Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saddam's Execution-Milestone or Millstone
At last George Bush has done it-got his revenge for his father, who could not finish off Saddam. After 15 years Bush Junior has proved to his father that he can do something his dad could not.
He must be feeling great. And he has described the execution as a 'Milestone in Iraq's history'.
But more likely this untimely execution which has once again proved how insensitive the West can be to other cultures, may become a 'Millstone' around the neck of USA.
George Bush may feel that he has won a battle, but in his own words he has admitted that the 'war is not being won'. That is the war he started illegally against the opinions of the whole world and which is causing death and destruction to Iraq and also put thousands of American soldiers in harms way.
George Bush and his administration has a lot to answer for and he is compounding his crime daily. The latest example is the hasty execution of Saddam to which he must have given his blessing. The puppet government of Iraq has done his bidding, but they may be the one along with the Iraqi people who are going to face the consequences of the deepenig division in Iraq.
May be George Bush has an hidden agenda here, which could be the ultimate partition of Iraq on sectarian lines, giving him the control he has sought over the oil fields.
I wish the Arabs (not only those living in Iraq, but in the whole Middle East) realise soon the devious tactics of USA and pull themselves out of their myopic alliance with USA.
They have the wealth and the resources and if they need help there are other countries like the European Union, Japan, China, India and even Russia available. They must realise that they are not dependent on USA and cut their losses.
Will it happen soon enough?
Insha Allah!!!!!
He must be feeling great. And he has described the execution as a 'Milestone in Iraq's history'.
But more likely this untimely execution which has once again proved how insensitive the West can be to other cultures, may become a 'Millstone' around the neck of USA.
George Bush may feel that he has won a battle, but in his own words he has admitted that the 'war is not being won'. That is the war he started illegally against the opinions of the whole world and which is causing death and destruction to Iraq and also put thousands of American soldiers in harms way.
George Bush and his administration has a lot to answer for and he is compounding his crime daily. The latest example is the hasty execution of Saddam to which he must have given his blessing. The puppet government of Iraq has done his bidding, but they may be the one along with the Iraqi people who are going to face the consequences of the deepenig division in Iraq.
May be George Bush has an hidden agenda here, which could be the ultimate partition of Iraq on sectarian lines, giving him the control he has sought over the oil fields.
I wish the Arabs (not only those living in Iraq, but in the whole Middle East) realise soon the devious tactics of USA and pull themselves out of their myopic alliance with USA.
They have the wealth and the resources and if they need help there are other countries like the European Union, Japan, China, India and even Russia available. They must realise that they are not dependent on USA and cut their losses.
Will it happen soon enough?
Insha Allah!!!!!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Saddam's final days
Saddam is to be hanged any day and may be executed within the next couple of days- This is the latest news.
I am thinking that once again, the USA and the present Iraqi Government are picking the wrong time for this final act in Saddam's chapter. The next few days are very important for Muslims because of the Haj Pilgrimage and they would not like to be side-tracked with this horror show. Their minds and heads are lifted towards God and one of God's tenets is not to harm anyone and that killing even the smallest animal or insect is against God. Granted Saddam was a monster but forgiveness is Godliness, is it not ?
Also the USA is yet to come out with a 'new way forward' to end its Iraq mis-adventure and things on the ground are very much dicey. This definitely is not the right time to hang Saddam and make him more of a martyr and stoke the anger and passions of the Sunnis. This will mean the divisions between Sunnis and Shiias will be deepened and may become more difficult to repair. The civil war will become entrenched and USA will find it extremely difficult to extricate itself.
Not a good way to start the new year, which should begin on a more hopeful note.
I hope better sense prevails and the Iraqi Government does not rush into this.
They have held Saddam for so long and they can afford to wait some more for a more opportune time to carry out the hanging.
I am thinking that once again, the USA and the present Iraqi Government are picking the wrong time for this final act in Saddam's chapter. The next few days are very important for Muslims because of the Haj Pilgrimage and they would not like to be side-tracked with this horror show. Their minds and heads are lifted towards God and one of God's tenets is not to harm anyone and that killing even the smallest animal or insect is against God. Granted Saddam was a monster but forgiveness is Godliness, is it not ?
Also the USA is yet to come out with a 'new way forward' to end its Iraq mis-adventure and things on the ground are very much dicey. This definitely is not the right time to hang Saddam and make him more of a martyr and stoke the anger and passions of the Sunnis. This will mean the divisions between Sunnis and Shiias will be deepened and may become more difficult to repair. The civil war will become entrenched and USA will find it extremely difficult to extricate itself.
Not a good way to start the new year, which should begin on a more hopeful note.
I hope better sense prevails and the Iraqi Government does not rush into this.
They have held Saddam for so long and they can afford to wait some more for a more opportune time to carry out the hanging.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Sanctions against Iran-Futile and Foolhardy
I only hope that the recently imposed sanctions against Iran are not a prelude to USA or UK trying to get another 'coalition of willing' set up to start thinking of invading Iran. They should realise the folly of trying to pressure a sovereign country from developing its resources or getting what others already have.
Why should nuclear technology be the monopoly of only a few countries. Granted there is a risk of proliferation, but it seems USA and select few other countries are unfairly benefiting from the the present nuclear regime they have set up, by getting all the business deals. Now they have found a loophole in that by having separate agreements like the US-India deal, which I think is mainly aimed at opening the Indian market estimated to be worth $100 billion in the next 10 years.
Iran should be treated on equal footing and trusted. Trust and co-operation go a long way, instead of hostility and belligerence.
Iraq was under sanctions but the western companies still dealt with it for trade and many middlemen made profits out of it. There is a possibility of similar corruption happening in implementing the Iran sanctions. It would be better to have an arrangement under the UN umbrella for Iran to develop the same nuclear technology which countries like India, Pakistan and Israel have got away with.
These sanctions may alienate Iran and it may proceed to behave like North Korea and thump its nose at USA, come what may. Who will be the loser? Time will tell.
Why should nuclear technology be the monopoly of only a few countries. Granted there is a risk of proliferation, but it seems USA and select few other countries are unfairly benefiting from the the present nuclear regime they have set up, by getting all the business deals. Now they have found a loophole in that by having separate agreements like the US-India deal, which I think is mainly aimed at opening the Indian market estimated to be worth $100 billion in the next 10 years.
Iran should be treated on equal footing and trusted. Trust and co-operation go a long way, instead of hostility and belligerence.
Iraq was under sanctions but the western companies still dealt with it for trade and many middlemen made profits out of it. There is a possibility of similar corruption happening in implementing the Iran sanctions. It would be better to have an arrangement under the UN umbrella for Iran to develop the same nuclear technology which countries like India, Pakistan and Israel have got away with.
These sanctions may alienate Iran and it may proceed to behave like North Korea and thump its nose at USA, come what may. Who will be the loser? Time will tell.
Height or is it really the Low of Hypocracy ?
I just read a news item which goes like this:
----'WASHINGTON - A United States federal judge on Friday ordered the Islamic Republic of Iran to pay US$254 million ($369.77 million) to the family of 17 US servicemen killed in the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers residence at a US military base in Saudi Arabia.'----
Good as far as it goes, because the culprit has to be punished and the punishment for causing death and mayhem, though cannot be measured in money has to be a good deterrant.
But what about the crimes against humanity committed and being committed by the great USA which has taken upon itself to mete out justice to the whole world. Who or which court is going to decide upon the gravity of these crimes, the latest and ongoing of which is the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses, aided by United Kingdom. This has killed thousands of innocent people, thrown out thousands more out of their homes, made thousands of orphans (it is scary to think about how and what they will grow up to), not counting the loss of properties, revenues, etc.
Is the United States Supreme Court which awared the election to Goerge Bush in 2000 (and put the wrong man in the right place) going to have a special hearing to decide upon the responsibility and punishement to be awarded to USA for its misadventures, past and present and put a monetary value on the human lives and property lost and give a ruling on the compensation that USA should pay?
If that happens, then we can all believe and revive our trust in democracy and fair justice.
Or is it only the lives of US servicemen that can have a value and all the other citizens of the world or not worth valuing ?
I would prefer to think that the other lives lost are invaluable too and the day USA thinks similarly and acts to value every life on equal footing will be the dawn of a new Democractic World.
Will the New Year 2007 begin that process?
We can only hope.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sarva Jano Sukino Bavanthu ( A Sanskrit prayer seeking happiness and peace for every living being)
----'WASHINGTON - A United States federal judge on Friday ordered the Islamic Republic of Iran to pay US$254 million ($369.77 million) to the family of 17 US servicemen killed in the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers residence at a US military base in Saudi Arabia.'----
Good as far as it goes, because the culprit has to be punished and the punishment for causing death and mayhem, though cannot be measured in money has to be a good deterrant.
But what about the crimes against humanity committed and being committed by the great USA which has taken upon itself to mete out justice to the whole world. Who or which court is going to decide upon the gravity of these crimes, the latest and ongoing of which is the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses, aided by United Kingdom. This has killed thousands of innocent people, thrown out thousands more out of their homes, made thousands of orphans (it is scary to think about how and what they will grow up to), not counting the loss of properties, revenues, etc.
Is the United States Supreme Court which awared the election to Goerge Bush in 2000 (and put the wrong man in the right place) going to have a special hearing to decide upon the responsibility and punishement to be awarded to USA for its misadventures, past and present and put a monetary value on the human lives and property lost and give a ruling on the compensation that USA should pay?
If that happens, then we can all believe and revive our trust in democracy and fair justice.
Or is it only the lives of US servicemen that can have a value and all the other citizens of the world or not worth valuing ?
I would prefer to think that the other lives lost are invaluable too and the day USA thinks similarly and acts to value every life on equal footing will be the dawn of a new Democractic World.
Will the New Year 2007 begin that process?
We can only hope.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sarva Jano Sukino Bavanthu ( A Sanskrit prayer seeking happiness and peace for every living being)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
YOU can also be Time Magazine's Person of the Year
You can also be Time Magazine's Person of the Year on their Billboard at Times Square, New York. Please go to the website www.impoy.com which has a facility to upload your photo to be displayed at Times Square. If selected and displayed, you will receive a web cam image of your photo as it appears on the billboard.
Go on, do the thing, and be famous for a few seconds and share the spotlight with many ordinary citizens of the world
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Go on, do the thing, and be famous for a few seconds and share the spotlight with many ordinary citizens of the world
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Monday, December 11, 2006
Nukes at centre stage again
It has been reported that the Gulf Arab states are considering a shared nuclear programme for peaceful purposes and are worried about Iran's ambition to join the nuclear club. Though the statement by the GCC says the plan is peaceful in nature, there is a possibility that it may morph into an agressive posture later when they also think of having weapons technology and capability.
Then it will be kind of a stand-off between Iran and GCC states and no one would really use nuclear weapons. Just like USA and USSR before based on the MAD (Mutual Assured Destruction) policy.
With the threat from Iran reduced, I am sure USA will see the silver lining and start selling nuclear technology to the GCC states. Like they are going to do with India after signing a special agreement with enough loopholes for both countries to pursue their goals. America will do anything to keep its business interests growing and will change its policies as required to keep the money flowing in. Bombs ‘Made in America or Made with American Technology’ are welcome as they bring in more money to America.
What hypocracy.
And we should remember that USA is the possessor of the largest number nuclear weapons today (after the ignominous end of USSR and dismantling and dispersion of their weapopns) and it is USA which engaged in the arms race and is partly responsible for today's world situation as far as neculear ambition goes. May be it is also appropriate to remember that only USA has used nuclear weapons in a combat.
It now seems USA will win either way with proliferation or non-proliferation. What a wonderful situation to be in.
Then it will be kind of a stand-off between Iran and GCC states and no one would really use nuclear weapons. Just like USA and USSR before based on the MAD (Mutual Assured Destruction) policy.
With the threat from Iran reduced, I am sure USA will see the silver lining and start selling nuclear technology to the GCC states. Like they are going to do with India after signing a special agreement with enough loopholes for both countries to pursue their goals. America will do anything to keep its business interests growing and will change its policies as required to keep the money flowing in. Bombs ‘Made in America or Made with American Technology’ are welcome as they bring in more money to America.
What hypocracy.
And we should remember that USA is the possessor of the largest number nuclear weapons today (after the ignominous end of USSR and dismantling and dispersion of their weapopns) and it is USA which engaged in the arms race and is partly responsible for today's world situation as far as neculear ambition goes. May be it is also appropriate to remember that only USA has used nuclear weapons in a combat.
It now seems USA will win either way with proliferation or non-proliferation. What a wonderful situation to be in.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Exporting Democracy-as bad as exporting Socialism
In Iraq the USA has made the same mistake the erstwhile USSR made earlier, that is trying to export its brand of government.
No doubt democracy is a better form of government, but we should also remember what Winston Churchill said-Democracy—the worst form of government except all the others.
The erstwhile USSR tried to export communism in the guise of revolutionary socialism and got away with it for a long time, but in the end failed to sustain it in different nations. The end of cold war put paid to the notion of socialism in the USSR itself, and now it lies dismantled into different nations.
USA has been looking after its oil and money interests and is leading the Western group in propagating democracy in the third world, with Britain as its major ally. But they have failed to read the Islamic Middle East properly (in spite of Britain's earlier experience in that part of the world).
USA might have done well to play its money, trade and weapons exporting game only. But George Bush pushed the envelope when he dethroned Saddam and started indulging in the game of regime change and taking unilateral military action. He has not remembered the lessons of Vietnam. The result is one more country is being laid waste, thanks to the American invasion and the subsequent botched attempt to govern and bring democracy to a people who are more concerned with staying alive.
Now America will find some means to get out of Iraq (may be following the Vietnam example of cutting the losses and running away) but the damage to Iraq may take decades to repair and restore.
What a tragedy brought on by one (or may be two) democratic leaders and confirming Churchill’s statement about Democracy.
No doubt democracy is a better form of government, but we should also remember what Winston Churchill said-Democracy—the worst form of government except all the others.
The erstwhile USSR tried to export communism in the guise of revolutionary socialism and got away with it for a long time, but in the end failed to sustain it in different nations. The end of cold war put paid to the notion of socialism in the USSR itself, and now it lies dismantled into different nations.
USA has been looking after its oil and money interests and is leading the Western group in propagating democracy in the third world, with Britain as its major ally. But they have failed to read the Islamic Middle East properly (in spite of Britain's earlier experience in that part of the world).
USA might have done well to play its money, trade and weapons exporting game only. But George Bush pushed the envelope when he dethroned Saddam and started indulging in the game of regime change and taking unilateral military action. He has not remembered the lessons of Vietnam. The result is one more country is being laid waste, thanks to the American invasion and the subsequent botched attempt to govern and bring democracy to a people who are more concerned with staying alive.
Now America will find some means to get out of Iraq (may be following the Vietnam example of cutting the losses and running away) but the damage to Iraq may take decades to repair and restore.
What a tragedy brought on by one (or may be two) democratic leaders and confirming Churchill’s statement about Democracy.
Blairs rebuke of migrants with hate in their hearts
I agree with Blair, especially his remarks that hate mongers of any creed are not welcome to migrate to UK. Well said. People should move to another country to improve their lives and they should contribute in meaningful ways to that country and not work to destroy it or wage war. That actually is cowardice.
Also one who moves to another society voluntarily should learn to adopt their ways even though some of those ways may be against the values they were brought up with. Such a person should first of all be flexible and liberal and be able to develop tolerance. And that person should also remember that he or she is a guest and should behave in such a way to generate goodwill from the hosts. You have gone there to improve and progress and not engage in detrimental activities.
The world is becoming smaller because of such migration and that is a good thing. Migrants should remember that it is their duty to adapt well and develop a sense of peaceful co-existence. Otherwise, unfavourable reactions will increase and divisions will become deeper, affecting the very fabric of the society and humanity. It is better to be human and contribute to humanity if not actively at least by being passive and going about your work, business and life without indulging in harmful activities..
Also one who moves to another society voluntarily should learn to adopt their ways even though some of those ways may be against the values they were brought up with. Such a person should first of all be flexible and liberal and be able to develop tolerance. And that person should also remember that he or she is a guest and should behave in such a way to generate goodwill from the hosts. You have gone there to improve and progress and not engage in detrimental activities.
The world is becoming smaller because of such migration and that is a good thing. Migrants should remember that it is their duty to adapt well and develop a sense of peaceful co-existence. Otherwise, unfavourable reactions will increase and divisions will become deeper, affecting the very fabric of the society and humanity. It is better to be human and contribute to humanity if not actively at least by being passive and going about your work, business and life without indulging in harmful activities..
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Iraq, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Darfur-Challenges for 2007
A few short paragraphs this time
Iraq: Should Iraq be split into different regions
It would be tragic if this happens, but it looks like events are pushing for such a result in some form or other. There is talk that the Saudi Royalty is not happy with the beating Sunnis are receiving and they are thinking of sending money and weapons to them. Now that would add another dangerous dimension to the existing civil war and will stoke the fires of hatred still more. And Saudi Arabia ostensibly being in America's side, it would be really provocative if they support the Sunnis. The Americans being supportive of the Shiias and Kurds, it will throw another spanner into the reconciliation process.
But it appears that America is not going to withdraw very soon and Bush may ride this out till the end of his Presidency. The Iraqis have to realise that they are not being served by these sectarian fighting and will have to think of getting the help of some neutral countries to start mediating between the sects. If nothing usful is started soon, the country may be split either formally or de-facto and once again there could a sort of cold war, the major players for which are yet to be finalised. Wondering when Russia will get in on the game?
Fiji-The new modus-operandi for takeover of a country
It appears that there is very little any foreign government can do to stop what is going on in Fiji. This is purely an internal issue, the culmination of differences between Qarase and Banaimarama. It seems like Qarase is aware that his days are numbered one way or another and is just hanging on to get the best deal for himself from Banaimarama. The takeover (or coup as some would like to call it) is almost a fait-accompli. It is only hoped that the effect on the populace and economy is kept to the minimum and Banaimarama recruits the best brains to run the country, and makes sure that frequent changes and political instability does not harm Fiji permanently. It is but interesting to note the modus-operandi of this bloodless (so far) coup. Coup by generating Fear, is it better than Coup by Killing?
Sri Lanka - A paradise being lost
What a tragedy to happen in a beautiful place with great potential. Breaks my heart to see the violence increasing again between the LTTE and the Government forces. The result is more instablity affecting ordinary people and stopping the development of the economy. The quick turnover in the leaders of the Government is not helpin in negotiations and the Tamils are getting impatient with the lack of progress in giving them self-rule, autonomy etc. This has all the hallmark of escalating into a longer and festering conflict. What is the stand of India? Will India initiate any mediation? May be China and India can be the Big Brothers to bring about a reconciliaton amongst the warring people and offer the carrot of economic aid.
Darfur-Where the money should go.
It is time the United Nations get a handle on this issue and bring an international consensus for intervention so the deaths can be stopped. The surrounding African nations should be recruited to help in this mission. Sudan needs to be isolated and an ultimatum given to it. Why not get Nelson Mandela to publicise the issue among the world and quickly organise a crisis committee. Kofi Annan being from Africa can pull his weight and may be the United Nations can give him an honorary job (after his retirement) to focus on this problem solely and work out a quick solution.
It appears that 2007 will be full of challenges and United Nations will have a greater role to play. Is this the time to have a re-thinking of how that organisation should function and redraw a road map for its future? It is more than 60 years since UN was founded to replace the League of Nations. May be it is time to rethink its role and future and the incoming Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon can get a short conference organised to get a new charter for its next 60 years and get new rules and support in place. The newly emerging super powers like India, China, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and even Iran may have better things to contribute to the future of United Nations and its mission.
Iraq: Should Iraq be split into different regions
It would be tragic if this happens, but it looks like events are pushing for such a result in some form or other. There is talk that the Saudi Royalty is not happy with the beating Sunnis are receiving and they are thinking of sending money and weapons to them. Now that would add another dangerous dimension to the existing civil war and will stoke the fires of hatred still more. And Saudi Arabia ostensibly being in America's side, it would be really provocative if they support the Sunnis. The Americans being supportive of the Shiias and Kurds, it will throw another spanner into the reconciliation process.
But it appears that America is not going to withdraw very soon and Bush may ride this out till the end of his Presidency. The Iraqis have to realise that they are not being served by these sectarian fighting and will have to think of getting the help of some neutral countries to start mediating between the sects. If nothing usful is started soon, the country may be split either formally or de-facto and once again there could a sort of cold war, the major players for which are yet to be finalised. Wondering when Russia will get in on the game?
Fiji-The new modus-operandi for takeover of a country
It appears that there is very little any foreign government can do to stop what is going on in Fiji. This is purely an internal issue, the culmination of differences between Qarase and Banaimarama. It seems like Qarase is aware that his days are numbered one way or another and is just hanging on to get the best deal for himself from Banaimarama. The takeover (or coup as some would like to call it) is almost a fait-accompli. It is only hoped that the effect on the populace and economy is kept to the minimum and Banaimarama recruits the best brains to run the country, and makes sure that frequent changes and political instability does not harm Fiji permanently. It is but interesting to note the modus-operandi of this bloodless (so far) coup. Coup by generating Fear, is it better than Coup by Killing?
Sri Lanka - A paradise being lost
What a tragedy to happen in a beautiful place with great potential. Breaks my heart to see the violence increasing again between the LTTE and the Government forces. The result is more instablity affecting ordinary people and stopping the development of the economy. The quick turnover in the leaders of the Government is not helpin in negotiations and the Tamils are getting impatient with the lack of progress in giving them self-rule, autonomy etc. This has all the hallmark of escalating into a longer and festering conflict. What is the stand of India? Will India initiate any mediation? May be China and India can be the Big Brothers to bring about a reconciliaton amongst the warring people and offer the carrot of economic aid.
Darfur-Where the money should go.
It is time the United Nations get a handle on this issue and bring an international consensus for intervention so the deaths can be stopped. The surrounding African nations should be recruited to help in this mission. Sudan needs to be isolated and an ultimatum given to it. Why not get Nelson Mandela to publicise the issue among the world and quickly organise a crisis committee. Kofi Annan being from Africa can pull his weight and may be the United Nations can give him an honorary job (after his retirement) to focus on this problem solely and work out a quick solution.
It appears that 2007 will be full of challenges and United Nations will have a greater role to play. Is this the time to have a re-thinking of how that organisation should function and redraw a road map for its future? It is more than 60 years since UN was founded to replace the League of Nations. May be it is time to rethink its role and future and the incoming Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon can get a short conference organised to get a new charter for its next 60 years and get new rules and support in place. The newly emerging super powers like India, China, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and even Iran may have better things to contribute to the future of United Nations and its mission.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
USA in Iraq-Will James Baker play Henry Kissinger ?
It is really interesting to see the developments in Iraq.
USA was hurt badly in Vietnam and went into an isolationist mode after that fiasco. Though it continued to meddle in other ways in various local conflicts, even by sending small number of troops (mostly under the advisors guise), the USA held back from any major military involvement.
Under the Democrats it also started on the path to peace and reconciliation and it was great to see that USSR and East Germany were neutralised by talks and economic aid. Another success was the opening to China and the resultant growth of economic freedom in China, which has contributed strongly to keep world growth going. USA has also done well in Technology development and this has helped countries like India to take good advantage with their brain power, software development etc.There is much to say for the good deeds of USA, though most of them may be not by design or planning.
It is really sad that one wrong decision by the people of USA to elect George Bush in 2000 has brought it to the current situation of being hated by almost the entire world. May be we can blame the then Supreme Court for their historic decision to award the Presidency to Bush.
Now Bush has exorcised the ghost of Vietnam and has involved America in another long military debacle, this time in the volatile region of Middle East. This has damaging and drastic consequences for the world at large and particulary to USA. The huge amount of money spent to continue this war could have been used better elsewhere or in developing US economy itself.
How did one person change the American psyche which was hung over the Vietnam Fiasco and recruit most of the USA to support the involvement in Iraq ? Americans in their poor wisdon gave him the Presidency and they will continue to pay for it in many ways in the coming years.
May be the Vietnam hangover will be replaced by the Iraq hangover, but Bush has to extricate America from Iraq first.
Will he follow the Vietnam script for this too?
Or will it be the next President's job?
May be James Baker can play Henry Kissinger and bring about the American withdrawal?
I would like to recall a quote I read a few years back in Newesweek
'The only thing we ever learn from History is that no one really learns anything from History'
Though History keeps repeating itself.
How appropriate.
USA was hurt badly in Vietnam and went into an isolationist mode after that fiasco. Though it continued to meddle in other ways in various local conflicts, even by sending small number of troops (mostly under the advisors guise), the USA held back from any major military involvement.
Under the Democrats it also started on the path to peace and reconciliation and it was great to see that USSR and East Germany were neutralised by talks and economic aid. Another success was the opening to China and the resultant growth of economic freedom in China, which has contributed strongly to keep world growth going. USA has also done well in Technology development and this has helped countries like India to take good advantage with their brain power, software development etc.There is much to say for the good deeds of USA, though most of them may be not by design or planning.
It is really sad that one wrong decision by the people of USA to elect George Bush in 2000 has brought it to the current situation of being hated by almost the entire world. May be we can blame the then Supreme Court for their historic decision to award the Presidency to Bush.
Now Bush has exorcised the ghost of Vietnam and has involved America in another long military debacle, this time in the volatile region of Middle East. This has damaging and drastic consequences for the world at large and particulary to USA. The huge amount of money spent to continue this war could have been used better elsewhere or in developing US economy itself.
How did one person change the American psyche which was hung over the Vietnam Fiasco and recruit most of the USA to support the involvement in Iraq ? Americans in their poor wisdon gave him the Presidency and they will continue to pay for it in many ways in the coming years.
May be the Vietnam hangover will be replaced by the Iraq hangover, but Bush has to extricate America from Iraq first.
Will he follow the Vietnam script for this too?
Or will it be the next President's job?
May be James Baker can play Henry Kissinger and bring about the American withdrawal?
I would like to recall a quote I read a few years back in Newesweek
'The only thing we ever learn from History is that no one really learns anything from History'
Though History keeps repeating itself.
How appropriate.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Pope Benedict-A New Miracle in the offing-Insha Allah
I am very encouraged by Pope Bendict's visit to Turkey and the way he reached out and proved that he has come with a mission to respect Islam and extend a reconciling and friendly hand to the adherents of Islam. It is equally impressive that the visit went off well without any major unsavoury incident. The photograph of the Pontiff and Turkey's religious leader Ali Bardakoglu holding holds, both wearing grand white dresses, should give an indication that this Pope is really serious about bridging the divide between the two great religions and the Islamic leaders are equally willing to bring it about.
I have a feeling that the ex-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been read wrongly by the Media and Analysts earlier, because of his long stay as Ideology chief in the Vatican under Pope John Paul II. I think that long stay might have helped him to reflect on and realise that blind ideology in religious matters and issues is not sustainable and that the Vatican needs to show a flexible face to the world and take a more active role in cultivating an understanding and friendship towards other religions.
May be he was constrained by his post and the strong personality of Pope John Paul II and could not influence him much. Pope John Paul II was very charismatic but was also very rigid in his stands, particularly in relaxing certain procedures (like use of contraceptive, ordaining of women as priests, etc) and must have read his mission as strengthening Catholicism by emphasizing the fundamentals as he knew them. But the world had moved on and he perhaps could not face the fact that in a basically democratic world, the subjects want a better say in how they are governed and directed, be it either by political or religious leaders. Also his frail and failing health would have definitely undermined his enthusiasm to make radical changes.
But that is not the case with Pope Benedict. His election as Pontiff was a well-conducted affair (contrast to the election of Pope John Paul II, in an emotional atmosphere immediately after the short reign of Pope John Paul I, who suddenly died within just a few days of becoming Pope). Pope Benedict must have canvassed for his policies amongst the Cardinals who elected him and must have given them some idea about what he thought his mission was, should he be elected as Pope. It is a credit to the College of Cardinals that they went out to elect him, in spite of his reputation as an ideologue and inflexible theoretician. I believe something radical happened in that conclave and the College of Cardinals must have debated about the future of Catholicism and the ways and means to revive its popularity and standing and felt that Cardinal Ratzinger with his long experience inside Vatican was a better candidate to implement changes, albeit gradually.
Who better to initiate these changes than the person who was earlier tasked with the responsibility of writing, advocating and implementing the rules and procedures.
I also believe that Pope John Paul II was more style but Pope Benedict would infuse more substance into his running of the Papacy.
He has started well in visiting Turkey which though secular has a majority of Muslim population and which is under tremendous pressure to transform itself more so it can be admitted into the European Union. And Turkey is better placed geographically as a bridge between the turbulent West Asia and the prosperous Europe. Pope Benedict’s blessings and reaching out to Islam in Turkey is rather symbolic and pregnant with meaning.
I fervently hope that this initiative can be seized by all the important players and a better understanding and tolerance can come about between the major religions. As it has been said by Pope Benedict, after all, they all pray to the One God and there should really be no ill-will or hate amongst them. Democracy also means freedom and liberty, which sadly has been overlooked when dealing with others of different persuasions and practices.
Insha Allah, Pope Benedict may be the catalyst to develop better understanding and relationship and bring about more miracles than are expected of him and those sick of the fighting and killing that is going on in the world will grasp his outstretched hand to promote peace and prosperity.
The signs and images are encouraging after Pope Benedict’s visit to Turkey.
God Speed to him.
I have a feeling that the ex-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been read wrongly by the Media and Analysts earlier, because of his long stay as Ideology chief in the Vatican under Pope John Paul II. I think that long stay might have helped him to reflect on and realise that blind ideology in religious matters and issues is not sustainable and that the Vatican needs to show a flexible face to the world and take a more active role in cultivating an understanding and friendship towards other religions.
May be he was constrained by his post and the strong personality of Pope John Paul II and could not influence him much. Pope John Paul II was very charismatic but was also very rigid in his stands, particularly in relaxing certain procedures (like use of contraceptive, ordaining of women as priests, etc) and must have read his mission as strengthening Catholicism by emphasizing the fundamentals as he knew them. But the world had moved on and he perhaps could not face the fact that in a basically democratic world, the subjects want a better say in how they are governed and directed, be it either by political or religious leaders. Also his frail and failing health would have definitely undermined his enthusiasm to make radical changes.
But that is not the case with Pope Benedict. His election as Pontiff was a well-conducted affair (contrast to the election of Pope John Paul II, in an emotional atmosphere immediately after the short reign of Pope John Paul I, who suddenly died within just a few days of becoming Pope). Pope Benedict must have canvassed for his policies amongst the Cardinals who elected him and must have given them some idea about what he thought his mission was, should he be elected as Pope. It is a credit to the College of Cardinals that they went out to elect him, in spite of his reputation as an ideologue and inflexible theoretician. I believe something radical happened in that conclave and the College of Cardinals must have debated about the future of Catholicism and the ways and means to revive its popularity and standing and felt that Cardinal Ratzinger with his long experience inside Vatican was a better candidate to implement changes, albeit gradually.
Who better to initiate these changes than the person who was earlier tasked with the responsibility of writing, advocating and implementing the rules and procedures.
I also believe that Pope John Paul II was more style but Pope Benedict would infuse more substance into his running of the Papacy.
He has started well in visiting Turkey which though secular has a majority of Muslim population and which is under tremendous pressure to transform itself more so it can be admitted into the European Union. And Turkey is better placed geographically as a bridge between the turbulent West Asia and the prosperous Europe. Pope Benedict’s blessings and reaching out to Islam in Turkey is rather symbolic and pregnant with meaning.
I fervently hope that this initiative can be seized by all the important players and a better understanding and tolerance can come about between the major religions. As it has been said by Pope Benedict, after all, they all pray to the One God and there should really be no ill-will or hate amongst them. Democracy also means freedom and liberty, which sadly has been overlooked when dealing with others of different persuasions and practices.
Insha Allah, Pope Benedict may be the catalyst to develop better understanding and relationship and bring about more miracles than are expected of him and those sick of the fighting and killing that is going on in the world will grasp his outstretched hand to promote peace and prosperity.
The signs and images are encouraging after Pope Benedict’s visit to Turkey.
God Speed to him.
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