Azad Forever

11 days at Guantanamo Bay Cuba

2010-05-26T23:22:00.008-04:00

May 1 2010
Imran Siddiqui
Urdu VOA News
Guantanamo Bay Cuba

I woke up to the sound of the bugle, and stepped outside my temporary tent where the media had been set up to rest and recuperate from the arduous events of covering the 1st Military tribunal hearings under Obama administration, of US VS Omar Khadr, in 97 degree Fahrenheit at Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Though hot and humid with dust blowing left to right but the morning was unusually calm, I could see the dim lights of Cuba across the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean.

I got dressed in the small make shift showers that has only cold water running or boiling, with small little pots used as latrines. At least they had flush systems. I started the walk through media tents towards McCalla hanger, a giant crude hanger where the media reporting rooms had been set up in camp justice, away from the detention centers and the courts.

Today the hearing was set to start at 7:30 am but Omar Khadr didn't show up third day in a row but as soon as we began to listen to the proceedings, we found out that today is the big day, a final chance for us to visit and film the infamous Camp delta that houses Camp 4, 5 and 6 where most of the 185 detainees are held.

A few days back we were bumped off the list as there were too many journalists to cover this, but this 2nd and final tour that was especially planned for those broadcasters who had missed the last trip was something that we just couldn't afford to miss. Yesterday I had missed a live radio show for VOA Radio because of extreme heat, lack of sleep, exhaustion and nausea, with body aching to the bones because of the run around with all the gear and today my colleague from VOA TV Ashna for Afghanistan, knew that he had to make a choice, he had 2 live TV shows lined up back to back, but the van for the camps was leaving and he had 5 minutes to make a final call to his management, but no one was answering at VOA. JTF or Joint Task Force planned this trip on a very short notice because of security concerns, they said, and just as the van was about to leave, my colleague, hopped on board.

Driving through the beautiful valley roads with lush green hills on both sides, but in front of us was the long road and beyond that a stretch, were blue waters of the bay, a part of the Caribbean. we cant tell you exactly where it is because of security concerns but beauty was staring at me right in the face in the middle of one of the worlds most controversial places, Guantanamo bay, a place filled with controversies of alleged torture and abuse.

As we approached the camps we were asked to leave any electronics in the van, after a few security check points we were finally in the main corridors, walking towards the spot where the detainees are given "life lessons". It looked like a class room where according to Deputy LTC lieutenant Colonel Andrew Mcmanus, JTG Joint Detention Group, the detainees attend their daily class session where they learn life skills to develop a resume once they leave the camps.

We saw their clothes, their books, their dvds, their Nintendo games, other toiletries provided by the staff, but most interesting of all were copies of the Quran and prayer rugs. There were painted signs that direct towards mecca, the direction where Muslims face to pray, in the class rooms as well as in their cells. The detainees are allowed to pray 5 times a day.

After going through some more corridors we entered an open court yard where the detainees hang out, they get 20 hours a day of recreation time. This is where they can eat, have conversations, watch big screen TV, that has more than 200 channels.
They couldn't see us because of the one way mirrors in front of them but we could see them.

After that, we moved on to the main sleeping cells, small, cramp, housing quarters where they had a bed with a mattress, a small latrine in the cell, a place to keep their books or reading materials. A small place to sit down and read and an intercom system. But no matter what you call it, It was a jail cell, should I say a decent one compared to where I was once locked up in Pakistan...? Maybe! But these detainees have been living here for the past 8 years without any trials.

We soon moved on to another court yard where some of the detainees were having conversations with each other, maybe 4 or 5 of them. Most of them were speaking in Arabic, I tried to look for Urdu speakers but nothing. Everything we were recording we knew its going to get op-sect, its called operational security or in easy words, censorship, but I just kept rolling, mindful of not to record too much of front face shots because, we want to come back to work on this if need be. The birds, the different voices, the wind, but its not a walk in the park , even though it might sound like one. Its still a detention camp a thousand miles away from Washington DC.

The officials at the camp said that, they try to cater to whatever the detainees demand, variety of food dishes, halal meat, approximately 6000 calories per meal with desert and fruits. I started thinking about my calorie intake since the past week at Guantanamo. It was pretty low compared to that.

But this does not justify what's happening at Guantanamo bay detention camps. That's what Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada said.

Obama administration is seeking a plea deal agreement according to Washington post, in the case of Omar Khadr, the Canadian national who's been in GTMO since 2008. He was 15 when he was captured from the battle grounds of Afghanistan. How old he is right now, go figure. The military tribunal commissions have been updated, with new revived mandates and laws but little or no time for the defense or the prosecution nor the judge to study them in order to ensure all the detainees get real trials and justice served. Commander David Iglesias, former JAG and the chief adviser to the prosecution has stressed on the fact that this time around, all the detainees will get the justice they deserve and the ones who wanted to take innocent lives, will be held accountable in the court of law.

And how long will it take, that only time can tell.

National Affairs: THE BRICKER AMENDMENT: A Cure Worse Than The Disease?

2009-10-21T01:26:00.004-04:00

National Affairs: THE BRICKER AMENDMENT: A Cure Worse Than The Disease?

Is Obama Poised to Cede US Sovereignty?
Lord Monckton served as a policy adviser to Margaret Thatcher.

Nur Ali p1 seg1 English

2009-10-20T03:38:00.001-04:00

The first episode of Muslims' America season 2: Nur Ali - Driving Diversity part 1 -

Sport has always been a major part of the American fabric, from basket ball to bull riding or from sky diving to Ice hockey but there is another main stream American sport where minorities are trying to take the lead NASCAR. From his early childhood, Nur Ali, a Pakistani-American, and an International Affairs alumnus from American University, always wanted to be a race car driver, this was his ultimate dream. Nur says his passion is to compete across major driving circuits in the U.S and abroad helping to address the negative stereotypes of Islam. Muslims America heads out to Dallas Fort worth in Texas to spend some time with Nur Ali and his team at Ali Motor Sports to discover how it feels to be living a dream.

Daniel Ellsberg: Secrets - Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers

2009-09-29T00:12:00.001-04:00

In 1971 Defense Department analyst, former U.S. Marine company commander and anti-Communist Daniel Ellsberg leaked the Pentagon Papers to the media. In this talk, Ellsberg presents an explosive inside account of how and why he helped bring an end to the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon's presidency. He also talks about the current potential for war with Iraq and why he feels that would be a major mistake for the United States.

uctelevision
http://www.youtube.com/user/uctelevision#play/playlists
August 07, 2008

Qazi Abdul Qadir and Imran Siddiqui - a brief conversation on Madrasas in Pakistan

2009-09-06T00:27:00.000-04:00

Rachel Maddow 'Destroys' Tom Ridge On Going to War With Iraq

2009-09-04T01:16:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson in 1982

2009-07-07T18:58:00.001-04:00

"This is it" Michael - May God rest your soul

2009-06-26T00:58:00.023-04:00

In loving memory of Michael Jackson -
Forever King of popular music - May God rest your soul in heaven 1958 - 2009

This exact time, just a night before, Michael Jackson would've been asleep in his new home in Los Angeles, but tonight he sleeps in LA coroners office - and then eventually the predicament.

Just a few minutes, hours, at times, can make all the difference in the world. When cancer survivors live 5 years longer then expected, they treat every single day as an entire years blessing bestowed upon them. What could another few weeks would've meant for Michael Jackson, the king of pop, now asleep, forever.

All I can hear now is his music and words. Duplicados people giving long sound bites about who he was when even till a day before yesterday, no one even cared talking about him. His doctors, promoters, the main stream media, the tabloids, us and them, collectively killed him or others can dwell in the notion that maybe he did it to himself, and maybe he did, that's why he took those pain killers to get out of his own pain and it was one simple over dose that went beyond control. However life sees it, now all that remains, is the voice, the words, the songs and what death ultimately proves as the only accountable factor, the deeds.

We spend our lives arguing about other peoples lives, talking about whats right and whats wrong, trying to always prove a point while raising our voices, yet always ignoring the real reason why everyone is here, which is to do the right thing despite what people say. We try to convince each other in things that we believe in or lines that we should follow, when on the contrary, we should be allowing others to live their lives in peace and be "That" someone whom you can talk to, face to face, with no inhibitions at all. When was the last time you truly, seriously opened up to someone? The image building concepts that fueled the 21st century rat-race in the irrational hunt for materialism are the same concepts that will bring this century down. Like they have done in the past.

But do you trust the intentions of those who surround you? If not, then test it and don't hesitate to change. If you do trust, then make the best of what you've found, before complacency kicks in and you take it all for granted, only to fall in pieces.

Even though you might never be able to smell a rose again, but death, in a way, is good for man kind, it renews the best of him.

But human kind is always curious to rock another humans boat, or even of the animal kind. We are the only known specie that madly run after another mammals milk.

Get a life, don't let individuals or corporations and mental limitations take it away from you, focus, trust and work to carve it right, Let God be the judge.

But the lust for money, especially the kind that can easily be sucked out of someone else, has been a top priority for humanity. Always trying to find out what the other person is doing or thinking, shouldn't we be concentrating on our actions, feeling and imagining the impact of your own actions on others. All it takes is a few seconds.

One tiny stone when I toss in the lake, a thousand more ripples it makes.

Even though I always wanted to interview him but he was one of those people you thought will always be there. But that's like chasing a mortals shadow dream.

Among many - Michael Jackson - suffice to say, opened my eyes to all the glory that surrounds us, in everyday life, I found myself dancing and jiving to his songs when other kids were busy wasting time standing on Karachi street corners, and then, in the lapse of an eye blink, he just caught on like wild fire. And pretty much in the same manner he left, a blink of an eye, that's all that it takes. And somewhere in between lies the worth.

Where were all these people before? All those who are spewing their hate or showering love thoughts, why are they all so interested now, because he’s not here to neither defend nor respond to the critiques and the arguments?. What a shame… the world media and the so called fans as well because despite the fact that he’s gone, no matter what people say, he will live on.

Michael changed the way youth of this century live their lives, some for the good some for the better, and some, even for the worse.

So many found direction or realized that, hang on a second, I can follow my own individual calling, no matter what it is, and possibly enjoy all the fruits of that wisdom.

But it's like holding a knife... are you going to cut your own predictable and superficial cliches with it or are you going to use it to harm someone else?

Just "beat it".

Muslims America season 2 promo

2009-06-12T13:04:00.001-04:00

Muslims America season 2 English promo. Muslims America Season 2 coming soon

NEW Chris Cornell interview on Last Call with Carson Daly 2009

2009-04-11T02:54:00.003-04:00

Chris Cornell - "Part of Me" on Carson Daly 3/25/09 (TheAudioPerv.com)

2009-04-11T02:54:00.001-04:00

Sesame Street Explains the Madoff Scandal

2009-03-28T02:12:00.001-04:00

Jimmy Kimmel Live - Sesame Street explains the Madoff Scandal

Facebook controversy

2009-03-11T03:47:00.001-04:00

Facebook reversed course, changing its new controversial terms of service back after a big backlash.

The Alex Jones Show 3-09-09: Review of The Watchmen Part 1

2009-03-11T03:44:00.001-04:00

The Alex Jones covers the release of the latest threat from the Illuminati as it is spelled out in the new movie, The Watchmen.

Sri Lanka cricket team bus attacked in Pakistan

2009-03-03T23:20:00.001-05:00

Lahore, March 3 (ANI): Six members of the Sri Lankan cricket team were wounded when around a dozen gunmen attacked their bus as it drove under police escort on Tuesday to a stadium in the Pakistani city of Lahore. Sri Lanka's sports minister said five players and an assistant coach were wounded, two of whom were being treated in hospital. It was unclear whether injuries were caused by bullets, shrapnel or flying shards of glass.

The Final Push for World Government

2009-02-26T00:21:00.001-05:00

Throughout the history of mankind, the elite have always fought for world empire. Now, using secrecy and international banking systems, they are making their final push for world government. Only an educated and informed public can stop them in their tracks.

Please send this video to everyone and subscribe to my channel for similar videos.

http://www.infowars.com
http://www.wearechange.org

Speaker at the beginning: Carl Sagan

FAIR USE NOTICE: We are making this material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights,economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a "fair use" of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

NISWA - Be careful of who you marry

2009-02-24T00:17:00.001-05:00

NISWA - Be careful of who you are marrying.

According to NISWA a non profit organization based out of Los Angeles California, domestic violence is not limited to villages or towns, but in fact, women in big cities are also suffering from this torture. Many girls from Pakistan are approached by Pakistani families living in the US for marriage of their daughters or sons. NISWA wants to inform the families in Pakistan that whenever a man or his family approaches a family in Pakistan for their daughters marriage, the first thing they should do is do a back check on the family and the most important thing to do is not to rush in decision making, because one wrong move can destroy an innocent girls life forever. Imran Siddiqui reports from Los Angeles California.

Khalid Hasan sets aside his pen

2009-02-07T00:57:00.002-05:00

Khalid Hasan sets aside his pen
By Anwar Iqbal

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 – Many got used to reading Khalid Hasan’s witty, thoughtful and honest opinions in his columns, written first in Lahore, and then sent from London, Vienna and Washington. They will read no more.

The man who wrote for almost half a century, no matter where he was, has now set aside his pen. He has embarked upon a voyage from where nobody writes back.

Born in Srinagar 74 years ago, Khalid Hasan breathed his last at Invoa Fairfax Hospital in Northern Virginia on Friday night at 10: 15 p.m.

But as long as he stayed on the stage, he kept his audience spell-bound. “You must be happy with your accomplishments?” he was asked.

“Accomplishments?” he laughed and recited one of his favourite verses of Ghalib: “It passes aimlessly, even if you have an eternal life; even Khizar, (who is supposed to live till the end of time) will say tomorrow, what I did with my life!”

Mr Hasan’s funeral takes places on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1.30 p.m., at Aden Muslim Funeral Services, 1242 Easy Street, Woodbridge, Virginia 22191.

He was brave and honourable in life and maintained it on his deathbed as well, preparing himself to appear before his Creator with the same grace that marked his life.

Mr Hasan was born in a distinguished Kashmiri family. His father, Dr Noor Hussain, was an accomplished physician. K. H. Khurshid, Quaid-e-Azam’s private secretary and the first president of Azad Kashmir was his cousin and brother-in-law.

Mr Hasan began his long career in journalism and writing with The Pakistan Times, Lahore as senior reporter and columnist in 1967.

In December, 1971, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto invited Mr Hasan to join him as his first press secretary. He went on to spend five years in the country's Foreign Service, with postings in Paris, Ottawa and London.

He resigned in protest when the Bhutto government was overthrown by Gen. Zia-ul-Haq and worked in London with the Third World Foundation and the Third World Media before leaving to join the newly-established OPEC News Agency in Vienna, Austria, where he stayed for 10 years.

Mr Hasan returned to Pakistan briefly in 1991 where he worked as a freelance journalist for the next two years.

He moved to Washington DC in 1993 and worked out of there as US correspondent for The Nation, Lahore. From 1997 to 2000 he was in Pakistan as head of the Shalimar Television Network.

He returned to Washington in 2000 as special correspondent of the Associated Press of Pakistan, which he left to join Daily Times and The Friday Times, Lahore in 2002. He continued to work as the correspondent and columnist of these two publications in Washington.

Khalid Hasan was a prolific writer and translator. He had published over 40 books, in Pakistan and abroad. He also published eleven collections of reportage, political, literary and social writings.

Pakistan has lost “lost a great journalist,” said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani when told of Mr Hasan’s death.

Information Minister Sherry Rehman, a close friend, observed: “Mr Hasan “was one of those rare journalists who earned respect for standing tall in a profession.”

Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington, Husain Haqqani, described him as “an accomplished man of letters” and said “he was a gentleman journalist who made an impression on everyone he met.”

“An impression he did make on our hearts,” said one of Mr Hasan’s colleagues in Washington when he heard of his death. “But we all perish. We do.” He then recited another couplet from Ghalib, which was also among Mr Hasan’s favourite verses of that great poet. “Don’t trust this existence, no; this entire universe that you see is nothing but illusion.”

This illusion, is so “full of sound and fury” and yet “signifying nothing.”
Or perhaps it is significant when a person’s departure touches so many hearts, the colleague said.

==========================

Khalid Hasan website
Khalid Hasan wikipedia

No one should take journalists too seriously, especially journalists themselves because what they write in the
morning, is used to wrap fish in the same evening.

- Maulana Charagh Hasan Hasrat

(who forgot more about journalism than most of us will ever learn about it)

Words of wisdom on Khalid Hasan homepage
May God rest his soul in heaven.

First Lady Speaks at Education Dept.

2009-02-03T01:58:00.001-05:00

First Lady Speaks at Education Dept.

Jewish Women Among Those Leading Protests Against Israeli Actions 1/12/09 from Democracy Now

2009-01-18T00:23:00.001-05:00

Tens of Thousands Demonstrate Globally Against Israeli Actions, Jewish Women Among Those Leading Protests

Tens of thousands of people took to streets over the weekend in cities across the globe to demonstrate against Israels assault on Gaza. Some of the protests have been organized by Jewish groups who are speaking out against Israels actions. We speak with two Jewish women for peace: Dorothy Zellner, one of 15 Jews who have signed a call for a protest in front of the Israeli Consulate in New York and Judy Rebick, who organized a sit-in comprised of Jewish Canadian women at the Israeli consulate in Toronto.

We Don't Ask - National Ad for the Employee Free Choice Act

2009-01-16T19:48:00.001-05:00

http://FreeChoiceAct.org National advertisement promoting the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill to help bring back the middle class. Lean more at FreeChoiceAct.org

Sources: Obama ready to ban harsh interrogations

2009-01-16T19:31:00.004-05:00

WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to prohibit the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques by ordering the CIA to follow military rules for questioning prisoners, according to two U.S. officials familiar with drafts of the plans. Still under debate is whether to allow exceptions in extraordinary cases.

By LARA JAKES and PAMELA HESS, Associated Press Writers

More from Yahoo News

CNN : 1.5 Million converts to Islam since 9 / 11

2009-01-12T02:37:00.002-05:00

CNN states that 1/4 of the 6 Million Muslims in the United States are Revert Muslims (Converts).

Allison Poole was Raised as a Southern Baptist Christian. She became Muslim this Ramadan. Since becoming Muslim, she feels more at peace and finds Islam has made he life much better as she has the right belief in God. Her family is completely behind her decision, but she finds some fellow Americans still misunderstand Islam.

NYC revelers usher in '09 with cheer, optimism

2009-01-01T12:31:00.003-05:00

By CRISTIAN SALAZAR, Associated Press Writer Cristian Salazar, Associated Press Writer – Thu Jan 1, 8:58 am ET - Courtesy Yahoo News

NEW YORK – Despite months of economic gloom, revelers throughout the country welcomed the new year with merrymaking and even optimism, though some festivities fell to hard times and others were subdued.

"The worst part of last year was probably trying to get through financially," said Liza Mazzotte, a composer who had come from California to join the hundreds of thousands of celebrants in frigid Times Square to see the Waterford crystal ball drop. "I'm not worried about what I lost. I'm going to be looking to the future."

read more here

One year in 40 seconds

2009-01-01T12:29:00.000-05:00

See the time-lapse video that's a Web sensation.
2008 - A year, that was.

If an Asteroid Impact the earth...

2008-12-29T19:47:00.001-05:00

What would happen if an asteroid hit our planet? All the hate, all the war. all the fighting, and all the pain, all gone in just a few seconds, thats the reality of life. And we just waste it on wasting time.

the pizza guy 1.1

2008-12-12T04:06:00.001-05:00

The common misconception about working in the U.S is that its so easy to earn money here, a total opposite of the real life in America. This 3 part series captures the life of a Pakistani Pizza guy living and working in the U.S. How does he work, how does he survive and despite all the odds how does he end up saving and sending some money back to his family.

Brent will live

2008-11-23T05:51:00.022-05:00

This is the time
to test my spirit
or is it the time
for me to carry on?
I'm alive
just not breathing
all around you
though for some I might be gone
I'm like the river that flows through the mountains of beyond

I wont cry today
I'll give it all my self control
Instead I'll pray to God
to have mercy on your soul

I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
like your smile
I'll remember, everything, about your life
No I wont cry

I can still see you
with that camera of yours
eager to get back
to start editing and opening doors
you gave it all to your work
even gave yourself for the common good

But I wont cry today
I'll give it all my self control
Instead I'll pray to God tonight
to have mercy on your soul

I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
like your smile
I'll remember, everything, about your life
No I wont cry, tonight

I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
I'll remember, everything, about your life
You get the glory, man
I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
like your smile

The day he left he named it as his course
he lived and thrived like a mighty force
so close your eyes and see him in between your memories
you'll hear the wind singing something sweet through the trees

Brent will live in me
yes in you and me
some may not but some will see
Brent will live

I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
I'll remember, everything, about your life
You get the glory
I'll remember, all the good things, of your life
I cant believe I'm writing this
We'll remember, all the good things, of your life
I'll remember, everything, about your life
like your smile

Brent, you're gone
but these cars bud, they keep moving on
or maybe, that's the sign
I wish you'd live a thousand lives
as I watch you go beyond that light.

Brent Hurd - 1970 - 2008
a friend a journalist and a great human being,
may God rest his soul in heaven.

History is made, everyday

2008-11-04T23:05:00.003-05:00

NBC: OBAMA ELECTED 44TH PRESIDENT
Illinois senator to become first African-American executive in U.S. history

BREAKING NEWS
By Alex Johnson
Reporter
msnbc.com
updated 2 minutes ago
Barack Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, shattered more than 200 years of history Tuesday night by winning election as the first African-American president in the history of the United States, according to projections by NBC News.

Obama reached the 270 electoral votes he needed for election at 11 p.m. ET, when NBC News projected that he would win California, Washington and Oregon.

More here

Witnessing "History in the making"

2008-11-04T15:18:00.004-05:00

After 3 years in America, everyday is a unique surprise, sometimes worrisome but mostly survivable. Today, on this historical election day on November 4th 2008 I saw nothing but outpouring of support for this election from the American people. They were out on the streets in the pouring rain, standing on the side walks with banners and posters on every street corner encouraging citizens to vote, no matter how long the lines are or in rain or shine. After finishing my work at the Alexandria city hall, I drove around town to get to another location on Columbia Pike to finish another meeting. I felt encouraged to see many people with "I Voted today" stickers on their shirts and t shirts. They all looked proud and happy that they became a part of this revolutionary day in American history. Possibilities are endless, America might elect its first African American President who is advocating and inspiring millions for change, or maybe elect a War Hero who fought for his country for many years. People on the road stooped me to ask If I had voted or not, my answer to most of them was, "I'm on my way". I didn't want to disappoint their happy faces, but technically, being a permanent resident here in the United Sates, I am on my way to vote, probably for the first time in my life, but that would happen in 2016, according to my calculations. But for now, we are simply feeling, observing and learning, how important it is for a country to have informed and educated electoral, for any kind of democracy to work. lets see what happens at the end of the day.

Like they say during election season... Power to the people.

Economics will win over racial politics

2008-10-07T23:36:00.007-04:00

At least, whatever that's left of it. We often hear about this hidden white America, the racist and war lingerer, always looking out to degrade the human value. But observing the recent poll results from mainstream America, it seems that there is a national shift in the way USA will think in the future, starting today. There is nothing that will stop the economic boom that's engulfing the entire world, and because of that, all that divides us will eventually obliterate into pieces and will merge with the forces of nature or man made interconnecting dynamics.

The so called white folks, or the great Rural America is redefining what matters to America, because America always rises to challenges, be it of mentality or of packet book. But the fact of the matter is that we can never tell just how these elections will turn out, or what will happen once these historical elections are over. Will it be a missed opportunity or a time to renaissance, that is something that only time can tell.

image credit

Muslims' America Season 1 extro 1.1

2008-09-27T03:42:00.001-04:00

A behind the scenes look at some of the team members who helped deliver Muslims' America. Hear from those faces who are always on the other side of the camera.

Debate turns to Pakistan

2008-09-27T02:56:00.003-04:00

Debate turns to Pakistan

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Sen. John McCain said on Friday he would not publicly state a policy of attacking militants in Pakistan and over cross-border incursions into Afghanistan. And Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Se. Barack Obama injected his own jabs.

Source

Barack Obama's convention address - So what even if he were a Muslim?

2008-08-29T04:00:00.003-04:00

* Barack Obama
'I accept'

Barack Obama's convention address

By The Associated Press Thu Aug 28, 10:21 PM ET

DENVER - Prepared remarks of Sen. Barack Obama for his address to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night in Denver, as released by the campaign:

To Chairman Dean and my great friend Dick Durbin, and to all my fellow citizens of this great nation: With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States.

Let me express my thanks to the historic slate of candidates who accompanied me on this journey, and especially the one who traveled the farthest_ a champion for working Americans and an inspiration to my daughters and to yours — Hillary Rodham Clinton. To President Clinton, who last night made the case for change as only he can make it; to Ted Kennedy, who embodies the spirit of service; and to the next vice president of the United States, Joe Biden, I thank you. I am grateful to finish this journey with one of the finest statesmen of our time, a man at ease with everyone from world leaders to the conductors on the Amtrak train he still takes home every night.

To the love of my life, our next first lady, Michelle Obama, and to Sasha and Malia, I love you so much, and I'm so proud of all of you.

Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.

read on

Muslims' America - American Sufis - - English P1 in 3 breaks

2008-07-12T06:32:00.002-04:00

Muslims' America - American Sufis English Part 1 in 3 breaks
A VOA Urdu service presentation

Having traveled around the world, people have always asked me if there are any Muslims in America... and if there are than are they like any other Muslim? What kind of clothes do they wear? How do they pray? What brand of Islam do they practice? What do they for a living?

This line of questioning might seem strange to some people but the truth is that there is a misperception about America and Muslims around the world and this misconception is vice versa.

To answer these complex questions, I head out to a location hidden deep in the woods of Philadelphia.

Muslims' America - American Sufis - - Urdu P1 in 3 breaks

2008-07-12T06:27:00.004-04:00

مسلمانوں کا امریکہ ۔۔۔ پہلی قسط: امریکہ کے صوفی-

عمران صدیقی
واشنگٹن

July 11, 2008

مجھے دنیا کے مختلف ممالک میں جانے کا اتفاق ہوا ہے۔عموماًلوگ مجھ سے پوچھتے ہیں کہ کیا امریکہ میں مسلمان بستے ہیں؟ اگر ہاں، تو پھر، کیا وہ دوسرے مسلمانوں کی طرح ہی ہوتے ہیں؟

وہ کس طرح کے کپڑے پہنتے ہیں، وہ کس طرح نماز پڑھتے ہیں،اسلام کے کس مَسلک کو مانتے ہیں، وہ روزگار کس طرح کماتے ہیں؟

دوسری طرف، کچھ لوگوں کے نزدیک، اِس طرح کی سوچ ہی حیران کُن ہے۔ یہ حقیقت ہے کہ امریکہ کے خلاف دنیا میں غلط تاثر پایا جاتا ہے، اور یہ تاثر اِس کےبرعکس بھی ہے۔
اب جب کہ میں امریکہ میں ہوں اِس لیے میری یہ کوشش ہوگی کہ اِن پیچیدہ سوالات کے جوابات معلوم کروں، اور یہی بات مجھے امریکی ریاست پینسلوینیا کے گَھنے جنگلوں میں چھپے ہوئے ایک پراسرار مقام کی طرف کھینچ کر لےجار رہی ہے۔

A VOA Urdu service presentation

Muslims' America - an introduction

2008-07-08T05:08:00.001-04:00

When people think of Muslims they think of the Middle East, South Asia or Indonesia -- but never the United States of America.

Muslims' America gives a first hand perspective on the lives of America's millions of Muslim citizens, by looking at how they're making a positive difference and help differentiate between myths and reality about the American Muslim experience in all spheres of society.

We will tackle issues through dialog and profiles, human-interest storytelling in a balanced and creative format, respecting all faith traditions along the way.

Some programs in the works:

A neighborhood Imam who volunteers at a local youth center

A Muslim woman activist who works for the rights of battered women of all religions

A Muslim magazine columnist who demonstrates the true message of Islam through peace, tolerance, logic and reason.

We -- the team at VOA's Urdu service -- would like to invite you -- our valued audience -- to give us feedback and story suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you.

Salam

for more check out
http://www.youtube.com/muslimsamerica
http://www.urduvoa.com

The lost peace of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi

2008-07-08T01:47:00.003-04:00

6 explosions wound 37 in Karachi, Pakistan

By ASHRAF KHAN –

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — A string of small explosions wounded at least 37 people Monday in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, rattling the country a day after a deadly suicide attack in the capital, officials said

Five men were detained in connection with the blasts, a police official said.

The six blasts came within about an hour of each other, striking residential and commercial spots in the teeming port city, where political and militant-related violence is common.

Television footage showed ambulances rushing people through Karachi's crowded streets, and victims lying in hospital beds with bloody bandages.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, just as there has not been for the Sunday blast in Islamabad, which left at least 18 people dead, most of them police officers.

Liaqat Memon, an official at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, said 37 people including eight children were hurt. One adult was in critical condition.

At least 2,000 people gathered at the hospital in central Karachi, where many of the victims were taken. People were searching for friends and relatives among the wounded.

Babar Khattak, Sindh province police chief, said that it appeared that about 5 ounces to 7 ounces of explosives were used in each of the six Karachi blasts — only enough to create a relatively small explosion. He confirmed the detention of the five men.

More here from the Associated Press

chris cornell - street team

2008-07-07T00:47:00.003-04:00

chris cornell . com

Call - Pakistans rock sound LIVE in DC

2008-07-04T13:59:00.001-04:00

"CALL" - the dynamic rock band from Pakistan recently performed in Washington DC. The band was very excited to be here and served as a bridge between the people of Pakistan and America. "CALL" said they're taking positive memories back to Pakistan and were delighted to see the diversity, appreciation and mutual respect in the American people. VOA Urdu TV's Beyond the headlines caught up with the band to talk about their 1st US Tour and listen to them perform live and unplugged at the roof top.
For Urdu readers check out Urdu TV link
http://www.voanews.com/urdu/2008-07-03-voa3.cfm

36 years

2008-07-01T21:39:00.010-04:00

I cant believe 36 years have gone by - It all seems like yesterday - Many people have retired by this time and yet I feel like I haven't even begun.

Yet so many intelligent people I have come across so much wisdom in them I have seen, so many jerks that I have passed by, so many copy cats, so much of love and sighs and everything in between.

And as so many paste my lines and so many claim what I wrote, I stare the landscape and feel the skies and keep learning the ropes.

And while so many transfer as theirs what I shoot and so much of them that I apply to edit, without you I am nothing and without me you are the same, so lets all just forgive and forget it ... and start over again.

the legacy live on

2008-06-19T01:18:00.008-04:00

It was a sad and somber day at St. Albans High, as if somebody had died... of course, we are at the wake of Tim Russert.

People are deeply sad, some are crying, some still stunned but every one is demonstrating a calm composure of their emotions that Tim exercised every Sunday on 'Meet the Press' and probably every day at work or at home.

We stood beside the casket and prayed for his soul hoping that God will grant him a place in his heaven not because of what faith group he belonged to but because of what he did for his fellow being.

God must be rewarding him for his compassion, love, respect, honer and the sense of decency he reminded us of and the love he gave to all the people he managed to touch. And what about his mentoring his patriotism his willingness to make a difference for the common man? I'm sure God must be rewarding him with His blessings.

There is a lot to learn from what Tim Russert has left behind, maybe some were already trying many of the things that Tim did, but at least now they know what to call it.

Give thanks.

Tim Russert's death is a wakeup call for everyone - Marney Rich Keenan

Timothy John Russert

Tim Russert remembered

A salute to Tim Russert - the epithomy of fatherhood and broadcast journalism

2008-06-14T01:46:00.018-04:00

Since quite some time I had been working on a new program concept, something different, a concept that can capture the entire humanity in one single shot - something that would really touch the hearts and minds of people across borders, real-life story telling embedded with objectivity and ingenuity aiming to cater to a national as well as a wider international audience.

Once the project approached its final stages, I asked myself, who in the world would want to run this? Who would agree to put this on their air-waves?

I don't know why, but just out of the blue, Tim Russerts name popped out of nowhere.

I thought to myself, Yes, this is it, Tim is the only journalist in this entire world, who will not only understand but could also make a lot of sense out of this program concept, he could, just like me see it as a need of the times.

Then the pessimistic side of our inner voice said to me, Na, why in the world would Tim Russert want to see me. Even though I convinced myself that I'd approach Tim just like how I approach all other subjects of my stories, simply pick up the phone and call him, try to talk to him. But I thought he would just brush me away... and thats where I had it all wrong.

Because besides millions of beautiful and thought provoking words that Tim spoke every day on the air and off it, 3 of them were, "be prepared, be polite, and always ask tough questions".

Asking the tough questions, will lead you to balance, and thats what I get out of it.

But with Tim, I failed to do just that. I didn't pick up the phone and call him.

Now, on this Fathers day weekend of June 2008, Tim Russert has left this world, to be pursued only by his legacy thats forever engraved in the hearts and minds of millions of people.

He finally went home, as some would say, because he tirelessly worked his heart out, and this can also be taken literally, considering that he died while he was working.

Some have also said that because of his sudden and tragic death Tim Russert has left a void in the world of broadcast journalism and in the world of Fatherhood and family and honest love. But some are also saying that, Tim Russerts legacy, are You, the People, for whom he spent everyday of his life, informing and educating and mobilizing and raising the bar by asking those questions that are of utmost importance to us all.

I tell myself, what a big mistake I made, I could've at least tried to call him, maybe he would've agreed to talk. I'm in DC , hes in DC, maybe I could've convinced the legend to have a cup of coffee with me, or maybe forget everything... I could've instead interviewed him. We've tried and toiled for years and succeeded in getting many opportunities to sit down one on one and interview so many other great people who've shared their experiences and adventures both on and off the camera, then why not Tim Russert, the king of straight talk.

Now... its to late, I was sidelined by own own fears by taking him as an unreachable man, when all that he ever did, was to reach out to people, everyday.

We should learn to make the best of every single moment that we got, and try to do all the things that we possibly can, everyday, and make time to do all that.

Because you never know, which day, is your last one.

This is what, Tim would've said.

In the memory of a father, a son, a husband and a dad, and the epithomy of broadcast journalism
Timothy J. Russert 1950 - 2008

______________________________________________________

Memory recall and a lesson for journalists:

When Tim Russert was named host of "Meet the Press'' in 1991, Russert called the show's founder, Lawrence E. Spivak, then 91, and asked for advice. Spivak replied: "It's simple. Learn as much as you can about your guests' positions on the issues, and then take the other side. If you do that faithfully every Sunday, you'll always have balance.''

Links to Tim Russert:

Life
Death
Buffalo flags fly at half-staff
The City of Buffalo loses a great American icon

Still searching for Naveed ...

2008-04-19T17:30:00.004-04:00

Administrators called in to CD firm

I'm still coming to grips with all this and trying to understand what happened here? Comprehension has left me and all others on this one, we are stunned by this but still trying to figure out how and why all this took place? I hope they are okay.
___________________________

ADMINISTRATORS have been called into one of the largest CD brokerage companies in the UK following a year-long police investigation into a £5m music piracy racket.

Joint administrators Greg Palfrey and Steve Adshead, from Smith and Williamson, are currently going through the assets of Hatfield company SFH (UK) to see what can be salvaged for sale.

Mr Palfrey said: "We have been appointed to try and recover value from assets which will be distributed to creditors in the usual way.

"Investigations are ongoing.

"We will write to creditors once we know the full picture about the amount of money that we can realise for them.

read more here

RESPECTING THE QUR’AN, AS WELL AS OTHER HOLY BOOKS

2008-03-15T21:37:00.002-04:00

Ingrid Mattson, PhD
President
The Islamic Society of North America

Geert Wilders is a Dutch politician who broke with a mainstream national party to form his own extreme-right, anti-immigrant platform. Wilders has directed most of his hatred in recent years at Muslims. Wilders has called for the Qur’an to be banned and in the last few months has been promoting his “documentary” attacking the Qur’an. Wilders has intimated that the documentary will show a copy of the Qur’an being desecrated or destroyed.

Geert Wilders wants the Qur’an to be banned. Many Muslims want Wilders’ film to be banned. Wilders wants Muslims out of “his country” and to be denied the rights of other citizens to practice their faith. No doubt, many Dutch Muslims wish that Wilders would just go away (and Wilders has received threats of violence from some). Neither Wilders nor these Muslims will (or should) get what they want. Now what?

Many have looked to this situation only through the lense of the law. News articles have focused on threats made to Wilders’ life and the calls to ban his film. Of course, the threats are unacceptable and criminal. Wilders should be afforded the full protection of the law and those threatening violence against his person should be prosecuted.

As for the right of freedom of speech, Wilders’ film should be treated like other statements within Dutch law. The Netherlands, like most other countries, has certain restrictions on speech that is defamatory, libelous or insults a group of people based on their race or religion. The Dutch Prime Minister has publicly stated that if the film, once released, is judged to have violated the law, then his government has the duty to enforce their legislation. This treatment of Dutch Muslims as equal citizens under the law shows to the Muslim world that the Netherlands is not an enemy to Islam.

My plea is that we also need to look at this issue more broadly so we can find better ways of living together in a world in which there will always be people whose views and beliefs we find odd or even obnoxious. We should not justify or excuse extremism of any kind, whether they are racist and hateful attacks on the Muslim community or vigilante violence by Muslims against those who make such statements. What we should try to understand is why some otherwise ordinary people feel caught in the middle, and are sometimes attracted, in part, to the emotional appeals of the extremists.

READ MORE HERE

History of Religion

2008-03-15T15:59:00.000-04:00

How has the geography of religion evolved over the centuries, and where has it sparked wars? Our map gives us a brief history of the world's most well-known religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Selected periods of inter-religious bloodshed are also highlighted. Want to see 5,000 years of religion in 90 seconds? Ready, Set, Go!

More here

Imperial History

2008-03-15T15:56:00.000-04:00

Who has controlled the Middle East over the course of history? Pretty much everyone. Egyptians, Turks, Jews, Romans, Arabs, Persians, Europeans...the list goes on. Who will control the Middle East today? That is a much bigger question.

More here

March of Democracy

2008-03-15T15:54:00.000-04:00

Where has democracy dominated and where has it retreated? This map gives us a visual ballet of democracy's march across history as the most popular form of government. From the first ancient republics to the rise of self-governing nations, see the history of democracy: 4,000 years in 90 seconds...!

More here

Muslims nations: Defame Islam, get sued!

2008-03-15T01:39:00.003-04:00

Muslims nations: Defame Islam, get sued?
By RUKMINI CALLIMACHI, Associated Press Writer

DAKAR, Senegal - The Muslim world has created a battle plan to defend its religion from political cartoonists and bigots. Concerned about what they see as a rise in the defamation of Islam, leaders of the world's Muslim nations are considering taking legal action against those that slight their religion or its sacred symbols. It was a key issue during a two-day summit that ended Friday in this western Africa capital.

The Muslim leaders are attempting to demand redress from nations like Denmark, which allowed the publication of cartoons portraying the Prophet Muhammad in 2006 and again last month, to the fury of the Muslim world.Though the legal measures being considered have not been spelled out, the idea pits many Muslims against principles of freedom of speech enshrined in the constitutions of numerous Western governments.

"I don't think freedom of expression should mean freedom from blasphemy," said Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade, the chairman of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference. "There can be no freedom without limits." Delegates were given a voluminous report by the OIC that recorded anti-Islamic speech and actions from around the world. The report concludes that Islam is under attack and that a defense must be mounted.

read more here

مسلمانوں کو ہدف بنانے کے الزام میں کوئی صداقت نہیں: ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی

2008-03-07T13:44:00.002-05:00

مسلمانوں کو ہدف بنانے کے الزام میں کوئی صداقت نہیں: ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی
عمران صدیقی
وائس آف امریکہ
March 7, 2008

اس رپورٹ کی ویڈیو

امریکہ کے ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی کے محکمے کے پانچ سال مکمل ہوگئے ہیں۔ وسیع تر اختیار کے حامل اس ادارے کا قیام امریکہ پر ستمبر 2001 کے دہشت گرد حملوں کے بعد عمل میں لایا گیا تھا۔ ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی کےبارے میں ایک عمومی رائے یہ ہے کہ یہ ایک سخت گیر ادارہ ہے جو دوسرے ممالک سے امریکہ آنے والے افراد ، بالخصوص مسلمانوں کو اپنا ہدف بناتا ہے اور انہیں طرح طرح سے پریشان کرتاہے۔ کئی ناقدین ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی کے رویے اور طریقہ کار پر نکتہ چینی کرتے رہتے ہیں۔

ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی نے اپنے بارے میں رائے بہتر بنانے ، حقائق کے اظہار اورشہری حقوق اور آزادیوں کے تحفظ کے لیےادارے کے اندر ایک شعبہ قائم کیا ہے۔ ڈین سدر لینڈ اور شارق ظفر اس شعبے سے وابستہ ہیں۔

ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی کی پانچویں سالگرہ پر وائس آف امریکہ سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے انہوں نے اس الزام کی نفی کی کہ یہ ادارہ امریکہ آنے والے مسلمانوں کو بلاوجہ تنگ اور پریشان کرتا ہے۔ ان کا کہنا تھا کہ ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی ملک کی حفاظت اور اسے دہشت گردوں سے محفوظ رکھنے کے اقدامات کے ساتھ ساتھ ان افراد کے شہری حقوق اور آزادیوں کا بھی پورا تحفظ کرتا ہے جوملکی قوانین پر عمل کرتے ہیں ۔

سدر لینڈ اور شارق ظفر کا کہنا تھا کہ ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی کا ادارہ صرف دہشت گردی کی روک تھام کے لیے ہی کام نہیں کررہا بلکہ وہ قدرتی اور موسمی آفات میں شہریوں کی مدد بھی کرتا ہے۔

Original article

Omar and Kishan

2008-03-01T13:48:00.001-05:00

Omar Waqar a Pakistani American rock musician and Kishan an Indian American Tabla player are using the power of their music to break barriers of race culture and traditions. They say music is the best language to speak in, people understand it no matter where they're from.

The future of independent Media in Pakistan

2008-03-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

What are the ground realities in Pakistan as far as the media situation is concerned? In the midst of the crackdown on Pakistani media industry by President Pervez Musharraf what is the future of independent media and investigative reporting in Pakistan? A panel of top-notch journalists from Pakistan and the United States try to sketch a future outlook and answer these complex questions at a panel discussion organized by National Endowment for Democracy.
Imran Siddiqui reports.

Umar Lee - blogging in to the future

2008-03-01T13:46:00.001-05:00

Former boxer, an American "revert" to Islam and St. Louis native Umar Lee has a message to spread. As one of the top Muslim bloggers in America, Umar is reaching out to the Muslims and people of other faiths in America and across the world via the Internet, exploring the many facets of Muslim life in the U.S. His message is of peace and brotherhood

Journeyman part 2 - the Mentees

2008-03-01T13:45:00.001-05:00

Every child needs a mentor in his or her life. It can be a dad, a mother, a friend or even somebody that you don't know very well. But what are the effects of positive mentoring on a teenager's psychological
development? How do mentees respond to the mentors in their lives? We caught up with some previously troubled teenagers who went through the mentoring program at Boys 2 Men Mentoring in D.C. and discussed the changes they went through once the program was completed. Most of these teenagers had tough lives but are now positively contributing to society.

Journeyman - the power of mentors' part 1

2008-03-01T13:43:00.001-05:00

Watch the full interview cuts on Humanity TV
http://www.veoh.com/channels/humanitytv

This is a 2-part series highlighting the film Journeyman, a film about the power of mentors and mentees in America. Journeyman is directed by a filmmaker from Minnesota, Charlie Borden, who believes that our youth,
both girls and boys, need guidance to be able to differentiate between right and wrong and find the correct path for themselves with the help of their mentors. This is especially true in today's society where children are spending about 40 hours per week in front of their TV screens and
about 35 minutes per week with their moms and dads. It is highly imperative that men step up to the challenge of providing a guiding light to the lost teens of our society. Part 1 concentrates on the film
Journey Man, the director and the vision behind the subject matter of mentoring. The 2nd part takes us through the minds of the mentors and their mentees and how these troubled teens were able to bring a positive change in their lives and in the lives of others.

Film clips courtesy Charlie Borden and
http://www.mirrormanfilms.org
Watch the full interview cuts on Humanity TV
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v5304148TB...

John McCain and the new allegations

2008-03-01T13:39:00.001-05:00

What do the people in downtown DC say about the New York Times story alleging Republican Presidential hopeful Senator John McCain had a romantic relationship with a lobbyist Vicky Iseman. Some say, who cares about what happened 8 years ago.

Leaderless Jihad

2008-03-01T13:35:00.001-05:00

Perspectives on New America foundation's book discussion on "Leaderless Jihad," by author Marc Sageman. The book looks at Jihad in the 21st Century. Peter Bergen, senior fellow at NAF and CNN terrorism analyst was the host of the event. Marc Sageman presents valuable insights in to the ever changing dynamics of global terrorism and who is behind it. Marc suggests that now, Alqaida is no longer calling the shots, but kids, who are wanna be heroes.

Rock the vote

2008-03-01T13:34:00.001-05:00

A recent "rock the vote" poll confirmed that young voters are energized and engaged in the 2008 elections like never before and are standing close to the issues most important to them, which are; the economy, health care, college affordability as well as the war in Iraq. As Imran Siddiqui explains the poll shows a strong and positive attitude toward this election cycle where an overwhelming majority, a massive 89% believe that they have the power to change the country.

Ominous signs for Clinton

2008-02-20T01:53:00.002-05:00

Clinton says Obama relies on 'words'
By BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writer

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Ignoring her crushing loss in Wisconsin to rival Barack Obama, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton pressed her case Tuesday that the Illinois senator offers little more than talk. "It's about picking a president who relies not just on words, but on work, hard work, to get America back to work," Clinton said at a labor rally here. "Someone who's not just in the speeches business."

After his victory speech, Clinton called Obama to congratulate him and the two spoke briefly.

The New York senator tried to battle back from her ninth straight loss to Obama since the Super Tuesday contests Feb. 5, vowing to fix trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement, which have disproportionally hurt working-class voters in places like Ohio.

The state holds its primary March 4, and Clinton is depending on victories here and in Texas to revive her fading candidacy.

But exit polls in Wisconsin offered ominous warnings for Clinton as she tries to reconstitute her political base in Ohio and elsewhere.

Obama defeated her among less educated voters and nearly tied her among white women — two groups that have formed the core of her candidacy. Young voters turned out in droves for Obama, more than offsetting Clinton's advantage among seniors. Wisconsin voters also said the need for change trumps experience 2-to-1.

read more here

Obama wins again

2008-02-20T01:05:00.003-05:00

Obama wins Wisconsin for 9th straight
By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama cruised past a fading Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Wisconsin primary Tuesday night, gaining the upper hand in a Democratic presidential race for the ages. It was Obama's ninth straight victory over the past three weeks — with results unknown from the night's Hawaii caucuses — and left the former first lady in desperate need of a comeback in a race she long commanded as front-runner.

"The change we seek is still months and miles away," Obama told a boisterous crowd in Houston in a speech in which he also pledged to end the war in Iraq in his first year in office.

"I opposed this war in 2002. I will bring this war to an end in 2009. It is time to bring our troops home," he declared.

Sen. John McCain, the Republican front-runner, won a pair of primaries, in Wisconsin and Washington, to continue his march toward certain nomination.

In a race growing increasingly negative, Obama cut deeply into Clinton's political bedrock in Wisconsin, splitting the support of white women almost evenly with her. According to polling place interviews, he also ran well among working class voters in the blue collar battleground that was prelude to primaries in the larger industrial states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Clinton made no mention of her defeat, and showed no sign of surrender in an appearance in Youngstown, Ohio.

"Both Senator Obama and I would make history," the New York senator said. "But only one of us is ready on day one to be commander in chief, ready to manage our economy, and ready to defeat the Republicans. Only one of us has spent 35 years being a doer, a fighter and a champion for those who need a voice."

In a clear sign of their relative standing in the race, most cable television networks abruptly cut away from coverage of Clinton's rally when Obama began to speak in Texas.

read the full article here

Pakistan Awaits New Government

2008-02-20T00:44:00.005-05:00

From Verizon Central Newsroom
Knight Ridder Washington Bureau
Original article here

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan _ Pakistanis celebrated a return to civilian rule Tuesday in National Assembly elections that overwhelmingly endorsed opposition parties and dealt a devastating defeat to President Pervez Musharraf.

The Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, looked to be the lead party in the assembly. Close behind was the Pakistan Muslim League breakaway branch headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Unofficial results gave Bhutto's party at least 87 seats and Sharif's party at least 66, but through a complex formula that distributes seats for women and minorities proportionally, the two parties should easily achieve a majority in the 342-seat assembly.

Musharraf, who came to power by overthrowing Sharif in a military coup in 1999 and clung to his position as army chief of staff until only two months ago, is likely to count on as few as 40 seats in the hands of his political allies in the Muslim League, according to projections by Pakistani news media.

The Bush administration, reacting to the results, underlined its hope to continue working with the discredited Musharraf, whom President Bush personally endorsed as a partner in the "war on terror." "We're looking forward to working with President Musharraf, as well as what the next _ whatever next Pakistani government emerges from this election," said Sean McCormick, the State Department spokesman.

Musharraf accepted the defeat in good grace, according to a bipartisan delegation of U.S. senators, who saw him early Tuesday.

The results were "clear. We lost," Musharraf told the senators, recounted Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph Biden, D-Del. "He seemed like reality had set in."

"I had the impression that he is prepared to retire to being president, which is largely a ceremonial role," but that his withdrawal "will depend on how the coalition government is formed and how he is treated . . . personally," Biden said in an interview with McClatchy.

Biden was accompanied by Sens. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and John Kerry, D-Mass.

The leaders of the victorious opposition parties staked out opening positions Tuesday in what could be tough bargaining on forming a coalition to govern the nuclear-armed country as it reels from a growing Islamic insurgency, pervasive poverty, soaring prices, energy shortages and endemic corruption.

Musharraf apparently lost votes around the country because of intense anger over his authoritarian rule, his failure to contain insurgency-related violence and his cooperation with the Bush administration's war on terrorism.

Those sentiments could compel the new government to loosen its counterterrorism collaboration with the United States, which has pushed Musharraf to intensify military operations against al-Qaida and Islamic insurgents in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, which have claimed an unknown number of civilian casualties.

The Islamist political parties also lost ground in the elections, capturing only five seats in the National Assembly, down from 57, according to unofficial results. Religious parties lost control of the assembly in the North West Frontier Province as well, scoring only nine seats, down from 67, in the 96-seat body.

Although voters appeared to repudiate Musharraf, at least one prominent political analyst warned that the president couldn't be trusted to withdraw from politics.

read the full article here

Family Values & Quality time with Dad

2008-02-12T01:05:00.000-05:00

There is a growing misconception in the larger world that Americans don't have family values. Much of this is attributed to the image created by Hollywood and the music industry.
This runs contrary to the fact that over half the population have strong religious beliefs and believe strongly in family values according to a recent finding by Familyfacts.org. Christine Kim from the Heritage Foundation and Imran Siddiqui from Beyond the Headlines try to look at the differences between myth and reality.

President Bush - the last "state of the union"

2008-01-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

Watching him speak at his last state of the union address, it feels like as if he is more adamant to push forward the targets and agendas he had set forth the last time he was standing at the same spot, but it definitely does not look like a President of the United States of America with approval ratings of less than 30 percent. He is looking stronger than ever before. He talked about everything, education, health, taxes, jobs, war, peace, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran.

While some might take it as threats, some might say that its all about holding your interests dear to you and to the nation that you serve. But I wonder who writes these speeches, who researches on them? Has there ever been a time when leaders wrote their own speeches, that came straight from their heart and experiences and wisdom? But again, the bottom line is that we can talk about Sudan and Cuba and Burma, but how much are we truly doing to make peoples lives better there and over here?

And yes we cannot ignore the good that the present and the past Presidents have brought but Bill Gates did more for trying to eradicate Malaria and HIV from the world than what most Presidents have done, even though they hold the power to do more, so much more than what we can ever imagine, thats why we call them... Mr. President.

Past versus the future

2008-01-26T21:32:00.000-05:00

A RACE of RACE, GENDER or ISSUES?

Gender Race Politics and things keep changing in this 2008 race for the Presidential nomination. But no matter how you see it, the future seems bright and hopeful:

Barack Obama winning tonight in South Carolina clearly demonstrate how things can truly change in the United States of America. I feel honored to be witnessing this massive change and for the first time feeling like a part of a democratic movement that sends a chill down your spine, because Barack has reminded me once again and reaffirmed the fact that even if one man can stand for a positive change, then that man can make a difference.

Read a message from Barack on tonight's big win

Obama wins Big in South Carolina, regaining momentum
By DAVID ESPO and CHARLES BABINGTON
Associated Press Writers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Barack Obama routed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the racially charged South Carolina primary Saturday night, regaining campaign momentum in the prelude to a Feb. 5 coast-to-coast competition for more than 1,600 Democratic National Convention delegates.

"The choice in this election is not about regions or religions or genders," Obama said at a boisterous victory rally. "It's not about rich versus poor, young versus old and it's not about black versus white. It's about the past versus the future."

The audience chanted "Race doesn't matter" as it awaited Obama to make his appearance after rolling up 55 percent of the vote in a three-way race.

But it did, in a primary that shattered turnout records.
read more

the Kennedys - A family of courage

2008-01-19T19:42:00.001-05:00

the JFK assassinations:
It is sad how a country could loose those who do nothing but positively impact the people and their lives, and yet it is so depressing to understand why we still have not found those individuals who are behind "the JFK assassinations". The entire JFK clan has been almost wiped out and those who dare to question, get silenced forever.

From JFK Sr. to JFK Jr. - Why the official story is in doubt.
Evidence Of A Cover up

Part 1. An Age Of Lies - Taken from what really happened.com

We live in a time of very unpleasant realities. Truth has become such a valuable commodity that the government of the United States and the media have started (to put it politely) economizing it. Documented cases of media deception over the years have made it clear that the media lies to the public on important issues. As Richard Salent, Former President of CBS News has stated, media's job is to feed the public what media thinks the public ought to know. Clearly, anything that happens that the media doesn't think the public needs to know about will simply not be reported.

By way of example, let's take a look at the JFK assassination. For years, the government and the media sang a uniform chorus of "lone assassin" and "Magic Bullet", even though careful analysis showed that the media was using fraudulent photos to sell these claims. Finally, last year, trapped by his own handwritten notes uncovered in the National Archives, Warren Commission member Gerald Ford admitted that the Warren Report altered the official location of the entry wound on JFK's back. While the admission was made to appear quite trivial in the media, a moment's consideration reveals that this confession triggers some important consequences.
read on
more from here
and here
Kennedy website

Pakistan in peril

2008-01-18T02:43:00.001-05:00

To discuss the current situation and the future of Pakistan, New America Foundation organized a panel discussion with Peter Bergen, Steve Coll, Steven Clemons and Flynt Leverett. The American journalist Nicholas Schmidle, who was expelled from Pakistan in January 2008 after writing an article " The Next Gen Taliban" which was published in the New York Times, was also one of the top panelists.

Pakistani public opinion

2008-01-18T02:15:00.001-05:00

An in-depth survey of Pakistani public opinion reveals majority support for a moderate and democratic Islamic state, though a small but significant minority shows sympathy for Islamist militant groups. Most Pakistanis want Islam to play a larger role in Pakistani society. However, a majority also favors a more democratic political system, rejects 'Talibanization," and supports recent government efforts to reform the madrassah system by focusing more on science and mathematics. Majorities have little sympathy for Islamist military groups and most would like to see the Federally Administered Tribal Areas integrated into Pakistan.

A 21st century Imam - Imam Johari Abdul Malik

2008-01-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Imam Johri is a different kind of an Imam, a breed of his own. For someone like me who comes from Karachi Pakistan, meeting Imam Johri was like a breath of fresh air. He is not only an Imam but also a thinker, a scholar, an activist, a musician, an avid golfer and a man who believes in the true tenants of all faiths, which is, that we all come from one God. We caught up with Imam Johri to spend some time and see how an American Imam lives his day.

Imam Johri's website
www.globalcrossover.com

Conspiracy Theories Thrive in Pakistan

2008-01-10T00:44:00.000-05:00

Few Agree on Cause Of Bhutto's Death
As Investigation Deepens.
By PETER WONACOTT
January 9, 2008; Page A6
The Wall Street Journal

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan -- As the probe into Benazir Bhutto's assassination deepens, many Pakistanis already have strongly held theories about who killed her. The problem for President Pervez Musharraf's government: Few share its version of what happened.

Iktiadar Ali Shah, a 52-year-old who served in the former prime minister's security detail in the 1980s, says he doesn't doubt how Ms. Bhutto died. He says that while moving toward her white bulletproof car as it crawled through throngs of supporters after a Dec. 27 campaign rally, he heard three or four shots from two guns. Then Mr. Shah saw a huge blast, which he suspects was triggered by remote control to simulate a suicide bomber. His chief suspect: Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

Another man, one of many who have gathered at makeshift memorials for Ms. Bhutto in this army-garrison town outside the capital, Islamabad, has a very different theory.

"This was the West's attempt to destabilize our country and take control of our nuclear weapons," he shouts, standing amid the scattered rose petals to mark the spot of her death. The man, balding and dressed in a checkered sports coat, refuses to give his name. "Call me Pakistan," he says.
read on

Hillary and Mccain fight back

2008-01-09T02:01:00.000-05:00

ON DEADLINE: Comeback kids create chaos
By RON FOURNIER, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - In the land of comebacks, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain revived their sagging campaigns Tuesday night and catapulted the Democratic and Republican presidential races into a surprise state of chaos.

Neither could afford to lose New Hampshire. Suddenly, the fallen front-runners look like winners again.

Clinton defied campaign-closing polls and the expectations of her own advisers to pull out a narrow victory over Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the self-styled agent of change bidding to be the nation's first black president. She won with a last-minute show of emotion and pointed criticism of Obama, the harshest attacks coming from her husband, Bill.
read on

Pakistanis Want Larger Role for Both Islam and Democracy

2008-01-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

Pakistani public opinion
worldpublicopinion.org
January 04, 2008
Majority Reject ‘Talibanization’ and Favor Reform of Madrassas but there is a growing Perception that US Threatens Islam. An in-depth survey of Pakistani public opinion reveals majority support for a moderate and democratic Islamic state, though a small but significant minority shows sympathy for Islamist militant groups. Most Pakistanis want Islam to play a larger role in Pakistani society. However, a majority also favors a more democratic political system, rejects ‘Talibanization,” and supports recent government efforts to reform the madrassah system by focusing more on science and mathematics. Majorities have little sympathy for Islamist military groups and most would like to see the Federally Administered Tribal Areas integrated into Pakistan.
read on

A Soldier posts his final goodbye - Remembering Andrew Olmsted

2008-01-05T03:44:00.000-05:00

Andrew Olmsted
January 04, 2008

Final Post

"I am leaving this message for you because it appears I must leave sooner than I intended. I would have preferred to say this in person, but since I cannot, let me say it here."
G'Kar, Babylon 5

"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
Plato*

This is an entry I would have preferred not to have published, but there are limits to what we can control in life, and apparently I have passed one of those limits. And so, like G'Kar, I must say here what I would much prefer to say in person. I want to thank hilzoy for putting it up for me. It's not easy asking anyone to do something for you in the event of your death, and it is a testament to her quality that she didn't hesitate to accept the charge. As with many bloggers, I have a disgustingly large ego, and so I just couldn't bear the thought of not being able to have the last word if the need arose. Perhaps I take that further than most, I don't know. I hope so. It's frightening to think there are many people as neurotic as I am in the world. In any case, since I won't get another chance to say what I think, I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. Such as it is.

"When some people die, it's time to be sad. But when other people die, like really evil people, or the Irish, it's time to celebrate."
Jimmy Bender, "Greg the Bunny"

"And maybe now it's your turn
To die kicking some ass."
Freedom Isn't Free, Team America

What I don't want this to be is a chance for me, or anyone else, to be maudlin. I'm dead. That sucks, at least for me and my family and friends. But all the tears in the world aren't going to bring me back, so I would prefer that people remember the good things about me rather than mourning my loss. (If it turns out a specific number of tears will, in fact, bring me back to life, then by all means, break out the onions.) I had a pretty good life, as I noted above. Sure, all things being equal I would have preferred to have more time, but I have no business complaining with all the good fortune I've enjoyed in my life. So if you're up for that, put on a little 80s music (preferably vintage 1980-1984), grab a Coke and have a drink with me. If you have it, throw 'Freedom Isn't Free' from the Team America soundtrack in; if you can't laugh at that song, I think you need to lighten up a little. I'm dead, but if you're reading this, you're not, so take a moment to enjoy that happy fact.

"Our thoughts form the universe. They always matter."
Citizen G'Kar, Babylon 5

Believe it or not, one of the things I will miss most is not being able to blog any longer. The ability to put my thoughts on (virtual) paper and put them where people can read and respond to them has been marvelous, even if most people who have read my writings haven't agreed with them. If there is any hope for the long term success of democracy, it will be if people agree to listen to and try to understand their political opponents rather than simply seeking to crush them. While the blogosphere has its share of partisans, there are some awfully smart people making excellent arguments out there as well, and I know I have learned quite a bit since I began blogging. I flatter myself I may have made a good argument or two as well; if I didn't, please don't tell me. It has been a great five-plus years. I got to meet a lot of people who are way smarter than me, including such luminaries as Virginia Postrel and her husband Stephen (speaking strictly from a 'improving the species' perspective, it's tragic those two don't have kids, because they're both scary smart.), the estimable hilzoy and Sebastian of Obsidian Wings, Jeff Goldstein and Stephen Green, the men who consistently frustrated me with their mix of wit and wisdom I could never match, and I've no doubt left out a number of people to whom I apologize. Bottom line: if I got the chance to meet you through blogging, I enjoyed it. I'm only sorry I couldn't meet more of you. In particular I'd like to thank Jim Henley, who while we've never met has been a true comrade, whose words have taught me and whose support has been of great personal value to me. I would very much have enjoyed meeting Jim.

Blogging put me in touch with an inordinate number of smart people, an exhilarating if humbling experience. When I was young, I was smart, but the older I got, the more I realized just how dumb I was in comparison to truly smart people. But, to my credit, I think, I was at least smart enough to pay attention to the people with real brains and even occasionally learn something from them. It has been joy and a pleasure having the opportunity to do this.

"It's not fair."
"No. It's not. Death never is."
Captain John Sheridan and Dr. Stephen Franklin, Babylon 5

"They didn't even dig him a decent grave."
"Well, it's not how you're buried. It's how you're remembered."
Cimarron and Wil Andersen, The Cowboys

I suppose I should speak to the circumstances of my death. It would be nice to believe that I died leading men in battle, preferably saving their lives at the cost of my own. More likely I was caught by a marksman or an IED. But if there is an afterlife, I'm telling anyone who asks that I went down surrounded by hundreds of insurgents defending a village composed solely of innocent women and children. It'll be our little secret, ok?

I do ask (not that I'm in a position to enforce this) that no one try to use my death to further their political purposes. I went to Iraq and did what I did for my reasons, not yours. My life isn't a chit to be used to bludgeon people to silence on either side. If you think the U.S. should stay in Iraq, don't drag me into it by claiming that somehow my death demands us staying in Iraq. If you think the U.S. ought to get out tomorrow, don't cite my name as an example of someone's life who was wasted by our mission in Iraq. I have my own opinions about what we should do about Iraq, but since I'm not around to expound on them I'd prefer others not try and use me as some kind of moral capital to support a position I probably didn't support. Further, this is tough enough on my family without their having to see my picture being used in some rally or my name being cited for some political purpose. You can fight political battles without hurting my family, and I'd prefer that you did so.

On a similar note, while you're free to think whatever you like about my life and death, if you think I wasted my life, I'll tell you you're wrong. We're all going to die of something. I died doing a job I loved. When your time comes, I hope you are as fortunate as I was.

"What an idiot! What a loser!"
Chaz Reingold, Wedding Crashers

"Oh and I don't want to die for you, but if dying's asked of me;
I'll bear that cross with honor, 'cause freedom don't come free."
American Soldier, Toby Keith

Those who know me through my writings on the Internet over the past five-plus years probably have wondered at times about my chosen profession. While I am not a Libertarian, I certainly hold strongly individualistic beliefs. Yet I have spent my life in a profession that is not generally known for rugged individualism. Worse, I volunteered to return to active duty knowing that the choice would almost certainly lead me to Iraq. The simple explanation might be that I was simply stupid, and certainly I make no bones about having done some dumb things in my life, but I don't think this can be chalked up to stupidity. Maybe I was inconsistent in my beliefs; there are few people who adhere religiously to the doctrines of their chosen philosophy, whatever that may be. But I don't think that was the case in this instance either.

As passionate as I am about personal freedom, I don't buy the claims of anarchists that humanity would be just fine without any government at all. There are too many people in the world who believe that they know best how people should live their lives, and many of them are more than willing to use force to impose those beliefs on others. A world without government simply wouldn't last very long; as soon as it was established, strongmen would immediately spring up to establish their fiefdoms. So there is a need for government to protect the people's rights. And one of the fundamental tools to do that is an army that can prevent outside agencies from imposing their rules on a society. A lot of people will protest that argument by noting that the people we are fighting in Iraq are unlikely to threaten the rights of the average American. That's certainly true; while our enemies would certainly like to wreak great levels of havoc on our society, the fact is they're not likely to succeed. But that doesn't mean there isn't still a need for an army (setting aside debates regarding whether ours is the right size at the moment). Americans are fortunate that we don't have to worry too much about people coming to try and overthrow us, but part of the reason we don't have to worry about that is because we have an army that is stopping anyone who would try.

Soldiers cannot have the option of opting out of missions because they don't agree with them: that violates the social contract. The duly-elected American government decided to go to war in Iraq. (Even if you maintain President Bush was not properly elected, Congress voted for war as well.) As a soldier, I have a duty to obey the orders of the President of the United States as long as they are Constitutional. I can no more opt out of missions I disagree with than I can ignore laws I think are improper. I do not consider it a violation of my individual rights to have gone to Iraq on orders because I raised my right hand and volunteered to join the army. Whether or not this mission was a good one, my participation in it was an affirmation of something I consider quite necessary to society. So if nothing else, I gave my life for a pretty important principle; I can (if you'll pardon the pun) live with that.

"It's all so brief, isn't it? A typical human lifespan is almost a hundred years. But it's barely a second compared to what's out there. It wouldn't be so bad if life didn't take so long to figure out. Seems you just start to get it right, and then...it's over."
Dr. Stephen Franklin, Babylon 5

I wish I could say I'd at least started to get it right. Although, in my defense, I think I batted a solid .250 or so. Not a superstar, but at least able to play in the big leagues. I'm afraid I can't really offer any deep secrets or wisdom. I lived my life better than some, worse than others, and I like to think that the world was a little better off for my having been here. Not very much, but then, few of us are destined to make more than a tiny dent in history's Green Monster. I would be lying if I didn't admit I would have liked to have done more, but it's a bit too late for that now, eh? The bottom line, for me, is that I think I can look back at my life and at least see a few areas where I may have made a tiny difference, and massive ego aside, that's probably not too bad.

"The flame also reminds us that life is precious. As each flame is unique; when it goes out, it's gone forever. There will never be another quite like it."
Ambassador Delenn, Babylon 5

I write this in part, admittedly, because I would like to think that there's at least a little something out there to remember me by. Granted, this site will eventually vanish, being ephemeral in a very real sense of the word, but at least for a time it can serve as a tiny record of my contributions to the world. But on a larger scale, for those who knew me well enough to be saddened by my death, especially for those who haven't known anyone else lost to this war, perhaps my death can serve as a small reminder of the costs of war. Regardless of the merits of this war, or of any war, I think that many of us in America have forgotten that war means death and suffering in wholesale lots. A decision that for most of us in America was academic, whether or not to go to war in Iraq, had very real consequences for hundreds of thousands of people. Yet I was as guilty as anyone of minimizing those very real consequences in lieu of a cold discussion of theoretical merits of war and peace. Now I'm facing some very real consequences of that decision; who says life doesn't have a sense of humor?

But for those who knew me and feel this pain, I think it's a good thing to realize that this pain has been felt by thousands and thousands (probably millions, actually) of other people all over the world. That is part of the cost of war, any war, no matter how justified. If everyone who feels this pain keeps that in mind the next time we have to decide whether or not war is a good idea, perhaps it will help us to make a more informed decision. Because it is pretty clear that the average American would not have supported the Iraq War had they known the costs going in. I am far too cynical to believe that any future debate over war will be any less vitriolic or emotional, but perhaps a few more people will realize just what those costs can be the next time.

This may be a contradiction of my above call to keep politics out of my death, but I hope not. Sometimes going to war is the right idea. I think we've drawn that line too far in the direction of war rather than peace, but I'm a soldier and I know that sometimes you have to fight if you're to hold onto what you hold dear. But in making that decision, I believe we understate the costs of war; when we make the decision to fight, we make the decision to kill, and that means lives and families destroyed. Mine now falls into that category; the next time the question of war or peace comes up, if you knew me at least you can understand a bit more just what it is you're deciding to do, and whether or not those costs are worth it.

"This is true love. You think this happens every day?"
Westley, The Princess Bride

"Good night, my love, the brightest star in my sky."
John Sheridan, Babylon 5

This is the hardest part. While I certainly have no desire to die, at this point I no longer have any worries. That is not true of the woman who made my life something to enjoy rather than something merely to survive. She put up with all of my faults, and they are myriad, she endured separations again and again...I cannot imagine being more fortunate in love than I have been with Amanda. Now she has to go on without me, and while a cynic might observe she's better off, I know that this is a terrible burden I have placed on her, and I would give almost anything if she would not have to bear it. It seems that is not an option. I cannot imagine anything more painful than that, and if there is an afterlife, this is a pain I'll bear forever.

I wasn't the greatest husband. I could have done so much more, a realization that, as it so often does, comes too late to matter. But I cherished every day I was married to Amanda. When everything else in my life seemed dark, she was always there to light the darkness. It is difficult to imagine my life being worth living without her having been in it. I hope and pray that she goes on without me and enjoys her life as much as she deserves. I can think of no one more deserving of happiness than her.

"I will see you again, in the place where no shadows fall."
Ambassador Delenn, Babylon 5

I don't know if there is an afterlife; I tend to doubt it, to be perfectly honest. But if there is any way possible, Amanda, then I will live up to Delenn's words, somehow, some way. I love you.

Andrew Olmsted
January 4, 2008 11:18 AM

Andrews original goodbye post

More of Andrews writings on Rockymountain news

Change is about to come

2008-01-04T00:40:00.000-05:00

Obama and Huckabee win Iowa caucuses

Huckabee, Obama sweep to Iowa victories

By DAVID ESPO and MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writers

DES MOINES, Iowa - Sen. Barack Obama swept to victory in the Iowa caucuses Thursday night, pushing Hillary Rodham Clinton to third place and taking a major stride in a historic bid to become the nation's first black president. Mike Huckabee rode a wave of support from evangelical Christians to win the opening round among Republicans in the 2008 campaign for the White House.
ADVERTISEMENT

Obama, 46 and a first-term senator from Illinois, told a raucous victory rally his triumph showed that in "big cities and small towns, you came together to say, 'We are one nation, we are one people and our time for change has come.'"

Final Democratic returns showed the first-term lawmaker gaining 37 percent support. Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina gained second, barely edging out Clinton, the former first lady.

Huckabee celebrated his own victory over Mitt Romney and a crowded Republican field. "A new day is needed in American politics, just like a new day is needed in American government," the former Arkansas governor told cheering supporters. "It starts here, but it doesn't end here. It goes all the way through the other states and ends at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue."

More here

2008 Presidential Election

Benazir Bhutto warning the world on 11 2 7

2008-01-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

Startling comments from Benazir Bhutto just a month before her assassination. It is shocking to hear what she had to say. Her clear warnings, the world could not understand.

Sir David speaks to former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto about her controversial return to Pakistan, who she thinks is behind the deadly bombing of her convoy in Karachi last month, and whether she and Musharraf can forge a powersharing agreement

Link to the video
Condemn Benazir Bhutto's death

Goodbye 2007 and Hello 2008

2008-01-01T01:03:00.000-05:00

AP slide show on Yahoo

100th Times Square ball drop marks 2008
By COLLEEN LONG, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - More than a million revelers in Times Square cheered as the giant crystal ball made its 100th drop on Monday night and a ton of confetti rained down on the urban canyon, ushering in the new year.

More from here

Beyond Perception - Imran Siddiqui's debut Urdu rock album

2007-12-30T19:19:00.000-05:00

Beyond Perception -
Imran Siddiqui's debut Urdu rock album - now on iTunes
___________________________________________________

Imran Siddiqui
Redefining Urdu Rock

Imran Siddiqui is a global sound that is English and Urdu in the pure alternative sense, as far as the eye can see or the mind can feel, bringing a new postcard from the edges of reality to a global and a more aware audience, this is how Imran Siddiqui's music and song writing is being defined today.

Imran brings a brand new genre, structure, and mechanism of writing, singing, and producing an Urdu rock song, with subtle underlying rhythms of funk, blues, jazz, pop and ethno classical.

Imran Siddiqui aspires to reflect the scenes and lessons from reality and strives to make lives better even if he could make just one man think and prosper. His songs are about Life, God, existence and what lies beyond, people to people interaction or no action at all, blended with his own sometimes tragic and traumatic and at times happy and uplifting experiences that gives a bitter-sweet but an original taste in his song writing skills, lyrical activism and psychedelic vocals as demonstrated in his debut album "beyond perception".

Kahin Bhi - Anywhere, Afra Tafri - Chaos, Sari Rath - All night and Inqallab - Revolution, are songs that are organically musical in their own independent and versatile sense and will touch your heart and inspire you to think about your social surroundings with an open mindset. Most of the songs were written by Imran during his time spent on the streets of Pakistan, experiencing life as it is, in times of turmoil, happiness, and with the will to do something good for the people. Iltija - Prayer, talks about a conversation with God and how only he can help those who help themselves and others. Injila - Break of Dawn, is a song that is dedicated to all the daughters of the world. In this beautiful harmonious blend Imran talks to a child, his own daughter, and convinces her along with the rest of his world that instead of shedding a tear she will smile, no matter what the odds are.

Imran is in the process of reviving a lot of his prewritten lyrics, as well as putting out a new metaphor for his fresh material that can help bring the power of reason, in everyday life, to a whole new dimension. Imran has also finished his lyrical book "ROCKISTAN" that contains songs from "Beyond Perception" and much more.

The idea is to awaken the audience and provide them with the chance to read Imran's social activism through the magic of his reality based song writing and try to connect ourselves with each other, and see how we can make this world a better place for all. Watch for Imran's next album that is sure to add another perspective to the wonderful world of rock and roll.

Credits

Beyond Perception
All songs written by Imran Siddiqui
All vocals by Imran Siddiqui
Music composed by Waqar Ahmed
Except Injila, music for Injila composed by Shebi
Back vocals on Injila by Shebi and ET
Injila mixed by Taimur
Injila recorded at Nucleus entertainment studios
All other songs recorded at ZI Music.
Rockistan - Original songbook from Beyond Perception coming soon

Special thanks

God almighty
Rizwana Siddiqui and Imran's family
All the friends, colleagues and fans that have supported us all along the way.
Huqa Entertainment.

Think original and keep inspiring yourself.
Imran Siddiqui

www.imranmusic.net

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto - The 1st woman Prime Minster of the Muslim world

2007-12-27T13:22:00.000-05:00

A sad day for Pakistan today, for losing a fighter for democracy Ms. Benazir Bhutto. But what does it mean for Pakistan and the global war against extremism and terror? Who could be behind this tragedy or gain from it and will the people of Pakistan be the ultimate sufferers in all this mess? Where does the world community stand now? Do you think if the emergency rule was kept in place, this would not have happened?

The fact is that many people will come and give their comments right now, the media has something new to show, but things would be quite different if we try to imagine whats going on in the minds of Benazir's family, her children in particular.

Now all those who were against her are standing united with one voice, why does it have to be like this?, why do we have to loose people in order to understand their value and strength? why wasn't there any security for her? And even if there were do you think that the people who wanted her dead wouldn't have thought of another way to get rid of her?

Have you ever walked the streets of Pakistan? According to international journalists and critics, Pakistan is a walking time bomb, any one on any street corner could get you killed, you will never know who is who in Pakistan. The government hires and trains terrorists, the radicals and extremists execute suicide missions, political parties rival each other to death, and family feuds that can get an entire generation massacred, that is another long story.

But the sad part in all of this is that she was going around the volatile country despite these dreadful conditions on the ground, because she wanted to do something for her people, she took the chances, she knew that instead of living alone and scared at home, it was better to die fighting.

She died at the same spot where Liaqat Ali Khan had been assassinated many years ago. I hope and pray that Pakistan and Karachi in Particular stays safe.

May God rest her soul in peace, and in heaven.

More from here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7161590.stm

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071227/ap_on_re_as/pakistan

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PAKISTAN?SITE=CACHI&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-12-27-voa12.cfm

A moment of solidarity

2007-12-25T16:18:00.000-05:00

Everyone has a special way to give thanks to the creator, but the main idea of giving, understanding and appreciating what we have, stays the same, anywhere around the world or maybe around the entire universe.

So on this special day I wish everyone a Happy Eid, A Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.

May we learn to live with each other, in harmony.

Peace!

Suicide attack in Pakistan mosque on Eid day - Shameless

2007-12-21T03:44:00.000-05:00

CHARSADDA, Pakistan (Reuters) - At least 38 people were killed on Friday in a suicide bombing at a northwest Pakistan mosque, where a former interior minister was offering Muslim Eid festival prayers with worshipers, officials said.

More here from Ammad Waheed:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071221/ts_nm/pakistan_blast_dc

My Take

2007-12-18T03:07:00.000-05:00

My Take on Ijtihad and Irshad Manji

When I first heard about Irshad Manji, I said to myself: “this is one person I’d like to sit down and just have a conversation with”. I feel that she has every right to present her perspective – just like every other person on this planet. It was funny- as soon as I started to work on lining up an interview with Irshad, I faced a lot of criticism from a few friends and colleagues. Surprisingly, many of my critics were journalists. Many people asked why I wanted to talk to her. They passed judgments on her from top to bottom. They also emphasized that radicals will come after my life -just as they go after hers- simply because I wanted to understand her views.
Amazed and astonished that a Pakistani journalist in America would still want to talk to Irshad, the woman who only wants to remind people to think and reflect before they act, critics tried their best in different ways to remind me to keep the balance. I reminded them that in her film, “Faith without Fear”, Irshad kept the balance by keeping her critics alive- and engaging with them. In journalism, we call this ‘impartial reporting’.
I asked a few of my peers if they’d ever met Irshad Manji. The answer was NO. Had they ever spoken with her? The answer was NO. I further asked– have you ever read Irshad’s work? The answer again was NO. My final question was:
“If you have never met her, never spoken with her, and have never even read her work- then how can you dislike her – and even hate her?”. How can we jump to such a conclusion without even trying to understand someone and their views?
Unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of tribalism Islam came about to change- but which we as an ummah have only adopted. Many of us have been brought up in such a way where asking questions, finding the truth or accepting a different point of view – the basis of “ijtihad”, Islam’s own tradition of critical thinking, debate and dissent- is simply off limits. We have allowed a select few to dictate the rights of people all over the world- living and breathing in so many different circumstances, cultures and traditions.
When we don’t have the strength to condemn a Muslim killing another Muslim, or a Muslim taking any innocent life, then how can we despise someone who talks about stopping the senseless bloodshed?
Irshad speaks her mind- and her mind speaks ijtihad- something that’s native to every human spirit- the power to think, reflect and reason. All you have to do is develop it- just like any other thing you work on personally. We work hard to pass an exam but the biggest most imperative exam of all- the one to take action- too many of us are simply ignoring, every second of the day.
READ, my friends, then listen- and finally, talk.

Imran Siddiqui
www.imran.mobi

You can also read the article on truth booth
http://pressthat.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/my-take-on-irshad-and-ijtihad/

BILL MOYERS JOURNAL | Buying the War | Excerpt | PBS

2007-12-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

Bill Moyers Journal: Buying the War
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 9 PM on PBS (check local listings)

How the administration marketed the war to the American people has been well covered, but critical questions remain: How and why did the press buy it, and what does it say about the role of journalists in helping the public sort out fact from propaganda?

In this clip from the premiere of Bill Moyers Journal on PBS, Bob Simon of 60 Minutes, who was based in the Middle East, talks about the reporting he was seeing and reading out of the beltway, and John Walcott and Warren Strobel of Knight Ridder newspapers (now The McClatchy Company), discuss their work burrowing deep into the intelligence agencies to determine whether there was any evidence for the Bush Administration's case for war. On Wednesday, April 25 at 9 P.M. on PBS (check local listings), watch "Buying the War," a 90-minute documentary that explores the role of the press in the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq, which includes interviews with Dan Rather, formerly of CBS; Tim Russert of Meet the Press; and Walter Isaacson, former president of CNN.

Two days later on April 27, the Bill Moyers Journal airs its regular timeslot on Fridays at 9 P.M. with interviews and news analysis of underreported stories across an array of beats, including: the environment, media, politics, the economy, arts and culture, and social issues.

more from here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5Kngf803dQ

and from here
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/2007/04/preview_buying_the_war.html

and here
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/btw/watch.html

This is what you get!

2007-12-10T01:57:00.000-05:00

This is what you get for being fair, dedicated and devoted to your country. This is what you get for standing in the name of honer, justice and freedom, in the face of oppression. This is the chief justice of Pakistan being manhandled by the police of his own country. The same police officers who swore to uphold the constitution of Pakistan. This is how they treat the man who is the Chief Justice of their Supreme Court.
In order to follow orders, orders given in haste
these are the levels we can come down to.

___________________

"According to the Advocate General of Sindh, Justice Chaudhry is still the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and should be allowed to exercise all due privileges. However, the flags of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Supreme Court have been removed from his home and his name and references were initially removed from the website of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; but were restored 24 hours later. The reason presented by the Officials of Supreme Court for the removal of the information from the website was that it happened due to some technical errors.

According to BBC Urdu and The News (Pakistani newspaper), the supreme judicial council planned to look into the inquiry against Justice Chaudhry. Out of the three Judges of the council there are corruption cases already pending against two judges (one for financial corruption and the other for a case related to fraud in land) and the third Judge allegedly had his daughter admitted to a medical college on the recommendations of the Chief Minister of a province of Pakistan."

More on The Suspension of Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, from this link:
A lions tale

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftikhar_Muhammad_Chaudhry_(suspension)

image credits

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Iftikhar_chaudhry_agencies.jpg

The people of Pakistan and the Police

2007-12-09T19:14:00.000-05:00

It does not surprise me the way Pakistani police and the intelligence covert operatives in civilian clothes have manhandled the innocent simple citizens of Pakistan, especially when I have not only seen it all with my own eyes but have been beaten up and locked in jail by the Pakistani police, only for not having a drivers license. But keeping Musharraf's position aside, I am sure he wouldn't have even known whats happening to his people until he saw it all himself, then he must've asked his allies what are they doing and they must've said, Sir, don't you worry, we will take care of everything, the situation is under control, so what if we are beating up women and children. And then being helpless as he must have been, he may have gone silent, to find alternatives to the dangerously deteriorating situation in Pakistan, which by any chance is not new but at least six decades old. The people who know the currents and the under-current know it all so well. So maybe, he did know, does that matter now? has it ever mattered? Things will only change when the entire collective soul of every single Pakistani, especially the poor ones, will scream out loud, only then change will come.

The brutality of the police action does not stop here, even though they are cruel enough to cowardly attack women, children, the youth, old and weak, with buttocks and guns, but I am sure if the youth and other student organizations, and the average Pakistani, if they all would've picked up arms and ammunition against the police and the internal Pakistani CIA operatives, then things would've been very different.

When I saw Zaid's Documentary " Missing in Pakistan", that very impressively highlights the 500 plus missing people in Pakistan, which you can find here, and in that excellent documentary when you see the shot where a Pakistani police man is pulling two young girls from their hair and then dragging those innocent little girls down the floor in front of other people, at that time, I asked myself, If I had a gun, and would've walked up to that police man and had asked him to let the girls go free, with my gun pointing straight at him, what would he have done?? On second thoughts, if he wouldn't have listened to me, and wanted to show how strong he is and would have tried to attack me, would I have pulled the trigger?

Maybe I would have..., because the way police in Pakistan works is very different compared to the police of the rest of the world. They don't talk, they just attack, and to be fair with statistics, at least 99% of them do. No police man in Pakistan will ever be thankful that it was my paid taxes out of my hard earned legal money that he gets his pay check. His pay check might be small but it did come from somewhere, even though my pay check was small too but I still had to pay my taxes and that police man did get paid, so why is he attacking a simple hard working average fellow Pakistani who did nothing wrong but help that same police man get his salary. Well, thats simply because of ass kissing. Because in Pakistan the only way to climb the ladder of success is to pick balls or butt kiss, and thats what most of the police men were doing on the streets of Pakistan during and after the state of emergency organized by a state in an emergency, they were all simply impressing their superiors. In their own words they were saying, look at this Sir, look at what we are doing for you, whatever your wish is, that is our command. And that means, during the killing spree executed by the police and the intelligence operatives, they might have ended up killing their own family members as well.

I wonder when the Pakistanis in power and the powerless Pakistanis will stop to ponder on this thought, that since the day Pakistan was created she and her people have always been used and abused as buffer-zone inductees and slave camp laborers, brainwashed to battle each other, in order for others to take advantage of the position, location and the situation in Pakistan.

God help the people and may the people help themselves and others.

Media scene of Pakistan in pampers & its leaking.

2007-12-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

Some of the Media outlets in Pakistan are still off the air since the hard stance the Government of Pakistan took on the Media industry in October 07. A lot of perspectives came out since the imposition of the state of emergency and some of the journalists, producers and activists went out on the streets of Pakistan protesting against Musharraf's actions against the media. But its surprising that no one ever talked about why the media was being scrutinized by the same person who gave all the freedoms to it.

The fact is that the Pakistani media industry can be compared to a little baby whose pamper is leaking with too many holes in it, and the baby doesn't even know about it. It is shocking to observe how and what the media in Pakistan has been playing on their air-waves. From pieces of dead bodies, to blown up heads, all the worse that you can ever imagine was being shown on Pakistani media, eventually desensitizing the audience to bloodshed, murder and mayhem. They say that media is reflecting the current society and the government, but the question is that medias job is not only to portray the current trends of a society but also to change them for the better.

But how can anyone do something like that when they themselves don't know how to do it? Not even once from the lobby controlled media scene have we seen a positive approach to the crisis situation in Pakistan, since the day networks have been allowed to broadcast their free will. Mostly there has been criticisms and zero solutions. Majority of the Television anchors are young kids, the program hosts are ill mannered and under prepared promotion hungry blabber mouths that just keep rambling about things totally unrelated to the future and progress of Pakistan. Face promotion is what most of the television media community is pushing for on-air.

The management, marketing and programing divisions have no strategic or moral sense of how to market whatever, wherever, to whom and at what time, as if its a non stop donkey race going on to win the hearts and minds of the innocent people of Pakistan who mostly have nothing else to do but watch the crazy political and ever democratic situation in Pakistan, made only worse by her own baby media. After the airwaves got shut down and our TV program was not on the air anymore, we went Live on radio and most of the callers calling us from Pakistan, the interior rural Pakistan were complaining that they have lost all their entertainment since the channels got shut down. Not one caller talked about what they were getting out of the media, it seemed as if a long awaited emotionally placed drama serial had just ended abruptly.

No one complained about missing news but the entertainment aspect of the news. In fact people missed watching how the politicians are invited on to the shows and insulted and abused, while the anchors feel proud on this baseless questioning, or how sex hungry commercials flood the airwaves or how not even one channel talked about making things better in Pakistan, no, none of that was missed because it never existed. Even the politicians themselves, most of them have nothing to do with enhancing the political environment of the country, no one trained or educated enough to handle core issues that can improve the livelihood of their own people. Imagine this, news for the audience was entertainment not information, because of the way it was being packaged. Guests coming on air, while they scratch their testicles in front of the cameras, hosts acting like referees and real estate agents and drug mafia brokers, trying to make the 2 parties fight rather than bringing to them a one cohesive point of view, or simply standing at different points of view but in a decent humane manner.

That happens when the media industry is being run by rice exporters and stock brokers because they start treating all the content as if its some sort of a commodity that you can black market or just stock in pile, the real news and its message just totally lost somewhere in between. And obviously they hire human resource that are just as dumb as the owners of these media outlets, so what execution? With no laws of broadcasting and ethics in place, wild dogs left out to rule the streets, bad mouthing, disregarding and disgracing their own people, if the media industry wants to be the watchdog over the Government, then who's watching the media? They need to be taught real and authentic broadcasting, help educate and uplift their people and guide them so the channels could be bearable and viewable in order to develop an educated, intelligent, thought provoking audience that can not only reflect but can also think?

I wonder when that day will come?

Missing in Pakistan (hi-res)

2007-11-29T13:24:00.001-05:00

Independently produced documentary about the abduction and illegal detention of Pakistani citizens by Pakistani intelligence agencies. The film is circulating informally among concerned citizens in Pakistan as the subject is too "hot" for commercial channels. This is truth-telling at its bravest, unflinching best. Watch, share, distribute. Learn.

Pakistan - A true sad story

2007-11-25T19:34:00.000-05:00

What did the people of Pakistan get in the last 60 plus years from the so called leaders of Pakistan or the Pakistani ruling parties?? Nothing, absolutely nothing at all is what they got, most would say.

If you ask the common man, the peasant, the average person on the streets of Pakistan he will tell you the same. Many average Pakistanis say the truth is that Pakistani people, whoever they are, got no recognition as Pakistanis in the first place. Either they are called Punjabi, Pathan, Balochi, Sindhi or to the shame of the entire partition of India, Muhajirs, immigrants, are a few examples of how people are usually referred to in the not so Urdu speaking Pakistan. The real Pakistan. I know it too as it is my mother land, but that was India, so my homeland, the land of the pure, might not be, all that.

The fact that the people of Pakistan were never given any incentives, living examples, material support nor encouragement in being called Pakistanis or in return to be a part of a broken down and departed land of the warring nations. The term Pakistani is a combination of people mostly from different ethnic backgrounds, all put together in one basket without even asking them.

The result now, decades of cheating and looting and corruption eating away all that’s left of the little Pakistan. PPP, ARD, PML Q or PML N, PTI, MMA, MQM, ISI, CIA, Terrorists, fundamentalists, radicals, or just simply crazy warlords who can all be branded as loyalist terrorists working to eat Pakistan from the grass root to the top, fulfilling their legacies just like how their ancestors did in the past.

Sindh is as barren and desolate as it were when Benazir Bhutto's dad Zulfiqar Bhutto ruled, criticsa rgue that Punjab takes away most of the budget just like administrations before Nawaz Shariff has done, Baluchistan, don’t bother asking about them as they are not regarded as people in the eyes of the country's rich elite rulers, but as a burden on Pakistan, and north west frontiers, even the title that we have given to that state is shameful, as if we don’t regard them as anything but some frontier provinces waiting to defend a country that has never been their own in the first place.

Now, when Musharraf, who only seemed like a lonely voice coming to save the poor and the dying middle class through the intervention of the army, army again?, army being another caretaker, nurturer, protector of Pakistan that only consumes 80 percent budget of the country, protecting Pakistan again seemed like an impossible but probable task keeping in view how the army has always shed or saved Pakistan's skin in the past. But now, surprisingly this man, who seemed to make a headway, now seems to be doing something good for Pakistan, despite the hurdles put against him. But political watchdogs and critics argue that the so called political parties have tried to damage the country from inside and out instead of helping to flourish it, and now they are all standing united against him, to over throw him, this clearly shows the motives of most of the political parties or landlord gangs in Pakistan, but it seems difficult to understand what do they actually want from Pakistan or to steal again from it. See how their activists protest on the streets or kill another party member just to show bloodshed in Pakistan. But not to say, that the Government and the Army intelligence agencies wont do that too, they are all thieves as far as the people are concerned. But how can you simply not trust anyone? Can we leave Pakistan stranded again, do you have any other candidate or choice besides Musharraf? And if Musharraf wants democracy thriving with a happier wealtheir successful Pakistan, then what would you call those people who are fighting trying to appose him? asks, the common painter on the streets of downtown Karachi, critics say.

Nothing done on education, nothing done on providing livelihood for the poorest of the poor of Pakistan, nothing done to stop child abuse, nothing done to uplift the disgusting literacy rate, nothing done to provide access to health care, retirement, pension funds plummeting to the lowest levels in the world, what the hell’s going on??? Why is the Pakistani poor being constantly consumed by the elite? When that poor Pakistani will rise, that day will be called a revolution.

What did Kennedy do when the white supremacists attacked the Africans Americans when all they wanted was to go to school, he retaliated with the military force, why?/, well that’s because all they could understand was that. When no one in Pakistan wants to talk, but before commencing a dialog wants to break your face, then what do you do??? Pakistan, keeping in view all her diversity, is an extremely dangerous and difficult place to live, and yet so many innocent Pakistanis have been doing so for the past 6 decades, all they want is to live, work, prosper, they struggle and then they die at some street corner, while chanting away slogans of harmony and good faith of their party leaders. Who will be held accountable for letting millions of people miss out on basic amenities of a good life??? Who are responsible for the millions of lives lost in Pakistan by the hands of their own disgraced leadership and democracy makers and dictators and blood feuds, and killing of your people by your own people?
Some might say, that is how life is, in many parts around the world, but the question is, is that the only way to live you life? Or is there a better way, to get to a better place?

It is surprising and at the same time encouraging, seeing the people's global response with reference to the emergency in Pakistan. Not only from the west but also from India, Nepal and UK, people from different cast, creed and religions got together to demonstrate their solidarity towards the people of Pakistan. But people who are well fed and don’t have empty stomachs, make a lot of common sense. No one is talking about the actual plight of the people, the face of that common Pakistan whom you might get a glimpse of in the background of an image of some bomb blast, standing shocked and dazed and stunned to his brains. Who would care about him?? Everyone’s after their own personal gains to maybe win an award, or get noticed or maybe to get some sort of a political asylum, or maybe just to show their faces or how they say in Pakistan, if you are not a political journalist then you are not a journalist at all, and that coming from a very senior Pakistani journalist. No wonder why Pakistanis in the media business never think about social journalism, entrepreneurship, ethics and codes of conduct in broadcasting and getting the citizen so aware and involved that he intelligently rises to the challenge with the entire community, and then you bring a policy change and revolution on a national scale, in the real sense, not just by shouting slogans and carrying banners.

I wonder why no one thinks about social journalism in Pakistan, the youth is being falsely misled.

I think of the Pakistan that I remember, like the screen shot you see on top, these are the kinds of sunrises we use to see. But then again, its like asking, is Iraq better off now or during the time of Saddam?

This was unthinkable prior to the proclamation of the emergency rule, it seems as if the global audience was waiting for the people of Pakistan to get up and react so that the peoples call for a free and democratic society would not only be heard but will also be acknowledged and commended. But did the people of Pakistan react or was it just a tiny little part of the entire society that you just saw, bank rolled by the opposing political regimes with their own agendas and vendettas?

A child asks me, do you think they will let Musharraf live, I look at him with deep longing eyes, and say, only if you allow them not to let him live.

But as the title of M. Hanif Raza's book suggests, "The best of Pakistan", is yet to come.

Is it martial law or emergency in Pakistan?

2007-11-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

Dr. Walter Andersen has worked as Chief of State Department's South Asia Division in the Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia. He assumed his duties as Associate Director of the South Asia Studies program in July of 2003. Before the launch of the new program at Johns Hopkins, he taught several courses on South Asia at SAIS School of Advanced International Studies. In addition to holding several key positions within the State Department, including special assistant to the ambassador at the Embassy in New Delhi, he has taught at the University of Chicago and the College of Wooster.

Mr. Anderson's reflections on President Bush's phone call to President Musharraf and much more on Pakistan's current emergency crisis.

Ambassador Schaffer from CSIS - Pakistan in an emergency

2007-11-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

Former American diplomat and now Director of the South Asia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Teresita Schaeffer, says that whatever that's happening in Pakistan was in a way expected. Not because of some conspiracy theories but because of the conditions within and on the ground in Pakistan. Ambassador Teresita Schaffer joined CSIS in August 1998 after a 30-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service. She devoted most of her career to international economic issues with a focus on South Asia. Ambassador Schaffer speaks many languages, and the best part is that one of those languages... is Urdu.

The story can also be viewed at voanews.com
http://www.voanews.com/urdu/2007-11-08-voa12.cfm

America's response to the Emergency crisis in Pakistan

2007-11-10T23:02:00.001-05:00

Beyond the headlines, Voice of Americas Urdu flagship TV program caught up with some of the think tanks, funding and research institutes in Washington DC to weigh in on the current situation in Pakistan. Experts include Caroline Wadhams from the Center for American progress, Patricia Taft from the Fund for peace and Naeem Salik from SAIS Johns Hopkins.

You can also watch the story on voanews.com
http://www.voanews.com/urdu/2007-11-07-voa8.cfm

Appeal for support to lawyers and judges in Pakistan

2007-11-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

Appeal for support to lawyers and judges in Pakistan

Asma Jahngir writes to us in an email:

"I am fortunate to be under house arrest while my colleagues are suffering. The Musharaf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. While the terrorists remain on the loose and continue to occupy more space in Pakistan , senior lawyers are being tortured.

The civil society of Pakistan urges bar associations all over the world to mobilize public opinion in favor of the judges and lawyers in Pakistan . A large number of judges of superior courts are under arrest. Thousands of lawyers are imprisoned, beaten and tortured.

In particular the cases of Muneer A Malik, Aitzaz Ahsan, Tariq Mahmood and Ali Ahmed Kurd are serious. Muneer A Malik, the former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and leader of the lawyers’ movement has been shifted to the notorious Attack Fort. He is being tortured and is under the custody of the military intelligence. Tariq Mahmood, former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, was imprisoned in Adiala jail. No one was allowed to see him and it is reported that he has been shifted to an unknown place. Mr. Ali Ahmed Kurd, former Vice Chair of the Pakistan Bar Council is in the custody of military intelligence and being kept at an undisclosed place. Mr. Aitzaz Ahsan, President of the Supreme Court Bar is being kept in Adiayala jail in solitary confinement.

Representatives of bar associations should approach their governments to pressure the government of Pakistan to release all lawyers and judges and immediately provide access to Muneer A Malik, Tariq Mahmood, Ali Ahmed Kurd and Aitzaz Ahsan. The bars are also urged to hold press conferences in their country and express their solidarity with the lawyers of Pakistan who are struggling to establish the rule of law".

Asma Jahngir

Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan
Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

THE BATTLE FOR PAKISTAN - By Imran Khan

2007-11-10T22:56:00.000-05:00

THE BATTLE FOR PAKISTAN

By Imran Khan

The imposition of martial law under the garb of emergency should make it abundantly clear to everyone that dictators cannot afford even a semblance of either an independent judicial system or a free media. And neither can the assortment of criminals camouflaged as politicians who collaborate with dictators.

No one is fooled by Gen. Musharaf’s latest deception to hang on to power. The war on terror has served him well so far and so why change a successful strategy; spread fear in the western capitals by invoking images of bearded men with guns and in the meanwhile brutally crush all dissent within the country, as was recently done by the Burmese Military. Having inducted pliant and amoral judges through the PCO, the next step would be to massively rig the elections while keeping the media muzzled. What he hopes is that he will again have a rubber stamp Assembly, a controlled majority and a friendly opposition, while real power will rest with him for another 5 years.

So, what we are witnessing is the first phase of the plan. Massive crackdown on the genuine opposition, lawyers, human right activists and the civil society. He is hoping that the police brutality will induce enough fear in the people for him to crush all dissent within a couple of weeks, before he takes the next step of getting himself endorsed by his pocket judges.

Unfortunately for Musharraf, everyone can see through his latest power grab attempt. No one believes that the judges were an impediment in his fight against terrorism. He has had absolute power for the last 8 years and yet terrorism and militancy is rising rapidly. What is he going to do that is different? He has had Pakistanis abducted and handed over to the U.S authorities without allowing them their right to prove their innocence in a court of law. Others have simply disappeared. Many tortured. Our own people have been bombed by helicopters and jets and when women and children have been killed, it has been shamefully called “collateral damage”. No one to this day knows how many Pakistani (soldiers and civilians) have been killed since 9/11.

Most significantly his liberal credentials stand exposed completely, something he needed to make his dictatorship palatable to the west. Gimmicks like “enlightened moderation”, “soft image” and “sufi Islam” stood exposed as the nation saw police boots and sticks shower on peaceful human rights protestors, lawyers and the media. All laws whether it was through PEMRA, PCOs, the 17th amendment or the disgraceful NRO were only to consolidate his power.

The time has come for the people of Pakistan to decide their destiny. If Musharraf succeeds in destroying the independent judiciary through his PCO, then I am afraid it is all down hill. His “pocket” judges will assist him in suppressing the media and in rigging the elections.

A Government formed from this unholy alliance will be a disaster for Pakistan and will ensure that it heads towards becoming a failed state.

For a start there will be a quantum leap in terrorism. His policies have alienated the Pushtuns in general and the tribal Pushtuns in particular. There are around a million armed men in the tribal areas. Does it make any logical sense that to capture a couple of thousand Al-Qaeeda we invoke the hostility of around a million armed men – all natural guerilla fighters? And that is why history tells us the British lost more soldiers in the tribal areas than the whole of the sub-continent during their Raj.

Moreover fundamentalism is on the rise in most of Northern Pakistan because of Musharraf’s “enlightened moderate” media policies. There is great reaction amongst the masses who perceive this as a license to be vulgar. The Lal Masjid “warriors” belonged to this category. While in Swat & Dir, there has been a rising discontentment due to the poor governance system ever since the two regions became a part of Pakistan in 1974. Thanks to Musharraff being perceived as an American Stooge imposing an anti-Islamic agenda on the country, all these movements are morphing into one.

Another five years of Musharraff will mean that certain discontented sections of the society will lose faith in the democratic process and will also join the militants; thereby raising the prospects of Pakistan turning into another Algeria – the Army against its own people.

The other disaster of Musharraff dictatorship would be a further diversion of the country’s resources away from the people. During his 8 years 1.8% of the GDP was spent on education – the lowest ever in our history and consequently today Pakistan ’s state school education system has collapsed. According to the U.N Human Development Index Pakistan has the worst social indicators in South Asia . Even Burma is ahead. On the other hand in 2006 Pakistan spent US $ 5.1 billion on arms. A new GHQ is being built on 2500 acres in Islamabad at the cost of billions of dollars.

Equally disastrous is the collapse of governance in Pakistan . According to Transparency International this is the most corrupt Government in our history. Hardly surprising since crooks, criminals and even terrorists (according to the Canadian Supreme Court the MQM is a terrorist organization) are sitting at the helm of affairs. The biggest scams in our history have been during the past 5 years. Rs.55 billion loans to the rich and powerful have been waived off while the common man has been crushed by unprecedented inflation.

Hence it is imperative that all sections of Pakistani society stand behind Chief Justice Iftikhar and demand his restoration along with the other honourable judges. We should not accept the PCO or those judges who have taken oath by it.

Only if Justice Iftikhar is restored will we have an independent judiciary, which is the bedrock of a genuine democratic system. The independent judiciary will protect the media’s freedom and ensure free and fair elections that are vital for the country’s survival only. Free and fair elections can throw up a Government that can start a political dialogue with the Militants. The war against terrorism can only be won if the people from within whom the terrorists operate, also consider them to be terrorists. If on the other hand they are perceived as heroes or freedom fighters than it is a never ending war – and history tells us that it cannot be won. Moreover, a democratic Government which comes through free and fair elections has to invest in the people. Otherwise no matter how high the growth rate it will lose the elections – as happened to the BJP despite “shining India ”

Above all only an independent judiciary will stop criminals from entering politics. At the moment they know that once they are part of the power structure they are safe from the courts. The NRO is a classic case in point which under Musharraff’s pocket judges will absolve politicians of their crimes that includes plunder of the country’s resources as well as assassinations and target killings. Once a P.M. or President are not above law only then can this country develop a governance system that will make it achieve its great potential.

What needs to be done is for all sections of the society – especially the students whose future is at stake, to demand the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar and a total boycott of the PCO judges. Until our demands are accepted we should agitate throughout the country. The APDM should immediately give a call to its workers to join the lawyers and the civil society in the streets.

And finally it brings me to Benazir and Maulana Fazal ur Rehman. They are the only two “opposition” leaders who are allowed to freely roam around. The former is even given protocol. Both of them have played a major role in strengthening Musharraff by undermining the opposition at every stage. Both have used the opposition to strengthen their bargaining position with the Government for their personal ends. Most regretfully neither has demanded the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar. The APDM should tell them that we have had enough of their “Noora Khushti”. If they want to be part of the genuine opposition both must demand the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar and announce a street movement immediately. But they should not be allowed to sabotage the opposition movement for their personal gains again.

Article by Imran Khan - Pakistan's legendary cricketer, now a Politician.

Omar Waqar the rock sound of underground DC

2007-11-03T13:20:00.000-04:00

Omar Waqar, A Pakistani-American rock artist, is not just a singer-songwriter but also a lyrical activist whose music is engaging underground DC audiences like wild fire.

His songs reflect diversity, originality, independence and expression of free thought -- the most celebrated symbols of American society. Omar says that people are the same all around the world, but what makes us different is how we think and treat one another.

Click the link below to watch the story
http://www.imransiddiqui.tv/74.html

Uniform blues

2007-10-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

پاکستانی فوج کے نئے سربراہ کی نامزدگی اورطے شدہ صدراتی انتخاب پر پاکستانی امریکن کا ملاجلا ردعمل

کچھ افراد کی رائے تھی کہ بار بار آزمائے ہوئے سیاست دانوں کی بجائےایسے افراد کو آگے آنے کا موقع ملنا چاہیے جو پڑھے لکھے اور مخلص ہوں اور جو قومی مفاد کو ذاتی مفاد پر ترجیح دینے کے جذبےسے سرشار ہوں

عمران صدیقی
واشنگٹن ڈی سی
October 3, 2007

Click below to read the article and watch the report
http://www.voanews.com/urdu/TV/2007-10-03-voa2.cfm
or click here to watch the video directly
اس رپورٹ کی ویڈیو دیکھیئے

Baghdad car bomb strikes a bakery?

2007-09-15T23:37:00.000-04:00

AP Photo: Sheikh Efan weeps over the coffin of Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha.

What is going on in Iraq? Look at the simple people standing in the back ground of this picture.
Can we imagine how terrible their lives must be right now? So much so that even a bakery where people were lined up to buy some bread for iftar... is not safe anymore.

read more http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070915/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

State of Emergency

2007-08-08T23:16:00.000-04:00

Khalfashar, a state in an emergency

A declaration of state of emergency in Pakistan, thats being considered by the Government right now, would mean the suspension of fundamental rights stipulated in the constitution, legal sources have confirmed that. But it is sad that such a thing is on the table when Pakistan is about to celebrate her 60th Independence day on the 14th of August.

More on Aaj TV
http://www.aaj.tv/news/news.php?pg=0&show=detail&nid=4

Senator Obama warns over Pakistan strike

2007-08-02T00:24:00.000-04:00

US presidential candidate Barack Obama has said he would order military action against al-Qaeda in Pakistan without the consent of Pakistan's government.

BBC NEWS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6926663.stm
REUTERS video
http://www.reuters.com/news/video/videoStory?videoId=62500
ABC NEWS
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3434573&page=1

Another Bomb Blast in Islmabad Pakistan - Further toll on innocent lives

2007-07-17T12:43:00.001-04:00

Todays bomb blast that killed more than 10 people and injured dozens was at an event organized by anti Government PPP N at a local court house where the chief justice was supposed to speak to local lawyers. The surprising element is that they have had no problems with any terrorist or fundamentalist groups... then who could be behind these and other terrorist attacks in Pakistan? Even though there were a lot of security personnel present on site before the blasts, but still there was a huge security lapse. Who should be held accountable for this? Who will answer to the families of the innocent victims?

for latest developments click the links below

http://www.jumptv.com/en/channel/aajtv/

http://www.thenews.com.pk/

where is the support for the victims of Pakistan cyclone ?

2007-07-15T00:29:00.001-04:00

Mercy Corps Reaches Villages Unvisited by Aid

http://www.mercycorps.org/countries/pakistan/1752?source=1000&gclid=CNrbhYzcqI0CFRYHFQodPEHb0Q

Floods Threaten Thousands of Children in Pakistan

http://www.savethechildren.org/newsroom/2007/floods-pakistan.html

Thousands flee Pakistan cyclone

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/06/26/pakistan.floods.reut/index.html?iref=newssearch

The leapords

2007-07-14T03:08:00.000-04:00

Did Pakistan keep the promise made to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto?

Did Mr. Bhutto keep the promise he made to Mr. Mujib?

And then ... the "tragedies in Pakistan"

Read a little bit of Tariq Ali
http://www.tariqali.org/

http://www.bergpublishers.com/uk/book_page.asp?BKTitle=The%20Leopard%20and%20the%20Fox

07/09/07 DC was the hottest city in the US today

2007-07-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

With temperatures rising and touching 110F, DC was no doubt the hottest city in the US today according to senior meteorologists at CNN. They said the last time the city was so hot was in 1918. Scorching heat kept majority of the people indoors either at work or at home.

Azad Forever

11 days at Guantanamo Bay Cuba

National Affairs: THE BRICKER AMENDMENT: A Cure Worse Than The Disease?

Nur Ali p1 seg1 English

Daniel Ellsberg: Secrets - Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers

Qazi Abdul Qadir and Imran Siddiqui - a brief conversation on Madrasas in Pakistan

Rachel Maddow 'Destroys' Tom Ridge On Going to War With Iraq

Michael Jackson in 1982

"This is it" Michael - May God rest your soul

Muslims America season 2 promo

*NEW* Chris Cornell interview on Last Call with Carson Daly 2009

Chris Cornell - "Part of Me" on Carson Daly 3/25/09 (TheAudioPerv.com)

Sesame Street Explains the Madoff Scandal

Facebook controversy

The Alex Jones Show 3-09-09: Review of The Watchmen Part 1

Sri Lanka cricket team bus attacked in Pakistan

The Final Push for World Government

NISWA - Be careful of who you marry

Khalid Hasan sets aside his pen

First Lady Speaks at Education Dept.

Jewish Women Among Those Leading Protests Against Israeli Actions 1/12/09 from Democracy Now

We Don't Ask - National Ad for the Employee Free Choice Act

Sources: Obama ready to ban harsh interrogations

CNN : 1.5 Million converts to Islam since 9 / 11

NYC revelers usher in '09 with cheer, optimism

One year in 40 seconds

If an Asteroid Impact the earth...

the pizza guy 1.1

Brent will live

History is made, everyday

Witnessing "History in the making"

Economics will win over racial politics

Muslims' America Season 1 extro 1.1

Debate turns to Pakistan

Barack Obama's convention address - So what even if he were a Muslim?

Muslims' America - American Sufis - - English P1 in 3 breaks

Muslims' America - American Sufis - - Urdu P1 in 3 breaks

Muslims' America - an introduction

The lost peace of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi

chris cornell - street team

Call - Pakistans rock sound LIVE in DC

36 years

the legacy live on

A salute to Tim Russert - the epithomy of fatherhood and broadcast journalism

Still searching for Naveed ...

RESPECTING THE QUR’AN, AS WELL AS OTHER HOLY BOOKS

History of Religion

Imperial History

March of Democracy

Muslims nations: Defame Islam, get sued!

مسلمانوں کو ہدف بنانے کے الزام میں کوئی صداقت نہیں: ہوم لینڈ سیکیورٹی

Omar and Kishan

The future of independent Media in Pakistan

Umar Lee - blogging in to the future

Journeyman part 2 - the Mentees

Journeyman - the power of mentors' part 1

John McCain and the new allegations

Leaderless Jihad

Rock the vote

Ominous signs for Clinton

Obama wins again

Pakistan Awaits New Government

Family Values & Quality time with Dad

President Bush - the last "state of the union"

Past versus the future

the Kennedys - A family of courage

Pakistan in peril

Pakistani public opinion

A 21st century Imam - Imam Johari Abdul Malik

Conspiracy Theories Thrive in Pakistan

Hillary and Mccain fight back

Pakistanis Want Larger Role for Both Islam and Democracy

A Soldier posts his final goodbye - Remembering Andrew Olmsted

Change is about to come

Benazir Bhutto warning the world on 11 2 7

Goodbye 2007 and Hello 2008

Beyond Perception - Imran Siddiqui's debut Urdu rock album

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto - The 1st woman Prime Minster of the Muslim world

A moment of solidarity

Suicide attack in Pakistan mosque on Eid day - Shameless

NEW Chris Cornell interview on Last Call with Carson Daly 2009