#QATAR: Rouge Sheikh Tears Into Rulers For Preventing Qataris From Attending Islamic Pilgrimage

[world politics news]

In a tweet, Sheikh Sultan bin Suhaim al-Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family, called preventing Qataris  from performing the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in neighboring Saudi Arabia an "injustice," and that the nation's rulers "held accountable for their crimes." The sheikh has urged his nation to "purge" terrorists and sever tries with Iran, ties that led to a diplomatic break with Saudi Arabia last year. The sheikh's assets were frozen by the government last year after he held a gathering of those who wish to overthrow the government, which he says has lost the right to rule.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SAUDIARABIA: Iran Denies Receiving Invite To Saudi Hajj Pilgrimage Summit

[world politics news]

The head of Iran's Hajj organization has denied receiving an invitation from Saudi Arabia to engage in talks about the annual Hajj Muslim pilgrimage, after a dispute between the arch-foes saw its pilgrims remain at home last year. Saudi Pilgrims Minister Mohammed Bentin reportedly has opened discussions with more than 80 countries, including Iran, to work out the details of the 2017 Hajj, which takes place annually in Saudi Arabia. Yet Iran's Hajj Organization head Hamid Mohammadi says no invitation has been received. In Sept., 2015, nearly 2,300 pilgrims were killed in a stampede during that year's Hajj pilgrimage.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#SAUDIARABIA: Iranian Delegation To Meet With Saudis Over Iranian Hajj Pilgrimage Ban

[world politics news]

An Iranian delegation is set to travel to Saudi Arabia to hold last-ditch talks with the kingdom’s officials on the participation of Iranian pilgrims for the annual Hajj rituals, invited by the new Saudi Minister of Hajj, Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, He expressed hope that the changes in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj will help settle problems allowing Iranian pilgrims to attend to this year’s Hajj. Earlier this year, Iran banned Iranians from participating, citing security concerns.

#IRAN: Gov't Will Prevent Citizens From Making Mecca Pilgrimage, Citing Security Concerns

[world politics news]

Iran will ban its citizens from going to Saudi Arabia this year to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, The Iranian Minister of Cultural and Islamic Guidance, Ali Jannati, blamed travel to Saudi Arabia for failing to "resolve the issue of security" in the months-long discussions which took place between the two countries, which are fighting a proxy war in Yemen and have had numerous diplomatic clashes in the past year.

#SAUDIARABIA: Crown Prince Says Gov't Ready To Thwart ISIS Attacks During Muslim Pilgrimage

[world politics news]

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has stressed that the Kingdom's government and military are ready to thwart any ISIS attacks during Hajj pilgrimage, which begins next week. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, has made it its top priority to ensure a safe and successful pilgrimage season.