Taha’s remarks come in the wake of deadly terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, where civilians, including children, were killed by militants reportedly backed by Pakistani extremist networks. India responded swiftly, targeting the militant infrastructure across the Line of Control, a move supported by many across the region as both proportionate and necessary.

“This isn’t aggression — it’s justice,” Taha continued, pointing out the hypocrisy of critics who remained silent during the initial bloodshed but have now taken issue with India’s right to defend itself.

Among the more troubling developments, however, is Pakistan’s reported targeting of civilian areas in cross-border shelling, which has resulted in casualties and displacement. Human rights groups have voiced concern over this escalation, calling it a violation of international norms.

What has further inflamed opinion, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe, is the reaction from certain Western lawmakers. “Why are some British MPs acting like they’re part of Pakistan’s PR team instead of serving their own country?” Taha asked pointedly, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Indian and international observers alike.

In a time when terrorism is increasingly transnational, the notion that democracies must remain passive in the face of violence is not only outdated but dangerous. Drawing a comparison to the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel, Taha noted the eerie similarities: “Just like Israel, ambushed in its sleep by genocidal terrorists, India woke up to dead babies in Kashmir — murdered by extremists. And suddenly, the same voices that were silent during the massacre are now loud against the response.”

The political scientist didn’t mince words about the surge of Muslim Brotherhood-linked rhetoric in European media, where self-styled “experts” have emerged to criticize India while glossing over the root cause — terrorism.

“The truth is simple: don’t cry about the response when you applauded the attack. You started it, you don’t get to choose how it ends,” Taha asserted. He concluded his post with a deeply resonant quote: “When dharma is attacked, the warrior rises. And when the warrior rises, the war ends one way: victory.”

As the world grapples with the balance between justice and diplomacy, the Indian case forces a stark reconsideration: when a nation is attacked, is it not duty-bound to defend its citizens — swiftly, decisively, and without apology?

For many, Taha’s words have become more than a commentary — they are a call for moral clarity in a world too often clouded by selective outrage.

In a heartfelt statement, the National President of the organization, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and conveyed his sympathy to the injured. He emphasized that such acts of violence are not only criminal but a threat to the harmony and security of the country.

Maulana Salafi referenced the harrowing memories of the Pulwama attack, stating, “We cannot forget the tragedy of the most serious terrorist attack in Pulwama, which marked a dark day in the history of our nation.”

He urged the government to take stringent action against the perpetrators, stating that “those responsible must be brought to justice to ensure that no one dares to disrupt the peace and security of this dear country.”

Calling for a responsible and united response, Maulana Salafi appealed to the media and the public to exercise patience and avoid actions that could incite further tensions or undermine communal harmony.

“Maintaining law and order and preserving our collective peace is our moral and civic duty,” he noted.

This statement comes at a time when tensions are high in the region, and calls for justice and peace are echoing from various quarters of civil society. The Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind’s message aims to reinforce the importance of unity and resilience in the face of terrorism.

These amendments aren’t some grand conspiracy against Muslims—they’re a practical fix for a creaky system.

Across India, the 2025 amendments to the Waqf Act have stirred up a whirlwind of debate. Critics argue they’re a sneaky attempt to chip away at Muslim religious rights, fueling fears of disenfranchisement in places like Haryana—where Waqf properties pepper both city streets and rural fields—and beyond.

Some loud voices with their own agendas have turned up the volume on these claims. But if you peel back the layers, a different picture emerges. These changes aren’t about attacking faith; they’re about practical steps to modernize how Waqf properties are run, cut down on corruption, and stay true to the Islamic values of charity and justice at the heart of the Waqf system.

Let’s separate the rumors from the reality and look at what’s really happening—a push for efficiency and fairness that could benefit communities far beyond India.

One persistent misunderstanding is that Waqf administration is some untouchable religious domain, off-limits to practical reforms. Back in 1964, India’s Supreme Court put that idea to rest in a case called Tialkayat Shri Govindlalji Maharaj vs. State of Rajasthan. The ruling? Managing properties—whether they’re temples or Waqf holdings—is a secular job, not a spiritual one. The 2025 amendments take this to heart, aiming to streamline operations without meddling in religious freedoms.

In Haryana alone, Waqf properties include mosques, graveyards, and commercial spaces, while across India, 8.72 lakh properties cover a massive 38 lakh acres. Last year, these assets brought in just Rs. 166 crore, but the WAMSI portal estimates they could generate Rs. 12,000 crore. The amendments want to bridge that gap, channeling the profits to the poor and marginalized—exactly what Waqf is supposed to do.

Then there’s the notion that Waqf Boards are sacred institutions straight out of the Quran and Hadith, immune to any tinkering. The Kerala High Court in 1993 (Syed Fazal Pookoya Thangal vs. Union of India) cleared this up, pointing out that Waqf Boards are legal creations under the 1954 Waqf Act, designed to manage properties, not oversee religious life.

In Haryana, where mismanagement has left many Waqf assets idle, these changes tackle the problem head-on—think digitized records and stricter accountability—to live up to Islam’s call to support those in need.

The idea of adding non-Muslims to Waqf Boards—up to three out of eleven members in states like Haryana, or four out of twenty-two at the national level—has sparked accusations of religious interference. But rewind to 1965: the Allahabad High Court (Hafiz Mohamed Zafar Ahmed vs. UP Central Sunni Waqf Board) ruled that even non-Muslims can serve as Mutawallis (caretakers), since management isn’t about faith—it’s about competence.

Picture Haryana’s urban Waqf shops or rural lands: bringing in non-Muslim experts in law or administration could root out corruption without touching religious principles. Look at history—non-Muslim-led efforts like the Sachar Committee and Rangnath Misra Commission have delivered real benefits for Muslim communities. This is about professionalism, not overreach.

Some worry that mosques, madrasas, or graveyards—like those in Haryana’s Mewat region—are at risk. That’s simply not true. The amendments apply moving forward and safeguard already registered properties. ‘Waqf by User’ sites—places recognized as Waqf through long-term use—are secure, backed by Islamic teachings in Sur-e-Baqra about honoring written commitments (think Nikahnama). The 2013 rule allowing “any person” to dedicate Waqf is gone, ensuring only Muslim owners can do so, which aligns with Islamic tradition. As for Waqf-Alal-Aulad (family Waqf), the changes stop its misuse—think back to Zamindari-era land grabs—while protecting rights for women, children, widows, and orphans, reflecting Islam’s focus on compassion.

The old system was a mess. In Haryana and across India, Mutawallis often dodged audits, leaving revenue at a trickle compared to what it could be. The amendments up the fines—not jail time—to enforce transparency, swap Survey Commissioners for District Collectors with revenue know-how, and put senior officers in charge of disputes for fairness. They also open the door wider: Section 14 includes Haryana’s backward Muslims, women, and smaller sects in Waqf Board governance, making it more representative.

Wild claims—like Karnataka’s supposed ASI land grab or Haryana’s property disputes—get reined in, aligning Waqf with constitutional property rights under Article 300-A. Dropping Section 108A’s override, which the Sachar Committee flagged as problematic, means Civil and High Courts can step in, tackling a backlog that’s ballooned from 10,000 cases in 2013 to 32,000 today. In Haryana, this could unlock assets for schools or clinics, turning Waqf into a lifeline for communities.

These amendments aren’t some grand conspiracy against Muslims—they’re a practical fix for a creaky system. They stick to secular management, preserve religious purpose, and empower through better efficiency. For Haryana’s Muslims, and others across India and potentially beyond, this could turn neglected plots into engines of progress. Holding onto myths keeps things stuck; facing the facts builds a future worth believing in. Let’s go with the latter.

The resolution, which calls for Syria’s new government to support inquiries into crimes committed during the conflict that started in 2011, passed without opposition at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

It indicates a shift in support by the 47 country members of the council toward Syria’s new government and its efforts to improve its rights record.

“Such international support serves as a strong incentive to continue the path of reform,” Syria’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Haydar Ali Ahmad, told the council.

Rebels led by the now president of the new transitional government, Ahmed al-Sharaa, seized the capital Damascus in December. Assad fled to Russia, following the 13 years of civil war that led to the disappearance of more than 100,000 people and the use of torture and chemical weapons by the regime.

Under pressure to show that it is turning a new page from the former regime, Syria’s new government welcomed the resolution on Friday.

“We are proud of Syria’s positive and constructive participation in drafting the resolution for the first time,” Syria Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said in a statement posted on X.

Members of the council welcomed Syria’s engagement on Friday and urged it to uphold the resolution’s commitments, including the Commission of Inquiry into serious crimes since the start of the war.

British Ambassador to the U.N. Simon Manley said the killing of hundreds of Alwaite civilians – the minority sect from which toppled leader Bashir al-Assad hails – in March was a “chilling reminder of the deep wounds” from the conflict, and the need for justice and accountability.

The UAE’s Interior Ministry identified the convicted individuals as Olimpi Toirovich, 28, Makhmudjon Abdurakhim, 28, and Azizbek Kamlovich, 33. Authorities arrested the three men shortly after the crime, launching a swift investigation and legal proceedings.

Rabbi Kogan, 28, a young emissary dedicated to fostering Jewish life in the region, was reported missing on November 21, 2024. Three days later, his body was discovered in Al Ain, near the Omani border, sending shockwaves through the Jewish community and beyond.

The tragic loss of the young rabbi, who managed a kosher supermarket in Dubai and played a key role in Jewish outreach, has raised concerns about the safety of Jewish residents and visitors in the Gulf region.

According to reports, the suspects acted under orders from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and had been tracking Rabbi Kogan’s movements before abducting and killing him. This revelation has heightened tensions in an already sensitive geopolitical landscape.

The UAE’s swift legal response reflects its commitment to justice and the safety of its diverse communities. Emirati authorities have been praised for their decisive action, reinforcing the nation’s stance on security and coexistence.

Rabbi Kogan’s tragic death serves as a solemn reminder of the threats faced by religious minorities and the importance of vigilance in protecting all communities.

However, there is no official confirmation from Emirati authorities.

In a strong-worded speech, President Al-Shar’a reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, national unity, and the rule of law, vowing to hold perpetrators accountable.

“We will not tolerate the remnants of the Assad regime who have attacked civilians, hospitals, security forces, and security centers”, President Al-Shar’a declared. “The only option left for those remnants is to surrender to the law immediately”.

The president’s remarks come at a crucial time as Syria seeks to rebuild from years of conflict and ensure accountability for past crimes. He stressed that justice will be served without leniency for individuals involved in civilian bloodshed, abuses of power, or corruption.

“No one will be above the law. Anyone whose hands are stained with the blood of Syrians will face justice”, he asserted.

President Al-Shar’a condemned any attempts to sow division or interfere in Syria’s internal affairs. He reiterated that Syria, with all its diverse communities, remains united and resilient against foreign intervention.

“We criminalize any call or appeal that seeks to interfere in the affairs of our country or incite discord or division”, he said. “Syria, with all its components, will remain united. We will not allow any party to undermine our national unity or disrupt civil peace”.

The president also pledged to engage with families from the Syrian coast to hear their concerns and testimonies regarding past violations, ensuring that justice is served for those affected by the conflict.

“Syria will remain resilient, and we will not allow foreign forces to divide our country”, he concluded.