Xmas 2011
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16327402
In pictures: Christmas in Bethlehem
Images from Bethlehem where thousands have gathered on Christmas Eve in the town where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2011/12/201112254335912820.html
Pope calls for peace in Middle East
In Christmas message, Benedict XVI says Syrian violence must end and Israel-Palestine peace talks should resume.
(God, in fact, every time I see Prince Charles and Princess Camilla and everything that smells of the British royal family, I always remember the tragic death of princess Diana. You know that. I love princess Diana Spencer's figure, and I still remember that I could not restrain my tears when accepting the fact she died with her lover, Dodi Al Fayed. Why didn't you win their love over the years of suffering in her heart? I didn't see a touch of love and peace from the British royal family to unravel the mystery of their deaths,... yeah, but, well... I've promised to you, I will think only the good things and ignore all the prejudices. At least for today.
I beg you to lead the hearts and minds of the leaders of major countries so that the meaning of Christmas is not just limited to the routine euphoria, but it is also applied in all their foreign policy. Keep the war away from this earth. It is better if the war budget of each state is used to help the people who are wracked by the famine in Africa. And forgive my ignorance, God. I, myself, if I was ordered to use a number of budget among the choices: the progress of space science or helping starving people in Africa, then I would choose the second option. To me, what are the benefits of expensive project but its utilization does not include the benefit of all mankind? Why doesn't the development of science touch the basic needs of humans? Ah, rather than be bothered to analyze whether there's the water source on Mars, why do not the scientists seek a technology that makes the people in Sudan can get the clean and safe drinking water, for example? Or seek the food technology that makes agricultural land in Africa to be fertile, for example. O my God, I'm sorry. I think I start to break my promise in my previous sentence, but hopefully my wishes will come true. Amen)
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16286070
Your pictures: Christmas
Readers' pictures on the theme Christmas.
In the Middle East
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16327402
In pictures: Christmas in Bethlehem
Images from Bethlehem where thousands have gathered on Christmas Eve in the town where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2011/12/201112254335912820.html
Pope calls for peace in Middle East
In Christmas message, Benedict XVI says Syrian violence must end and Israel-Palestine peace talks should resume.
In this beautiful morning, I intend this and say it as my own sentence.
The all-powerful God, I am being energized who with the energy you expect me to use it for my goodness and kindness to my fellow. But, in my daily, you have been watching me go floating with no energy and work like without bones, but become very powerful when I'm angry and worried about the unimportant things.
God the Almighty, bless my efforts to live in a good pattern, to pick out the good as the content of my heart and mind, so that my body becomes stronger and my mental is in alertness. Hopefully with the strength of my body and my mental alertness, I shall be more fitting for the life of a powerful and full of joy which produce the physical wellfare and glory of the soul.
God, I beg you to keep me away from weakness and loss of life.
(God, in fact, every time I see Prince Charles and Princess Camilla and everything that smells of the British royal family, I always remember the tragic death of princess Diana. You know that. I love princess Diana Spencer's figure, and I still remember that I could not restrain my tears when accepting the fact she died with her lover, Dodi Al Fayed. Why didn't you win their love over the years of suffering in her heart? I didn't see a touch of love and peace from the British royal family to unravel the mystery of their deaths,... yeah, but, well... I've promised to you, I will think only the good things and ignore all the prejudices. At least for today.
I beg you to lead the hearts and minds of the leaders of major countries so that the meaning of Christmas is not just limited to the routine euphoria, but it is also applied in all their foreign policy. Keep the war away from this earth. It is better if the war budget of each state is used to help the people who are wracked by the famine in Africa. And forgive my ignorance, God. I, myself, if I was ordered to use a number of budget among the choices: the progress of space science or helping starving people in Africa, then I would choose the second option. To me, what are the benefits of expensive project but its utilization does not include the benefit of all mankind? Why doesn't the development of science touch the basic needs of humans? Ah, rather than be bothered to analyze whether there's the water source on Mars, why do not the scientists seek a technology that makes the people in Sudan can get the clean and safe drinking water, for example? Or seek the food technology that makes agricultural land in Africa to be fertile, for example. O my God, I'm sorry. I think I start to break my promise in my previous sentence, but hopefully my wishes will come true. Amen)
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-16286070
Your pictures: Christmas
Readers' pictures on the theme Christmas.
A man dressed as Father Christmas drives past the Israeli-built separation barrier as Christians arrive to celebrate Christmas mass in the West Bank city of Bethlehem [AFP]
Palestinian girls gather outside the Church of the Nativity, which is built over the site where Christians believe Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable and then laid him in an animal's feeding trough, or manger [AFP]
Palestinian Scouts play the bagpipes outside the Church of the Nativity as thousands of Christian pilgrims descend on Bethlehem to celebrate in Jesus' traditional birthplace [AFP]
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, gestures as he heads to the Church of the Nativity to attend Christmas celebrations [Reuters]
A car loaded with balloons to be given to residents as part of Christmas celebrations [Reuters]
Christians and others gather in Manger Square, the central plaza next to the Church of the Nativity, as people prepare to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem [AFP]
Christian priests hold a Christmas midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem [Reuters]
A Palestinian wood carver works on a Christian religious figure, made out of olive wood, in a factory in the West Bank town of Bethlehem [Reuters]
A man dressed as Santa Claus waves to passersby in front of the walls surrounding Jerusalem's Old City during a Christmas tree distribution by Jerusalem's municipality [Reuters]
A Palestinian girl dressed as Santa Claus prays at the Latin Church in the West Bank village of Zababdah, near Jenin [AFP]
Iraqi Christian boys attend a Christmas mass at Chaldean Catholic church in Amman [Reuters]
Thousands of Iraqi Christians fled to neighbouring Jordan following a spate of bombings that targeted churches in Iraqi cities in the past few years [Reuters]
Iraqi Christians light candles during a mass on Christmas Eve [Reuters]
Many Iraqi Christians who fled their homeland are pessimistic about their chances of ever returning [Reuters]
An elderly Iraqi Christian walks past a statue of Virgin Mary attending the Christmas mass at the Virgin Mary Chaldean Christian church in the capital Baghdad [AFP]
An Iraqi security officer walks on the rooftop of a church to tighten security measures prior to Christmas mass [AFP]
Iraq's Christians, markedly fewer in number following attacks on their minority community, are increasingly fearful in the face of a rise in sectarian tensions after the withdrawal of US troops [AFP]
At the end of a year of political turmoil, faithful arrive to attend Christmas Eve mass at St Therese Christian Armenian church in Cairo, Egypt [AFP]
Syrian children attend a Christmas celebration at the Mar Takla monastery in the Christian village of Ma'alula [AFP]
A Syrian man dressed as Santa Claus plays with orphans. Nine months of unrest in Syria have stripped Christian neighbourhoods of any sign of Christmas joy as Syrian Christians have decided to cancel celebrations and only observe Christmas mass [AFP]
L I B Y A
For the first time in four decades, Libya celebrated 60 years of its country's independence from Italy and France. During 42 years of Libya under Moammar Khadhafi power, the celebration was abolished. Instead, the national memorial was replaced with the date and month of the coup in 1969.
"Today we begin to build Libya as it has done to our ancestors. We call our children to build Libya after the devastation," said the Prime Minister of Libya Abdurrahim el-Keib at the celebration ceremony in Tripoli on Saturday (12/24).
Thousands of people flocked to the capital city of Libya from various cities. They came with a hope to get bread on the national celebrations.
According to previous plan, the meal would be served along the coast of Tripoli. However, on that night the plan was canceled because of security reasons. the reason was among those who were invited, there was still disagreement among the group of former anti-Gaddafi fighters.
Meanwhile, at the celebration that was held at the Headquarters of the National Transition Council in Tripoli, ministers shared the cake and mingling with reporters.
For decades, Libya was occupied by various nations. In 1947, both Italy and French released the claims on the country. (Oh dear dahling, when I typed the word "cake" here, I just realized one thing. It's been going on for so long I never eat cake. Cake darling, cake! And you are my beloved cookie monster for all my homemade cookies. But for the Libyan government's cake, ehhee ... sorry, this is not enough to make me drool. Icky! Besides I do not like all sweet and starchy foods cause it can lead to diabetes and obesity, hehhehe...I do not why I don't like Libya's cake, although it may taste delicious... Keeping the possibility that I am pregnant -- for the good of our baby -- I do not like to crave the strange things, all sorts, so let me upload a cake picture here. This is Muffin's image, your favorite cake. I will vent my appetite to eat the cake with baking as much as possible and ... then it is your turn to finish them all! ahahaha .... you know it! I do not like to eat cake. But I like to make it for you.
(After you've finished them all, then let me kiss you dahling,..... mmmmmwwah! It's just the same as I ate all my homemade cookies .... eehehheh...)
For the first time in four decades, Libya celebrated 60 years of its country's independence from Italy and France. During 42 years of Libya under Moammar Khadhafi power, the celebration was abolished. Instead, the national memorial was replaced with the date and month of the coup in 1969.
"Today we begin to build Libya as it has done to our ancestors. We call our children to build Libya after the devastation," said the Prime Minister of Libya Abdurrahim el-Keib at the celebration ceremony in Tripoli on Saturday (12/24).
Thousands of people flocked to the capital city of Libya from various cities. They came with a hope to get bread on the national celebrations.
According to previous plan, the meal would be served along the coast of Tripoli. However, on that night the plan was canceled because of security reasons. the reason was among those who were invited, there was still disagreement among the group of former anti-Gaddafi fighters.
Meanwhile, at the celebration that was held at the Headquarters of the National Transition Council in Tripoli, ministers shared the cake and mingling with reporters.
For decades, Libya was occupied by various nations. In 1947, both Italy and French released the claims on the country. (Oh dear dahling, when I typed the word "cake" here, I just realized one thing. It's been going on for so long I never eat cake. Cake darling, cake! And you are my beloved cookie monster for all my homemade cookies. But for the Libyan government's cake, ehhee ... sorry, this is not enough to make me drool. Icky! Besides I do not like all sweet and starchy foods cause it can lead to diabetes and obesity, hehhehe...I do not why I don't like Libya's cake, although it may taste delicious... Keeping the possibility that I am pregnant -- for the good of our baby -- I do not like to crave the strange things, all sorts, so let me upload a cake picture here. This is Muffin's image, your favorite cake. I will vent my appetite to eat the cake with baking as much as possible and ... then it is your turn to finish them all! ahahaha .... you know it! I do not like to eat cake. But I like to make it for you.
(After you've finished them all, then let me kiss you dahling,..... mmmmmwwah! It's just the same as I ate all my homemade cookies .... eehehheh...)
P A K I S T A N
► http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3829383.stm
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Imran Khan and Jemima divorce
The marriage of former Pakistan cricket star Imran Khan and UK socialite Jemima Goldsmith is over.
► http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/models_250/286_jemima_khan.html
Jemima Khan
www.askmen.com
Why did British socialite Jemima Khan off to bail out Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from prison?
► http://www.reuters.com/>article/2011/11/18/us-pakistan-khan-newspro-idUSTRE7AH1DQ20111118
Pakistan's Imran Khan: playboy to PM?
BANI GALA, Pakistan - The road to Imran Khan's palatial spread in the hills above Pakistan's capital is a perfect metaphor for his vision of his political career: twisty and pot-holed, but ending in a grand estate.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2011/12/2011122718447202109.html
Pakistan marks anniversary of Bhutto murder
President Asif Ali Zardari tells mourners best way to honour his wife, Benazir Bhutto, is "to protect democracy".
Mussaraf, Pakistan under your presidency should be held responsible for her death! She's one of my idol women.
► http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3829383.stm
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Imran Khan and Jemima divorce
The marriage of former Pakistan cricket star Imran Khan and UK socialite Jemima Goldsmith is over.
► http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/models_250/286_jemima_khan.html
Jemima Khan
www.askmen.com
Why did British socialite Jemima Khan off to bail out Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from prison?
► http://www.reuters.com/>article/2011/11/18/us-pakistan-khan-newspro-idUSTRE7AH1DQ20111118
Pakistan's Imran Khan: playboy to PM?
BANI GALA, Pakistan - The road to Imran Khan's palatial spread in the hills above Pakistan's capital is a perfect metaphor for his vision of his political career: twisty and pot-holed, but ending in a grand estate.
Ahem ahem. Mr. Imran Khan, why are you interested in being a politician? You deserve to be an artist.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2011/12/2011122718447202109.html
Pakistan marks anniversary of Bhutto murder
President Asif Ali Zardari tells mourners best way to honour his wife, Benazir Bhutto, is "to protect democracy".
ASIA TIMES ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Benazir Bhutto's answer to al-Qaeda
Benazir Bhutto, daughter of former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, as leader of the Pakistan People's Party, served as premier for two terms, 1988-90 and 1993-96, the first term making her the first female prime minister in the Muslim world. She currently lives in self-imposed exile. Asia Times Online's Syed Saleem Shahzad spoke to Mrs Bhutto on a wide range of topics.
Asia Times Online: Islamic extremists have called for "death to America", with no room for compromise. Why has this extremism emerged now, and not, for instance, during the Cold War?
Benazir Bhutto: The slogan "death to America" was, to my knowledge, raised before Islamic extremists took center stage in global politics. If I recall correctly, it was used way back in Latin America during the times of Che Guevara and Pancho Villa. The slogan is today considered more deadly because of the events of 9/11. In the past, it was more a manifestation of anger or resentment among those who raised such slogans. The events of 9/11 have given it a less rhetorical content.
During the Cold War the countries which felt aggrieved used superpower rivalry to promote their agendas. With the demise of the Soviet Union, and the rise of Islamic extremists during the fight against the Soviet occupation [of Afghanistan], Islamic extremists felt that they could take on the remaining superpower. It is unlikely that non-state actors can take on a superpower without being assisted by another superpower. However, they can cause random terror, spread insecurity and fear, give birth to a clash of cultures and religions and create more hatred and intolerance. This is the real danger. We need to counter such extremism by promoting unity, tolerance and respect to different races, religions and genders. In such moderation lies the harmony and well being of the world community. Moreover, we need to address unresolved political issues to prevent extremists from exploiting them for their own narrow and theocratic ends.
ATol: The US says "you are with us or against us" - all-out war with no compromise.
Bhutto: The impact of 9/11 was dramatic and led to a dramatic declaration that either you are with us or against us. The United States was struck in its financial and political center - while Pearl Harbor was on the periphery in comparison. Pearl Harbor drew the US into World War II. The attacks of 9/11 have drawn it into the war against terror. For some time, the events of 9/11 will continue to dominate the agenda of global politics, with the US in the lead.
ATol: The US is fighting a war against an invisible enemy called al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden's International Islamic Front (a loose coalition of pro-al-Qaeda organizations). What is al-Qaeda in the real sense? Is there an ideology behind its movement, or are they just a bunch of militants who are mindlessly in search of soft US targets to blow up?
Bhutto: Al-Qaeda has managed to unite disparate militant groups into an international confederate of terrorists, which is at times is called the Islamic Front. Often these groups exploit local tensions, for example the tensions in the Middle East, the nationalistic feelings of the Chechen people, the nationalistic opposition to foreign troops in Iraq or the Kashmir dispute. However, they do have an ideology. Their real agenda is to use regional political issues to bring about a theocratic dictatorship similar to the one that existed in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Gender discrimination, cultural intolerance, denial of representation, repression of freedom and subjugation of the masses to one-man clerical dictatorship is a negation of humanity's struggle to overcome suffering and to live in respect and dignity. It is important to separate the terrorists from the regional issue by defusing tensions where they exist through political action.
ATol:There is a theory that Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf was the biggest supporter of al-Qaeda before September 11, 2001. Why and how did he became the "most trusted" US partner in the "war on terror"? And does the Pakistani army fully support him?
Bhutto: It is a fact that the Musharraf regime was the biggest supporter of the Taliban, who harbored al-Qaeda, which was recruiting and training men for terrorism prior to 9/11. This policy was defended in the name of strategic depth. I called it "strategic threat" in a speech I gave in parliament calling for the breaking of ties with the Taliban in 1998. According to a book by Bob Woodward, the Bush administration asked Musharraf to stand up and be counted as friend or foe. Since he gave a positive answer in one telephone call, they decided to work with him. It was more convenient for Washington to work with someone stating he was prepared to play ball than bring about a change at a time of immense crisis. Washington has managed to squeeze concessions out of Musharraf. There is a US base in Pakistan, the FBI [US Federal Bureau of Investigation] are allowed to operate [in Pakistan] and through electronic "transepts" have captured some big fish. Musharraf in turn has been able to use the relationship to buy time during which the Taliban (either deliberately or inadvertently) have been able to regroup. He has also cleverly held out the promise of the capture of a high-value target - read Osama bin Laden or [Taliban leader] Mullah Omar - during the US presidential-election year.
The Pakistan army is a disciplined force. It may be unhappy having to kill civilians in search of terrorists in the tribal areas, but it does what it is ordered to do through its chain of command. There have been isolated incidents that demonstrate a lack of support, namely in the two assassination attempts [last year] against Musharraf, and some other incidents. However, this kind of isolated, junior-level activity is not new. It has occurred in the past during the Attock Conspiracy case of the 1970s [to overthrow Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's government] and the Islamic Brotherhood attempt to overthrow the democratic government in the 1990s.
By involving the military in civilian affairs and scandals ... as well as political persecution, the impartiality of the armed forces and its professionalism has been made subject to public controversy. It is this controversial political role that would make most professional officers uncomfortable.
ATol: The US invasion of Iraq, in the name of creating a civil society and a liberal democracy in the Middle East, has instead promoted fundamentalist trends, especially in Iraq itself, which had been a tolerant secular society but is now a fundamentalist hotbed where private Shi'ite and Sunni militias rule the roost.
Bhutto: There were two plans: one for the overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime and the second for a postwar order. The first worked and the second did not. The consequences are before us. It's a tragedy to see Muslims divided on sectarian lines. It's important for Muslims to unite and dissent on political rather than religious issues.
ATol: Previously, Islamic fundamentalist parties could not make headway in elections, now they are emerging as a challenge in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Bhutto: Extremist and fundamentalist political parties have never been able to score any significant political victories in countries like Pakistan. In fact, if the past record is any guide, it is clear that the extremist parties were never voted into power or even brought close to it by the people. The extremists rose under the dictatorship of General Zia ul-Haq in Pakistan. The religious parties [Muttahhida Majlis-e-Amal] formed a government for the first time [in North West Frontier Province] under General Musharraf's dictatorship.
It is dictatorship that leads to the rise of extremist groups. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc are all countries that share a background of long periods of military or authoritarian rule. The best defense against extremism and terrorism is the promotion of freedom, human dignity, rule of law, tolerance and pluralism. The present marginalization of moderate political parties in Pakistan can cause blow-back in time. There is a political vacuum in Pakistan which is dangerous to the future.
ATol: There is an extreme feeling of dissent within religious political parties, which is further giving birth to more extreme notions. Jihadi organizations are one manifestation, but there is a very strong opinion flourishing in the shape of Hizbut Tehrir-like organizations, which has taken strong roots in Central Asia and is silently taking root in Pakistan. Unlike religious-political parties, they do not believe in democracy at all. What is the perspective of these trends?
Bhutto: During the days of fighting the Soviet occupation in Afghanistan [1980s], a military dictator in Pakistan [Zia] used religious parties to recruit fighters. He used money to set up religious schools whose real purpose was to indoctrinate young men into becoming robots. Since he was associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, he used those links to bring together members of the Muslim Brotherhood from different parts of the world. They were brainwashed into believing that after defeating the Soviet Union, they could take on the other superpower, namely America. They were never told that the success against the Soviets was because it was a proxy war with international backing. These indoctrinated elements were patronized in the military, security, civilian and political structure of Pakistan. They believe that Islam came to Pakistan through the shores of Central Asia and can now be exported to Europe through Central Asia. Hence we see the cells operating in that area.
I believe that both my governments were destabilized by these forces. The Pakistan People's Party and I posed the most potent threat to them. We gave an alternative vision of freedom, human rights, modernity compatible with religion as well as progress and prosperity. Pakistan, under the PPP, was an example of a moderate, enlightened and modern democracy to 1 billion Muslims at the crossroads having to choose between the past and the future. These elements prefer Musharraf to the PPP. Musharraf is a military dictator and is not an ideological alternative to them. They have scuttled all attempts at rapprochement between the army led by Musharraf and the people led by the PPP. This is why some sections of the media have speculated that Islamabad could be seized by a combine of religio-political-military elements. I do not believe that this nightmare scenario is possible because I believe that the restoration of democracy can turn the wheel of disaster into one of opportunity for the people of Pakistan - and the wider world community.
Previously, the religious parties were used to help recruit militants. With the passage of two decades, the militant cells are becoming more independent of the religious parties. While they take their spiritual mentoring from the religious parties, their organizational structures are cellular and independent. But there is a real danger today. Disillusioned with military dictatorship and unable to express disillusionment through a fair electoral process, the danger is of the radicalization of the masses. This disillusionment provides a perfect breeding ground for extremist organizations. That was why in Pakistan, parties that are sympathetic to the Taliban and al-Qaeda claim that neither democracy nor military dictatorship works and that theocratic rule should be given a chance. Thus, when people are denied the democratic model of development, they can choose a system that is even worse than military dictatorship.
ATol: Why have secular forces in Muslim societies failed to contain fundamentalism?
Bhutto: Most secular forces were kept out of government during the Cold War by military or authoritarian rulers lacking grass-root support and legitimacy. Since authoritarianism and dictatorship rested on force rather than on law, it gave birth to a culture of lawlessness and extremism. We need to have democracy in the Muslim world and we need to spend more on education and human development to contain the forces of extremism.
ATol: Where do liberation movements such as those in Palestine and Kashmir stand?
Bhutto: The armed struggle of the people of Palestine and Kashmir and others under occupation received a setback following the events of 9/11. Now there is zero tolerance for armed struggle. However, the causes of unrest are political and the search for a solution will continue through peaceful avenues.
Syed Saleem Shahzad is Bureau Chief, Pakistan, Asia Times Online. He can be reached at saleem_shahzad2002@yahoo.com.
(Copyright 2004 Asia Times Online Ltd. All rights reserved. Please contact content@atimes.com for information on our sales and syndication policies.)
Source : Bhutto on Al-Qaeda
*****
Benazir Bhutto's answer to al-Qaeda
Benazir Bhutto, daughter of former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, as leader of the Pakistan People's Party, served as premier for two terms, 1988-90 and 1993-96, the first term making her the first female prime minister in the Muslim world. She currently lives in self-imposed exile. Asia Times Online's Syed Saleem Shahzad spoke to Mrs Bhutto on a wide range of topics.
Asia Times Online: Islamic extremists have called for "death to America", with no room for compromise. Why has this extremism emerged now, and not, for instance, during the Cold War?
Benazir Bhutto: The slogan "death to America" was, to my knowledge, raised before Islamic extremists took center stage in global politics. If I recall correctly, it was used way back in Latin America during the times of Che Guevara and Pancho Villa. The slogan is today considered more deadly because of the events of 9/11. In the past, it was more a manifestation of anger or resentment among those who raised such slogans. The events of 9/11 have given it a less rhetorical content.
During the Cold War the countries which felt aggrieved used superpower rivalry to promote their agendas. With the demise of the Soviet Union, and the rise of Islamic extremists during the fight against the Soviet occupation [of Afghanistan], Islamic extremists felt that they could take on the remaining superpower. It is unlikely that non-state actors can take on a superpower without being assisted by another superpower. However, they can cause random terror, spread insecurity and fear, give birth to a clash of cultures and religions and create more hatred and intolerance. This is the real danger. We need to counter such extremism by promoting unity, tolerance and respect to different races, religions and genders. In such moderation lies the harmony and well being of the world community. Moreover, we need to address unresolved political issues to prevent extremists from exploiting them for their own narrow and theocratic ends.
ATol: The US says "you are with us or against us" - all-out war with no compromise.
Bhutto: The impact of 9/11 was dramatic and led to a dramatic declaration that either you are with us or against us. The United States was struck in its financial and political center - while Pearl Harbor was on the periphery in comparison. Pearl Harbor drew the US into World War II. The attacks of 9/11 have drawn it into the war against terror. For some time, the events of 9/11 will continue to dominate the agenda of global politics, with the US in the lead.
ATol: The US is fighting a war against an invisible enemy called al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden's International Islamic Front (a loose coalition of pro-al-Qaeda organizations). What is al-Qaeda in the real sense? Is there an ideology behind its movement, or are they just a bunch of militants who are mindlessly in search of soft US targets to blow up?
Bhutto: Al-Qaeda has managed to unite disparate militant groups into an international confederate of terrorists, which is at times is called the Islamic Front. Often these groups exploit local tensions, for example the tensions in the Middle East, the nationalistic feelings of the Chechen people, the nationalistic opposition to foreign troops in Iraq or the Kashmir dispute. However, they do have an ideology. Their real agenda is to use regional political issues to bring about a theocratic dictatorship similar to the one that existed in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Gender discrimination, cultural intolerance, denial of representation, repression of freedom and subjugation of the masses to one-man clerical dictatorship is a negation of humanity's struggle to overcome suffering and to live in respect and dignity. It is important to separate the terrorists from the regional issue by defusing tensions where they exist through political action.
ATol:There is a theory that Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf was the biggest supporter of al-Qaeda before September 11, 2001. Why and how did he became the "most trusted" US partner in the "war on terror"? And does the Pakistani army fully support him?
Bhutto: It is a fact that the Musharraf regime was the biggest supporter of the Taliban, who harbored al-Qaeda, which was recruiting and training men for terrorism prior to 9/11. This policy was defended in the name of strategic depth. I called it "strategic threat" in a speech I gave in parliament calling for the breaking of ties with the Taliban in 1998. According to a book by Bob Woodward, the Bush administration asked Musharraf to stand up and be counted as friend or foe. Since he gave a positive answer in one telephone call, they decided to work with him. It was more convenient for Washington to work with someone stating he was prepared to play ball than bring about a change at a time of immense crisis. Washington has managed to squeeze concessions out of Musharraf. There is a US base in Pakistan, the FBI [US Federal Bureau of Investigation] are allowed to operate [in Pakistan] and through electronic "transepts" have captured some big fish. Musharraf in turn has been able to use the relationship to buy time during which the Taliban (either deliberately or inadvertently) have been able to regroup. He has also cleverly held out the promise of the capture of a high-value target - read Osama bin Laden or [Taliban leader] Mullah Omar - during the US presidential-election year.
The Pakistan army is a disciplined force. It may be unhappy having to kill civilians in search of terrorists in the tribal areas, but it does what it is ordered to do through its chain of command. There have been isolated incidents that demonstrate a lack of support, namely in the two assassination attempts [last year] against Musharraf, and some other incidents. However, this kind of isolated, junior-level activity is not new. It has occurred in the past during the Attock Conspiracy case of the 1970s [to overthrow Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's government] and the Islamic Brotherhood attempt to overthrow the democratic government in the 1990s.
By involving the military in civilian affairs and scandals ... as well as political persecution, the impartiality of the armed forces and its professionalism has been made subject to public controversy. It is this controversial political role that would make most professional officers uncomfortable.
ATol: The US invasion of Iraq, in the name of creating a civil society and a liberal democracy in the Middle East, has instead promoted fundamentalist trends, especially in Iraq itself, which had been a tolerant secular society but is now a fundamentalist hotbed where private Shi'ite and Sunni militias rule the roost.
Bhutto: There were two plans: one for the overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime and the second for a postwar order. The first worked and the second did not. The consequences are before us. It's a tragedy to see Muslims divided on sectarian lines. It's important for Muslims to unite and dissent on political rather than religious issues.
ATol: Previously, Islamic fundamentalist parties could not make headway in elections, now they are emerging as a challenge in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Bhutto: Extremist and fundamentalist political parties have never been able to score any significant political victories in countries like Pakistan. In fact, if the past record is any guide, it is clear that the extremist parties were never voted into power or even brought close to it by the people. The extremists rose under the dictatorship of General Zia ul-Haq in Pakistan. The religious parties [Muttahhida Majlis-e-Amal] formed a government for the first time [in North West Frontier Province] under General Musharraf's dictatorship.
It is dictatorship that leads to the rise of extremist groups. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc are all countries that share a background of long periods of military or authoritarian rule. The best defense against extremism and terrorism is the promotion of freedom, human dignity, rule of law, tolerance and pluralism. The present marginalization of moderate political parties in Pakistan can cause blow-back in time. There is a political vacuum in Pakistan which is dangerous to the future.
ATol: There is an extreme feeling of dissent within religious political parties, which is further giving birth to more extreme notions. Jihadi organizations are one manifestation, but there is a very strong opinion flourishing in the shape of Hizbut Tehrir-like organizations, which has taken strong roots in Central Asia and is silently taking root in Pakistan. Unlike religious-political parties, they do not believe in democracy at all. What is the perspective of these trends?
Bhutto: During the days of fighting the Soviet occupation in Afghanistan [1980s], a military dictator in Pakistan [Zia] used religious parties to recruit fighters. He used money to set up religious schools whose real purpose was to indoctrinate young men into becoming robots. Since he was associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, he used those links to bring together members of the Muslim Brotherhood from different parts of the world. They were brainwashed into believing that after defeating the Soviet Union, they could take on the other superpower, namely America. They were never told that the success against the Soviets was because it was a proxy war with international backing. These indoctrinated elements were patronized in the military, security, civilian and political structure of Pakistan. They believe that Islam came to Pakistan through the shores of Central Asia and can now be exported to Europe through Central Asia. Hence we see the cells operating in that area.
I believe that both my governments were destabilized by these forces. The Pakistan People's Party and I posed the most potent threat to them. We gave an alternative vision of freedom, human rights, modernity compatible with religion as well as progress and prosperity. Pakistan, under the PPP, was an example of a moderate, enlightened and modern democracy to 1 billion Muslims at the crossroads having to choose between the past and the future. These elements prefer Musharraf to the PPP. Musharraf is a military dictator and is not an ideological alternative to them. They have scuttled all attempts at rapprochement between the army led by Musharraf and the people led by the PPP. This is why some sections of the media have speculated that Islamabad could be seized by a combine of religio-political-military elements. I do not believe that this nightmare scenario is possible because I believe that the restoration of democracy can turn the wheel of disaster into one of opportunity for the people of Pakistan - and the wider world community.
Previously, the religious parties were used to help recruit militants. With the passage of two decades, the militant cells are becoming more independent of the religious parties. While they take their spiritual mentoring from the religious parties, their organizational structures are cellular and independent. But there is a real danger today. Disillusioned with military dictatorship and unable to express disillusionment through a fair electoral process, the danger is of the radicalization of the masses. This disillusionment provides a perfect breeding ground for extremist organizations. That was why in Pakistan, parties that are sympathetic to the Taliban and al-Qaeda claim that neither democracy nor military dictatorship works and that theocratic rule should be given a chance. Thus, when people are denied the democratic model of development, they can choose a system that is even worse than military dictatorship.
ATol: Why have secular forces in Muslim societies failed to contain fundamentalism?
Bhutto: Most secular forces were kept out of government during the Cold War by military or authoritarian rulers lacking grass-root support and legitimacy. Since authoritarianism and dictatorship rested on force rather than on law, it gave birth to a culture of lawlessness and extremism. We need to have democracy in the Muslim world and we need to spend more on education and human development to contain the forces of extremism.
ATol: Where do liberation movements such as those in Palestine and Kashmir stand?
Bhutto: The armed struggle of the people of Palestine and Kashmir and others under occupation received a setback following the events of 9/11. Now there is zero tolerance for armed struggle. However, the causes of unrest are political and the search for a solution will continue through peaceful avenues.
Syed Saleem Shahzad is Bureau Chief, Pakistan, Asia Times Online. He can be reached at saleem_shahzad2002@yahoo.com.
(Copyright 2004 Asia Times Online Ltd. All rights reserved. Please contact content@atimes.com for information on our sales and syndication policies.)
Source : Bhutto on Al-Qaeda
*****
A F G H A N I S T A N
NORTH KOREA
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/201112264218732936.html
S Korea delegates pay respects to North's Kim
Visit by widow of late president accompanied by Hyundai Group chairwoman aimed at improving North-South relations.
► http://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/
North Korea Leadership Watch
Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership
The Song-thaek appearance which was wearing military attributes marked the rise of the influence of the late Kim Jong-il's brother-in-law.
When Kim Jong-un to be the leader of North Korea (Korea), his uncle (Jang Song-thaek) started to get a position as the impact of his role as mentor to his nephew. Song-thaek was predicted would play a crucial role in abroad leadership.
The assurance was obtained after the North Korean television stations showing the figure of Song-thaek wearing military uniform complete with badges on Saturday (12/24). In the impressions of the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Song-thaek was at the forefront of high-ranking North Korean military to accompany Jong-un to do homage to the body of the late Kim Jong-il at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.
Officials in Seoul, South Korea (ROK) who is familiar with the developments in North Korea said it was the first time for Song-thaek wearing a military uniform and it marked the rise of his influence to work behind Jong-un.
Previously, after Jong-il was declared dead, South Korean Intelligence Agency predicted Song-thaek -- who married the sister of Kim Jong-il, Kim Kyong-hui, in 1972 -- would have a major role as a mentor to support the transition of power in the country.
Another thing that stands out in the third visit to the funeral of his father, Jong-un for the first time was hailed as the supreme leader of North Korea's military. "This is the supreme leader of revolutionary forces and accompanied by a senior North Korean military," said the announcer KCNA when Jong-un was highlighted by the camera.
The mention of Jong-un's status indicated an attempt to smooth the transition of leadership in North Korea. As quoted by Reuters, the North Korean media continued to propagate to smooth the transition to Jong-un who is still considered too young and untested to lead the North Korean military which is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
On Saturday last week, the newspaper Rodong Sinmum -- mouthpiece of the workers party -- wrote, "Comrade Kim Jong-un, please accept the leadership of the highest, as expected by the people."
Kim Jong-un (27 years) has been appointed by Kim Jong-il as crown prince in September last year. Jong-un would be the third generation leader of the Kim dynasty to lead the nation of 2 million people. "Let the whole army remained loyal to the leadership of Kim Jong-un," said the KCNA reporter. It was based on a promise spoken by the soldiers as Kim Jong-il was still the leader of the country and also the supreme commander of the North country.
Separately, the North Korean authorities accused South Korea (ROK) have committed violent by hindering the group of people who wanted to go to Pyongyang to pay homage to Jong-il. A spokesman of the Committee on Peace Reunification released by KCNA warned that the South Korea's actions could trigger the "destruction of unimaginable consequences".
Meanwhile, Seoul's unification ministry said that they only allowed two groups to visit North Korea.
*****
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/201112264218732936.html
S Korea delegates pay respects to North's Kim
Visit by widow of late president accompanied by Hyundai Group chairwoman aimed at improving North-South relations.
► http://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/
North Korea Leadership Watch
Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership
Jang Sung-taek | |
---|---|
Vice Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea | |
Incumbent | |
Assumed office 7 June 2010 | |
Leader | Kim Jong-il Kim Jong-un |
Personal details | |
Born | 2 February 1946 Kangwon-do, North Korea |
Spouse(s) | Kim Kyong-hui |
Relations | Kim Jong-il (brother-in-law) |
The Song-thaek appearance which was wearing military attributes marked the rise of the influence of the late Kim Jong-il's brother-in-law.
When Kim Jong-un to be the leader of North Korea (Korea), his uncle (Jang Song-thaek) started to get a position as the impact of his role as mentor to his nephew. Song-thaek was predicted would play a crucial role in abroad leadership.
The assurance was obtained after the North Korean television stations showing the figure of Song-thaek wearing military uniform complete with badges on Saturday (12/24). In the impressions of the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Song-thaek was at the forefront of high-ranking North Korean military to accompany Jong-un to do homage to the body of the late Kim Jong-il at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.
Officials in Seoul, South Korea (ROK) who is familiar with the developments in North Korea said it was the first time for Song-thaek wearing a military uniform and it marked the rise of his influence to work behind Jong-un.
Previously, after Jong-il was declared dead, South Korean Intelligence Agency predicted Song-thaek -- who married the sister of Kim Jong-il, Kim Kyong-hui, in 1972 -- would have a major role as a mentor to support the transition of power in the country.
Another thing that stands out in the third visit to the funeral of his father, Jong-un for the first time was hailed as the supreme leader of North Korea's military. "This is the supreme leader of revolutionary forces and accompanied by a senior North Korean military," said the announcer KCNA when Jong-un was highlighted by the camera.
The mention of Jong-un's status indicated an attempt to smooth the transition of leadership in North Korea. As quoted by Reuters, the North Korean media continued to propagate to smooth the transition to Jong-un who is still considered too young and untested to lead the North Korean military which is trying to develop nuclear weapons.
On Saturday last week, the newspaper Rodong Sinmum -- mouthpiece of the workers party -- wrote, "Comrade Kim Jong-un, please accept the leadership of the highest, as expected by the people."
Kim Jong-un (27 years) has been appointed by Kim Jong-il as crown prince in September last year. Jong-un would be the third generation leader of the Kim dynasty to lead the nation of 2 million people. "Let the whole army remained loyal to the leadership of Kim Jong-un," said the KCNA reporter. It was based on a promise spoken by the soldiers as Kim Jong-il was still the leader of the country and also the supreme commander of the North country.
Separately, the North Korean authorities accused South Korea (ROK) have committed violent by hindering the group of people who wanted to go to Pyongyang to pay homage to Jong-il. A spokesman of the Committee on Peace Reunification released by KCNA warned that the South Korea's actions could trigger the "destruction of unimaginable consequences".
Meanwhile, Seoul's unification ministry said that they only allowed two groups to visit North Korea.
*****
A L M A Telescope
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-1510725
'Highest telescope' begins quest
The Alma radio telescope, one of the 21st Century's grand scientific undertakings, begins its quest to study the earliest stars.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-1510725
'Highest telescope' begins quest
The Alma radio telescope, one of the 21st Century's grand scientific undertakings, begins its quest to study the earliest stars.
U.S.A : Big Bird
A tube containing the film was launched from the Big Bird by parachute to Earth. Big Bird is the most successful of the U.S spy satellite program.
The building which stands on a hill in the city of Danbury (Connecticut - United States) looks awkward. The shape is square and has no windows. The only window in the building is only in the cafeteria.
Locals only know the building is owned by Perkin-Elmer Corporation, a small company that holds a big secret. Closure of the building in accordance with its name, "The Secret".
People who work in the building are also seen close themselves. They are wearing a kind of special white clothes. Before getting into the building they have to go through an air urinal. After that, they must enter the "Clean Room".
They also speak in coded language. Each of them does not know the people they see in the building. For years people are working in long hours and tight deadlines. In fact, they almost negate the holidays and birthday celebrations of their families.
"They are the engineers, scientists, draftsmen, and inventors. The people are very confidential," said Fred Marra (78 years) when he was relaxed with the former employees Perkin-Elmer Corp. in Danbury shopping center. Just recently they dare to reveal the big secret that they made in "The Secret". The secret of the building was revealed by the U.S. government in September 2011.
The building developed a spy satellite program called Hexagon. The program also has a code of "Big Bird", it was regarded as the most successful of the U.S spy satellite program during the Cold War era. From 1971 to 1986, a total of 20 satellites had been launched. Each satellite carried the film along the 60 miles and sophisticated cameras. These satellites took the pictures of the Soviet Union, China and other countries that could potentially be the U.S. enemy. Film taken from a satellite sent to earth by parachute over the Pacific Ocean and then taken by C-130 aircraft (air force-owned).
Joseph Prusak (76 yrs), an engineer of the project revealed that after he worked for several years he had been told about the Hexagon. "I think they're crazy," he said. "They want a satellite with a length of 18.2 meters and supplies the film with a speed of 200 inches per second. The precision and its complexity really make me crazy."
Of course, that big satellite invited a variety of questions. "The question is, how do you hide an elephant?" The National Reconnaissance Office said in its report. However, the employees such as Prusak was trained to ignore the questions from anyone. In fact, the ability of U.S. satellites was really sophisticated. "It has existed long before there is the Google Earth," he said. "We can see clearly the pond in my backyard."
► BIG BIRD
► Declassified Satellite Imagery - 2
► Encyclopedia Astronautica KH-9
► KH-9 Hexagon Spy Satellite Makes a Rare Public Outing (Photos and Video)
Aw ... gee, I better join the fun and knowledge in this Good Birds Club
*****
The building which stands on a hill in the city of Danbury (Connecticut - United States) looks awkward. The shape is square and has no windows. The only window in the building is only in the cafeteria.
Locals only know the building is owned by Perkin-Elmer Corporation, a small company that holds a big secret. Closure of the building in accordance with its name, "The Secret".
People who work in the building are also seen close themselves. They are wearing a kind of special white clothes. Before getting into the building they have to go through an air urinal. After that, they must enter the "Clean Room".
They also speak in coded language. Each of them does not know the people they see in the building. For years people are working in long hours and tight deadlines. In fact, they almost negate the holidays and birthday celebrations of their families.
"They are the engineers, scientists, draftsmen, and inventors. The people are very confidential," said Fred Marra (78 years) when he was relaxed with the former employees Perkin-Elmer Corp. in Danbury shopping center. Just recently they dare to reveal the big secret that they made in "The Secret". The secret of the building was revealed by the U.S. government in September 2011.
The building developed a spy satellite program called Hexagon. The program also has a code of "Big Bird", it was regarded as the most successful of the U.S spy satellite program during the Cold War era. From 1971 to 1986, a total of 20 satellites had been launched. Each satellite carried the film along the 60 miles and sophisticated cameras. These satellites took the pictures of the Soviet Union, China and other countries that could potentially be the U.S. enemy. Film taken from a satellite sent to earth by parachute over the Pacific Ocean and then taken by C-130 aircraft (air force-owned).
Joseph Prusak (76 yrs), an engineer of the project revealed that after he worked for several years he had been told about the Hexagon. "I think they're crazy," he said. "They want a satellite with a length of 18.2 meters and supplies the film with a speed of 200 inches per second. The precision and its complexity really make me crazy."
Of course, that big satellite invited a variety of questions. "The question is, how do you hide an elephant?" The National Reconnaissance Office said in its report. However, the employees such as Prusak was trained to ignore the questions from anyone. In fact, the ability of U.S. satellites was really sophisticated. "It has existed long before there is the Google Earth," he said. "We can see clearly the pond in my backyard."
► BIG BIRD
► Declassified Satellite Imagery - 2
► Encyclopedia Astronautica KH-9
► KH-9 Hexagon Spy Satellite Makes a Rare Public Outing (Photos and Video)
Aw ... gee, I better join the fun and knowledge in this Good Birds Club
*****
On December 25, my fiancé's birthday
We will take leave together at the end of the year and he is willing to accompany me to visit my mother at the turn of this year. How happy I am. He never knew what his decision meant for me. You know how I am. If I was too impressed on something, my reaction was even more quiet. Shanananana. Just Quiet. Shanananana. Time and our togetherness has made him really understand me. Shanananana. Then he was not surprised when a few minutes later I jumped into his arms, Shanananana... just like the a wild she-monkey perched on a guava tree. Shanananana. I feel, other than we love each other more, our relationship is also colored by a sense of kinship. Shanananana. ♫..♫
We will take leave together at the end of the year and he is willing to accompany me to visit my mother at the turn of this year. How happy I am. He never knew what his decision meant for me. You know how I am. If I was too impressed on something, my reaction was even more quiet. Shanananana. Just Quiet. Shanananana. Time and our togetherness has made him really understand me. Shanananana. Then he was not surprised when a few minutes later I jumped into his arms, Shanananana... just like the a wild she-monkey perched on a guava tree. Shanananana. I feel, other than we love each other more, our relationship is also colored by a sense of kinship. Shanananana. ♫..♫
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