A Pakistani Despot
On the 3rd of November 2007, president Pervez Musharraf suspended the Constitution and took absolute military control of the state. He claims to have done this due to a state of national emergency. This sounds like a reasonable step. It is understandable that a state might have to limit certain rights of the people during an emergency situation. There are many countries that have provisions for just such a situation. Yet in this instance we must examine the situation more closely. Declaring a state of emergency is something that politicians can use as a political ploy to achieve some of their own goals that could not otherwise be resolved to their satisfaction.
A State of Emergency
It is perfectly understandable that a government might suspend certain constitutional rights in a state of emergency. One would expect the country to cooperate with the situation until the emergency resolves. In Pakistan, this particular state of emergency has seemingly required surrounding the judicial court with armed guards and forcing them to disband. This would seem to indicate that the Pakistani emergency is very real but has nothing to do with any outside threat that could harm its people. Rather, it would seem to indicate that the danger lies in the government itself and nowhere else. I am quite certain that the judges of the Supreme Court are not military insurgents who are armed to the teeth and pose a real security risk to Pakistan. In a similar sense, the various radio broadcast stations are not threatening immediate destruction. Rather, the emergency switch to despotism is the real emergency in Pakistan and requires immediate action.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A Mask of Terror
The Al Qaeda Mask
The long trial of the Madrid train bombers has finally been concluded. The court took quite a time at reaching a verdict due to the incredible amount of conspiracy theories that had to be addressed. While this may be the sadly inevitable situation surrounding such catastrophes, it is obvious that these conspiracies are (for the most part) the far fetched sort of things that the public loves to thrive on but have no real connection with reality. It is true that the ETA claimed responsibility initially but the people convicted admitted that they really had no connection. The ETA has also admitted that it was not connected. The only conclusion regarding the terrorist cell was that they were "Al Qaeda Inspired". That means that they were not recruited by Al Qaeda, were not trained by Al Qaeda and did not act on Al Qaeda orders. Why then are they related to Al Qaeda? What is hiding behind the Al Qaeda mask?
Behind the Mask
I do not really know what hides behind the Al Qaeda mask. It is certainly not some misplaced terrorist ideals. Perhaps the internal Spanish politics require that a mask of some sort adorn this horrid terrorist act so that someone bears the blame. Perhaps there are people who find that labelling their sheer acts of vile evil with a name of some sort gives them more legitimacy and that is what the Al Qaeda mask provides. If that is the case then this is another example that demonstrates how masks such as these are those which allow terrorism to continue to exist. Abolish the mask and you abolish terrorism.
The long trial of the Madrid train bombers has finally been concluded. The court took quite a time at reaching a verdict due to the incredible amount of conspiracy theories that had to be addressed. While this may be the sadly inevitable situation surrounding such catastrophes, it is obvious that these conspiracies are (for the most part) the far fetched sort of things that the public loves to thrive on but have no real connection with reality. It is true that the ETA claimed responsibility initially but the people convicted admitted that they really had no connection. The ETA has also admitted that it was not connected. The only conclusion regarding the terrorist cell was that they were "Al Qaeda Inspired". That means that they were not recruited by Al Qaeda, were not trained by Al Qaeda and did not act on Al Qaeda orders. Why then are they related to Al Qaeda? What is hiding behind the Al Qaeda mask?
Behind the Mask
I do not really know what hides behind the Al Qaeda mask. It is certainly not some misplaced terrorist ideals. Perhaps the internal Spanish politics require that a mask of some sort adorn this horrid terrorist act so that someone bears the blame. Perhaps there are people who find that labelling their sheer acts of vile evil with a name of some sort gives them more legitimacy and that is what the Al Qaeda mask provides. If that is the case then this is another example that demonstrates how masks such as these are those which allow terrorism to continue to exist. Abolish the mask and you abolish terrorism.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Long Awaited Sentence
The March Bombings
We all probably remember that fateful day on the 11th of March 2004 when murderous terrorists set off ten bombs simultaneously on four different commuter trains in Madrid. A total of 191 people were killed from 17 different countries. The responsibility for the bombing was claimed by the Basque - also known as the ETA. Later investigations concluded that the bombings were organized by a Al Qaeda inspired cell. This was one of the first examples of non-Muslim terrorists cooperating with international Islamists. Many political theorists claim that the aftermath of the poor handling of the case (rather than the attack itself) probably brought about the fall of the Aznar administration in the following elections.
The Judgement
Recently, The Audiencia Nacional of Spain passed judgement after 21 months of debating and investigating. They have concluded that a mixed Islamic cell which included two Spanish police informers was responsible for the attacks. While the cell had no direct relation to Al Qaeda, it was certainly Al Qaeda inspired. This was one of the first examples of non-Muslim terrorists cooperating with international Islamists. Of the 29 people charged, 28 were found guilty of various charges ranging from murder to forgery crimes. Two were sentenced to 40,000 years in prison (This effectively translates into 40 years which is the maximum possible in the Spanish court). Despite the verdict there is still a lot of controversy about the affair. Many claim that various political parties had a hand in influencing the verdict for their own reasons.
We all probably remember that fateful day on the 11th of March 2004 when murderous terrorists set off ten bombs simultaneously on four different commuter trains in Madrid. A total of 191 people were killed from 17 different countries. The responsibility for the bombing was claimed by the Basque - also known as the ETA. Later investigations concluded that the bombings were organized by a Al Qaeda inspired cell. This was one of the first examples of non-Muslim terrorists cooperating with international Islamists. Many political theorists claim that the aftermath of the poor handling of the case (rather than the attack itself) probably brought about the fall of the Aznar administration in the following elections.
The Judgement
Recently, The Audiencia Nacional of Spain passed judgement after 21 months of debating and investigating. They have concluded that a mixed Islamic cell which included two Spanish police informers was responsible for the attacks. While the cell had no direct relation to Al Qaeda, it was certainly Al Qaeda inspired. This was one of the first examples of non-Muslim terrorists cooperating with international Islamists. Of the 29 people charged, 28 were found guilty of various charges ranging from murder to forgery crimes. Two were sentenced to 40,000 years in prison (This effectively translates into 40 years which is the maximum possible in the Spanish court). Despite the verdict there is still a lot of controversy about the affair. Many claim that various political parties had a hand in influencing the verdict for their own reasons.
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Fight for Democracy
Not Yet Democratic
In Myanmar, the people raised their heads for a bid for democracy. The Myanmar government, a military regime that has existed since it was seized by the junta in 1962, has managed to remain in power despite the votes of the people demanding a democratic government. The democratic leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been under house arrest for quite some time and whenever anyone raises his head for democracy he has been brutally forced down.
Fuel for the Fire of Rebellion
Lately a large rally for democracy was held in Myanmar with a subsequent crackdown of the Myanmar military and police on demonstrators. This crackdown resulted in several people killed and over 1000 in detention centers. The crackdown was followed by raids on several Buddhist monasteries where firearms and knives were discovered. It should be obvious to outside observer that the aggressiveness of the military towards the nation stems from a very real fear. That is the fear of the reign of dictatorship being toppled by the people. To prevent this, the military are employing brutal means of enforcing their rule. Of course, history teaches us that such an approach is the beginning of the inevitable end. The fear of the military regime of being usurped is doomed to become the fuel for its own downfall. People cannot stand being raided and seized for long. Terror can only go so far. In addition, the government cannot exist without the civilians who support it. Thus, a government that does not respect the wishes of its people is doomed to fall sooner or later. With today's modern technologies and media such a downfall is sure to come quite swiftly. In short: "Leaders of Myanmar - Beware! Your reign is ending and the people will triumph once more! Take heed of lessons that history has taught us and respect your people that they might respect you as well!"
In Myanmar, the people raised their heads for a bid for democracy. The Myanmar government, a military regime that has existed since it was seized by the junta in 1962, has managed to remain in power despite the votes of the people demanding a democratic government. The democratic leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been under house arrest for quite some time and whenever anyone raises his head for democracy he has been brutally forced down.
Fuel for the Fire of Rebellion
Lately a large rally for democracy was held in Myanmar with a subsequent crackdown of the Myanmar military and police on demonstrators. This crackdown resulted in several people killed and over 1000 in detention centers. The crackdown was followed by raids on several Buddhist monasteries where firearms and knives were discovered. It should be obvious to outside observer that the aggressiveness of the military towards the nation stems from a very real fear. That is the fear of the reign of dictatorship being toppled by the people. To prevent this, the military are employing brutal means of enforcing their rule. Of course, history teaches us that such an approach is the beginning of the inevitable end. The fear of the military regime of being usurped is doomed to become the fuel for its own downfall. People cannot stand being raided and seized for long. Terror can only go so far. In addition, the government cannot exist without the civilians who support it. Thus, a government that does not respect the wishes of its people is doomed to fall sooner or later. With today's modern technologies and media such a downfall is sure to come quite swiftly. In short: "Leaders of Myanmar - Beware! Your reign is ending and the people will triumph once more! Take heed of lessons that history has taught us and respect your people that they might respect you as well!"
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Just Don't Pat too Fast!
Let's Not Get Overjoyed
Although in my previous blog entry I gave humanity a gentle pat on the back for going in the right direction, there is still a long way to go. While the funds and resources devoted to aiding the survivors are truly amazing and the work done is remarkable, there is still a lot to do. We are still very far from realizing the utopia of peaceful cooperation between the world's powers and the help rendered in Pakistan is far from complete. There are still many homeless families and many are currently living on rented land in a situation that cannot possibly continue for long. Not only that, I feel forced to add my own cynical insight into the whole issue. If you want to continue living in an Utopian dream, please refrain from reading the following paragraph. On the other hand if you want glimpse the other side of the coin, by all means read on!
Cynicism Must not be Denied
I can't refrain from expressing a certain thought that is bothering me in the back of my mind. There are major disasters that occur all over the world. Some are natural like the earthquake and others are man-made. The effort put into aiding the survivors of the Pakistan disaster is impressive but what of all the other less fortunate suffering in many other disasters? One would like to hope that the aid in Pakistan is the harbinger of more instances of large scale international aid in other disasters. Unfortunately I am afraid that this will prove to be another act with ulterior political motives that have nothing to do with humanism and humanitarianism. If anyone has any speculations as to the ulterior motives and reasons behind this particular international deed, they are more than welcome to share their opinions. I, for one, think such speculation serves to make us more politically aware of what is going on about us.
Although in my previous blog entry I gave humanity a gentle pat on the back for going in the right direction, there is still a long way to go. While the funds and resources devoted to aiding the survivors are truly amazing and the work done is remarkable, there is still a lot to do. We are still very far from realizing the utopia of peaceful cooperation between the world's powers and the help rendered in Pakistan is far from complete. There are still many homeless families and many are currently living on rented land in a situation that cannot possibly continue for long. Not only that, I feel forced to add my own cynical insight into the whole issue. If you want to continue living in an Utopian dream, please refrain from reading the following paragraph. On the other hand if you want glimpse the other side of the coin, by all means read on!
Cynicism Must not be Denied
I can't refrain from expressing a certain thought that is bothering me in the back of my mind. There are major disasters that occur all over the world. Some are natural like the earthquake and others are man-made. The effort put into aiding the survivors of the Pakistan disaster is impressive but what of all the other less fortunate suffering in many other disasters? One would like to hope that the aid in Pakistan is the harbinger of more instances of large scale international aid in other disasters. Unfortunately I am afraid that this will prove to be another act with ulterior political motives that have nothing to do with humanism and humanitarianism. If anyone has any speculations as to the ulterior motives and reasons behind this particular international deed, they are more than welcome to share their opinions. I, for one, think such speculation serves to make us more politically aware of what is going on about us.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A Pat On the Back For Everyone
A Pleasant Change
I felt that in view of recent reports, I would replace my standard review of world politics combined with my personal opinions and questions with something pleasantly encouraging. A pleasant sign that the world might be going in the right direction despite the 'best' efforts of our politicians and various religious leaders. While I know that this positive trend is probably not something that is going to last I still feel it is worth mentioning. Not only that, such positive trends deserve to encouraged for the general good.
The Pakistani Success
What I am referring to is the recent discussions regarding the earthquake recovery efforts in Pakistan. After a massively destructive earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 left millions of people homeless, an incredible world wide effort was mounted. Today, after investing several billion dollars, schools and clinics have been rebuilt and most of the population has a roof over their heads. Some of them even have homes again! This is an incredible example of the good that humanity is capable of when people set their minds to it. A united international effort of good that does not involve shooting bad people (not that I object to shooting evil terrorists - it's just that I would prefer that there not be any terror to begin with!) is something that is quite novel and a pleasure to read about.
A Pat on the Back
It is philanthropic deeds such as these that allow us to give ourselves the metphorical "pat on the back" as if to say; "Way to go, modern world! You are doing something good after all!". It seems that people do have the capability to harness the massive resources and technologies of the world in order top help one another. Of course things are not so simple, as I will point out in my next blog entry...
I felt that in view of recent reports, I would replace my standard review of world politics combined with my personal opinions and questions with something pleasantly encouraging. A pleasant sign that the world might be going in the right direction despite the 'best' efforts of our politicians and various religious leaders. While I know that this positive trend is probably not something that is going to last I still feel it is worth mentioning. Not only that, such positive trends deserve to encouraged for the general good.
The Pakistani Success
What I am referring to is the recent discussions regarding the earthquake recovery efforts in Pakistan. After a massively destructive earthquake in Pakistan in 2005 left millions of people homeless, an incredible world wide effort was mounted. Today, after investing several billion dollars, schools and clinics have been rebuilt and most of the population has a roof over their heads. Some of them even have homes again! This is an incredible example of the good that humanity is capable of when people set their minds to it. A united international effort of good that does not involve shooting bad people (not that I object to shooting evil terrorists - it's just that I would prefer that there not be any terror to begin with!) is something that is quite novel and a pleasure to read about.
A Pat on the Back
It is philanthropic deeds such as these that allow us to give ourselves the metphorical "pat on the back" as if to say; "Way to go, modern world! You are doing something good after all!". It seems that people do have the capability to harness the massive resources and technologies of the world in order top help one another. Of course things are not so simple, as I will point out in my next blog entry...
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sinister Negotiaton Failures
Diminishing Nuclear Deterence
One of the claims that the Russians have raised against the new European radar bases that are under construction by the U.S, is that the bases can be used against Russia as a means of diminishing their nuclear deterence. In other words, the Russian leaders feel that should they decide to launch a nuclear barrage at the U.S, these startegically located radar bases could significantly reduce the amount of damage their strike might inflict. I think that most people would understand why such a claim scares me. Why Strike the U.S? The first question that comes to mind, is; why should the Russians feel the need to launch a nuclear strike against the U.S? Do they fear that the U.S might strike them first? Are the Russians really at peace or are they just biding their time and waiting for the opportunity to strike? Even worse; what if the Russian are correct? What if the U.S really fear the Russian strike and that is why they want the radar stations? In that case, maybe we do need to fear a U.S nuclear strike as soon as the radar bases are operational.
An Explosive Peace
The truth is that the nuclear barrage of the entire Russian arsenal launched at the U.S, is probably superflous by several orders of magnitude. This remains true even with sophisticated radar bases. The whole point of nuclear peace is that everyone is forced to behave themselves. Although the construction of appropriate defenses is wise and desirable, it does not solve the real problem. We must hope that under the threat of nuclear war both nations will learn to behave themselves until such behavior become second nature and the threat is forgotten completely.
One of the claims that the Russians have raised against the new European radar bases that are under construction by the U.S, is that the bases can be used against Russia as a means of diminishing their nuclear deterence. In other words, the Russian leaders feel that should they decide to launch a nuclear barrage at the U.S, these startegically located radar bases could significantly reduce the amount of damage their strike might inflict. I think that most people would understand why such a claim scares me. Why Strike the U.S? The first question that comes to mind, is; why should the Russians feel the need to launch a nuclear strike against the U.S? Do they fear that the U.S might strike them first? Are the Russians really at peace or are they just biding their time and waiting for the opportunity to strike? Even worse; what if the Russian are correct? What if the U.S really fear the Russian strike and that is why they want the radar stations? In that case, maybe we do need to fear a U.S nuclear strike as soon as the radar bases are operational.
An Explosive Peace
The truth is that the nuclear barrage of the entire Russian arsenal launched at the U.S, is probably superflous by several orders of magnitude. This remains true even with sophisticated radar bases. The whole point of nuclear peace is that everyone is forced to behave themselves. Although the construction of appropriate defenses is wise and desirable, it does not solve the real problem. We must hope that under the threat of nuclear war both nations will learn to behave themselves until such behavior become second nature and the threat is forgotten completely.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Chilling Breeze
Big Hopes for Russia and the U.S.
Russia and the United States recently entered negotiations regarding the joint construction of European radar stations. These stations are supposed to be part of the early detection program designed to protect the U.S an Russia from nuclear missile strikes by countries such as Iran. The idea of a joint Russian - U.S project was actually a Russian one. When it was voiced many people felt that this was a clear demonstration of the total end of any residue of the 'Cold War'.
Hopes Dashed
For those of us who were happy at the Russian suggestion of a joint project, it seems we counted our chickens before they hatched. The U.S and Russia have been unable to reach any agreement regarding the radar construction. Not only that, the U.S has proceeded in the construction without the aid of the Russians effectively 'leaving them out'. The Russians are thus now claiming that the European radar bases are actually diminishing the their nuclear power by damaging their deterrent power. While things may yet change it seems that the great peace between two of the world's most powerful nations has not yet been achieved. Something Even More Sinister The claims raised by Russian officials are even more disturbing than a simple lack of negotiations. Some of the issues raised actually convey far more sinister tones than might be felt on the surface. What I am referring to is something I hope to discuss at the next opportunity I have. If anyone has similar feelings, I would be happy if he would share them with me.
Russia and the United States recently entered negotiations regarding the joint construction of European radar stations. These stations are supposed to be part of the early detection program designed to protect the U.S an Russia from nuclear missile strikes by countries such as Iran. The idea of a joint Russian - U.S project was actually a Russian one. When it was voiced many people felt that this was a clear demonstration of the total end of any residue of the 'Cold War'.
Hopes Dashed
For those of us who were happy at the Russian suggestion of a joint project, it seems we counted our chickens before they hatched. The U.S and Russia have been unable to reach any agreement regarding the radar construction. Not only that, the U.S has proceeded in the construction without the aid of the Russians effectively 'leaving them out'. The Russians are thus now claiming that the European radar bases are actually diminishing the their nuclear power by damaging their deterrent power. While things may yet change it seems that the great peace between two of the world's most powerful nations has not yet been achieved. Something Even More Sinister The claims raised by Russian officials are even more disturbing than a simple lack of negotiations. Some of the issues raised actually convey far more sinister tones than might be felt on the surface. What I am referring to is something I hope to discuss at the next opportunity I have. If anyone has similar feelings, I would be happy if he would share them with me.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Debating Bin Laden
Bin Laden Tapes
As part of the so called "commemoration" of the 11Th of September terrorist strikes, two tapes featuring the infamous Bin Laden were issued. According to many these tapes serve to show that Bin Laden is feeling freer to move about and is less afraid of retribution. In the tapes, Bin Laden continues his tirade against the "West" and calls for all Muslim believers to join his ranks. He also shows an older clip of the "last will and testament" of one of the suicide bombers right before his mission of death. I will therefore take the opportunity in the following paragraph to write some of my own tirade against this man who has managed to inspire such hatred.
The Bin Laden Debate
The tapes have sparked an old debate: Should Bin Laden be hunted down and eradicated or not? Should Bin Laden be viewed as a personal threat or should he be viewed only as part of an organisation that should be fought? The significance of these questions is the decision regarding how much effort should be put into striking at Bin Laden himself. Basically people are wondering if Bin Laden is a head or just a figurehead. To me the answer is obvious and simple. Bin Laden is indeed only a figurehead. Taking out Bin Laden will not bring about a miraculous disappearance of Islamic terror. On the other hand, terrorist leader need to know that they should live in fear knowing that retribution for their crimes is sure to come. Bin Laden is a figurehead but he should also serve as an example. Perhaps with enough examples something will eventually change and we will be closer to peace.
As part of the so called "commemoration" of the 11Th of September terrorist strikes, two tapes featuring the infamous Bin Laden were issued. According to many these tapes serve to show that Bin Laden is feeling freer to move about and is less afraid of retribution. In the tapes, Bin Laden continues his tirade against the "West" and calls for all Muslim believers to join his ranks. He also shows an older clip of the "last will and testament" of one of the suicide bombers right before his mission of death. I will therefore take the opportunity in the following paragraph to write some of my own tirade against this man who has managed to inspire such hatred.
The Bin Laden Debate
The tapes have sparked an old debate: Should Bin Laden be hunted down and eradicated or not? Should Bin Laden be viewed as a personal threat or should he be viewed only as part of an organisation that should be fought? The significance of these questions is the decision regarding how much effort should be put into striking at Bin Laden himself. Basically people are wondering if Bin Laden is a head or just a figurehead. To me the answer is obvious and simple. Bin Laden is indeed only a figurehead. Taking out Bin Laden will not bring about a miraculous disappearance of Islamic terror. On the other hand, terrorist leader need to know that they should live in fear knowing that retribution for their crimes is sure to come. Bin Laden is a figurehead but he should also serve as an example. Perhaps with enough examples something will eventually change and we will be closer to peace.
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