- Poll Reveals Nearly 40% of U.S. Muslims Deny Hamas Atrocities
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/poll-reveals-nearly-40-us-muslims-deny-hamas-atrocities
Location: United States
A new poll conducted by J.L. Partners for The Heritage Foundation reveals startling perspectives among U.S. Muslims, particularly regarding Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel. Despite overwhelming evidence of atrocities, including the murder of over 1,100 people, 39% of American Muslims deny that Hamas committed such acts, while only 31% acknowledge them, and 30% remain uncertain. The survey further highlights antisemitic beliefs, with 57% of U.S. Muslims agreeing that Jews have "too much power" over U.S. policy and 58% asserting undue Jewish control over the media. In contrast, 64% of the general public recognized Hamas’ crimes, showing a sharp divide in perceptions. Additionally, 34% of American Muslims rank the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as their top voting issue for the 2024 election, a stark contrast to the general population, where only 4% prioritize this conflict. These findings raise concerns about the growing disconnect between different communities on critical global issues.
- Yazidi Sex Slave Rescued from Gaza by International Secret Operation
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/yazidi-sex-slave-rescued-gaza-international-secret-operation
Location: Gaza
In a complex international rescue mission, 21-year-old Fawzia Amin Saydo, a Yazidi woman who had been kidnapped and enslaved by Islamic State (IS) militants nearly a decade ago, was freed from Gaza after months of diplomatic coordination involving the United States, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan. Saydo, part of the Yazidi community that suffered a genocidal campaign by IS, had been held in Gaza, and her release required navigating significant diplomatic tensions, particularly between Israel and Iraq. According to a U.S. State Department spokesperson, “On October 1, 2024, the United States helped to safely evacuate a young Yazidi woman to be reunited with her family in Iraq.” After her captor was killed in an Israeli strike, Saydo fled to a hideout in Gaza, leading to her eventual rescue through the Kerem Shalom Crossing into Israel. From there, she crossed into Jordan via the Allenby Bridge and was finally reunited with her family in Iraq. Hamas, however, disputes the official rescue account, claiming that she left Gaza voluntarily with their knowledge after feeling unsafe due to the ongoing conflict.
- Afghan National Arrested in ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terror Attack
Location: United States
In a significant counterterrorism operation, the FBI arrested 27-year-old Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi in Oklahoma on October 7th for allegedly planning a violent Election Day attack in support of the Islamic State (IS). Tawhedi, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was reportedly plotting with his brother-in-law and other co-conspirators to carry out the attack, which federal prosecutors said would have targeted large gatherings. According to the criminal complaint, the conspirators sold their family home, purchased firearms and ammunition, and planned to relocate their families abroad in preparation for the attack. The FBI accessed electronic records showing Tawhedi had viewed IS propaganda and contributed $540 in cryptocurrency to a Syrian charity with ties to IS. During his interrogation, Tawhedi admitted he and his brother-in-law had purchased two AK-47s for the attack and "expected to be martyred." Tawhedi remains in custody as the investigation continues, and his legal team has yet to respond to the charges against him.
- Dutch Police Refuse to Guard Jewish Sites Due to 'Moral Objections'
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/dutch-police-refuse-guard-jewish-sites-due-moral-objections
Location: Netherlands
In a shocking revelation, Dutch police officials have admitted to accommodating officers who refuse to guard Jewish sites and events due to "moral objections," sparking widespread concern and controversy. This alarming practice came to light when police spokeswoman Mireille Beentjies stated, "We take moral objections into account when we make the rotas." The issue has raised serious questions about the integrity of the Dutch police force, particularly in light of the country's history during World War II. Members of the Netherlands' Jewish Police Network have expressed deep concern, with officer Michel Theebom warning, "There are colleagues who no longer want to protect Jewish targets or events. They talk about 'moral dilemmas,' and I see a tendency emerging to give in to that. That would truly mark the beginning of the end." As the debate intensifies, Dutch officials are grappling with balancing personal beliefs and professional duties, while critics argue that such practices undermine the police's fundamental responsibility to protect all citizens equally.
- Pedophilia in Islamic Society? Preacher Zakir Naik's Reply Sparks Backlash
Location: Pakistan
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik sparked outrage after a video surfaced of him dismissing a Pashtun girl's concerns about societal ills, including pedophilia, during a public gathering in Pakistan. The girl asked why evils like pedophilia persist in strictly religious communities, but Naik interrupted her, denying her claims and stating, “There is no mention of pedophilia in the Quran or any Islamic scripture.” He accused her of defaming Islam and demanded an apology. The exchange ignited backlash on social media, with critics accusing Naik of gaslighting and silencing the girl. One Twitter user remarked, “Her question makes 100% sense...saying she should be sorry for asking such a question is crazy.” Naik, a fugitive wanted in India for money laundering and hate speech, has faced similar criticism before, with his visit to Pakistan drawing condemnation from the Indian government.
