owner claimed the name was changed to "October," attributing it to a personal celebration unrelated to political events, a claim met with skepticism due to previous social media interactions suggesting the name was deliberately chosen to commemorate the Hamas attacks. This controversy has surfaced amidst a period of heightened tension between Israel and Jordan, further straining their diplomatic relations.
- Saudi Arabia Unveils Plan for First Alcohol Store
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/saudi-arabia-unveils-plan-first-alcohol-store
Location: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is set to open its first alcohol store in Riyadh, a groundbreaking move aimed exclusively at non-Muslim diplomats. This decision marks a significant shift in the ultraconservative Islamic kingdom, reflecting Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy beyond oil and to liberalize certain aspects of Saudi society. The store, located in the Diplomatic Quarter, will require customers to register via a mobile app and receive clearance from the foreign ministry. Despite the kingdom's strict prohibition of alcohol, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or deportation for expatriates, this initiative indicates a nuanced approach to international diplomacy and business. The Saudi government's recent regulations on alcoholic imports for diplomatic missions aim to curb the black market while ensuring access within specified quotas, signifying a cautious yet transformative step in the country's reformative journey under Bin Salman's leadership.
- Exposed: Iran's Covert Mission to Spread Antisemitism in UK Schools
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/exposed-irans-covert-mission-spread-antisemitism-uk-schools
Location: United Kingdom
The UK's Charity Commission is investigating alarming instances of antisemitism within British schools, following the discovery of videos featuring former Iranian generals delivering speeches laden with hate and the propagation of "death to Israel" sentiments. Among the scrutinized content are talks by members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with one explicitly engaging in Holocaust denial and forecasting a destructive war against Jews. These events, promoted by the Islamic Students Associations of Britain and held at the Kanoon Towhid Islamic Center in London, have sparked outrage. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has called these acts a “brazen act of radicalization” and advocates for the IRGC to be recognized as a terrorist organization by the UK government. The Charity Commission, under the chairmanship of Orlando Fraser, is actively investigating these reports, emphasizing that charities must not serve as platforms for extremism or hate speech. This situation underscores the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in curbing the spread of hate and ensuring educational environments remain free from radicalization.
- Canadian Terrorist Attack: Inspired by Gaza and "Wokeism"
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/canadian-terrorist-attack-inspired-gaza-wokeism
Location: Canada
The Edmonton City Hall in Canada was the scene of a shocking terrorist attack on January 23rd, perpetrated by 28-year-old Bezhani Sarvar, who now faces six charges including arson and the use of a firearm to commit an offense. The attack, which involved the firing of shots and the detonation of a Molotov cocktail, caused significant damage to the building and led to its indefinite closure for repairs. Sarvar, an employee of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, carried out this attack alone, according to Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee, who noted that Sarvar was "shooting randomly" and assured the public of no further safety concerns. In a video posted on social media, Sarvar cited the ongoing war in Gaza and "wokeism" as inspirations for his actions, and expressing his motivation was driven by societal issues including corruption, inflation, and the housing crisis. This incident has left the community in shock, especially given the presence of officials, journalists, and a first-grade class inside the city hall during the attack, all of whom were safely evacuated without casualties.
- Islamic Republic's Biker Gang: Iran Taps Hell's Angels to Kill Dissidents
Location: Global
The United States and Britain have imposed sanctions on a network allegedly directed by Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security to target Iranian dissidents, defectors, and opposition figures for assassination. This network reportedly includes members of the notorious Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang. Among the sanctioned individuals is Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, identified as the leader of this operation, accused of orchestrating assassinations and kidnappings to silence critics of the Islamic Republic globally. Brian Nelson, the Treasury’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, condemned these actions, stating, “The Iranian regime’s continued efforts to target dissidents and activists demonstrate the regime’s deep insecurity and attempt to expand Iran’s domestic repression internationally.” The sanctions aim to freeze any US assets of the individuals involved and prevent Americans from dealing with them. The network's operations have notably included recruitment for assassination plots within the United States, highlighting a concerted effort to extend Iran's suppressive tactics beyond its borders.
