In Lebanon, Hizbullah, Salafist Organizations Sign Document Of Understandings

Hizbullah, which is Shi'ite, and several Sunni Islamic organizations in Lebanon yesterday, August 18, signed a document of joint understandings.

The document calls to prevent fitna (civil strife) between Sunnis and Shi'ites, to refrain from incitement, to oppose the U.S.-Israeli plan to try to divide Muslims, and to eliminate the idea of takfir (accusing other Muslims of heresy).

Also according to the document, every Muslim group attacked by another Muslim group has the right to defend itself by legitimate means.

The Lebanese daily Al-Mustaqbal stated that "the Salafi group that signed the document" are not representative of the Sunni arena and is known for its ties to Syrian intelligence.

Sources: Al-Akhbar, Al-Mustaqbal, Lebanon, August 19, 2008

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Egyptian blogger Abdelkareem Nabil Suleiman was arrested for allegedly "defaming the President of Egypt" and "highlighting inappropriate aspects the harm the reputation of Egypt" on his blog.

A petition calling for his release has been posted online by the HAMSA organization ("Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance"), an American Muslim association for promoting civil rights in the Middle East.

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