Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, one of two Pakistani radical leaders from “The 500 Most Influential Muslims 2009” was killed in a US drone missile strike on South Waziristan on 6 August, 2009. He was succeeded by Hakimullah Mehsud, former commander of the regions of Khyber, Kurram and Orakzai, who is now the Amir (leader) of the Pakistani Taliban umbrella organization.
Muslim 500 Updates
Baitullah Mehsud
Gus Dur Acclaimed for Minority Protection Efforts
His Excellency Abd al Rahman (Gus Dur) Wahid, considered by many to be a national hero in Indonesia was posthumously named recipient of the Mahendradatta Award on 17 January 2010 for his work and contributions toward protecting minorities in Indonesia. Wahid passed away at the age of 69, on 30 December 20009.
He had been identified as one of the 500 most influential Muslim leaders in the world in 2009 for his long-time presidency of the Nahdlatul Ulama social organization and other social and political endeavors. He is also widely acclaimed for his pluralistic approach to interreligous engagement.
Influential Irani Political Leader Dies
Among the most influential political leaders from the Middle East listing in "The 500 Most Influential Muslims 2009," His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri passed away after suffering from diabetes, lung problems and other health complications. He was recognized as one of the most outspoken clerics in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most recently, he opposed the election of President Ahmadinejad, openly criticizing the validiy of the 2009 elections. He died on 19 December 2009.