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Qur’an desecration

The holy Qur’an has been desecrated in the Swedish capital Stockholm once again , despite growing outrage across the Muslim world. Two men named Salwan Momika and Salwan Najem burned pages of the holy book in front of the Swedish parliament. The police had granted the permit in advance. Momika has carried out the same actions twice before in the past 40 days, outside Stockholm’s main mosque and later outside Iraq’s embassy. Both incidents led to outrage and condemnations worldwide. Meanwhile, Denmark has reacted to similar actions there following backlash over such incidents. On Sunday, the Danish foreign ministry said it is exploring legal means of stopping the desecration of holy books. The Swedish prime minister also said a similar process was already underway in his country.

Decrying US Syria presence

Tehran says it will vigorously continue efforts and support for lasting peace, stability, and security in the region. Foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the announcement in a joint presser with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, in Tehran. He condemned Israel’s attacks on Syria, calling the regime the main instigator of instability in the region. The top diplomat also touched upon agreements between Tehran and Damascus, saying they are now in the implementation phase. He added the two sides are working to reach more agreements in various sectors, including economy and transit. Faisal Mekdad, for his part, slammed Washington’s military presence in the Arab state under the pretext of fighting terrorist groups. He called for the immediate withdrawal of all illegitimate forces from Syrian soil. Mekdad also reaffirmed his country’s determination to strengthen cooperation with regional states in defiance of the West's obstructionism.

Niger coup

Niger's junta says former colonial power France is plotting to intervene militarily to reinstate the deposed president. French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed immediate and uncompromising action if French citizens or interests are attacked. On Sunday, thousands rallied outside the French embassy to condemn Paris for suspending aid to the West African country. Some of them tried to enter the compound but were dispersed by tear gas. The protesters also demanded the immediate departure of all Western troops, including those of France. Niger’s pro-West President, Mohamed Bazoum, has vowed not to resign, even though he has been held for 5 days following a coup toppling his government. The junta has also arrested the president of the former ruling party as well as oil and mining ministers.

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