Latest news with #Anas

The National
4 days ago
- The National
Police releasing Liverpool suspect's ethnicity was a sign of the times
Before any details of the driver of the vehicle were made public, I must admit my mind went back to the heinous attack on young girls at a dance class in nearby Southport, which of course led to three of them losing their lives. We all know what happened after that due to very malicious misinformation posts on social media, many of them deliberately so. This whipped up a modern version of the old pitchfork mobs of history. Many participating were totally frenzied, racist, xenophobic and particularly Islamophobic, running riot in some towns and cities, mainly in England, but none at all in Scotland. READ MORE: Man named and charged after 79 injured in Liverpool victory parade So yes, I did think to myself, 'I hope this wasn't a terrorist attack, or by an asylum seeker of colour, any Muslim, whether British or not, or basically anyone of colour.' If it had been, I dreaded to think what the consequences might have been for all these folk in England. Clearly the authorities thought the same, and the police quickly made a statement that the alleged perpetrator was white and lived locally, and that they were not treating it as a terrorist incident. Prior to this information there was still the usual malicious misinformation online, but the speed of the announcement seemed to quell any further problems. I thought about the gripping fear these folk I've outlined must have experienced at the time, particularly the ones directly affected by last summer's race riots. Also, I could almost hear a massive collective sigh of relief that the alleged perpetrator was white! READ MORE: Children among 50 injured in Liverpool parade car crash But hang on, this situation is utterly grotesque! Obviously there are wicked folk throughout the world of all creeds and colour, but you would never blame all the apples for one bad one. Well, not if you are white, of course! The implication of what happened after the Southport attack is that many folk, whipped up into a frenzy not only by extreme right-wing agitators online and in communities but by far too many democratically elected politicians, are more than willing to mete out their righteous (as they see it) revenge on all individuals of colour. We now have our very own topical story in Scotland in this respect. The recent Reform UK political advert which totally twisted comments made by Anas Sarwar was blatantly racist and John Swinney quite rightly agreed with this, as I would along with many right-minded folk. READ MORE: Reform UK spend thousands more on 'racist' Anas Sarwar advert Anas had stated: 'The days where South Asian communities get to lead political parties and get to lead countries is now upon us' (I'm sure oor very ain Humza Yousaf agrees with this too!). However, Reform UK twisted this into a suggestion that Anas would prioritise Pakistani people and that only Reform UK would prioritise the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse (ie in the upcoming by-election). Such twisting of the facts by political parties – which could well lead to folk in the Pakistani community, not only in the Hamilton area but throughout Scotland, receiving abuse directly related to this and even worse, possibly physical harm – is just beyond the bloody pale! Why it isn't some sort of criminal offence is beyond me! Returning to my original point, aside from those directly involved, probably not a single white person in the whole of the UK will suffer as a result of the recent attack in Liverpool. What would have been the backlash if he hadn't been white though, and particularly if he had been a Muslim? What very dark times we live in! Ivor Telfer Dalgety Bay, Fife


The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Concerns over declining population of rare duck in Cambodia
This white-winged duck returned to its nest for two consecutive nights during a three-day research study. - Photo: Sam Veasna Company PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is home to fewer than 100 white-winged ducks, out of an estimated global population of just 800. A recent three-day field survey found only a single individual returning to its roost. Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), conducted a survey of the rare species in areas where they has been previously recorded. The research took place in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear Province from May 21 to 23, according to a statement released by Sam Veasna on Thursday (May 29). During the fieldwork, two teams — each consisting of five members — monitored the site. Over the course of the three-day observation, they recorded one duck returning to its roost tree for two consecutive nights. Unfortunately, it arrived after dark and departed before dawn, making it difficult to observe. Despite this, the mission confirmed that at least one white-winged duck (Anas scutulata) still returns to its traditional roosting site, underscoring the vital importance of large Chhertheal trees along riverbanks, home to this critically endangered bird. The ducks inhabit tropical forest areas with slow-flowing rivers and streams, preferring quiet, wetland zones such as seasonal pools and swampy grasslands for foraging. White-winged wild ducks nest in holes in tall trees in forests near streams, creeks an other bodies of water. - Photo: Environment ministry The statement explained that most of Cambodia's white-winged duck population is found in the north, especially in Preah Vihear. Their numbers are critically low due to human threats such as illegal hunting and trapping, habitat loss, agricultural and settlement expansion, and notably, very low breeding rates. Both organisations urged local residents in these regions to stop activities that harm the duck population, emphasising that fewer than 100 individuals remain in Cambodia. The species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. According to the Ministry of Environment, there are only about 800 individuals left worldwide, with viable populations and breeding activity confirmed in the Kulen Promtep sanctuary. This species is present year-round in Cambodia. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN

Libya Observer
7 days ago
- General
- Libya Observer
"Free Libya" Charity Bazaar
by Anas Fri, 30/05/2025 - 02:13 The Free Libya Secondary School for Girls in Abu Salim Municipality has organized a charity bazaar under the slogan "Free Libya." The event was held in a lively and creative atmosphere, with the attendance of the municipality's Director of Education Supervision and several department heads, along with public figures and organizations supporting the educational and community process. The bazaar witnessed broad participation from students, teachers, and members of the local community, displaying a variety of heritage, commercial, artistic, and industrial products representing the products of local small projects. The event was well-received by attendees, who praised the level of organization and the richness of the exhibits, which reflected the spirit of innovation and giving among the participants. The bazaar is organized within the framework of supporting community initiatives and enhancing the educational role of schools as centers of production and creativity.


Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Reject Farage's poison politics after Reform leader defends 'racist' advert
The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by election has become one of the most poisonous contests in years. Reform UK put out a blatantly racist advert earlier this month that took politics to a new low. They claimed Scots Labour leader Anas Sarwar had said he will 'prioritise Pakistani communities'. They've now admitted the quote was 'their own' words and not those of Anas. This vile advert reached hundreds of thousands of screens and has become a defining moment of the campaign. The insinuation of the Reform advert is to question Sarwar's loyalty to Scotland, despite him being born and bred here. Such low ball tactics are part of a wider Reform strategy across the UK to drag politics into a racist sewer. They are obsessed with immigration and believe their toxic obsessions chime with voters. The sad reality is Nigel Farage, who disgracefully backed the ad yesterday, is using a Scottish by-election to spread a message of hate. This contest should be about the bread and butter issues of everyday voters – the NHS, education, the cost-of-living crisis and the state of our town centres. Working-class Scots need to know that on these issues Farage is as Tory as they come. He is a rich former finance broker who would govern in the interests of his wealthy pals. He wants to shrink the state to such an extent that the NHS and the welfare state would cease to exist. That's why he wants to target ethnic minorities and immigrants – just like his pal Donald Trump in the US. A person's ethnicity or family background should not be weaponised in a way that fans the flame of racial tension. The good people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse need to be alive to the fact Reform are using locals to spread misinformation and peddle a brand of politics that divides rather than unites. Thursday, June 5, is the moment to reject hate and embrace a positive vision of the future. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Health can't wait Too many Scots wait months, or even years, for NHS treatment. Everyone in the Scottish Government, from John Swinney down, knows this. The First Minister has spoken of his determination to cut waiting lists. But change is not happening quickly enough. Just ask 12-year-old Lauren Crome, who almost choked to death twice because of severe tonsil swelling. Her family have been told she'll have to wait three years for a potentially lifesaving op. It's an unbelievable waiting time for a routine operation. It comes at a time one in six Scots are languishing on an NHS waiting list of some description. Too many people are losing their quality of life as a result. NHS waiting lists must come down, and fast.

Libya Observer
22-05-2025
- General
- Libya Observer
Urbanism Forum and Italian Design Day 2025
by Anas Thu, 22/05/2025 - 14:51 The Shahat Hall at the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli has hosted the Urbanism Forum 2025, coinciding with Italian Design Day. The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Libya, a number of heads of Libyan heritage and urbanism institutions, as well as a group of Italian architects and experts. The forum's dialogue sessions addressed prospects for Libyan-Italian cooperation in the field of preserving architectural heritage, particularly historic buildings with an Italian character. Discussions also focused on exchanging expertise and strengthening partnerships between engineers and restoration specialists from both countries. Culture Tagged: