The US invasion of Iraq & Libya were serious violation of the UN Charter...

Since the sad, inglorious and atrocious murder of the Libyan strongman, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, the local dailies all over the globe are filled with ugly and unspeakable sermons about him. The annoyance is that prime pages are dedicated to articles on Gaddafi misdeeds and Most of the writers paint Gaddafi as an evil man, a terrorist, a thief, a dictator, a murderer and a man with no iota of conscience. Some say that Gaddafi was a thorn in the flesh of the first world nations, especially America, for their meddlesomeness and violation of the territorial integrity of underdeveloped and developing nations.

But the veiled thing that plays behind every venture of man is “profit”. Hence it is important to think over, is it possible for the foreign powers that pulled down the government of Gaddafi to waste their funds in these hard times of global depression without an unambiguous plan to make yield? Now that the destruction of Libya is over, the foreign powers are beginning to angle for who gets what, in the rebuilding of Libya. The foreign powers can never go on board on an extravagant gamble. The oil wealth of Libya is the sure target of the alliance forces and they have succeeded.

The query subsequently is who profits the most if Gaddafi were to quit and would it really bring egalitarianism to Libya. Everyone on the street knows this was only about oil and banking. Until last year, Libya was producing nearly two million barrels of oil a day. To put that in perspective, India’s daily national utilization of oil is roughly three million barrels a day. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Libya a member of OPEC sits on one of the largest proven oil reserves in the world. Although Libya is not major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE or Russia, but it reserves of crude oil are about 3% of the world’s total. Apart from above Libyan oil is considered of optimum quality with low sulphuric substance. And geographically too, Libya is far away from the Gulf region; consequently Libyan oil exports are not subject to the fluctuations resulting from Gulf’s political affairs. And above all the western powers most active in opposing the Gaddafi regime, namely the US, UK and France, import only 0.5% and 8.5% of Libyan oil as compared to their total imports? Now does that mean anything?

For many unaware with his works, Gaddafi’s name was identical with bizarre, even unusual manners, accentuated by maddening diplomacy wound up in dazzling costumery and dizzying dithyrambs. But the lesser known facts are Pre-Gaddafi Libya was one of the poorest countries on the world. Life expectancy in the 1960s was only 46 years. There was no health system to speak of in those days. Most Libyans lived in tents around the few pastures around the desert. Nearly the entire population of Libya was a rural society. For the past 40 years, Libya faced economic sanctions from most of the western world. Ethnic tensions were widespread and water was inadequate even literacy was less than 20 percent.

But Gaddafi single handedly built his country over four decades — from the sand and remnants of tribal society and turned it into metropolis culture. It was under him that the health status of his subject improved remarkably in comparison with the rest of West Asia (that includes Saudi Arabia). Life expectancy in Libya before the recent conflict began was 77.65 years. Literacy was at 82.6 percent and over 97 percent of the population had access to sanitation facilities. It just cannot be ignored that in the 1980s and ’90s, Gaddafi undertook what is to date the world’s largest drinking water project: 6,000 km of pipelines carried water under the Sahara to different corners of Libya. Libya ranks 58 out of 177 on the 2004 United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report, which measures quality of life.

In addition to the projects and development he carried out using his country’s petro-dollars, Gaddafi was a leading financier of development across Africa. More worryingly for the West, Gaddafi, not unlike other gulf rulers, was actively seeking to delink the price of oil from the dollar and float a new bullion based currency, in this case, a gold African dinar. This prompted Sarkozy to call Libya, “a threat to the financial security of mankind”, and it was the root cause of all trouble with the western powers. The trouble with the Colonel was he had sat there in authority far too long for a fuel-hungry Europe and North America to remain patient. Therefore Gaddafi’s end engineered by the US led NATO forces, after Saddam Hussein’s hanging in 2006 proves yet again that in the current world order, the United States of America can do whatever it wishes with other nations and leaders who do not toe its line.



Gaddafi treated his opponents perhaps almost as shoddily as American soldiers treat their prisoners at the villainous Abu Ghraib jail in Iraq. But then saying this does not means any support to the tormenters- be it Saddam Hussein or Colonel Gaddafi. But the military escalation on Libya was a second time that NATO is involved in an armed adventure outside its geographical zone. The point is this going to become a pattern in the future? The value of the human catastrophe, like in all wars, is inestimable. The stories of the aggressions on Libya are upsetting, the images extremely disturbing. And for those of us, who live in what is termed the Third World, the fate of Libya is something from which we must take note of. In his last address to the UN Security Council, in 2006-07, Gaddafi had asked, “What was the reason to invade Iraq? We want to know because it is mysterious and ambiguous and we may face the same destiny. The invasion in itself was and is a serious violation of the UN Charter.”

On September 17, 2002 the Bush administration published its “National Security Strategy of the United States of America.” So far, there has been no serious examination of this important document in the unbiased media. This is unfortunate, to say the least, because this document advances the political and theoretical justification for a massive rise of American militarism. The document asserts as the guiding procedure of the United States the right to use military might anywhere in the world, at any time it chooses, against any country it believes to be, or it believes may at some point become, a threat to American welfare. No other country in modern history, not even Nazi Germany at the height of Hitler’s madness, has asserted such a sweeping claim to global supremacy—or, to put it more candidly, world domination—as is made by the United States. In another passage, the document warns that the United States will take the actions necessary to guarantee that their efforts to meet their global security commitments and protect Americans are not impaired by the potential for investigations, inquiry, or prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC), whose jurisdiction does not extend to Americans and which they wouldn’t accept. In other words, the actions of the leaders of the United States will not be restrained by the conventions of international law! The disagreement is that the US hardly cares about egalitarianism or the well being of the people of other nations as long as its own financial and military interests are served. And this artificiality can well be judged by the fact that, the US doesn’t denounce human rights violations in countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia which to us all are equally fraudulent and callous regimes.

After Gaddafi’s assassination the National Transitional Council (NTC) is in the process of running democratically elected government in the country. But for the Council steering Libya out to at least a near-perfect democracy will not be an easy job when the country has no contemporary history of party politics or the rule of law. The Arab experience has not been particularly forthcoming. Much of the Arab world is ruled by hereditary monarchies, military regimes and autocrats. A recent trend has been that even autocracies have become hereditary, as it was in the case of Syria. There is barely a functioning democracy anywhere in the region .Even where democratic elections are held, inconvenient winners are soon overthrown or not allowed to assume power due to significant external intervention or with the connivance of multi-national oil companies, as in the case of Algeria. So, it will be interesting to watch how the council establishes a democracy in Libya which had been in anarchy for decades.


http://theeasternpost.org/show_news_archive.php?ofPage=12&dt=2012-01-18

Muslims key for Congress in UP

The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh is clearly in shambles. It has been in the miserable shape in the state mostly because of its internal feuds, and not because of any external political aggression. Congress has lost its popularity also because its leaders moved away from the masses over the past decades and has turned into a party of drawing room politicians. A party which once dominated the political scenario of Uttar Pradesh has been left with just a few legislative members in the state assembly today. The leaders indulged into unnecessary groupism and virulent campaign against each other. The Congress high command should act in a war footing to do away with the differences among the party leaders as it’s time for the leaders to put their heads together and to find out ways to regain their popularity they had lost some decades ago.

Muslims constitute about 14 percent of India's population, making them the biggest minority group whose vote remains critical in key swing states like Kerala in South India, West Bengal and Assam in East and Uttar Pradesh in the North. And in Uttar Pradesh, which is the most populous state in India, Muslims constitute almost 20 percent of the voting electorate and as the community is famous to vote en-bloc, more or less as a monolithic group for one political party, their votes could prove decisive in at least 40 constituencies where they constitute 40 to 45 percent of the electorate, and could tilt the balance in favor of a party.



Before 1990, Muslims voted for the Congress, which was seen to be secular as opposed to the pro-Hindu BJP, but the gradual decline of its vote share and popularity among the minorities (namely, Muslims) has been a key factor behind the erosion of Congress’ platform. But post Babri Masjid Demolition, things changed statistically and Muslims preferred regional parties and Mulayam Singh Yadav's tough posture against Hindu fundamentalism and his image as a "secular" leader saw the SP emerge as the party that protected Muslim interests. Consequently, the Muslim vote got divided between the SP and the Congress, with the former getting the lion's share.

In Uttar Pradesh Muslims sorely lack political leadership and are coveted as vote bank by every political party barring the BJP. But then all political outfits make electoral promises like guaranteeing them protection and religious freedom, which the community now finds it offensive as they desire to look beyond social alienation and religious causes. Instead, they want guarantees on socioeconomic development, education and jobs. It’s pathetic that even after 64 years since independence Muslims still need to ask for equality! No government has worked seriously for the rights of Muslims. So, by and large, whichever party promises working for the upliftment, development and reservation will be voted by them. Muslims have faced systematic discrimination in the society, government offices and businesses. The Sachar Committee findings supported what Muslims have been complaining about discrimination for decades. But even years after the committee submitted its report to the government, the Congress-led central government has not bothered to address the miseries Muslims have been living through. Some half-hearted efforts were indeed made to improve the lots of the state’s mostly backward Muslims by successive state government and then by the Congress-led UPA government in the past few years too. But as Uttar Pradesh’s Muslims continue to be denied their rightful share in country’s development by the country’s largest political party, they decided to turn away from Congress.

India’s Muslims have always behaved in secular ways and have made efforts to stay with the mainstream, and have supported secular political parties dominated by non-Muslims. And have always accepted the leaders of secular parties as their leaders at the cost of raising leaders from within the community, for which Muslims do not happen to find Muslim leaders at national level. All charges by some groups portraying Muslims as communal or narrow-minded are absurd. Muslims have been marginalized in the society simply because they face discrimination in all walks of life. If the most powerful section of the society and the government treated the Muslims in unbiased manner, the community might have been able to come out of their ghettoes long ago.

Since 1992, no major communal unrest has taken place in U.P., yet Muslims’ socioeconomic condition in the state has not seen any improvement. Despite using the key Muslim support the Samajwadi Party (SP) & Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have stayed on in power for record stretch of years, but none of the above has helped uplift the rearward community. Some time back, for a while Muslims thought that Mayawati’s party would offer a viable alternative to the rest. But now they are disenchanted with this party as well, as it appears to be paying more attention at nothing except grabbing power and minting money as quickly as possible. Many Muslims who turned to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in last few years have begun backtracking in recent months and they believe that this party too has not served the community well. Irrespective of all above Yadav's appeasement of the BJP in recent years has raised questions over its secular credentials and fueled suspicions that the SP and the BJP might have struck some sort of a deal. The BSP and BJP might have fallen out, but that does not prevent the two patching up and holding hands in the event of a hung parliament. Both Yadav and Mayawati nurse ambitions of becoming the prime minister and they will sink to any level, including extending support to the BJP, a party they have bitterly reviled in the past.

The four main parties in Uttar Pradesh - the BJP, the Congress, the SP and the BSP – but some have suggested that the battle is a three-cornered one in most constituencies, with the Congress of some relevance only in a few dozen constituencies. And unlike previous elections, caste and communal considerations rather than development and the state of the economy will be the main issues that determine how the Muslims votes. As The BJP's previous calls for construction of a Hindu temple on what was a mosque site at Ayodhya, which is part of the Faizabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh, do not strike a chord with Hindu voters anymore. Therefore BJP cannot expect to sail to power on the temple issue itself, the mandir-masjid (temple-mosque) issue, and more importantly, the potential this issue has to trigger violence, is very much on the minds of Uttar Pradesh's Muslim community. This and the anti-Muslim pogrom in Gujarat in 2002 will be critical factors that will influence the Muslim vote.

The Muslims are now seething in anger and are preparing to teach all such parties a lesson in next year’s assembly elections. Taking advantage of the situation the Congress is targeting to come to power in the state. And with the emergence of Rahul Gandhi in the electoral fray has somewhat revived interest in the Congress party but whether this interest will translate into votes and improve the Congress' electoral fortunes in this politically crucial state remains to be seen. For the past 20 years, the Congress has been in the wilderness in Uttar Pradesh. The party's organizational machinery, badly battered by over a decade out of power, is said to be non-existent in large swathes of this state. Uttar Pradesh might have produced the most prime ministers and many aspiring prime ministers, but it is among the poorest states in this country. It ranks low on almost every socio-economic indicator and has witnessed the most number of communal riots and caste clashes in the county.


However, the community has begun thinking if Congress could offer a secular and progressive government which could make sincere efforts to reach out to them. And if Congress sets up a well-organized network extending to Muslims living in ghettoes - in villages, town and cities -- it will reap a good benefit in all terms. The situation provides a very good opportunity and if its leaders make sincere effort to organize them well and reach out to Muslims, the community might not disappoint them. If it can win the Muslim heart in Uttar Pradesh with proper alliances, the community has the ability to propel the Congress to power in the state and this support will also in part help Congress consolidate its position in central power, for many years.

But then Rahul Gandhi must prove that he is a serious contender by revamping the sorry condition of Congress’s organizational machinery in the state, else the fear is that a vote for the Congress would end up being "wasted vote".



http://twocircles.net/2011dec22/muslims_key_congress.html

Naxals are no modern day Robin Hoods...

It’s more than a week since Mallojula Koteswara Rao, alias Kishenji, died in a police encounter in the thick jungles of West Midnapore in Bengal, but the spectre of his movement is still haunting the respective state government. Six 'concerned citizens' were appointed as interlocutors between state and the armed Naxals. But with Kishanji killed, five of the six people have resigned.

A movement which used to be a Bihar’s problem in 70’s has taken centre stage and has spread, unfortunately to about 220+ districts out of about 600 in India. In the beginning, the movement reflected the lack of development in remote area of the country where most deprived lived with no roads, schools, hospitals or even no attention. Hence the poorest quarters of the state become the breeding hubs for Naxals. It was understandable that being ignored and unconcerned, their numbers, anger and distrust towards state grew stronger with every passing day. All this alienated a section of our population giving rise to disgruntled youth who are easily brainwashed into joining the Naxal movement. Therefore the negligence for decades has somehow put the enormous pressure on government with an odd problem, which is, to offer development as well as take out the extremist elements in the most extreme circumstances. And in this situation the fear is that if government exerts more violence at places where people are struggling to make ends meet, the more it will be alienated.



As a matter of fact more people have died in Naxals attacks than the so called jehadi conspiracies, but a large section of Bajrangi officials, administrators and section of journalists were more concerned in maligning followers of a particular religion and witch hunt them rather than work against the real problem of Naxalism in India. Hence a conspirator camouflage by some individuals against fellow citizens is blown with spilling reality out in a case like the Dantewada incident. And if 26/11 was a wakeup call for the country’s anti terrorism mechanism, the Dantewada incident was an eye opener of governments’ deficiencies in tackling the Maoist Challenge. As by baiting and wiping out almost the entire company of CRPF personnel at Dantewada & EFR at Silda camp they have proved that they are combination of well trained cadres, maneuvering with deadliest precisions and fire powers to destroy even our Mine Protected Vehicles, which further consolidates the fear that it’s a transition in strategy of Naxals from guerrilla to mobile warfare.

And irrespective of above, thanks to the lethargic leaderships and inattentive successive governments which were busy boasting their political achievements with hollow misleading slogans as “India Shinning”, or a “Bharat Nirman” campaign, undermining the real danger of Naxalism for years, which has somewhat helped the consolidation of “Naxalism”. Hence Instead of forming a concrete plan to sabotage the Maoists, the successive government relied on rhetoric. A glaring example is, not very long ago Mamata supported and shared the dais with Chatradhar Mahato, the leader of People's Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA) in Lalgarh and adjoining regions of West Midnapore while it was looked upon by the Left parties with suspicion as the PCPA enjoyed Naxal backing. And in most of Banerjee’s successes like the Singur and Nandigram movement, the Naxals have claimed equal participation. And in 2009, well before the Assembly elections in Bengal, Ms. Banerjee had refused to believe in the presence of Naxals and protested against Operation Lalgarh. But suddenly two years down the line she calls them 'Supari Killers' (contract killers), and feels there's an urge to retain the same forces which were being asked to pull out. And in between the double standards and struggle for power amongst the democratic government and armed squads, it’s the commoners who find themselves in a consistent flux.

No doubt India is developing fast and steady for last one and half decades or so with the world’s largest booming middle class populations. And statistically government after government has spent billions and billions for the underprivileged. Schemes under various names have been announced every now and then. Whereas, we have no proper accountability and system to make sure the schemes reach the right people at the right time. But unfortunately there is a huge glaring gap between urban India and rural India.

Let’s see this fact sheet:

---India ranks 134 in human development index according to 2009 UN report

---The human poverty index value of 28.0% for India and ranks 88th among 135 countries for which the index has been calculated. The HPI measures severe deprivation in health by the proportion of people who are not expected to survive to age 40

---46% of our children below 5 are underweight, ranking 137. We are just one rank ahead of Bangladesh

---41% of our population lives below 1.25$ a day

---75% of our population lives below 2$ a day

---We have 8.2% Scheduled tribe population and 16.2% scheduled caste population, together they make 1/4th of our total population and predominant among them still untouched by the economic progress we make.

It’s not surprising as according to the Berlin-based watchdog Transparency International, India figures 85th among 180 countries in the corruption perception index.

But even though irrespective of all above, the ideology of Naxalism for whatever reason it originated has steered away from the conceived ideology of fighting for the landless, deprived class and has now hit a dead-end, left with just violent streak. And the sympathizers do make mistake as Naxals are “no modern day Robin Hoods”, but extortionist with well oiled economy of extortion, kidnapping, theft and terrorists as circumstances of poverty cannot be an alibi for violence nor be a justification for terror acts. But even the “arming and training of specialized forces” has not been too effective in the wake of “poor maintenance of police stations, lax training and low motivation”. There is also lack of better coordination on State and Center on this most dangerous issue that have come to hit the lives of people living in Andhra, Kerala, Uttar Pardesh. Bihar, Jharkahand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

It remains to be seen how the government is going to intercept the new developments. The high casualty has made the Center consider over strict measures. However, the sad reality is that we have been unable to keep our security personnel above from the traps set by the Maoists whereas they (Naxals) would always cross over to adjoining states after each cowardly act of terrorism. It should not be overlooked that Maoists have wrecked thousands of schools and rural health centre hence it’s not for pro developments demands only.

Therefore if the Union government is sincere they must come out with a concrete programme that is - deployment of police forces and improvement of infrastructure in less developed States, develop agriculture and generate employment as part of establishing a well-balanced social structure as the economic disparities, social injustice and infrastructural imbalances are observed to be the main problems. And to tackle this war within, the government should have multi pronged strategy. Naxal movement cannot be won only by guns. Guns for guns can never solve the problem completely. One should acknowledge the reason for the movements like Naxal to thrive and take measures to arrest it.

http://twocircles.net/2011dec11/naxals_are_no_modern_day_robin_hoods.html was published on 11/12/2011

Why brand entire Muslim community as terrorist?

Terrorism should be seen as an international menace. No religious identity should be attached to it as no religion on earth justifies terrorism that often ends up killing innocent people. Islam strongly forbids violence against the innocent. The unenlightened Muslims who say they are acting in defence of the religion may have either misinterpreted Islam or are practising it erroneously. And so, if one views at Islam on the basis of the activities of these misguided people, he or she will make a big mistake.

Yet the fact is, since the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, the entire Muslim community has been living in despair by being misunderstood by most in the rest of the world. The attack by few criminals was condemned by global Muslim leadership that identified the attackers as the black sheep in the community. But unfortunately, the entire Muslim community is still being viewed as terrorist today.

Very few non-Muslims have bothered to consider the facts that tens of thousands of local Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan have been involved in anti-terrorism operations, helping the Allied Forces and local governments. Could the US-led military action against Iraq ever succeed if it did not get key support of the Islamic country of Saudi Arabia?

In recent times, some ill-informed groups have been slapping a number of unrealistic charges against Muslims. They portray Muslims as bad ferocious individuals, citing specific incidents to their convenience as evidence, even though in almost all cases they are very far cry from the truth. They try to give a totally different impression of the Islam as revealed in the Qur’an, citing various wars that took place as the religion spread around the world. They overlook the fact that in those wars Muslims took to arms basically to defend themselves. Their charges against Muslims or Islam are routinely hollow and always go unsubstantiated. The people in question are unacquainted with Islam, and are badly informed of the true face of those who commit cruelty in the name of Islam. They are often unable to evaluate the state of affairs in question in a healthy and rational manner.

If someone truly wants to know what Islam is, he or she should read the Quran- the only authentic source to know the religion. The Quran is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace. One, who truly follows the path of Islam- as advised in the Quran, is considered the best Muslim. Not all Muslims follow the Quran. So, not all Muslims are good Muslims or good human beings. However, today Islam is mostly being identified on the basis of what its morality-less followers are doing.

On reading the Quran one can understand how Allah instructs His followers to be nice to his neighbours around, and shun cruelty and violence. Allah says, He does not like his followers who resort to violence against innocent people. Those who do not obey this divine command are walking in the footsteps of Satan and moving away from Allah.

Even the political doctrine in Islam is extremely peaceful, moderate and accommodating. The concept that badly needs clarification in this context is that of "jihad". The exact meaning of "Jihad" is "effort". That is, "to carry out jihad" is "to show efforts, to struggle". To be very precise, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained that "the greatest jihad is the one a person carries out against his lower soul". Here the “lower soul" is one’s selfish desire, unhealthy ambitions and immoral intentions. The use of the concept of "jihad" for acts of aggression against innocent people, is indeed “TERRORISM”, and is not only unjustified but amounts to a serious distortion of tenets of Islam. These misguided lots- "the terrorists", ignore what their conscience says and listen to their earthly desire for violence by resorting to wickedness, which is indeed un-Islamic. They become loveless, aggressive people who do not hesitate to hurt others without the slightest pang of conscience. Having no fear of Allah or God, they do not abide by the morality of their religion, nor do they practice it. Nothing can stop them from committing crimes and hurting the innocents. Hence these misguided men should not be considered followers of any religion at all.

Compassion, peace and tolerance constitute the very basis of Islam, and the commands of the Quran leave no room for dispute and contradictions. The moral teaching offered to humanity by Islam is one that aims to bring peace, happiness and justice to the world. The barbarism that is happening in the world today under the name of "Islamic Terrorism" has no connection with the Quran. Such terrorism-related activities are the work of a section of ignorant, bigoted criminals who have nothing to do with religion and its tenets. A strong action should be taken against these individuals, groups and organizations who take to savagery under the guise of Islam.

Throughout the 13 years they lived in Mecca, our Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions were subjected to terrible duress, attacks and slanders; they were forced to leave their homes and threatened with death. But they never resorted to violence despite all this aggression and oppression they faced. When the oppression in Mecca increased, they migrated to Medina, and during the Medina period they only engaged in wars that were unavoidable and for defensive purposes. This further leaves every Muslim with a duty to represent, through his attitudes and behavior, the religion of Allah in all finest possible manners. Muslims must display kindness, humility, forgiveness, as our Prophet (PBUH) possessed. And they must be compassionate and affectionate as he was.

The people who make malicious claims, imagines that it is genuine Muslims who abide by the Qur’an that spread terror in the name of Islam. The fact is, however, that they (ill doers) have nothing to do with the Qur’an or Islam at all. By making these allegations against Muslims, the motivated sections in question ignore one very important point. As is known in history the USA caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people by dropping atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But the Islamic world never sought to lay the blame for this action perpetrated by the U.S. government or Christians. In the same way, thousands of Muslims were barbarically slaughtered during the attacks which were openly called the Crusades, and even Christians belonging to other sects were tortured to death, many mosques were both pillaged and ransacked. The blood that has recently been shed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries was Muslim blood. But Muslims have never used this as grounds to charge that the people who live by the Gospel are killers. Any sane person can see that irreligion always reigns anywhere in which oppression is taking place. Indeed, rational Muslims who abide by the Qur’an and believe in Allah never hold Christians responsible for the massacres in question. That is not something that anyone who genuinely believes in Allah could do.

Unless one reads the Quran he or she cannot understand what Islam is all about. The Quran preaches that Muslims must not go to extreme in any war.

“Fight in the Way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not go beyond the limits. Allah does not love those who go beyond the limits.” (Surat al-Baqara, 190)

“But if they cease, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surat al-Baqara, 192)


http://twocircles.net/2011dec09/why_brand_entire_muslim_community_terrorist.html
(published on 9 December 2011 - 2:24pm)

Do we need “Anna Hazare kind of campaigns” to see Communal Violence Bill through?

At the recently concluded meet of National Integration Council (NIC) the discussions on The Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and Reparation) Bill loomed large. Not too many members of the council were seen speaking in favour of the bill, resentment of all political parties were out in the open, the credibility of ruling alliance was in tatteres as the partners in governance were not generous on numerous issues with the proposed draft. The unfortunate part was the treasury benches kept mute while most of the opposition leaders tore apart the proposed draft with criticism. The opposition’s disapproval was more out of prejudice and misconceptions rather than out of what the Bill contains and intends to put right.

The communal forces aiming for a Hindu Rashtra often spread venom against the religious minorities creating a sense of insecurity with the majority community, consequently aggravating a communal rift between two co-existent peaceful neighbors. The Catastrophe of partition should be etched in the moral values of the sub-continent; lessons should be learnt from the horrors of sectarian politics and communal propaganda from either side.

Post Independence, the organizations which kept aloof from the mainstream struggle for independence and were responsible for murdering Mahatma Gandhi, actively indulged into spreading hatred towards religious minorities (Muslims), the Muslims were often cornered into throwing the first stone, which was then used as a pretext for unleashing violence against them. Thus initiation and facilitation of the communal politics against religious minorities came into existence. Communal politics with communal propaganda gradually became somewhat the “social common sense” of the majority community against Muslims in the country. Regrettably most of the state institutions are influenced by the infectious communal prejudice, the police in particular have become the tool for the biased attribution towards Muslims, who all remained vulnerable and the nastiest affected during any violence.

Successive governments have set up various commissions to secure this objective— commission for minorities, for preventing atrocities against SC/STs, for protecting human rights and women’s rights. But most of them have been toothless and have failed to prevent violence and protect the vulnerable groups from systematic and targeted violence. While Gujarat provides one example, the violence unleashed against Christian tribals in Kandhamal, Odisha is another example. The continuous violence against tribals in the Northeast by armed forces, and against Dalits by upper castes in almost every state cannot be ignored. The history of post-independence India is strewn with numerous cases where the ruling governments and the commissions constituted by it have failed in their duty to protect these groups.

Almost all the fact finding inquiry commissions constituted after every untoward incident reveals that the most of the spontaneously-looking riots are always part of larger conspiracies, a systematized plan of the communal forces. The reports further make public that the targeted violence are for political goals duly assisted by the attitude of the political leadership which would otherwise be impossible without the cordial help from the incumbent bureaucrats and forces. And it fetches no brownies in guessing that, it’s the rightwing politicians who then benefit from the same by polarizing the majority community votes in their favour.

And most predictably the proposed draft has been dubbed as ‘anti-majority’ by the BJP and has been criticized as a kneejerk response to the Gujarat violence of 2002-03. They also fear that it may alter the federal structure and adversely impact the autonomy of the states. But protection of minorities and vulnerable groups like tribals and Dalits is well within the Constitutional scheme. Hence, any provision to protect the secular fabric of the nation and the right of vulnerable groups to live in peace and harmony cannot be dubbed as an ‘anti-majority’ measure.

The picture is very complicated and muddled but the undertones are very clear, about this opposition! It’s because the Hindutva forces are opposed to any affirmative action where the weaker section of the society be it the minorities, schedule caste or OBC is identified and given protection. The main opposition party has openly opposed the bill because of its vested interests attached, as it wants to promote their kind of political agenda with the continuation of existing political pattern of discrimination and biasness against religious minorities and other weaker & oppressed sections of the society.

Mahatma Gandhi, who symbolized the animosity to communal politics, laid down his life opposing it, his sacrifice must not go in vain. Hence if the intension of the ruling government is sanctimonious, it is unusual as to why the ruling party or its allies are not sticking its neck out to bring peace and prevent violence through this bill by suitable agreement and an appropriate debate in parliament. Therefore whatever the outcome be, it’s bound to have an adverse effect on the government’s sincerity and secular credentials.

http://twocircles.net/2011dec04/do_we_need_%E2%80%9Canna_hazare_kind_campaigns%E2%80%9D_see_communal_violence_bill_through.html dated 03/12/2011

A SLAP ON THE FACE OF PRICE RISE….

Harvinder Singh, a transporter from Delhi, caused a furore when he landed a slap on the face of the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar in protest against the rise in food prices. Although this is not the first time ,Prashant Bhushan, lawyer and aide to activist Anna Hazare, who last month was assaulted in his office by a young man who found Mr. Bhushan’s remarks on self-determination in Kashmir to be so offensive that he started swinging. Or the former telecom minister Sukhram, who was slapped and kicked in court earlier this week by a man identified as none other than Harvinder Singh – which makes you wonder how many causes Mr. Singh gets irate about in an average week. Then In 2009, a Sikh journalist hurled a shoe at Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram during a news conference after getting angry with the minister's reply to a question about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. But as always this time too, the leaders of all political parties immediately condemned the attack (on Mr.Pawar this time) on the grounds that there is no place for violence in a democracy.

No doubts that the act of slapping a minister is ought to be condemned. But such an incident indicates that common people are getting increasingly frustrated with the country’s politicians. The incident should be viewed as a sign of the anger and frustration of the common man against rising prices that the United Progressive Alliance government has struggled to contain. None of the leader is doing anything to tackle the burning issues of corruption, price rise and inflation, all of which have made the lives of ordinary people miserable. The incident should prompt politicians to engage in serious.

Meanwhile Anna Hazare’s remarks on the incident seem to have been taken out of context and twisted by the media. It was only a spontaneous and natural reaction to the situation. People should be allowed to express what they feel. Politicians have directed barbs at Hazare because he claims to trend the gandhian path. However, not many politicians have the time to follow gandhian principals themselves.

Recently, Jitendra Prasada, a member of the congress and a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, was seen kicking protesters during a campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh. The protesters had allegedly breached the security cordon around Rahul Gandhi. However, it was the security staff’s responsibility to deal with such a situation, not prasada’s. Such leaders, with their obvious contempt for the common man, are not fit to be role models for the youth of this country and most observably no condemnations were registered by any politician.

Over the years, the gap between the haves and the have-notes has widened. Politicians lead luxurious lives while millions do not even get two square meals a day. In legislative assemblies, laws are passed summarily, and there is no concerted effort to address the problems that plague the common man. Such problems might take years of work to eradicate. Even while criticizing the attack on Sharad Pawar, one cannot forget the role he has played, as minister for agriculture, in the price rise crises.

A while ago, the Supreme Court had directed the government to distribute the food to the poor free of cost or at low prices, instead of letting it rot in the godowns of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).The government however did not comply with the orders.

Meanwhile, Hazare seems ready to apologize to Pawar for his hasty remarks. But the agriculture minister remains defiant in spite of the attack on him. When asked if he could forgive Harvinder Singh, Pawar reportedly said,” Who am I to forgive? I am not a judge”. Sadly, that the real face of our politicians, defiant, egotistical and unrepentant.


http://twocircles.net/2011nov30/slap_face_price_rise%E2%80%A6.html

ESTABLISHING DEMOCRACY IN LIBYA IS TO BE A HARD TASK..

The atrocious murder of Colonel Gaddafi engineered by the US led NATO forces, after Saddam Hussein’s hanging in 2006 proves that in the current world order, the United States of America can do whatever it wishes with other nations and leaders who do not toe its line.

It further strengthens my disputation that US hardly cares about egalitarianism or the well being of the people of other nations as long as its own financial and military interests are served. And this artificiality can well be judged by the fact that, the US doesn’t denounce human rights violations in countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia which to us all are equally fraudulent and callous regimes.

But then saying this I dont want to mean that I support any tormenter- be it Saddam Hussein or Colonel Gaddafi. My only argument is, Gaddafi could have been taken into custody and put on trial at the International Court of Justice for his alleged misdeeds and atrocities. His assassination is nothing but another misdeed by global powers and alliances.


As Gaddafi’s tyrannical regime in Libya has come to an end the National Transitional Council is set to initiate the process of democratic elections in the country. But for the Council steering Libya out to at least a near-perfect democracy will not be an easy job when the country has no contemporary history of party politics or the rule of law. So, it will be interesting to watch how the council establishes a democracy in Libya which had been in anarchy for decades.

Libyans should keep the state of Iraq in mind and should not go overboard to rejoice now.



http://www.milligazette.com/news/2688-establishing-democracy-in-libya-will-be-a-hard-task
This article appeared in The Milli Gazette print issue of 16-30 November 2011 on page no. 14

ABDULLAHS ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW...

I have this strong feeling that whatever has happened to Kashmir in last two decades or so has lot to do with the father-son duo- Farooq and Omar Abdullah.

In some way or the other they are responsible for most crises in the state, as their family members have been at the controls of the state’s management since its inclusion to India. And to keep their enthrallment for power afloat, they always sided with the ruling alliances in Delhi irrespective of the feelings of their electorates back home.

The insurgency started and flourished with them at the office. When Kashmir burnt, Abdullah’s were holidaying in UK, caring least about the people they call theirs. Yet when things seemed mature for elections they returned to Kashmir feigning love for their land and the people.

The father-son duo never had a clean image. Dr. Abdullah had always in the eye of the storm either for his ostentatious life style or the sandalwood controversy or his despotic rule. He was many times caught on the wrong foot. But this time the charges leveled against the duo are more serious (Syed Mohammed Yusuf , a National Conference (NC) worker died while in police custody, his family has moved court against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his father -- Union Minister Farooq Abdullah) and they should be investigated.


Therefore, I believe it would be fair if the father-son duo to step down from their respective public positions and facilitate the process of investigation

FASCIST SUBRAMANYAN SWAMY MUST BE REINED IN

I strongly feel that the legal action initiated against Dr Subramanian Swamy is precise and that he must be arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for his "extreme xenophobic right-wing thoughts" which he expressed in an article headlined 'How to wipe out Islamic terror', published in the DNA on 16th July 2011. It’s regrettable that even apparently cultured or educated people like Dr.Swamy overlooked the fact that Muslim community has as much stake as any other in the development, refuge and well being of India as a nation. He has almost directly identified country's Muslims as terrorists. But the fact is, not a single Indian Muslim has ever been convicted on charges of anti national or terrorist activities. It’s difficult to believe that before writing this sensitive article the Harvard-educated economist-politician did not do enough research on India’s Muslims. His article in the DNA reflects his ghetto mindset. It’s clear he is on a communal agenda and attempting to drive a wedge between country’s majority Hindus and largest minority Muslims.
People with such mindset are doing no good to the country or to the society with such discordant expression against a community. Swamy’s irresponsible act has the potential to create a rift between two communities which could trigger big socio-political chaos or even communal unrest in the country.
Muslims have always come forward and have condemned all distasteful incidents as and when it happened. No Muslim organizations has ever supported the terror attacks which were allegedly [alleged by police and Hinduists] engineered by Muslim groups or individuals. But hate-mongering people who conspired and assassinated Mahatma Gandhi and then gleefully boasted their misdeeds are there in the country. These people consider Indian Muslims outsiders and want to throw them out of the country. These fascist people or groups must understand that Muslims like others are not limited or confined to any particular province or district in this country. Muslims constitute nearly one-fifth of India’s population [it’s figure accredited by the international media and other agencies]. They are scattered all over the place and it is impossible to wipe off the entire Muslim population from this country.
These sick minds must understand that just because we are born as Muslim or follow the religion of Islam, our constitutional rights cannot be taken away. Rightfully we are as much Indians as they are. They must understand that by dividing the country on impious grounds they are weakening the core foundations of the country’s establishment. And India can never be a strong nation if it’s biased against minorities. All sections of the society must unite to fulfill the aspirations of an integrated and strong India. If you cannot protect the rights of the minorities, you can no more proclaim that you have an egalitarian and secular society and you live in a ‘united India’.

http://twocircles.net/2011oct25/subramanian_swamy_must_be_reined.html

“Right to recall” and “Right to Reject” elected politicians seems to be the only hope for the community now!

All politicians across party lines are found religiously biased against Muslims. From these politicians the community receives nothing but discrimination, deceit and injustice. No politician has ever been faithful or truthful to the needs and demands of the community. Although Muslims have been ardently loyal and politically faithful to the politicians they elected, the community was treated by the politicians nothing beyond a vote bank. The talks of minority appeasement sound a hackneyed slang to us. In every walk of life Muslims have to fight discrimination in this society. It has become an uphill task for a common Muslim to make both ends meet...

All politicians routinely coax Muslims during elections and abandon them as soon as the elections get over. These political parties don’t even wait for the results to be available, and change colors the way chameleons do. No politician in India ever bothers to help the Muslims. None has ever tried to help uplift the socio-economic condition of the community. None offered means for education or bothered to improve the living standard of Muslims. Nobody thought to create job opportunities for the younger members of the community. After every election Muslims are left with more disappointments and resentments.

All political parties indulge in same practice of staying nonchalant while in power, and doing dharna when in opposition.

I dont tend to agree with Anna Hazare’s way of protest in totality. But I appreciate the concept of "right to recall" and "right to reject” our politicians whenever we deem it necessary. I personally believe, if in the form of something like a bill the practice gets implemented, the community will have the carrot and a stick to get their things done “rightfully”…

We demand stricter action against the policemen who went on a killing spree targeting the unarmed crowd.

His Excellency
Janab.ManMohan Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister
Government of India.
7, Race Course Road,
New Delhi 110011.

16th September 2011

Dear Prime Minister,

We humbly beg to draw your kind attention to the recent unfortunate incidents in Bihar's Forbesganj and Chandasi villages where police shot dead four innocent Muslim villagers. We hope your esteemed office will take note of our pain and anger that have prompted us to write this letter.
On June 3, 2011, in a police firing at Forbesganj, four people- including a pregnant woman and a seven-month-old baby lost their lives (as per newspaper reports. The incident is a glaring example of the state killing its own people in a dastardly action. A 7-month-old baby is killed in police firing. This incident stands unparallel in country's history.

The disturbing TV footage, aired by several news channels on September 14, 2011, showed how the policemen in Nalanda went berserk against an unarmed group of people who were mostly women. Outside the Noorsarai police station police caned the crowd who had gathered there to, in protest against the disappearance of a woman- allegedly abducted and killed by relative of some local policeman. As per news reports at least two dozen people, including women and children, were badly injured in the police lathicharge. The uniformed men who are supposed to protect the state's subjects and maintain law and order, were found (at Forbesganj and Chandasi village) indulging in acts of terror and brutality.

Attitude of the men in uniform was inhuman. It must be registered as a case of blatant human rights violation. Although the Government of Bihar has taken some punitive action against the involved policemen we are not happy with the quantum of the punishment. We demand stricter action against the policemen who went on a killing spree targeting the unarmed crowd.

We hope your office will initiate proper action in providing relief to the families who lost their near and dear ones in the incident.

With warmest regards,

Thankfully yours,



Aziz A. Mubaraki
National Secretary

WE WELCOME ANNA HAZARE’S MOVEMENT

I simply disagree with the anxiety of a few that the ongoing fight by some activists against country’s corrupt systems poses a threat to the Indian democratic system. It’s ridiculously untrue if some charge that these anti-corruption forces, in the name of restoring morality and lucidity in public affairs, are actually attempting to destabilize the egalitarian process in the country. Nevertheless I agree that some of the people presently protesting against corruption in India might have some vested personal interests, but then too their intentions are not wholly bad since what they are doing would definitely benefit the country in many terms of development.

With my observation of last years I am embarrassed to say that the so-called elected representatives of the people are the real menace and impending threats to our democratic system. Our politicians have turned the entire democratic system into a high profile corrupt industry. Most political parties use money and muscle power to win elections. Many of the politicians across party-line are either in prison or are in the waiting to be there. It often makes me wonder, if we are really living in a democratic setup at all. The gluttony of the elected representatives has taken the form of corruption and has weakened the very basic democratic process of the country. The common man seems to be disturbed by the fact that the government acts against corruption only when it is pushed to do so by the judiciary.

We have to understand that what Anna Hazare is doing is surely rational and relevant. It’s an outcome of a situation arising from the regular abuse of powers by the politicians of this country who live under the shield of the authority given to them by the constitution. And in such a situation people are bound to rebel and take to the streets.

While it is inspiring that the people are now reactive to the different kinds of deceits existing in our society. With much optimism I can say that a few more protests like the present one will lead to the revelation and eradication of corrupt practices. But we must also remember that the changes we desire have to be brought through established institutions in a solid manner. The so-called representatives of the civil society seem to have a specific agenda. Or else, why would the Prime Minister is repeatedly charged with corruption while some of his more notorious cabinet contemporaries escape unscathed?



Thankfully, the media have played an important role in revealing the dishonest practices in the country. We hope that the media remain unbiased, impartial and independent, and not be dictated by powerful politicians.

Whatever the circumstances or result be later, the present movement by Anna Hazare’s movement seems like a blessing to us...

Can Mamata Really Bring About the Promised "Change"?

In a vivacious democracy like ours, the government and the opposition should be on constant dialogue with each other. For past many years in West Bengal, the two sides neither communicated nor agreed with each other on hosts of social, political and other issues. But recently the chief minister and the opposition leader in the state assembly- both jointly and devotedly, addressed a press conference and I see this as a welcome shift from the political culture that has long prevailed in Bengal.

There is hardly any doubt that a significant change in policy at the Writers Building has made this long-thought-impossible change, possible. Although for last few years Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress was the party of veto, her stratagem of never-relenting opposition to the then ruling Left Front government paid her off massively. But then, the former rulers’ superiority made her hostility look obligatory.

It's too early to say if there will be any beneficial change in the outlook of our politicians. But indeed we have got the hint of the advent of a new political culture in Bengal. A new strength of conciliation and adjustment has to penetrate down to the political and governmental functionaries at the lower-most level. The rabid political enmity between the TMC and CPI (M) all these years has alienated Bengali society in such ways that civilized and coherent discussions between the two appears to be an impossible task.The opposition’s strategy of being negative to everything that a government did or proposed actually belittled our democracy, is disastrous for West Bengal's financial and social order.

Now with the change at Writers, hopes are high that civilized debates and talks will resume between two switched sides and our state’s politics, which for long years was dominated by violence and naked show of irresponsible politics, will end with optimism of an economic recovery for Bengal.

Perhaps it is immature to imagine now that Bengal’s politicians will change their ways only because they have new roles assigned to them. However that is the alteration the state badly needs in order to recover itself from further economic decline.

Even though, Ms Banerjee’s first two months in office point to her assurance to change. But it will be interesting to see how she tackles the experienced opposition with her never-in-power and in-experienced ministers. It will also be imperative to watch as to how an ill-tempered Mamata can bring about the meaningful and promised "Change".

Has Vastanvi been wronged?

It is unfortunate the way Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi, the former vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband seminary, was summarily dismissed from his office. Significantly, his dismissal took place despite a panel formed to probe the allegations against Vastanvi had failed to prove the charges against him. This incident has proved to be a matter of shame for south Asia’s possibly most famous Islamic seminary, which is otherwise known for its moderate views.

There is absolutely no doubt that Gujarat riots is a blot on India’s modern history. It’s a fact that despite having their rights the Muslims in Gujarat are denied benefits or help from the states in most terms. In rural areas and urban slums poorer Muslims are in worse shapes. Few Muslims in Gujarat are possibly in better shape because of their own strength and endeavour. The state is no way responsible for those few Muslims’ prosperity.

Following the 2002 riots, Muslims in Gujarat have got the only consolation prize that some committees have been formed to investigate the cases of attacks against the Muslims. It is not that much heartening, (as mentioned by some) to note that Gujarat has not seen communal unrest for many years now because that’s what it should be- that’s the "Raj Dharma".

But whatever the situation the state’s pluralistic nature needs to be protected at any cost, and a more accommodating approach for all is required towards a better nation building. Vastanvi’s views should not have been misconstrued as prejudiced ones. He has been misunderstood and it certainly sends out faulty message in a democracy like ours.

CHANGE YOURSELF AMERICA, BEFORE YOU TRY TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

To understand global terrorism and the current global obsession with terrorism, we have to go back to the history and study how the Americans have been playing a key role in helping terrorism flourish across the world. When during the Cold War Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan, the US - which had long been calling the shots from behind, came to the forefront, and launched a massive support and training campaign for the Afghan freedom fighters. Soon, the "mujahedeen" (holy warriors) were born and became well-known across the world.
We have not forgotten how the US encouraged the Mujahedeen in their fight against the Soviet forces. President Reagan on March 21, 1983 said: “To watch the courageous Afghan freedom fighters battle modern arsenals with simple hand-held weapons is an inspiration to those who love freedom.”

When the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan, a pro-Soviet party, took control of Afghanistan, Mujahedeen resistance spread. As Mujahedeen groups broke apart into different factions, the CIA tended to favour the most extreme among the Mujahedeen commanders. The US intelligence agency ensured that the most fanatical anti-Soviet groups were also the best trained and armed for the guerrilla warfare. It’s history now how the Mujahedeen were financed, armed and trained by the US during the administrations of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Pakistan's secret service, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was used as a liaison group by the US, in attempt to keep the American action as secret as possible.

Saddam Husain was the creation by the US. President Ronald Reagan initiated a strategic opening to Iraq, signing a National Security Decision Directive and selecting Donald Rumsfeld as his emissary to Hussein, whom he visited in December 1983 and March 1984. United States actively supported the Iraqi war effort by supplying the Iraqis with billions of dollars of credits, by providing U.S. military intelligence and advice to the Iraqis, and by closely monitoring third country arms sales to Iraq to make sure that Iraq had the military weaponry required. In 1982, Iraq was removed from a list of State Sponsors of Terrorism to ease the transfer of dual-use technology to that country. But by then [in 1980] Saddam had already been made an honorary citizen of Detroit.

But By this time the world changed and the international financial institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank through their Structural Adjustment Programs was able to do officially and openly what in previous decades had to be done through the CIA, the Marines, or hired armed force. The domination of American entrepreneurship and its industrialised allies had reached record levels without the unpleasantness of direct military intervention.

And Saddam’s Iraq, was the only Arab state to fundamentally resist such trends, the only Arab nation to combine a sizable educated population, large oil resources, and adequate water supplies, thereby making it possible for Baghdad to maintain a truly autonomous foreign and domestic strategy. Even twelve years of cruel sanctions could not depose the government or make the establishment more willing to collaborate with Washington’s tactical and financially viable agenda. As a result, the United States felt obliged to revert to cruder forms of intrusion in Iraq.
Osama bin Laden- who was once a prominent Mujahedeen leader in Afghanistan, too benefited a lot from the hospitality extended by the Americans in the beginning of his guerrilla life.

In fact in Obama, people of all faith saw not just the historic election of a Black man in America, but the hope, the possibility, that he would be different from his presidential predecessors. We all believed, as Nelson Mandela had done in post-apartheid South Africa, Obama would use diplomacy instead of bombs, to bring peace. But he has used violence and has ended up creating much bigger chaos. The popular perception today is that even he is arrogant- very much like his predecessors and his country is a self-appointed global police, even if it is sometimes under the cover of NATO or this or that coalition.

If we just examine the Egyptian revolt as it snowballed from the beginning of this year, it becomes clear why people feel the way they do. US government financed Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak for three long decades, turned heads on his abuses of power and the people, then initially announced US help for him until it became clear that the Egyptians weren’t having it. In other words, America just cannot continue to claim they believe in democracy in America, while simultaneously condoning and aiding the opposite in other countries.

I believe it is for that reason Mr. Obama was given, extremely prematurely, a Nobel Peace Prize just a mere 9 months into his presidency. The feeling, perhaps very naively, was that he would transform America, and the world. But he disappointed us all.

In spite of Bin Laden’s murder, violence, war, and terrorism are not over, not by a long stretch. None of that will end until the US help make those things end. Their current mindset and foreign policy approach will only lead to more death of young soldiers from the US and other countries, more attacks on Americans at home and abroad. And the entire world, including us, will be perpetually distrustful, forever looking over our shoulders and living a life in fear, that fear framed by metal detectors, security cameras, and sharp glances at people who appear to be different in anyway.

Americans thinks that other nations, or terrorists, or this or that enemy, are simply picking on them because of their “freedoms.” But There are enough articles, blogs, books, and documentary films out there, if one actually cares to research American history and American foreign policy, to let one know they’ve been, on numerous occasions, as violent toward others as others have been toward them.

America should know that it can never change the world, until it changes its own way.

Aziz Mubaraki, a young Muslim leader in Kolkata, said it was the VHP that was instigating communal riots and terrorist activities in India and it was "ridiculous" that it was seeking the fatwa. "Muslim religious and social groups in the past year have condemned terrorism in countless religious meetings, seminars and public rallies," he said. "There is no proof of any Muslim religious organisation being involved in any communal or anti-national activity in India.


http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/fatwa-issued-despite-scorn-from-muslim-leaders?pageCount=0

"We have decided to organise a peace rally on Thursday which will be attended by people of all religions to maintain communal harmony in the city," said Mr Aziz Mubaraki, additional chief secretary of Tipu Sultan Masjid on Wednesday.



http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/keyword/tipu-sultan/featured/2

Aziz Mubaraki, spokesman of Kolkata's Tipu Sultan Masjid, said the Muslim personal law was perfect and only those who had no knowledge of Islam or Muslim personal law could call any part of it "gravely faulty".

"Islam permits up to four marriages, but in very stringent conditions. However, some Muslim and non-Muslim men might be committing bigamy or polygamy even in the absence of such conditions just to fulfil their sexual urge in a mischievous way. Muslim personal law should not be blamed for the fault committed by some sex-maniac men," Mr Mubaraki said. "Islam does not allow a marriage which is driven only by physical attraction and sex."



http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/commission-rules-against-bigamy

"In my college days I knew communists were the people with the best political ideology and were the most trusted saviours of weak or minority communities. Banking on key Muslim votes they have been staying in power for more than three decades. But they have done so little for us - we feel cheated," said Aziz Mubaraki. "Now the leaders are trying to revive the party by trying to win back the Muslims. But Muslims are not going to trust them that easily and in the 2011 elections the communists will discover this bitter truth."


http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/indias-left-front-pays-the-price-of-arrogance?pageCount=2

Kolkata-based Aziz Mubarki, national secretary of South Asia Ulama Council - a body of muslim religious leaders - says that madrasas are being converted into regular schools and soon the Muslim pupils could become a minority in all modern madrasas.

“Islam is not against modern education or moderization of education. But can we call these institution madrasas when students cannot offer namaaz or prayer inside these institutions? Do you think it can be called a madrasa when the Muslim children cannot offer namaaz or prayer inside the madrasa? This is practically what is happening inside these so-called modern madrasas. They are turning the madrasas into ordinary schools, in the name of modernization. We completely disagree with such modernization.”


http://www.asiacalling.org/en/news/india/2007-modern-madrasas-draw-non-muslim-pupils

"Every rational citizen knows that none other than the Hindu terrorists bombed the Malegaon market, Ajmer shrine, Mecca Masjid and the Samjhauta Express," said Aziz Mubarki, a Kolkata-based Muslim community leader and blogger, referring to the 2007 bomb attack on the India-Pakistan friendship train in which more than 70 people died, mostly Pakistanis. "The Hindu groups could be involved in about a dozen other unsolved bomb attacks where Muslims were originally counted as suspects but later police failed to prove their charges in the court. Unless we get honest and neutral investigators many terror cases will remain unsolved forever."


http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia/blame-shifts-to-hindu-radicals-for-attacks-on-indian-holy-places?pageCount=2

Speaking to The Pioneer, Aziz Mubaraki, Additional chief secretary and Media advisor to Shahi Imam, West Bengal, candidly shared his thoughts; "No doubt the minority en-masse is all out to support AITMC this time. But I must admit this is because we have no option here. Basically we want someone to replace the ruling party and Mamata Banerjee seems capable of that."

Mubarki added, "Mamata has promised a lot for the Muslims here in her manifesto, we would keep a close eye on what the party actually does if it comes to power."

http://www.dailypioneer.com/328248/Mamata-does-leg-work-to-charm-minorities.html

WE HAVE TO UNITE IN SINCERE EFFORT TO REBUILD THE WORLD AGAIN…

Following the 9/11 massacre, many believe that all or at least most Muslims support bin Laden's hateful doctrines.But the fact is, the majority of Muslims, do not subscribe to Al-Qaida's twisted interpretation of Islam which, they think, can be fittingly compared to the KKK's interpretation of Christianity or the fanatic Hindu groups’ interpretation of Hinduism. They all mischievously use the religion as means to spread their vicious messages and knowingly misinterpret the words of peace in the holy books, to justify their evil actions.


The death of bin Laden is more symbolic than substantive. The September 11 attacks had a searing emotional effect on the lives of common Americans- especially those families who lost their near and dear ones in the terrible tragedy. One does not need to be an expert in psychology to understand why Americans flocked to the Ground Zero, the White House and a few other points in celebration of the news of bin Laden's death.

But I feel America has won nothing by killing bin Laden- even though it’s possibly true that Osama's death has weakened al Qaeda's capacity to sow terror to a good extent. Real victory against terrorism will continue to dodge us all until we finish rebuilding the countries destroyed in the US-led war against terrorism.

Seething in anger and vengeance the US rushed into Afghanistan without having conceived any plan or will to rebuild the country which was set to be ravaged in the US-sponsored war. They embarked on another unnecessary war in Iraq destroying it completely, chasing the phantom of their national fears. Fighting for their self-importance, they squandered treasures on ill-conceived military misadventures and created more bin Ladens for the future. No doubt, the ordinary people who died on 9-11 were innocent. So were the victims in Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan. And we know that many of them suffered horrible deaths, unthinkably horrible.

US cannot escape the conclusion as to what unfolded inside those prisons at Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, were inhuman and gruesome. They misused international support to fight for their personal grudge, and to re-establish their much-scratched reputation, egotism and monopoly. Bin Laden’s death will not change much of the situation on the ground as many still many lie in limbo as victims of sheer injustice. People are still oppressed and denied their basic human rights. Their lives are threatened every day.

If good men do nothing the evil will triumph- it’s a natural rule. We should not stay complacent and bury our heads in the sand foolishly hoping that injustice will not target us again. We need to stand by them who are victims of injustice and join hands with those who fight against injustice. We have to get united in sincere effort to rebuild the world all over again…

LET’S GIVE A PUSH TO THE JAN LOKPAL BILL

Some weeks ago former telecom minister A Raja was arrested for taking an alleged kickback of 200 crore rupees and awarding the 2G licence to Swan Telecom. Then Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi has been arrested for indulging in financial irregularities in the recent Commonwealth Games (CWG). Eradicating corruption in the country will not be as easy as Anna Hazare perhaps assumes. We dont know how effective this Bill would be to fight against the epidemic of corruption, but it’s clear that many high-rung politicians in the past resisted the bill for which it has been stuck in the backburner for more than four decades. Still some politicians appear to be resisting the bill now and it has been a cause of worry for the citizens who have stood up to fight corruptions on all fronts.

The government’s proposed draft suggests the Lokpal as an advisory body with no unobstructed powers at its domination. At large however the bill seems to be just eyewash. It seeks to completely insulate the politicians from any kind of punitive action against them if they indulged in corruption. Such a bill, when it turns into a law, will be toothless one in its fight against corruption.

Mr. Hazare has turned an icon among ordinary Indians these days, not just because of his reputation as a campaigner for basic rights for the aam admi, but because ordinary citizens feel tired or troubled with increasing trend of corruption across the country and Anna provided them a platform to vent their protest against the menace. Corruption in the Commonwealth Games, an enormous telecom scandal, and the misuse by politicians and bureaucrats of a high-rise in Mumbai originally meant to house war widows and war veterans have aggravated public anger.

This time citizens have got a chance to channelise their growing outrage against corruption through Anna’s movement. The government has been tested in the Parliament by a united and fortified opposition and it will now face the people's verdict in five key states going to vote this month. Whatever the final outcome, let’s hope that the Jan Lokpal Bill will be able to weed out governmental corruption, at least to some extent.

"Winds of Change" has now lost its gale force with which it was raging around during the 2009 elections.

Lots of changes have taken place in Bengal since 2009 Parliamentary elections. Talks about "winds of change" has now lost its gale force with which it was raging around during the 2009 elections. The initial euphoria among people seeking the change has now died down. The last couple of years have exposed Mamata Banerjee and her party and now people have understood how hollow her rhetorics were. Even the TMC-run Kolkata Municipal Corporation is not showing any sign of ushering in an era of good governance. Most TMC councilors have failed to meet people's expectations. Even the central ministers(except Dinesh Trivedi) from Ms Banerjee's party are not doing any significant work in Delhi expect flagging off some new trains.

The people of the Bengal should weigh pros and cons of the situations before they come out to vote for any political party, as this opportunity to choose a government comes once in long five years. And if a wrong decision is through, then people are left at the mercy of an incompetent government led by some sefish, corrupt and anti-people political party.

No doubt such a "change" usually helps in bringing developments to the society. This phenomenon is evident in the states where such change in government is often taking place. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even Karnataka show how such change in government brought about developments in these states. The fear of losing power looms large for ruling parties and it helps respective governments work overtime in the interest of the people who vote them to power.

It must be noted that in Bengal even the CPI-M is trying to bring about some changes within the set up of the party in ways possible. It has excluded many sitting MLAs and even ministers from its list of contestants in forthcoming elections because those comrades are not being favoured by people. CPI-M is making frantic effort to win people'sconfidence and recover its lost ground. And, surely it has regained some of its lost ground in recent months, given the constant bickering within the TMC, and the corruptions charges leveled against some TMC leaders. But such corrective steps appear too little and too late. The arrogance of the Communist leaders has eaten away the party's mass base.

People of Bengal cannot really choose whom to follow and they appear to have been caught between devil and the deep blue sea. However, it's a fact that to teach a good lesson to the arrogant rulers a very large section of the people have turned impatient in Bengal. The elections will soon tell how powerful this section is and if they can really trigger the change.

LOOTS OF WAKF PROPERTIES ARE GOING ON

Muslims are worried and angry the way wakf lands, which were donated by philanthropic Muslims for the benefit of the community are being openly traded by the unscrupulous mutavallis [caretakers] and others in authority. Clandestine sell-offs of wakf properties are taking place all across the country. In connivance with the state Wakf Boards the mutavallis are misusing the properties for personal financial gains. The situation is piquant in throughout India. Wakf lands are regularly targeted by real estate sharks, who approach either caretakers or members of the Boards, who in turn sell the lands for a pittance, by taking hefty cuts in the underhand deals.

Many high profile deals of wakf properties came to our notice recently. The land on which Mukesh Ambani has constructed his famous 27-floor personal home Anitilia was a genuine wakf land. Mr Ambani paid a very small fraction of the land's real market value of some whopping crores of rupees and took possession of the land through some illegal deals. On original wakf lands all across the country numerous posh residential complexes and highrises have come up where richer non-Muslims have set up their homes. Poor Muslims can never afford to dream to occupy any place in those expensive floors.

But ordeals for Muslims do not end here. After bribing mostly Hindu wakf board officials and the Muslim mutavallis- who are always ready to do away with their conscience for little monetary gains, commercial complexes have also sprung up on these wakf lands. These commercial complexes on wakf properties are minting money in crores and not a fraction of it ever comes to the benefit of Muslims who continue to perish in the society in traditional miseries. But then whom should Muslims blame for the situation? To the disposers of the lands? Or the buyers of the wakf properties. But before we the Muslims blame outsiders, we should blame the rogue members in our community. We have to unite and confront these moles, who are equally responsible for the economic miseries of the community.....

We (Muslims) have always asserted that we will abide by the court verdict

Just because the people of India have remained cool after the court verdict does not mean that the verdict is justified and correct. When mythology and "faith" of the majority take precedence over legal propriety and hard evidence, then how much conviction can the judgement carry? And if the Hindu claims were correct, why give one-third land to the Waqf Board - consolation prize?

Over the years we (Muslims) have always asserted that we will abide by the court verdict. What about the other side? Again and again we have heard that either the Court decides in favour of Ram Janmasthan otherwise they will assert that the Court can't decide on matters of faith. No wonder the judges have kept in mind the intransigent approach of the saffron brigade while delivering their verdict.

It is very unfortunate and I feel it's equally a black day as December 6, 1992. They demolished a structure on that fateful day and these Judges broke my faith in capabilities of our Judiciary on September 30, 2010.

Despite provocation at many places, such as distributing sweets, sounding fire crakers and Even showing disrespect to holy book Quran by tearing and inscripting it with Jai Shri Ram, Muslims all over India has kept quite as we fear that a decision based on reason, law and hard evidence might have led to communal riots and ultimately muslims would have faced the blunt again!!!

Minority Muslims have got caught in a real dilemma over which party they would vote for this time.

The Alliance between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the All India National Congress (Cong I) is now through in west Bengal with TMC contesting about 228 seats while congress will fight on 65 constituencies. But it must be noted that the performance of the Congress at the centre has so far proved impotent in controlling skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. It has also been found that many heavyweights either from the congress or the ruling alliance of UPA were on headlines for all the wrong reasons, denting the image of the party.

Many find the price rise and numerous scams as the biggest negative achievements of the Congress-led UPA in recent months. It is in this Congress era that India have witnessed increased cases of harassment of dynamic and qualified Muslim young citizens by country's security agencies. There is huge number of cases in which young Muslims were falsely framed as terrorists or their accomplices. Congress boasts as a secular party. But history shows that under the rule of the Congress the country witnessed more communal riots than under the government of any other party.

On 22nd February 1949 midnight when idols were placed inside the Babri Masjid Congress was in power in centre and also in Uttar Pradesh. in 1986, when gates of the mosque were unlocked and puja was performed by the Hindu zealots, Congress headed the central as well as the local state governments. Yet again, it was the Congress party at the helm in Delhi when the Babri Masjid was demolished. Muslims were hurt again when they were asked to remain calm before the delivery of Babri Masjid judgment. We saw how joyous non-Muslims were at liberty to celebrate the ‘victory’ after the judgment came through. Congress often refutes to help Muslims improve their standard of living. The Congress did not throw its weight behind Digvijay Singh nor tried to rescue him from the verbal attacks from opposition parties, when he tried to raise questions about Hemant Karkare's unfortunate death in suspicious condition. Mr Singh also did not get enough support from his party when he hinted that some Hinduist groups had been involved in terror attacks against Muslims and many terror attacks which were being blamed on Muslims could have been engineered by the Hinduists.

Hence, with Congress as a dishonest party, Trinamool as an opportunist, and a strong anti incumbency wave sweeping against the Leftist coalition, minority Muslims have got caught in a real dilemma over which party they would vote for this time.