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Page 10
Vol.13 Issue No.160
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IslamOnline.net & News Agencies
Sentencing delayed in US terror-funding case Page 2
GAZA CITY – A network of subterranean passages stretching along the 14kilometre border with Egypt is the only window for Christians in the sealed off Palestinian territory to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Staying Positive during Negative Times Page 4
“Some of these gifts came from Egypt through the tunnels because the crossings were closed,” Emad Barakat, a Gaza City gift shop owner, told Agency France Presse (AFP) on Thursday, December 24.
US Patriot Act Under Rights Groups Fire Page 5
“They’ve been selling well,” he added pointing to rows of chocolate Santas.
Big opportunities for businesses to grow Page 6 US Muslims Fight Domestic Extremism Page 8
Israel clamped strict restrictions on the Gaza Strip, home to nearly 1.6 million people, after Hamas was voted to power in the 2006 legislative elections. The situation worsened after Israel launched a three-week deadly onslaught on Gaza last December, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians. The offensive wrecked havoc on the infrastructure of the densely-populated enclave, leaving some 20,000 homes and thousands other buildings in ruins. Israel
bans
the
entry
of
Only few toys and Christmas decorations were smuggled into besieged Gaza.
materials needed to rebuild Gaza, such as cement and steel, effectively undermining efforts to rebuild the strip. The siege has sharply increased poverty in the strip, leaving eight out of every 10 people dependent on aid and leading businesses to close and lay off workers. An unspecified number of tunnels stretching along the 14-kilometre border with Egypt have become a lifeline for Gaza. People smuggle fuel, domestic goods and livestock through the subterranean passages. Restrictions Christians in Gaza, estimated by some at 15,000, expect a low profile celebration because the Christmas coincides with the first anniversary of the Israeli war. “The climate is not appropriate for celebrating Christmas because it coincides with the Continued on page 2
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Muslim Leads USAID By Dina Rabie, IOL Staff WASHINGTON –- Rajiv Shah, a 36-year-old American Muslim, was confirmed on Thursday, December 24, as head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the latest stop in the short, fast-ascending career of the development expert. “Raj has the skills and experience to lead a reinvigorated USAID in the 21st century,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement. “He has a record of delivering results in both the private and public sectors, forging partnerships around the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and developing innovative solutions in global health, agriculture, and financial services for the poor.” The Senate earlier confirmed Shah as new chief of the USAID, putting him in charge of the sprawling $20 billion aid agency. Shah, who will report directly to Clinton, reportedly won unanimous consent for his confirmation.
Shah was born and raised in the US to a family of Indian Muslim immigrants.
security initiative, part of a global campaign to help small farmers get more food to the hungry. The young American Muslim will be the first official administrator of the USAID in the Obama administration after a 10-month delay. “The mission of USAID is to advance America’s interests by strengthening our relationships abroad,” President Barack Obama said when nominating Shah for the USAID, America’s top foreign assistance arm, last month. “Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal.” Development Guru
Shah, 36, has been serving as Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the Department of Agriculture since June.
Though his nomination was initially met with opposition over his young age, many are confident Shah’s energy would revive America’s beleaguered premier development agency.
He has been working on the Obama administration’s food
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Tunnels Bring Christmas to Blocked Gazans
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