A Military Coup in Egypt is a recipe for disaster, it could lead to an all out Civil War.
The uprising just over a year ago at Tahrir Square, Cairo was against a military dictatorship. A military coup in Egypt now, could have disastrous consequences for this country of 85 million people, possibly damaging it irreparably.
Egyptian Military is one of the most incompetent, ill trained, corrupt and disorganized militaries of the world. Their Generals have fattened on power and graft, they are incapable of running the military, let alone run the country.
The uprising then was against the corrupt and hated regime of Hosni Mubarak, a military dictator who ruled for 25 years with an iron grip. The general public rose against the choke hold and wanted to see a democratic set up in the country. But due to manipulation of Egyptian military, (backed by U.S.) underhand deals were made with Muslim Brotherhood in the hope of restricting them to parliament only. The plan was to have a pliable candidate elected as President, so all good and independent minded Presidential candidates were barred from contesting elections.
Like most unholy deals, this too came undone. Contrary to earlier promises, Brotherhood insisted on fielding a candidate for President and withtheir extensive network, they were able to capture enough votes to control the parliament and then the Presidency. This was not the result people had demonstrated for, in fact this was a negation of their hopes and aspirations. Had the military not cut a deal, Brotherhood would probably not have won more than a handful of seats in the parliament.
The anger on the streets of Egypt today against Morsi regime is because he does not represent the the majority. Most Egyprians want a secular, democratic Egypt with freedom for all and not the theocratic state Muslim Brotherhood wants.
A military coup is neither appropriate nor an option at this stage. Brotherhood came to power through elections and they should be allowed to serve out their term. Next elections should be held without military intervention and should be free and fair. If that were to happen, chances are, Brotherhood will be voted out of office. Democratic means should be the only method for a change.
If Morsi survives, he should realize that he has come to power due to military's manipulation and he does not represent the majority. He should take the views of the majority into consideration.
A military coup now is likely to pit the Brotherhood against the military. The general public may feel relieved momentarily, but they too are in no mood for military rule again. In a worse case scenario, Brotherhood could take up arms Taliban style and inflict heavy blows on the military causing great upheaval leading to an all out civil war.
The Egypt Military and its sponsor (the U.S., the great champion of democracy) should think again before taking any steps to overthrow an elected regime, no matter how unpopular.
Dr. Cole
When I tried to share this artcle on my facebook page, nothing happened. Isd there any reason, why I am unable to share this excellent article.
Hasn't the GOP already caused enough damage by launchhing Iraq war that they now want to launch a war on Iran? Where are the WMDs? I am sure same will be the outcome from agression on Iran, there will be no nukes, then what? American has been bankrupted by these neocons and it needs to be saved from them.
Killing of Iranian Nuclear Scientist an Act of Terror
When US & Israel kill innocent people in other countries, it is a covert operation, but when Iran or Syria do it, it is an act of terror - what hypocricy.
Regardless of whether Iran is developing a nuclear weapon or not and regardless of whether Ahnedinajad regime is liked by outside world or not, the recent killing of an Iranian scietist is nothing but an act of terror and it should be called as such. Those who committed this act should be treated as international terrorists even if they acted for CIA or Mossad or any other agency.
Hillary Clinton's denial in this matter is less than convincing. Her credibility in such matters is low as she did not tell the truth when she said that Raymond Davis, who killed two people in Lahore in broad daylight, was a diplomat. The CIA contractor had in fact entered the country on a business visa and he was suspected of instigating Taliban to carry out bomb blasts in various cities in Pakistan. Had it not been for Senator John Kerry's diplomacy and invocation of Sharia Law in paying blood money in exchange for his release, Mr. Davis may well have faced the gallows.
It was not long ago when Israeli agents executed a Palestinian leader in Dubai by using false British passports, a heinous act in itself causing much consternation between British and Israeli Governments.
The World must roundly condemn all acts of terror regardless of whether they are committed by individuals, religious extremists or by State actors on behalf of CIA, Mossad, ISI, MI5/6 or the Indian intelligence agency Raw.
US Support for Egyptian Military and Tantawi would only deliver Egypt into Islamic Brotherhood's lap. It is time for the Administration to take stock and change its policy:
This plot is beginning to look more bogus with each passing hour and with the additional hype from media. Unfortunately, US media has copped out and not done its research to establish the varacity of these claims.
Murder Plot, hatched by whom - Iran or FBI?
The 'Iranian plot' to kill Saudi Ambassador in Washington DC in a crowded restaurant is indeed outrageous. A couple of Iranians have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder. Supposedly, they were seeking help from Mexican drug pushers for execution of their plot. If this is true and Iran is involved, then Iran should be condemned vociferously.
However, the FBI sounded most unconvincing in their press briefing and this plot appears more like a script for a Hollywood movie than a real thing. Also, killing Saudi Ambassador is beyond comprehension as he is not a member of the ruling family. Had the plot been to kill a visiting Foreign Minister or a Prince, that would have been far more convincing.
So, is it a real plot or have some renegade intelligence operatives/contractors hatched it in Washington DC to put Iran into the dock as all else has failed? President Obama should have this investigated thoroughly and if it turns out to be bogus, he should fire all those involved and charge them criminally.
US politicians, who are the biggest stumbling block to America's prosperity have been 'outraged'. That extremist neo-con representative from New York, Peter King wants America to be ready to launch an attack on Iran. US could do well without extremists like these, who have caused America's bankruptcy by shouting out for ill advised wars.
US media, once again sounds like Administration's mouthpiece, rather than a credible independent and respectable source of news as was the case in the days of Mr. Walter Cronkite. No wonder American public has lost faith in the media and 71% say, they get their facts wrong. Where is the investigative journalism and where are fact checks before reporting such a story?
This may well be an Iranian plot, but unfortunately (and despite all the hyped up noise in DC), Iran may get away with it. Because US credibility is zero after repeated lies about WMD and after repeated denials of inflicting extreme torture at Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghuraib and Bagram. Many around the world feel, this may just be another conspiracy hatched in Washington DC.
One more reason could be that with Russian & China flexing muscle at UN Security Council, US hegemony is severely challenged. If it can be shown that Iran is behind this, Russia & China could be persuaded not to veto/water down a resolution on Iran.
The strange irony of it all is that President Obama's ill advised UN Ambassador, stormed out of the Security Council over Russia & China's veto while openly threatening and getting ready to veto Palestinian application for UN membership.
It is time for West to get out of Libya. UN Resolution 1973 was to protect Libyans, not bomb them.
It is shameful that UN Secretary, General Ban ki Moon has played in the hands of western powers. Instead of bringing peace, he has brought death and destruction to Libya. UN's mandate is to make peace not war. He should have made his best efforts to bring warring tribes to the table to accomplish peace. Also, UN should have sent in peacekeeping forces to protect Ben Ghazi and other cities, not send in western troops to kill Libyan citizens through air and missile attacks. Ban ki Man has lost his mandate and should resign immediately.
HOSNI MUBARAK SHOULD STEP DOWN IMMDEIATELY
No amount of promises will satisfy the Egyptian people, Hosni Mubarak should step down now. Perhaps it is too late already for an orderly transition, but the longer he lingers, the more violent is the transition likely to be.
Mubarak has ruled Egypt with an iron fist for thirty years, no wonder the anger is boiling over in the streets. He has not allowed any opposition candidate to run against him, most opponents have been languishing in jail for years. A vast number of Egyptians remain poor and have not benefited from economic prosperity that a few have enjoyed. Mubarak and his cronies live extravagant lifestyle in palaces like kings.
Mubarak's grooming of his son as his successor may be the proverbial "last straw that broke the camel's back". People have had enough of one Mubarak and they are not ready for another. Also, Egypt is not a kingdom, where a son can take over reigns of power when the father dies or retires. Tunisian uprising may have lit a fire in the Middle East, but anger has been boiling in Egypt for quite some time now, all it needed was a fuse.
To prevent conditions getting worse, Hosni Mubarak should hand over power to an interim non-partisan authority, whose sole task should be to hold free and fair elections within 90 days. This can prevent further violence as angers will cool down and the public will feel empowered to elect a leader of their choice. Failure to step down will only result in more violence, death and destruction and a severe blow to Egyptian economy. MR. MUBARAK, PLEASE GO NOW AND SAVE YOUR COUNTRY.
Dr. Cole, I would like to share my thought on Lebanon as expresses in my blog today. Thanks
Failure of U.S. Policy in Lebanon - Hezbollah in the Driving Seat
On February 14, 2005, one of the most dynamic Middle Eastern leaders, Mr. Rafik Hariri was assassinated in a car bomb in Beirut. Neocons in Bush Administration blamed Syria for the heinous act. The Western and US media (as if on a cue), launched a barrage of accusations against Syria - such investigative journalists that they are.
Lebanon saw massive uprising and anti-Syrian demonstrations resulting in pull out of Syrian troops from Lebanon. Until then Syria had maintained a large troop presence in Lebanon under one pretext or another. Syria should have withdrawn its troops several years earlier as they had no reason to stay on Lebanese soil for this length of time.
Regardless of the noise and media blitz, there were some in Lebanon who pointed a finger at Israel for Hariri's murder, however implausible though it appeared at the time. Regardless of whoever was responsible, it turned out to be a diplomatic victory for US & Israel.
The UN formed an 'Independent Commission' to investigate the assassination. Enormous pressure was applied on the commission to find Syria guilty. However, despite the evidence paraded by media at the time, no solid link was found. Also, in the meantime political winds had changed and Syria and US had broken bread together. The 'independent' commission was then pressured to focus its attention on Hezbollah.
Like the John F Kennedy murder, the truth may never be known. The assassination could be the work of Hezbollah, Syria, Israel, the US or even a local opponent of Mr. Hariri. Unfortunately, the commission has been comprised by lack of transparency and by allowing itself to be pressured by stakeholders in the Middle East. However accurate its findings, they lack credibility.
Move the clock forward to 2011 and Hezbollah is in the driving seat in Lebanon with their nominee Mr. Najib Mikati for Prime Minister. They even appear to have the support of Christian party of Mr. Michel Aoun and the Druz leader Mr. Walid Jumbalat.
It seems that Bush Administration's neocon driven policies of declaring Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations has helped increase their political footprint tremendously.
If Hezbollah is successful in forming a broad based coalition Government - which it seems likely to at this time (though things can change overnight in the Arab world), it will be a major foreign policy failure for the United States.
US must seriously review and redirect its diplomatic policy in the Middle East. This failure is mainly the result of blindly following Israel's lead and not having an independent policy. At a time when Israel is blatantly building settlements in East Jerusalem and refusing to listen to Obama Administration. US must find an independent course of action in that part of the world or risk becoming a mere spectator on the sidelines.
O'Reilly appears to represents the Evengelical Christian fundametal extreme right, which includes the likes of Frank Graham, who says Islam, the religion of 1.5 billion Muslims is not a religion. Their thinking is no different than that of the Taliban. They are hate mongers against Islam, just as Taliban preach hatred against non Muslims
Ali Al-Hajveri better known as 'Data Ganj Bakhsh' preceded Rumi by 200 years and his book 'Kashf Al-Mahjoob' (Revelation of the Mystery) (available at Amazon.com) is the first known treatise on Sufism. The book is absolutely amazing as it traces origins of Sufism going back to Prophet Mohammad's time and beyond.
It boggles the mind that some people committed such acts of terror in the name of religion by the graveside of such a revered saint and a beacon of knowledge. Such terrorists have no place in society and those who brain washed them into committing suicide bombings should be locked up for ever.
The famous Sufi Saint Khawaja Moeen uddin Chishti (another famous Sufi saint buried at Ajmer in India) spent several days at Ali Al-Hajveri's shrine and said this about him:
"Ganj Bakhsh is the manifestation of divine light and bounty for all
For lesser mortals, he is the perfect guide and for the perfect, a divine leader"
Ali Al-Hajveri better known as 'Data Ganj Bakhsh' preceded Rumi by 200 years and his book 'Kashf Al-Mahjoob' (Revelation of the Mystery) (available at Amazon.com)
is the first known treatise on Sufism. The book is absolutely amazing as it traces origins of Sufism going back to Prophet Mohammad's time and beyond.
It boggles the mind that some people committed such acts of terror in the name of religion by the graveside of such a revered saint and a beacon of knowledge. Such terrorists have no place in society and those who brain washed them into committing suicide bombings should be locked up for ever.
The famous Sufi Saint Khawaja Moeen uddin Chishti (another famous Sufi saint buried at Ajmer in India) spent several days at Ali Al-Hajveri's shrine and said this about him:
"Ganj Bakhsh is the manifestation of divine light and bounty for all
For lesser mortals, he is the perfect guide and for the perfect, a divine leader"
General McChrystal - Good Riddance, Now it is time to bring in a new Defense Secretary
General McChrystal's insubordination and inappropriate comments about his superiors and especially the Commander-in-Chief earned him a well deserved sack. Anything less would have been perceived as a weakness on President Obama's part.
Letting McChrystal off the hook would have opened doors to insubordination from other military officers. What is surprising however, is the rumor that Defense Secretary Robert Gates pleaded for a lesser punishment. If this is true, then it is a matter of great concern. How can the Defense Secretary not ask for full and proper punishment. In fact, it is President Obama's open mindedness to invite the General to the Oval office to explain his conduct, otherwise he could have just asked the Defense Secretary to relieve him of his command.
Robert Gates has served many a President, but he may have too much baggage from the past. In these changed times, President Obama needs to appoint a new Defense Secretary to implement his policies, someone whose thinking is completely aligned with the President.
The war in Iraq may be winding down, though the after effects of a total withdrawal are yet to emerge. However, things are not going well in Afghanistan. McChrystal may have befriended the Afghans, but his surge is not working. Taliban are a different breed altogether, each time NATO forces launch a major attack, they simply melt away and regroup to start the fight elsewhere another day. Instead of reducing, their numbers are increasing.
It is time to rethink the Afghan strategy entirely. No foreign force has ever defeated the Afghan people, and this war IS against the Afghan people, be they under the garb of Taliban. It is time to wind down the war and implement an exit strategy based on a political settlement. For that, the President needs to put on his thinking cap and he also needs new leadership at Pentagon.
US Capitualtes to Israel Again - Who runs the US Foreign Policy: AIPAC or the White House?
The Israeli attack on unarmed ships carrying relief goods for Gaza has been squarely condemned by Governments around the world, except the US Government, which has not had the courage to call a spade a spade.
Attacking ships in international waters is piracy under the international law. After this incidence, there is no difference between Somali pirates and Israeli forces attacking ships in international waters - except that Somali pirates don't usually kill.
It is appalling that US has blocked and watered down the UN Security Council resolution in a most shameful manner. Instead of a resolution condemning Israel's actions, it has tabled a watered down resolution that is utterly meaningless.
US also blocked efforts to call for an international investigation, instead it insisted on Israel holding the investigation. This is akin to asking a shooter who has just killed several people to head an investigation into his own actions!
Who controls the US foreign policy, the White House or Israel i.e. AIPAC. It is unfortunate that US has surrendered its sovereignty to Israel. Being the largest super power in the world, it has a moral duty to do the right thing - condemn what is wrong and applaud what is right. By taking a one sided position, it is lowering its stature in the world. Such actions are only likely to strengthen the hands of hate mongering terrorists, who propagate that US is not an honest broker.
Great nations do not surrender their sovereignty to other countries, history has shown us that nations who take unjust actions ultimately lose their power in the world.
Hillary Clinton, being in charge of US foreign policy should show grit and resign to demonstrate her unhappiness at the US foreign policy being hijacked from under her feet.
A Military Coup in Egypt is a recipe for disaster, it could lead to an all out Civil War.
The uprising just over a year ago at Tahrir Square, Cairo was against a military dictatorship. A military coup in Egypt now, could have disastrous consequences for this country of 85 million people, possibly damaging it irreparably.
Egyptian Military is one of the most incompetent, ill trained, corrupt and disorganized militaries of the world. Their Generals have fattened on power and graft, they are incapable of running the military, let alone run the country.
The uprising then was against the corrupt and hated regime of Hosni Mubarak, a military dictator who ruled for 25 years with an iron grip. The general public rose against the choke hold and wanted to see a democratic set up in the country. But due to manipulation of Egyptian military, (backed by U.S.) underhand deals were made with Muslim Brotherhood in the hope of restricting them to parliament only. The plan was to have a pliable candidate elected as President, so all good and independent minded Presidential candidates were barred from contesting elections.
Like most unholy deals, this too came undone. Contrary to earlier promises, Brotherhood insisted on fielding a candidate for President and withtheir extensive network, they were able to capture enough votes to control the parliament and then the Presidency. This was not the result people had demonstrated for, in fact this was a negation of their hopes and aspirations. Had the military not cut a deal, Brotherhood would probably not have won more than a handful of seats in the parliament.
The anger on the streets of Egypt today against Morsi regime is because he does not represent the the majority. Most Egyprians want a secular, democratic Egypt with freedom for all and not the theocratic state Muslim Brotherhood wants.
A military coup is neither appropriate nor an option at this stage. Brotherhood came to power through elections and they should be allowed to serve out their term. Next elections should be held without military intervention and should be free and fair. If that were to happen, chances are, Brotherhood will be voted out of office. Democratic means should be the only method for a change.
If Morsi survives, he should realize that he has come to power due to military's manipulation and he does not represent the majority. He should take the views of the majority into consideration.
A military coup now is likely to pit the Brotherhood against the military. The general public may feel relieved momentarily, but they too are in no mood for military rule again. In a worse case scenario, Brotherhood could take up arms Taliban style and inflict heavy blows on the military causing great upheaval leading to an all out civil war.
The Egypt Military and its sponsor (the U.S., the great champion of democracy) should think again before taking any steps to overthrow an elected regime, no matter how unpopular.
http://politicalbeast1.blogspot.ca/2013/07/a-military-coup-in-egypt-is-recipe-for.html
Dr. Cole
When I tried to share this artcle on my facebook page, nothing happened. Isd there any reason, why I am unable to share this excellent article.
Hasn't the GOP already caused enough damage by launchhing Iraq war that they now want to launch a war on Iran? Where are the WMDs? I am sure same will be the outcome from agression on Iran, there will be no nukes, then what? American has been bankrupted by these neocons and it needs to be saved from them.
Killing of Iranian Nuclear Scientist an Act of Terror
When US & Israel kill innocent people in other countries, it is a covert operation, but when Iran or Syria do it, it is an act of terror - what hypocricy.
Regardless of whether Iran is developing a nuclear weapon or not and regardless of whether Ahnedinajad regime is liked by outside world or not, the recent killing of an Iranian scietist is nothing but an act of terror and it should be called as such. Those who committed this act should be treated as international terrorists even if they acted for CIA or Mossad or any other agency.
Hillary Clinton's denial in this matter is less than convincing. Her credibility in such matters is low as she did not tell the truth when she said that Raymond Davis, who killed two people in Lahore in broad daylight, was a diplomat. The CIA contractor had in fact entered the country on a business visa and he was suspected of instigating Taliban to carry out bomb blasts in various cities in Pakistan. Had it not been for Senator John Kerry's diplomacy and invocation of Sharia Law in paying blood money in exchange for his release, Mr. Davis may well have faced the gallows.
It was not long ago when Israeli agents executed a Palestinian leader in Dubai by using false British passports, a heinous act in itself causing much consternation between British and Israeli Governments.
The World must roundly condemn all acts of terror regardless of whether they are committed by individuals, religious extremists or by State actors on behalf of CIA, Mossad, ISI, MI5/6 or the Indian intelligence agency Raw.
US Support for Egyptian Military and Tantawi would only deliver Egypt into Islamic Brotherhood's lap. It is time for the Administration to take stock and change its policy:
http://politicalbeast1.blogspot.com/2011/11/us-support-for-military-could-push.html
This plot is beginning to look more bogus with each passing hour and with the additional hype from media. Unfortunately, US media has copped out and not done its research to establish the varacity of these claims.
Murder Plot, hatched by whom - Iran or FBI?
The 'Iranian plot' to kill Saudi Ambassador in Washington DC in a crowded restaurant is indeed outrageous. A couple of Iranians have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder. Supposedly, they were seeking help from Mexican drug pushers for execution of their plot. If this is true and Iran is involved, then Iran should be condemned vociferously.
However, the FBI sounded most unconvincing in their press briefing and this plot appears more like a script for a Hollywood movie than a real thing. Also, killing Saudi Ambassador is beyond comprehension as he is not a member of the ruling family. Had the plot been to kill a visiting Foreign Minister or a Prince, that would have been far more convincing.
So, is it a real plot or have some renegade intelligence operatives/contractors hatched it in Washington DC to put Iran into the dock as all else has failed? President Obama should have this investigated thoroughly and if it turns out to be bogus, he should fire all those involved and charge them criminally.
US politicians, who are the biggest stumbling block to America's prosperity have been 'outraged'. That extremist neo-con representative from New York, Peter King wants America to be ready to launch an attack on Iran. US could do well without extremists like these, who have caused America's bankruptcy by shouting out for ill advised wars.
US media, once again sounds like Administration's mouthpiece, rather than a credible independent and respectable source of news as was the case in the days of Mr. Walter Cronkite. No wonder American public has lost faith in the media and 71% say, they get their facts wrong. Where is the investigative journalism and where are fact checks before reporting such a story?
This may well be an Iranian plot, but unfortunately (and despite all the hyped up noise in DC), Iran may get away with it. Because US credibility is zero after repeated lies about WMD and after repeated denials of inflicting extreme torture at Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghuraib and Bagram. Many around the world feel, this may just be another conspiracy hatched in Washington DC.
One more reason could be that with Russian & China flexing muscle at UN Security Council, US hegemony is severely challenged. If it can be shown that Iran is behind this, Russia & China could be persuaded not to veto/water down a resolution on Iran.
The strange irony of it all is that President Obama's ill advised UN Ambassador, stormed out of the Security Council over Russia & China's veto while openly threatening and getting ready to veto Palestinian application for UN membership.
It is time for West to get out of Libya. UN Resolution 1973 was to protect Libyans, not bomb them.
It is shameful that UN Secretary, General Ban ki Moon has played in the hands of western powers. Instead of bringing peace, he has brought death and destruction to Libya. UN's mandate is to make peace not war. He should have made his best efforts to bring warring tribes to the table to accomplish peace. Also, UN should have sent in peacekeeping forces to protect Ben Ghazi and other cities, not send in western troops to kill Libyan citizens through air and missile attacks. Ban ki Man has lost his mandate and should resign immediately.
HOSNI MUBARAK SHOULD STEP DOWN IMMDEIATELY
No amount of promises will satisfy the Egyptian people, Hosni Mubarak should step down now. Perhaps it is too late already for an orderly transition, but the longer he lingers, the more violent is the transition likely to be.
Mubarak has ruled Egypt with an iron fist for thirty years, no wonder the anger is boiling over in the streets. He has not allowed any opposition candidate to run against him, most opponents have been languishing in jail for years. A vast number of Egyptians remain poor and have not benefited from economic prosperity that a few have enjoyed. Mubarak and his cronies live extravagant lifestyle in palaces like kings.
Mubarak's grooming of his son as his successor may be the proverbial "last straw that broke the camel's back". People have had enough of one Mubarak and they are not ready for another. Also, Egypt is not a kingdom, where a son can take over reigns of power when the father dies or retires. Tunisian uprising may have lit a fire in the Middle East, but anger has been boiling in Egypt for quite some time now, all it needed was a fuse.
To prevent conditions getting worse, Hosni Mubarak should hand over power to an interim non-partisan authority, whose sole task should be to hold free and fair elections within 90 days. This can prevent further violence as angers will cool down and the public will feel empowered to elect a leader of their choice. Failure to step down will only result in more violence, death and destruction and a severe blow to Egyptian economy. MR. MUBARAK, PLEASE GO NOW AND SAVE YOUR COUNTRY.
Dr. Cole, I would like to share my thought on Lebanon as expresses in my blog today. Thanks
Failure of U.S. Policy in Lebanon - Hezbollah in the Driving Seat
On February 14, 2005, one of the most dynamic Middle Eastern leaders, Mr. Rafik Hariri was assassinated in a car bomb in Beirut. Neocons in Bush Administration blamed Syria for the heinous act. The Western and US media (as if on a cue), launched a barrage of accusations against Syria - such investigative journalists that they are.
Lebanon saw massive uprising and anti-Syrian demonstrations resulting in pull out of Syrian troops from Lebanon. Until then Syria had maintained a large troop presence in Lebanon under one pretext or another. Syria should have withdrawn its troops several years earlier as they had no reason to stay on Lebanese soil for this length of time.
Regardless of the noise and media blitz, there were some in Lebanon who pointed a finger at Israel for Hariri's murder, however implausible though it appeared at the time. Regardless of whoever was responsible, it turned out to be a diplomatic victory for US & Israel.
The UN formed an 'Independent Commission' to investigate the assassination. Enormous pressure was applied on the commission to find Syria guilty. However, despite the evidence paraded by media at the time, no solid link was found. Also, in the meantime political winds had changed and Syria and US had broken bread together. The 'independent' commission was then pressured to focus its attention on Hezbollah.
Like the John F Kennedy murder, the truth may never be known. The assassination could be the work of Hezbollah, Syria, Israel, the US or even a local opponent of Mr. Hariri. Unfortunately, the commission has been comprised by lack of transparency and by allowing itself to be pressured by stakeholders in the Middle East. However accurate its findings, they lack credibility.
Move the clock forward to 2011 and Hezbollah is in the driving seat in Lebanon with their nominee Mr. Najib Mikati for Prime Minister. They even appear to have the support of Christian party of Mr. Michel Aoun and the Druz leader Mr. Walid Jumbalat.
It seems that Bush Administration's neocon driven policies of declaring Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations has helped increase their political footprint tremendously.
If Hezbollah is successful in forming a broad based coalition Government - which it seems likely to at this time (though things can change overnight in the Arab world), it will be a major foreign policy failure for the United States.
US must seriously review and redirect its diplomatic policy in the Middle East. This failure is mainly the result of blindly following Israel's lead and not having an independent policy. At a time when Israel is blatantly building settlements in East Jerusalem and refusing to listen to Obama Administration. US must find an independent course of action in that part of the world or risk becoming a mere spectator on the sidelines.
O'Reilly appears to represents the Evengelical Christian fundametal extreme right, which includes the likes of Frank Graham, who says Islam, the religion of 1.5 billion Muslims is not a religion. Their thinking is no different than that of the Taliban. They are hate mongers against Islam, just as Taliban preach hatred against non Muslims
Brilliant article on the life and times of Fdalallah.
The attack in Lahore is absolutely shocking.
Ali Al-Hajveri better known as 'Data Ganj Bakhsh' preceded Rumi by 200 years and his book 'Kashf Al-Mahjoob' (Revelation of the Mystery) (available at Amazon.com) is the first known treatise on Sufism. The book is absolutely amazing as it traces origins of Sufism going back to Prophet Mohammad's time and beyond.
It boggles the mind that some people committed such acts of terror in the name of religion by the graveside of such a revered saint and a beacon of knowledge. Such terrorists have no place in society and those who brain washed them into committing suicide bombings should be locked up for ever.
The famous Sufi Saint Khawaja Moeen uddin Chishti (another famous Sufi saint buried at Ajmer in India) spent several days at Ali Al-Hajveri's shrine and said this about him:
"Ganj Bakhsh is the manifestation of divine light and bounty for all
For lesser mortals, he is the perfect guide and for the perfect, a divine leader"
The attack in Lahore is absolutely shocking.
Ali Al-Hajveri better known as 'Data Ganj Bakhsh' preceded Rumi by 200 years and his book 'Kashf Al-Mahjoob' (Revelation of the Mystery) (available at Amazon.com)
is the first known treatise on Sufism. The book is absolutely amazing as it traces origins of Sufism going back to Prophet Mohammad's time and beyond.
It boggles the mind that some people committed such acts of terror in the name of religion by the graveside of such a revered saint and a beacon of knowledge. Such terrorists have no place in society and those who brain washed them into committing suicide bombings should be locked up for ever.
The famous Sufi Saint Khawaja Moeen uddin Chishti (another famous Sufi saint buried at Ajmer in India) spent several days at Ali Al-Hajveri's shrine and said this about him:
"Ganj Bakhsh is the manifestation of divine light and bounty for all
For lesser mortals, he is the perfect guide and for the perfect, a divine leader"
General McChrystal - Good Riddance, Now it is time to bring in a new Defense Secretary
General McChrystal's insubordination and inappropriate comments about his superiors and especially the Commander-in-Chief earned him a well deserved sack. Anything less would have been perceived as a weakness on President Obama's part.
Letting McChrystal off the hook would have opened doors to insubordination from other military officers. What is surprising however, is the rumor that Defense Secretary Robert Gates pleaded for a lesser punishment. If this is true, then it is a matter of great concern. How can the Defense Secretary not ask for full and proper punishment. In fact, it is President Obama's open mindedness to invite the General to the Oval office to explain his conduct, otherwise he could have just asked the Defense Secretary to relieve him of his command.
Robert Gates has served many a President, but he may have too much baggage from the past. In these changed times, President Obama needs to appoint a new Defense Secretary to implement his policies, someone whose thinking is completely aligned with the President.
The war in Iraq may be winding down, though the after effects of a total withdrawal are yet to emerge. However, things are not going well in Afghanistan. McChrystal may have befriended the Afghans, but his surge is not working. Taliban are a different breed altogether, each time NATO forces launch a major attack, they simply melt away and regroup to start the fight elsewhere another day. Instead of reducing, their numbers are increasing.
It is time to rethink the Afghan strategy entirely. No foreign force has ever defeated the Afghan people, and this war IS against the Afghan people, be they under the garb of Taliban. It is time to wind down the war and implement an exit strategy based on a political settlement. For that, the President needs to put on his thinking cap and he also needs new leadership at Pentagon.
US Capitualtes to Israel Again - Who runs the US Foreign Policy: AIPAC or the White House?
The Israeli attack on unarmed ships carrying relief goods for Gaza has been squarely condemned by Governments around the world, except the US Government, which has not had the courage to call a spade a spade.
Attacking ships in international waters is piracy under the international law. After this incidence, there is no difference between Somali pirates and Israeli forces attacking ships in international waters - except that Somali pirates don't usually kill.
It is appalling that US has blocked and watered down the UN Security Council resolution in a most shameful manner. Instead of a resolution condemning Israel's actions, it has tabled a watered down resolution that is utterly meaningless.
US also blocked efforts to call for an international investigation, instead it insisted on Israel holding the investigation. This is akin to asking a shooter who has just killed several people to head an investigation into his own actions!
Who controls the US foreign policy, the White House or Israel i.e. AIPAC. It is unfortunate that US has surrendered its sovereignty to Israel. Being the largest super power in the world, it has a moral duty to do the right thing - condemn what is wrong and applaud what is right. By taking a one sided position, it is lowering its stature in the world. Such actions are only likely to strengthen the hands of hate mongering terrorists, who propagate that US is not an honest broker.
Great nations do not surrender their sovereignty to other countries, history has shown us that nations who take unjust actions ultimately lose their power in the world.
Hillary Clinton, being in charge of US foreign policy should show grit and resign to demonstrate her unhappiness at the US foreign policy being hijacked from under her feet.