Re: Muslim Problem, Hindu Solutions: Sid Harth
bademiyansubhanallah
Kashmir Watch, Dec 2
By Sajjad Shaukat
Although the US President Obama has announced that he will send an
extra 30,000 US troops to fight the war in Afghanistan, yet his
revised strategy also includes exit strategy as he has indicated that
withdrawal of forces will start in July 2011. In this context, on
November 15, US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton had already
revealed, “We’re not interested in staying in Afghanistan” for a long
time.and set a start date for military withdrawal.
Frustrated in achieving their goals, the US-led NATO countries have
seriously been considering withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan
in future owing to growing domestic pressure coupled with daily
casualties of their personal and rising cost of war.
Particularly, America has been bearing huge losses, amounting seven
trillion dollars in the total cost of war against terrorism, increase
in defence budget and acute financial crisis inside the US homeland.
On the other side, India wants to entrap the US permanently in
Afghanistan in order to achieve its secret designs against Pakistan
and China�in the Indian-held Kashmir by damaging American global and
regional interests.
It is basis of Indian shrewd diplomacy to engage the US-led NATO
troops in Afghanistan for unlimited period. In this regard, prior to
his visit to the US for getting sophisticated technology including
American support for a permanent seat for New Delhi in the UN Security
Council, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh already exposed his
cunning diplomacy by showing his illogical approach during his
interview to the Washington Post and Newsweek. He remarked that India
“wants to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan”, while
accusing the latter of “sponsoring terrorism…planning another Mumbai-
type attack in India.” He called for the US pressure on Islamabad to
rein in extremists. He also said that he would encourage the American
leadership to stay in Afghanistan. Besides, Singh warned that
Afghanistan could fall into a civil war if the US exited, while
saying: “It is very important that both the US and the global
community stay engaged in Afghanistan.”
During his trip, Singh who was warmly welcomed by the American
president and other high officials left no stone unturned in
convincing Washington raising alleged concerns regarding Pakistan and
Afghanistan in connection with militancy, while emphasing a strategic
partnership and common values of democracy. Under the pretext of
common goals, his insistence was that both US and India which can
collectively resolve global and regional issues like hunger, security
and nuclear disarmament in wake of a common menace of terrorism�a
sustained commitment to continue assisting Afghanistan.
Indian PM Singh was frustrated when on November 25, 2009, President
Obama in the joint press conference made it clear that Washington
wanted “encouraging ways in which both India and Pakistan can feel
secure and focus on the development of their own countries and their
own people…our core goal is to achieve peace and security for all the
peoples in the region, not just one country or the other.” Obama also
praised Pakistan’s military operations in Swat and South Waziristan by
explaining that Islamabad had made progress in fighting
terrorists�hoping for anti-terrorism cooperation between all regional
parties for the benefit of the people of Pakistan and India.
However, Manmohan Singh who repeatedly indicated that Pakistan has
nothing to fear from India created a sense of fear for Americans in
order to ensure presence of their troops in Afghanistan. In this
context, confused in his objectives, in his meetings at Washington,
DC, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Woodrow Wilson Centre, he
re-iterated, if insurgency “succeeds in Afghanistan and Pakistan, it
shall be catastrophic” not only for India and the US but also for
whole the region. He again urged the needs of greater American
pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorism.
Nevertheless, by setting aside Islamabad’s perennial offers for
resumption of dialogue, the major aim of Singh’s American trip was to
indoctrinate the US high officials through Indian false propaganda
that Pakistan has been sponsoring terrorism in both Afghanistan and
India. In fact, India wants to entrap America permanently in
Afghanistan which has become a most conducive place for Indians to
fulfill their covert aims.
Under the pretext of Talibinisation of Afghanistan and Pakistan,
Indian secret agency, RAW with the support of Israeli Mossad has well-
established its networks. Particularly, India has been running secret
operations against Pakistan from its consulates in Mazar-i-Sharif,
Jalalabad, Kandhar and other sensitive parts of the Pak-Afghan border.
It has spent millions of dollars in Afghanistan to strengthen its
grip. And from there, Indian RAW has been sending well-trained
militants along with arms to Pakistan in order to attack the security
personnel including western nationals. New Delhi which wants to get
strategic depth against Pakistan has not only increased its military
troops in the counry, but has also decided to set up cantonments. In
this respect, puppet regeme of Hamid Karzai encouraged India in using
the Border Roads Organisation in constructing the ring roads by
employing Indo-Tibeten police force for security.
Regarding Indian activities in Afghanistan, on September 20, NATO
commander, Gen. McChrystal in his report on the Afghan war admitted:
“Indian political and economic influence is increasing in Afghanistan
including significant development efforts…is likely to exacerbate
regional tensions.”
Worried about withdrawal of the US-led allies from Afghanistan, India
with the cladestine support of Indo-Israeli lobbies has already
started a propaganda campaign in the West to implicate Islamabad. Even
in an interview with the CNN, Singh remarked “Pakistan’s objectives in
Afghanistan are not necessarily in harmony with the American
objectives…the Pakistan government and the Army are not moving to
remove the Afghan Taliban” and that “Pakistan has not done enough with
regard to pursuing the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks,”
while, he presumed that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal could fall into the
wrong hands.
While showing realistic approach by rejecting Indian blame game
against Pakistan, the US, UK and some other western countries have
already refused official involvement of Islamabad in the Mumbai
carnage of last year. Besides, in the recent past, a team of Indian
intelligence officials left the US disappointed after a week-long stay
as they were not allowed interrogating a Pakistan-born American
national David Coleman Headley, arrested by the FBI on charges of
plotting a major terror attack in India.
Now, American officials and media have started focusing on Hindu
fundamentalism in face of recent leakage of the Justice Liberation
Commission, admitting the official involvement of the BJP leadership
in the destruction of the Babri Masjid (Mosque)�and over other
developments like human violations in the Indian-held Kashmir
including violence against the Muslim and the Christian communities.
However, if US-led NATO forces withdraw from Afghanistan, Karzai
regime will fall like a palace of cards due to the growing Taliban
militancy. Even New Delhi will not be in a position to maintain its
network in wake of the successful guerrilla warfare of the Taliban.
Therefore, India is doing its utmost to convince Washington to have a
long stay in Afghanistan. Failed in this objevtive, it can even act
upon dirty ticks to get the foreign forces entangled in Afghanistan.
In this context, first, with help of some so-called Indian Muslims,
Indian RAW will increase attacks inside Afghanistan, targeting
especially American soldiers with the sole aim to revive old blame
game of the west against Islamabad for cross-border-terrorism. Second,
RAW is likely to arrange another Mumbai type terror-carnage in India
to get the sympathies of America and Europe, and to further distort
the image of Islamabad.
Third, with the help of Indian army officers and RAW, Hindu terrorists
can overcome the obstacles in the acquisition of the weapons of mass
destruction (WMDs). As regards the acquisition of WMDs, some Indian
army officers and RAW could already be in cooperation with the Hindu
fundamentalist organizations. They could also get or produce dirty
nuclear bombs. While, western apprehensions are still found that some
extremist Muslim militant, based in Pakistan’s tribal areas are in
pursuit of WMDs to use them in America and any European country. India
has intensified its propaganda campaign regarding the insecurity of
Pakistan’s atomic assets. In this context, as a last option, India
could use these fatal devices in the West, especially the US homeland
not only to ensure NATO troops in Afghanistan, but also to incite them
to attack Pakistan. Indians could also implement this most dangerous
scheme so that the major western powers could demand Islamabad to roll
back its nuclear programme.
Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the
book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous
Shift in International Relations. Email: sajjad...@yahoo.com
Posted on 02 Dec 2009 by Webmaster
...and I am Sid Harth
chhotemianinshallah
P B Chandra, TNN 2 December 2009, 03:55am IST
JAIPUR. Shailendra Kumar Singh is the third governor of Rajasthan who
died in office and like late Darbara Singh and Nirmal Chandra Jain, he
too held office for a short duration.
A career diplomat who served as envoy and later as foreign secretary,
he was a combination of a diplomat and an administrator,who received
the patronage of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
It was this connection that helped him move from a smaller hill state
like Arunachal Pradesh to Rajasthan as governor. He spent almost five
years as the governor of the two states.
Singh was born in a family of nationalist zamindars in Bulandshahr in
Uttar Pradesh and his father, who was himself educated in England,
provided good education to his children. Singh, who in January next
year would have turned 78, was a product of pathshala (Hindi medium
school) and received his college education from Agra's St John's
College and later went to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied
Persian and international law.
He was the longest-serving Indian envoy to Pakistan from 1985 to 1989
and during this period he was the one who was instrumental in bringing
late President Zia-ul-Haq to Jaipur to witness the India-Pakistan test
match -- the only Test to be played in the Pink City. He was the
author of the then popular cricket diplomacy for which he was
profusely thanked by late Gen Zia as Pakistan was trying to avoid a
war with India. The visit of Gen Zia softened late Prime Minister
Rajiv Gandhi's stand on Pakistan when it looked as if the war was
inevitable.
During private conversations with this writer, he explained how he
used the diplomatic channels and his personal association with Gen Zia
to avoid a war. As Grade 1 Ambassador, the highest in Indian Foreign
Service, he served as Indian envoy not only to Pakistan, but also to
trouble-torn Afghanistan. His knowledge about Islam was immense and
during his stay as a diplomat in Tehran, he learnt Persian the hard
way.
During his stay in Pakistan, he was a popular member of the diplomatic
corps. When his wife Manju Singh once invited some Pakistani
diplomats' families and served them golgappas, it became the talk of
the diplomatic circles in Islamabad. Later Manju Singh had to use
kilos of maida in her kitchen to teach how golgappas were made, not
only to the wives of Pakistani diplomats, but also to other
ambassadors' wives.
When VP Singh was the Prime Minister, he was appointed foreign
secretary, but he had his differences with him about which he wanted
to devote an entire chapter in the book that he planned. He became
very close to the Gandhi family and was often invited for dinner where
he would talk with the Gandhis about international relationships. His
son Kanishka Singh was very close to Rahul Gandhi and served as a
member of Rahul's inner think tank'.When the marriage of Kanishka
Singh was solemnised at Raj Bhawan earlier this year, Rahul came to
grace the occasion.
Singh's family was also very close to the Scindias and when he was
being transferred from Arunachal Pradesh to Rajasthan, the then chief
minister Vasundhara Raje welcomed his appointment.
But the governor gave her enough embarrassment by first holding the
Religious Freedom Bill and then the Gujjar reservation bill. He
surprised the BJP government when on a visit to Barmer, he went to the
land registrar's office and himself made enquiries about the
largescale land sales in border areas and submitted his report to the
Union government. However, he enjoyed a very good rapport with chief
minister Ashok Gehlot.
The late governor always talked about the rich culture of Rajasthan
and often said that he came from western Uttar Pradesh where the only
culture was agriculture. Unlike his predecessers like Air Chief
Marshal O P Mehra and M Chenna Reddy, he believed in austerity and
spent each paisa from his pocket when his son Kanishka was married at
Raj Bhawan. He would often say, "Raj Bhawan ko Rang Bhawan nahin
banana chahiye."
chhotemianinshallah
TNN 2 December 2009, 03:47am IST
Governor S K Singh
JAIPUR/NEW DELHI: Rajasthan governor Shailendra Kumar Singh, 77, died
in New Delhi on Tuesday after a short illness. He was admitted to the
intensive care unit of Ganga Ram Hospital since November 5. He is
survived by wife Manju and two sons, Shashank and Kanishka, a close
aide of Rahul Gandhi. The state government has declared a seven-day
mourning beginning Tuesday. All schools, colleges and government
offices in the state will remain closed on Wednesday as a mark of
respect to the governor, a government statement said.
Born on January 24, 1932, Singh became foreign secretary in February
1989 and was instrumental in the first India-Pakistan rapprochement
during the Rajiv Gandhi-Benazir Bhutto period. He was also the
official spokesman for the Indian government between 1969 and 1974.
President Pratibha Patil described him as a "distinguished diplomat"
while Vice-President Hamid Ansari said, "The country has lost an
eminent diplomat, abble administrator and respected public figure."
He became Rajasthan governor in September 2007 after his predecessor
Pratibha Patil was nominated as a candidate for the post of the
country's President. He was shifted from Arunachal Pradesh where he
assumed the gubernatorial assignment in December 2004. Prior to
becoming governor of Arunachal Pradesh, he was secretary-general of a
think tank in Delhi, the University of Pennsylvania Institute for the
Advanced Study of India.
Singh was India's longest serving high commissioner in Pakistan, from
1985-88. He also served as ambassador to Austria from 1982-1985,
additional foreign secretary from 1979-1982, ambassador to Afghanistan
from 1977-1979 and ambassador concurrently to Jordan, Lebanon and
Cyprus from 1974-1977. He was the longest serving official spokesman
from 1969-74. In 1968-69, he served in the ministry of commerce as
director, foreign trade.
He was an alumnus of St John's College, Agra, where he received a
Bachelor's Degree in history, Sanskrit and Hindi. He also received a
Master's degree in history and LLB from Agra University. Thereafter,
he read Persian and international law at Trinity College, Cambridge.
He had also taught history at Agra University. He was a visiting
professor and member of the Academic Council of Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi.
Known for his probity and righteousness, Singh's tenure in Rajasthan
had its share of controversies too.
When the Gujjar reservation bill was passed by the state assembly
during the time of Vasundhara Raje government, he kept the bill with
him saying that he was seeking legal opinion. However, he signed the
bill in July this year in its original form after the Ashok Gehlot
government came to power. The government wanted to pacify the Gujjar
community, which had threatened to re-launch its state-wide
agitation.
An upright administrator, Singh had locked horns with the Vasundhara
Raje government on several occasions. During the BJP regime, the
assembly had passed a bill curtailing several powers of the chancellor
(governor) of the state universities, which too was not signed by
him.
Singh was also unhappy at the way land allotments were made to private
educational institutions during Raje government's tenure. In private
conversations, he used to complain that land was being allotted to
private parties at subsidised rates to open educational institutes
without verifying their credentials.
bademiyansubhanallah
Home Minister P Chidambaram. PTI File Photo
PTI First Published : 02 Dec 2009 08:56:05 PM IST
Last Updated : 02 Dec 2009 09:35:22 PM IST
NEW DELHI: India is as vulnerable to a terror attack today as it was a
few months ago because terrorist groups have forged alliances against
the country, Home Minister P Chidambaram said today.
"We are as vulnerable today, as we were a few months ago.
Groups like LeT are now coordinating their action. One of these groups
appears to have forged ties with Al-Qaeda," he said in the Rajya
Sabha.
Without naming Pakistan, Chidambaram said even while there has not
been any terrorist attack in the last one year, the country cannot
lower its guard because "our adversary has not changed its
attitude..."
Replying to a debate on the internal security, he said the epicentre
of the cross border terrorism is the junction point of Afghanistan and
Pakistan and since India is in the region, "we are vulnerable".
Referring to insurgency in the North East, the Home Minister said ULFA
is likely to make a political statement in the next few days and the
government is ready to talk to them.
"ULFA is in disarray today. In next few days, the ULFA leadership will
make a political statement. Our government is prepared to talk to ULFA
provided they abjure violence and there is no demand for sovereignty,"
he said.
Chidambaram, who deals with terrorism "24 hours a day", said the
government policy would be zero tolerance towards the Jihadi or Hindu
militants.
As for cross-border threat, he said, "Our security forces have the
capacity to prevent any terror attack. God forbid, should there be any
terrorist attack, our response will be swift and decisive."
He said over a dozen attempts have been foiled. "While terrorist and
insurgents choose the time to attack and they have to be lucky just
once to succeed, we have to be Lucky every time to foil these things".
The Home Minister said like the US has been Lucky not to face any more
terrorist attack after 9/11 in 2001, India too has been fortunate not
to see it in the last 12 months. "Luck plays a great role...In the
last 12 months I have been reasonably lucky."
He said the central government has a policy of zero tolerance towards
terrorism "be it Jihadi or Hindu militancy ...both are terrorism".
After BJP objected to his statement of "Hindu militancy", Chidambaram
said whether it is Islamic terrorist or Hindu militancy, there has to
be zero tolerance.
On situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Chidambaram said the Centre is
willing to take "what appears to be a risky step" of withdrawing
security forces and hand over law and order to the state police.
"I would take what appears to be a risky step of withdrawing a
significant number of battalions of security forces in J and K. We are
now transferring more and more law and order (duties) to J and K
police," he said.
Chidambaram said people must have faith that the nation can defend
itself.
"In the last one year the capacity and confidence have been built
among security forces," he said.
The Centre is working in coordination with states to fill vacancies in
the police force.
On dealing with Left extremists, Chidambaram said the country and
Parliament have to decide whether the violence followed by the Maoists
can be supported.
Quoting CPI(Maoist) politburo resolution of June 2 this year, the Home
Minister said it showed that naxalites do not believe in Parliamentary
system but in armed struggle and treat the state as enemy.
"I never used the word enemy to describe Naxals...we are not at war
with Naxals or tribal people," he said.
"Is it not time to stand up and make a choice," he asked members of
all the parties in the House.
He rapped civil societies comprising former judges, journalists,
lawyers and other intellectuals for supporting the cause of naxalites.
Referring to the point made by several opposition members and also the
civil societies that development is the answer to the problem, the
Home Minister said this can happen only when civil administration is
established in areas taken over by Maoists.
Chidambaram said the Centre's priority is to coordinate with the state
governments to reclaim areas under Naxal control as was done in
Lalgarh in West Bengal.
He said the Maoists were told to abjure violence without laying arms.
"I said abjure violence.... give me 72 hours to respond. I will
consult Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.
But their answer was abjuring violence is not on their agenda and they
believe in armed struggle," he said.
The Home Minister regretted that incidents of beheading people, whom
they consider police informers and blowing up of schools continued.
Regarding government's approach towards tackling terrorism, insurgency
and naxalism, Chidambaram said, "We need to approach the issue in a
hard-headed manner not hard-hearted manner. UPA is adopting practical
and realistic policies to deal with various internal security
problems."
Chidambaram said intelligence has been revamped across the country as
a result of which no terrorist attack or communal riot took place in
last one year.
On insurgency in the North East, Chidambaram said, "All but three
states in the North East are entirely peaceful...
Our problems are in Assam and Manipur. Manipur is a cause for worry. I
intend to pay greater attention to it."
In Nagaland, there is some uneasy truce. Both factions of NSCN are
being pursued to come to the negotiation table.
Killings have stopped. In Assam an interlocutor is talking to four
groups. Leadership of Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) has been virtually
neutralised and NDFB is coming forward for talks, he added.
Comments
INDIA IS VULNERABLE TO HINDU TERRORISTS LIKE P CHIDAMBARAM WHO ALLOWED
THE PN ROUTE FOR TERRORIST FUNDS TO BE INVESTED IN INDIA. 50% OF ALL
INVESTMENTS OF FIIS ARE FROM DRUG,EXTORSION, PROSTITUTION, GUN RUNNING
PROFITS,POLITICIANS LIKE SONIA AND RAHUL'S CORRUPTION MONEY COMING VIA
THE PN ROUTE. THE NEXT HINDU TERRORIST IS A RAJA WHO IS RAPING THIS
NATION TO THE TUNE OF ONE LAKH CRORE AND ALLOWING REAL ESTATE MAFIA TO
MAKE MONEY IN TELECOM BY HIS 3HOUR NOTORIOUS FIRST COME FIRST FU**CK
OPTION. RAJA THE TAMIL BAS***TARD LIKE P CHIDAMBARAM IS PERSONALLY
RAP**ING BSNL TO THE GROUND AND STEALING ITS WIFI BUSINESSESS. THE
REAL ESTATE FELLOW SOLD HALF OF HIS NEWFOUND TELECOM BONANZA TO THE
DUBAI TELECOM TERRORIST ETISALAT, THAT RECORDS EVERY SMS IN ITS SERVER
AND SPY ON ALL CUSTOMERS. P CHIDAMBARAM'S WIFE NALINI CHIDAMBARAM IS
LAWYER FOR NOTORIOUS MISSIONARY RON WATTS WHO IS SONIA'S FRIEND THUS
THIS HINDU TERRORIST IS HELPING THE RA*PE OF SOUTH INDIAN HINDUS BY
THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARING.
By n.krishna
12/3/2009 10:12:00 AM
India can never be free from terrorist attack due to too many
squabbling and power hungry politicians and umpteen number of
political parties. Besides no party is interested in expansion of
judiciary for expeditious judgments. Unless judiciary is expanded to
ensure quick processing and free from bails country can not be free
from terrorists and criminals. See how cases are being prolonged for
decades to help manipulations of witnesses and wasting piublic money.
First criminals and traitors in political and kaki uniform is to be
punished before processing caes. B S GANESH gan...@dataone.in
BANGALORE
By B S GANESH BANGALORE
12/2/2009 9:06:00 PM
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=India+still+vulnerable+to+terror+attack:+PC&artid=Hwy52nctjjQ=&SectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SectionName=pWehHe7IsSU=&SEO=home
minister, PC, 26/11, LeT, pakistan, india, mu
bademiyansubhanallah
IANS First Published : 02 Dec 2009 02:06:14 PM IST
Last Updated : 02 Dec 2009 06:01:06 PM IST
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that
not only he but also US think tanks believe the Indian intelligence
service is behind "a lot of interference in Afghanistan".
To a query on Indian involvement, Gilani told the German magazine Der
Spiegel Tuesday: "In fact, to some extent there is a lot of
interference in Afghanistan. This is not only our opinion, but also
the belief in the United States."
"I am not saying that there is. But the insurgency in Afghanistan has
been analysed by many experts, including from American think tanks,
and they have mentioned this."
On the war against terrorism in Pakistan, the prime minister said:
"The people we are fighting are militants. They are not from Pakistan,
they are Uzbeks, they are from Chechnya, they are Arabs and Afghans.
And they cooperate with foreign agents to disturb the peace in
Pakistan."
He stressed that "the insurgencies are driven by foreign elements".
Gilani admitted that "the world is always only focusing on terrorism
when it comes to Pakistan. This has, of course, harmed the reputation
of our country."
He went on to say that the "drone attacks are counterproductive".
"The political and the military leadership have been very successful
in isolating the militants from the local tribes. But once there is a
drone attack in their home region, they get united again. This is a
dangerous trend, and it is my concern and the concern of the army."
Comments
Vienna,02-12-2009
A few stink tanks do not make U.S. Yousef Raza Gilani has been making
noise all the time. But we hear the shots and explosions.There is no
one governing the land of the pure Pakistan.-Kulamarva Balakrishna
By Kulamarva Balakrishna
12/2/2009 9:44:00 PM
Dear Sir, Earlier Mr. Gilani was talking about Indian support for
militants in northern regions of Pak. now is slowly increasing the
circle, this time Afghanistan is included. he doesn't talk of Pak
support to militancy elsewhere - everybody knew who were behind the
attack on Indian embassy at Kabul. a smooth talker is more dangerous
than a militant who are 'what you see is what you get'.
By Raama E.
12/2/2009 7:07:00 PM
Indian Intelligence is fully busy in Pakistan sponsored terrorism and
Maoist insurgency?There is on powerful section of the english Media
more particularly Print Media which is supporting Pakistan ever
day.and talk of friendship between the to countries which is always
mirage or myth.India is not having such friends in Pakistan. There are
no local colludes for India. How can India do subversive activities in
Pakistan. Regarding Afghanastan INdia is helping openely in all
developmental activities. Pakistan ignored its people 's welfare long
long back .
By Karavadi Raghava Rao
12/2/2009 4:51:00 PM
This guy is a real POSER. Sometimes he appears in Western clothes and
sometimes in traditional sherwani. Day by day he is improving his
image to become the final authority in Pakistan. If US feels that
India has a hand in insurgency, then US will tell India about it
directly. US does not need any intermediary country to convey any
disagreements to India. He is all making up a story to malign India
without any proof. A TOSSER.
By BABUJI
12/2/2009 4:50:00 PM
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Even+US+thinks+India+behind+Afghan+insurgency&artid=rgOWxZvzx38=&SectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SectionName=pWehHe7IsSU=&SEO=Pakistani
Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani , US,
bademiyansubhanallah
Home Minister P Chidambaram. PTI File Photo
PTI First Published : 02 Dec 2009 11:51:22 PM IST
Last Updated : 03 Dec 2009 01:46:33 AM IST
NEW DELHI: The government today announced withdrawal of a
"significant" number of battalions of central forces from Jammu and
Kashmir in a significant confidence- building measure following the
initiative for holding "quiet" dialogue with separatist groups.
Home Minister P Chidambaram told the Rajya Sabha that the decision had
been taken in view of improvement of law and order situation in the
state.
He also sought to reach out to separatist outfits of North East like
ULFA and Naxal groups, saying the government was ready to hold
dialogue if they abjured violence.
Replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on internal security, he said
the government would maintain zero tolerance towards terrorism,
whether it is in the shape of 'jihadi' violence of Hindu extremist
violence.
He said India remains vulnerable to terrorism as he noted that outfits
like Lashkar-e Taiba have forged alliances with Al-Qaida and Pakistan
has not changed its attitude.
On situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Chidambaram said violence in the
state has been the lowest this year and the Centre is willing to take
"what appears to be a risky step of withdrawing a significant number
of battalions of security forces" and hand over law and order to the
state police.
He said the process has already been initiated but refused to quantify
the personnel being withdrawn.
The announcement would be a major confidence-building measure offered
by the government which has initiated "quiet" dialogue with separatist
groups.
Earlier in the day, Chidambaram told the Upper House of Parliament
that Kashmiri groups have responded positively to the Centre's
initiative of "quiet talks" and hoped a solution will emerge.
He said the government would not shy away from talking to any
organisation, some of which are demanding self-rule.
Chidambaram noted that Jammu and Kashmir had a number of groups with a
number of demands. And even though some groups had demanded the right
of self-determination or self-rule, "I do not think we should shy away
from talking to any group."
Referring to North East, the Home Minister said ULFA is likely to make
a political statement in the next few days and if that contains
willingness to talk, the government is ready for a dialogue provided
the outfit abjures violence and gives up sovereignty demand.
The statement assumes significance as ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa has
been reportedly detained in Bangladesh and is expected to be handed
over to India soon.
Chidambaram said "all but three states in the North East are entirely
peaceful.. Our problems are in Assam and Manipur. Manipur is a cause
for worry. I intend to pay greater attention to it."
In Assam, he said an interlocutor is talking to four groups. The
leadership of Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) has been virtually neutralised
and NDFB is coming forward for talks, he added.
In Nagaland, there is some uneasy truce, both factions of NSCN are
being pursued to come to the negotiation table and killings have
stopped.
Comments
dear on line editor,Confidence building measyre between two sides can
not be a one way traffic it must be mutual but here in our case it
isjust a ONE WAY traffic to please the militants but it prove to be
not much use or turn out to be against national interest.It is
necessary that the attitude of the other side is well under stood
before any withdraal move.For how many years JK affair is going on?
with dialogue with few it may not be possible to solve the issue at
all.To solve the issue a change inmental out look is the forst
need.India did not go there on its own but legally bound where as
Pakistan is there by intrusion only.This reality must be under stood
by all sections.Jammu and Kashmir state isonly like all other states
in India and CAN NOT demand any special status.Giving way to their
demand will be opening the proverbial PANDORAS BOX.it isbettwe the
government ofIndia under stand the psyche of the people before arrivng
at any decision on this state dated December03rd 2009 time
By P.M,G.Pillai
12/3/2009 4:16:00 AM
See how pakistan, the muslim majority ghost country eliminated by
terror more than 20 lakh minority hindus and sikhs and demolished more
than 500 temples of hindus and that is why muslim majority in secular
india and kashmir state eliminated more than 50000 hindus and sikhs
and demolsihed more than 200 hindu temples,etc.It is to get heaven the
killer Kesab and his friends killed more than 200 hindus and sikhs in
mumbai terror attack in november last year and many million of kafirs
have been killed by genocide by terror religions over the past many
centuries.To have peace in the world both islam and christinaity must
be banned and their terror books Quran and Bible must be banned and
only all-loving religion like hinduism and buddhism and jainism must
be alliowed in this world.Till that happens, there is no escape from
terror and hatred and killings in this world.Any one listening?
By True Hindustani
12/3/2009 12:22:00 AM
Islam and christianity both preach that only their god is supreme and
that all others like hindus,sikhs,buddhists,tribals,etc are infidels
and kafirs and that muslims and christians will get heaven with 72
virgins and wine after death if they kill or forcibly convert infidel
kafirs like hindus,sikhs, buddhists,etc and if they demolish temples
of hindus, gurdwaras of sikhs,etc.That is why pakistan, the muslim
majority ghost country eliminated by terror more than 20 lakh minroity
hindus and sikhs and demolished more than 500 temples of hindus and
that is why muslim majority in secular india and kashmir state
eliminated more than 50000 hindus and sikhs and demolsihed more than
200 hindu temples,etc.It is to get heaven the killer Kesab and his
friends killed more than 200 hindus and sikhs in mumbai terror attack
in november last year and many million of kafirs have been killed by
genocide by terror religions over the past many centuries.To have
peace in the world both islam and christinait
By True Hindustani
12/3/2009 12:21:00 AM
Nehru and crooked congress party created this kashmir mess and jehadi
terrorism and more than 100000 crore rupees has been spent on these
ungrateful kashmiri muslims by majority hindus of hindustan and still
the hearts and love of these ungrateful kashmiri muslims are in
Pakistan.Now PC and Sonia Mainio are planning to hand over Kashmir ro
pakistan to solve Kashmir problem and a billion hindus and paper
tigers rss,vhp,bjp,shiv sena and media and intellectuals are in deep
sleep.Why not? Because we are a super banana republic.The root cause
of terrorism hatred and violence and genocide in this world is
existence and propagation of semitic religions,islam and
christianity.These terrorand hate-filled violent religions preach that
only their god is supreme and that all others like
hindus,sikhs,buddhists,tribals,etc are infidels and kafirs and that
muslims and christians will get heaven with 72 virgins and wine after
death if they kill or forcibly convert infidel kafirs like
hindus,sikhs, bu
By True Hindustani
12/3/2009 12:20:00 AM
Vienna,02-12-2009 Better disciplined policing should solve most our
problems. But that is not the final solution,which is better
governance ensuring a stake for all sections of the population and
their due share on the stakes. -Kulamarva Balakrishna
By Kulamarva Balakrishna
12/3/2009 12:18:00 AM
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Significant+troop+withdrawal+from+J&K:+PC&artid=us1|Qve8e/Q=&SectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SectionName=pWehHe7IsSU=&SEO=jaamu,
kashmir, chidambaram, home minister
bademiyansubhanallah
US ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer. (File photo: Express)
IANSFirst Published : 02 Dec 2009 12:42:45 PM IST:
NEW DELHI:Hours after US President Barack Obama announced a troop
surge in Afghanistan, US ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer
Wednesday described India as "a key global partner" of Washington and
underlined that the two countries share the "core goal" of disrupting
terrorist networks in the region.
"India is a key, global partner of the United States and we value the
positive role India continues to play in the region, including its
significant humanitarian contributions to Afghanistan," Roemer said
here.
"Our nations share a common goal -- to see a world free of the global
terrorism that threatens our people where they worship, live, work,
and study. We are committed to working steadfastly together to
accomplish this goal," he said.
The envoy's statement came a day after Obama rang up Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh and discussed the situation in Afghanistan on the eve
of the formal announcement of a surge of troops in the violence-torn
country.
On Tuesday night, Obama announced the deployment of additional 30,000
US troops to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaeda extremists in Afghanistan
by May 2010 and set a July 2011 deadline for an exit of American
troops from the violence-torn country.
Underlining a convergence of approach towards dismantling terrorist
safe havens in AfPak region, the US envoy said: "Our core goal in
Afghanistan and Pakistan -- to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat
terrorist networks -- is an aspiration we share with India."
"We must unite in the commitment of our civilian resources, and
provide the tools for economic development and humanitarian aid to
eliminate the extremist violence that is the enemy of peace, faith,
democracy, tolerance, fundamental freedoms and human rights," he said.
"President Obama has announced significant and closely coordinated
military and civilian resources for Afghanistan. He has directed us to
work together to strengthen the Afghan National Security Forces so
that the Afghans can take the lead in reclaiming and governing their
own country," the envoy said.
The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan figured prominently in
discussions between Obama and Manmohan Singh in Washington Tuesday and
reflected a growing congruence of views between the two countries on
tackling terrorist safe havens in these countries. The convergence of
approach was reflected in the Nov 24 India-US joint statement.
Comments
Due to their Islamist proclivities, substantial sections of people in
Pakistan and Afghanistan seem to think that India can cause trouble
rather than help with stabilisation of the Pak-Afghan region
including/ excludingr without India.
By Krishen Sharma
12/2/2009 4:09:00 PM
bademiyansubhanallah
Mamta Todi First Published : 03 Dec 2009 03:42:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Dec 2009 07:11:54 AM IST
CHENNAI: As many as 3,286 websites were attacked in India between
January and June 2009, most of them of various government
organisations. According to the CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency
Response Team) of the Department of Information Technology, there has
been an increase in the attacks on government websites from January
2005 to February 2008.
“We are aware of the attacks on National Informatics Centre, the IT
mainstay of the Indian Government, which was attacked by GhostNet,
allegedly by a China based cyber spy ring. In 2008 alone cyber
attackers defaced over 4,000 Indian portals out of which 100 were
Indian government Sites,’’ said Sridhar Jayanthi, Senior Vice
President (Engineering) and Head of Operations - India, McAfee, Inc.
The website easternrailway.
gov.in was also hacked recently. “We have also seen hackers turning an
Indian Bank website into a malware distributing source recently,” he
added.
The attacks have come under the scanner in view of the Virtual
Criminology report published by McAfee. “As an initial step the
government has set up a National Security Council to prevent cyber
attacks,” explained Jayanthi. It is the private sectors, experts say,
that are more at risk of an attack. “Private sectors in India too need
to build a strong defence mechanism as today a majority of their
infrastructure is connected to the Internet,” he said.
Comments
So much for Information and TECHNOLOGY!
By zyzlll
12/3/2009 8:24:00 AM
bademiyansubhanallah
M P Prashanth First Published : 03 Dec 2009 02:13:00 AM IST
KOZHIKODE: Thadiyantavide Nazeer, the Lashkar-e-Toiba operative now in
the custody of Indian security agencies, is a master orator who
indoctrinated many a Muslim youth into the path of jehad.
Nazeer had won prizes for elocution while at school and was attracted
to the captivating speeches of PDP chairman Abdul Nazar Madhani. A
sympathiser of a left students union, Nazeer slowly drifted to
extremism under the spell of his ‘ustad’, Madhani. In his classes,
organised under the cover of Noorisha Tariqa, a Sunni order, Nazeer
used to exhort his followers to take up arms against the Indian
Government.
“Islam evolved through the battle of Badr, and it is time to wage
another Badr,” he would tell the assembled youths.
“Islam is facing many threats in India and our brothers in Kashmir are
being tortured. There is no point in agitating empty-handed; we’ve to
learn using weapons and go for arms training,” Nazeer would urge them.
And he would add, for good measure: “There will be divine assistance
for those who fight for Islam”.
Nazeer alias Umer Haji, who had by then attained the stature of an
ustad himself, used to tell his followers that the USA and communism
were both enemies of Islam. Abdul Khader, now residing in Hyderabad,
told the police that Nazeer and his friends used to tell the classes
that BJP leaders Narendra Modi and those behind the Babri Masjid
demolition should be eliminated. Nazeer’s methods of indoctrination
had a telling effect on the youths. Abdul Raheem, who was killed in
Kashmir in an encounter, underwent a complete transformation under his
influence; he once smashed the television set in his house, saying TV
is against the tenets of Islam. Muhammd Sharief, a member of a sports
club at Chettipadi, told the police that Rahim and his friends used to
threaten them not to turn the TV on while they were holding their
classes.
Comments
If they want to practice their form of 'life' why don't they migrate
off to an Islamic country? They can see for themselves how 'divine' a
life is being led there by their people! No matter how much a
'brainwash' someone does, one still has his own brain right?
By hey pooh
12/3/2009 10:30:00 AM
PDP chairman Abdul Nazar Madhani was behind the Coimbatore serial
blast. He is linked to congress and communists. Instead of finishing
him in encounter, the two political parties support his islamic
terrorism. EMS also gave pension to the terrorist muslims who killed,
raped and converted Hindus during the Moppila Lahala of 1921 saying
that the muslims are freedom fighters.EMS also created mini Pakistan
in Kerala by creating a muslim majority Malappuram district. The
muslims voted for Pakistan and never went to pakisan Those who went
gave their wealth to poor muslims in Kerala and asked them to continue
the war against Hindus to make India a muslim nation. Thus a bullock
cart driver called Tangal Kunj Musaliar became rich over night. He
bred a 28 kid family and established the TKM college of engineering
that created educated muslim jihadis for the Gulf. With gulf money,
they funded the present generation of muslim terrorists. The only
solution is to sent all muslims to Pakistan.
By n.krishna
12/3/2009 10:29:00 AM
Muslim terrorists from Kerala have purchased prime locations in
Bangalure and run businesses in Bangalure. The identification cards of
some of the 26/11 Paki terrorists had their local addres the site
numbers of plots in HSR layout. Christian YSR’s son Christian Jagan
Reddy was also living in HSR layout near the Silk Board. A Keralite
muslim R.O. Koya, who supply foreign goods to Bangaluru and other
south Indian cities were involved in the sensational smuggling of guns
to Kerala in Koran boxes and he was caught in 2003and 2007..Many
muslims from Kerla with links to terrorists run supermarkets in
Bangaluru. There is close link between Christians and muslim
terrorists in Dubai as the Kerala Christians act as fund managers for
muslim terrorists. It is rumoured that the Karnataka education mafia
is headed by none other than Ramesh Chennithala, who is the congress
chief of Kerala and who receives large amounts via Hawala route from
Dubai. bit.ly/2w1Sqk
By n.krishna
12/3/2009 10:16:00 AM
Arab traders married and had part time Kerala wives. Their descendents
have bred fast and furious. During Tippu’s barbaric invasion, these
muslims joined in the rape, murder forcible conversion of Hindus
during 1783-84, 1788 and 1789-90. Muslims increased their population
to such critical mass that they had even elected a Khilafat king in
1921, butchered some 6000 Hindus, raped and forcibly converted Hindus
in 1921in what is known as Moppila Lahala. Both muslim terrorism of
1780s and 1921 had resulted in the internal shift of lakhs of Hindus
from North Kerala to South Kerala and the demographic nature of Kerala
had changed for ever. The Kerala muslims became the slave labour of
the Gulf nations working at a very low salary compared to the
Eurapeans and Arabs after the oil was discovered. Again the Gulf
nations from Saudi Arabia to UAE esp Dubai, became the educational
ground for Jihadi terrorism for the Kerala rape products of Arab
traders, Tuppu’s army men and the Muslim invaders.
By n.krishna
12/3/2009 10:15:00 AM
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Muslim+youths+fell+for+Nazeer’s+fiery+oratory&artid=tWb3CUnhG/w=&SectionID=1ZkF/jmWuSA=&MainSectionID=1ZkF/jmWuSA=&SEO=Thadiyantavide+Nazeer,+Lashkar-e-Toiba,+Abdul+Naza&SectionName=X7s7i|xOZ5Y=
bademiyansubhanallah
First Published : 28 Nov 2009 12:35:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Dec 2009 04:51:53 PM IST
Another 26/11 would bring immense public pressure on the government to
retaliate, which would be matched by American pressure to remain
unprovoked.
US pressure has worked earlier, notably after the 2001 attack on
Parliament when India mobilised its military along the Pakistan border
in 2002’s Operation Parakram. It annoyed the US no end because
Pakistan moved 60,000 troops to the border, allowing so many al-Qaeda
and Taliban types to slip into Pakistan and escape post-9/11 US
military action in Afghanistan. The CIA learned that India was
planning a brigade-level commando raid into PoK; the US, along with
Britain and Germany, in June publicly withdrew all but essential
diplomatic staff, delivering a veiled threat to India. The government
started looking for a way out and declared Operation Parakram over
after the successful J&K elections in August 2002.
Then there was last year’s siege of Mumbai.
The then foreign minister, Pranab Mukherjee, made some angry noises
prompting former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to read the
riot act to Pakistan; Islamabad retaliated with extortion when
“unnamed military officials” said that any confrontation with India
would hamper Pakistan army operations on the Afghan border. The CIA
again noted two Indian Air Force violations of Pakistan airspace, as
well as IAF preparations to hit terrorist camps in PoK, so the US vise
on India was tightened.
The pressure to not retaliate was enough, perhaps, for the prime
minister to require a multiple-bypass heart operation, but he had
already told Parliament that war was not a solution, letting Pakistan
off the hook.
You cannot help but wonder what happens after the next terrorist
strike. With a pro- America prime minister who does not directly face
the electorate and who gets visibly thrilled by grandiose American
pronouncements about India-on-the-global-stage (notice no one making
such lofty declarations ever makes promises about India becoming a
permanent member of the United Nations Security Council), there are no
prizes for guessing whose pressure will be more effective. India is
likely to remain, in the words of Ashley J Tellis of the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace, at a US Senate hearing earlier this
year, a “sponge that protects us all”. To quote Tellis: “India’s very
proximity to Pakistan... has resulted in New Delhi absorbing most of
the blows unleashed by those terrorist groups that treat it as a
common enemy along with Israel, the US, and the West more generally”.
None of us wants to be a “sponge”. When the next terrorist strike
comes, many of us will want to see some “payback”, even if it is a
token muscular gesture. So let us examine what may initially seem an
absurd proposition: why not leave Pakistan alone (for these days it is
the bigger “sponge” for terrorism, to the extent that Pakistan’s Inter
Services Intelligence directorate is repeatedly hit), and why not
start talking of hitting targets in Saudi Arabia? Naturally no one
would ever touch the holy places and of course the government should
never do anything to distress or incite Indian Muslims. Also, Saudi
Arabia is not a weak country; it has powerful allies.
Yet in the post-9/11 cacophony Pakistan is repeatedly called the
epicentre of terrorism while no one talks much about the House of
Saud’s role in promoting Islamism whether for religious reasons or
geopolitical ones.
(Actually, several people pointed out that Osama bin Laden was a Saudi
of Yemeni descent, and Michael Moore’s film Fahrenheit 911 explored
the nexus between Saudi oil wealth, the Bush dynasty and terrorism).
When one gentleman, the venerable Ram Jethmalani, pointed out at a
conference last Saturday that Wahabism was responsible for terrorism,
the Saudi ambassador to India, Faisal-al-Trad walked out in protest;
Law Minister Veerappa Moily had to sweettalk him into returning,
saying that Jethmalani’s was not the government’s view.
There is something to what Jethmalani says, however. We have heard ad
nauseam about how for decades the Wahabis have been promoting through
petro-dollars their literalist and austere interpretation of Islam.
It is now a historical fact that most of today’s Islamists were
spawned in the mujahideen resistance to the USSR’s invasion of
Afghanistan in December 1979; that resistance was funded evenly by the
Saudis and the Americans.
What people seem to overlook is that Saudi intelligence deliberately
encouraged the growth and the agenda of the ISI during the resistance
against the Soviet Union, according to Steve Coll’s excellent Ghost
Wars; that the Saudis were never interested in moderates in the
resistance; and that after the US abandoned Afghanistan following the
withdrawal of the USSR, the Saudis encouraged the ISI to back
extremist Gulbuddin Hekmatyar over others. And as radical Islam grew,
the Saudis hint that they had to turn a blind eye to it so that the
monarchy could be protected; that, however, does not explain the
Saudis’ wilful support to the ISI’s agenda of promoting radical Islam,
an agenda that combined two Pakistani strategic objectives: keeping
India off-balance in Kashmir and controlling Kabul.
When the Taliban swept into power, they fulfilled these objectives
perfectly; the ISI became more powerful and the Saudis more
supportive, to the extent of pressing the Taliban case with the
Americans. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan were the only countries to
recognise the Taliban government (the Taliban showed its gratitude by
allowing Saudi and UAE royals to hunt for bustards in the southern
Afghan desert), knowing fully well that the Taliban could not care
about governance or the welfare of its citizens; and when it came to
the reconstruction of post-Taliban Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia wouldn’t
even pay its half of the bill for the Kabul-Kandahar road, leaving the
US to pick up the tab (in contrast, several Indians have died building
Afghan roads). The Saudis have always turned a blind eye to the
Harkat- ul-Ansar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Toiba; it is
no secret that the Saudis dislike India. No wonder their immense
wealth is directly responsible for the ISI’s growth, nurturing and
evolution.
Saudi Arabia is the benefactor and sustainer of the ISI in the same
way that the ISI is the benefactor and sustainer of the LeT and other
lethal anti-India groups. Saudi Arabia finances the global growth of
Islamist ideologies, from which spring extremism and terrorism. So
while some may argue that to get at the root cause of terrorism in
India, one has to get at the ISI, this column would go one step
further: for getting at the root cause of the Frankenstein called ISI,
one has to start talking about getting at Saudi Arabia.
And next time there’s an attack on India, we could respond to US
pressure by pointing the finger at the House of Saud. Or we could
continue being the sponge for terrorism.
Comments
The ban on the construction of Minnarates only helps for the spread of
Islam. That is why the Swiss Govt. itself asked the people to vote for
Minarates at mosques.
By seyanmoon
12/3/2009 7:29:00 AM
Michael Moore, in his awrd winning documentary Fahrenheit 911
(mentioned by Aditya Sinha,) discloses the unbelievable departure of a
single flight from the US coinciding with total skies closure there
immediately after 9/11attacks. The plane, a Saudi state aircraft flew
out all Saudi linkages to the terror attacks to safety. Blood, as per
the cliche', is thicker than water-so is a rewarding business
sociation with the President's family. Bloggers like n. krishna paint
the distorted world very convincingly, but the Kauravas are winning.
By CHANDRAN NAIR
12/2/2009 2:03:00 PM
Besides terrorists from outside our country has to face greater danger
from agents of terrorists inside the country too. Dubious Role of
Hasan Gafoor as a colluder in the Mumbai Terror attack must be
investigated in detail.It is the black sheep muslims and internal
terrorists and the terrorist sympathizers of our country who are more
dangerous than terrorists coming from outside. All our security
agencies must be thoroughly cleaned of the threat from such black
sheep and poisonous serpents who are preparing to strile whenever they
get an opportunity to kill kafirs and they too are dreaming of virgins
and wine for killing kafir hindus,sikhss and buddhists and for
demolishing temples, gurdwaras and pakodas as well. Mahatma Gandhi and
Nehru who messed up the partition by allowing such ungreateful
serpents to stay back in the country are the greatest villains of our
history.
By True Hindustani
12/2/2009 9:42:00 AM
Inspite of Saudis spitting on Indians, we still want to lick them
bottom, for we have vote bank politics to contend with and their oil.
We want to spill our oil wealth and hand it over to such business men
and business house who will take care of our politcians. Morality and
love of country is last in their mind. Also in our country with road
and railway infrastruture being poor quality and repair work and
construction takes ages to be completed, with the result diversion of
road traffic and railway traffic and oil is just burnt away. The price
for it is paid by the common man who pays high price and the
politicians who get it for free. In such a situtation we have the
honour of being booted by Saudis and continue to lick their backside
By Anil Gupta
12/1/2009 5:58:00 PM
The House of Saud will run away from Saudi Arabia after oil runs out
in 20-25 years. That will be the time when global terrorism will be
effectively controlled as there will be no oil-related considerations
while coming down heavily on the terrorists. The whole world will
follow this philosophy. WE ONLY NEED TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER 20-25 YEARS
TO SEE THE END OF GLOBAL TERRORISM AND THEIR SUPPORTERS.
By Sam
11/30/2009 4:35:00 PM
A terrorist attack with radioactive heavy water to our drinking water
reservoirs may go unnoticed and damage the health of complete
inhabitants in a city. India is not capable of coutering or monitoring
such attacks. Normal release is already contaminating rivers. 3,500
curies of radioactive tritium was deliberately dumped into the Ottawa
River upstream of Ottawa in Canada, on 19 July, 1981, with no warning
to the population or to municipal authorities. Drums of radioactive
heavy water was dumped in to the river by mistake at RAPP. The dumping
of high amounts of tritium began in the middle of the 20th century, in
multiple locations near nuclear power plants, such as Savannah River
in the U.S., or Marcoule in France. Cases of exposure to the
radioactive material have been documented in other facilities around
the U.K. and Russia.
By n.krishna
11/30/2009 12:15:00 AM
CANDU reactors poison us with tritium. The radiological significance
of tritium is due to its easy incorporation into all parts of the body
that contain water. Tritium is radioactive hydrogen. It is created and
released into the environment in far greater quantities from CANDU
reactors than from other nuclear power reactors, such as US light-
water designs. Quantities of tritium accumulate in the heavy water
existing in the reactor, which is a highly dangerous radioactive
substance, and these quantities are higher and higher as the reactor’s
operating time increases.Reactors require heavy water top up
throughout the reactors’ lifetime of 30 years to make up water
losses.This is 12 tons per year per unit and will result in
radioactive pollution with tritium. Higher the heavy water losses
means higher the concentration tiritium pollution at the nuclear plant
and surrounding areas. All it takes is just one terrorist to damage or
kill all staff in a nuclear plant or contaminate the area.
By n.krishna
11/30/2009 12:14:00 AM
Tritium is produced in nuclear power plants. CANDU reactor produces
much more tritium than light water reactors. Light-water reactors
generate about 15 to 23 curies of tritium per megawatt year, of which
no more than 1 curie is normally released into the environment. CANDU
reactors generate about 620 curies per megawatt year, of which 20
curies are released into environment. Tritium poisons air and since
tritium adds on to or builds into water vapor the radioactivity
returns to the earth's upper surface, for example through rain water
and can thereby cause environmental poisoning. Before the advent of
nuclear energy, naturally occurring tritium was about 34 million
curies, of which 22.2 million curies were contained in the oceans and
9.2 million curies were present in inland areas. Nuclear weapons
testing has added about 3,600 million curies of tritium and by 1970,
only about 2,900 million curies was left, mostly in the oceans; the
rest had undergone radioactive disintegration..
By n.krishna
11/30/2009 12:13:00 AM
NPCIL operates 13 PHWRs reactors and another 5 are under construction.
Total net installed capacity is just 3140 MWe and the additional
capacity under construction is 606 MWe. India’s reactors are located
in some six nuclear power stations: Tarapur Atomic Power Station
(TAPS) in Maharashtra; Rajasthan (RAPS) in Rajasthan, Kalpakkam near
Madras (MAPS) in Tamil Nadu, Narora (NAPS) in Uttar Pradesh, Kakrapar
(KAPS) in Gujarat and Kaiga (Kaiga) in Karnataka . PHWR uses heavy
water (deuterium oxide) for moderator and coolant, and natural uranium
for fuel. Our PHWR reactors.are CANDU type reactors and has positive
coolant void coefficient of reactivity. Under a Large Break Loss of
Coolant Accident (LBLOCA) it may lead to a positive feedback, which
can, in turn, cause a large power pulse. Recent experiments suggest
that this feedback effect may be stronger than originally believed.and
terrorist attack can cause large scale contamination of surrounding
areas.
By n.krishna
11/29/2009 11:40:00 PM
India does not have a independent and proper Nuclear Safety Commission
or safety requirements to protect its citizens as all things are done
in house. . Following the NRX accident reactors with positive
reactivity was shunned, by others due to the inherent hazard of design
but Canada decided to tolerate this design flaw in order to
accommodate the CANDU design. The CANDU is a pre 911, 2001 design and
was not designed to resist a terrorist attack and are vulnerable to
terrorism. In 2006, Ontario abandoned its plan to build a new CANDU-6
because of the design changes required to meet post-September 11th
safety requirements. While requirements for reactors to be more robust
against terrorist attacks continue to evolve since September 11th, it
is clear that the CANDU-6 would not meet current standards if they are
applied rigorously. AECL is interested in selling additional CANDU-6
reactors to countries such as Turkey, India and Jordan
By n.krishna
11/29/2009 11:28:00 PM
Terrorists do not need nuclear weapons if they can trigger a
catastrophic radiation release by sabotaging or bombing a nuclear
power plant. Potential security threats to a nuclear plant in India is
both internal and external. India is in a terrorist war with muslims
of India and Pakistan. CANDU reactors,or other reactor designs, can
experience catastrophic accidents. CANDUs have had their share of
serious accidents, and it is only a matter of time before a disastrous
accident occurs. The world’s first international nuclear accident
occurred in 1952 when Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL) NRX
reactor experienced a power pulse, causing a hydrogen explosion and
melting of fuel assemblies. A central cause of the NRX accident was
the reactor’s positive reactivity, which refers to the tendency of the
reactor’s power to increase, potentially in an explosive pulse
By n.krishna
11/29/2009 11:26:00 PM
David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani’s brother Danyal is the PRO
of Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. Daood Gilani alias
David Coleman Headley was a US undercover agent either for CIA or for
DEA. He is a double agent and works for LeT as well. Because of CIA/
DEA involvement Daood Gilani and Rana are kept out of the reach of
Indian investigators. Manmohan Singh is also an agent of USA and
planted on India as FM first in Rao’s govt on 21-6-1991. USA is a very
dangerous nation that trained and created Osama bin Laden, A K Anthony
Manmohan Singh etc. Manmohan Singh ran away to USA to avoid the 26/11
anniversary, and was enjoying reception and dinner of Obama.
By n.krishna
11/29/2009 11:11:00 PM
Pseudo secularists keep on saying '' Terrorism has no religion'' but
they always conveniently forget about the fact that in india, most of
the terrorist activities are done in the name of the so called
'religion of peace'. These pseudo secularists are even more dangerous
than those terrorists. Mr. T Abraham we Hindus are really worried
about our future. You don't know in bangladesh in what condition
Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh are living. We have problem in co-
existing with the followers of other religions as long as they have
respect for our religion and our culture. But this is not happening in
India anymore. Living space of the Hindus have shrunk substantially
after India's partition in 1947. We have to think about our future. We
have to secure our homeland. We have to battle against those evil
designs for the destruction of Indic religions and its great
civilization.
By Prithwiraj Debnath
11/29/2009 10:30:00 PM
Thank you Mr. Abraham, you have atleast spared me!
By Prithwiraj
11/29/2009 10:06:00 PM
As one blogger wrote Aditya Sinha is another Ramnath Goenkaji in the
making and he is not afraid of speaking aloud the dark and unpleasant
truths unlike many others in media and tv channels like cnn-ibn,times
now, ndtv,etc who have been either heavily bribed or are behaving as
agents and slaves of foreign powers and foreign religions.
By T.R.Abraham
11/29/2009 8:09:00 PM
Switzerland has just banned construction of Minarets over mosques in
their country. They say it starts with the Mosques, and later they
demand Sharia Law. Talking about giving a thumb to take over the whole
hand. Outrageous.!!!!!!!!
By BABUJI
11/29/2009 5:46:00 PM
The only sensible people who speak dark truths and unknown faces of
real terrorism are true hinsuatni and krishna.Their postings must be
circulated if possible in all websites and newpapers and tv channels
all over India if possible to educate the countey about terror and
intolerance in the semitic religion, islam and christianity.
By T.R.Abraham
11/29/2009 4:39:00 PM
Exactly, Prithviraj ! These Pseudo Seculars, Intellectuals etc will be
fodder for them once other fodders are over. OR rather these PSs are
secret agents of them. Who knows their antecedents, we are told to
believe they are liberals.
By Indian
11/29/2009 3:45:00 PM
Islam is not compatible to the values the modern industrial
civilization propagates. It should be banned in all the civilzed
nations of the world. Islam never accepts the separation between state
and religion and as a result where ever there is a muslim majority
there is an Islamic state. Bangladesh was created as a secular country
but its muslim majority failed to reconcile with that idea which they
thought evil and imported form the western infidel countries. So they
changed their constitution and made Islam as the state religion of
their nation. This regressive force has to be defeated else we will be
destroyed by it. They will not even spare those pseudo secularist
intellectuals who in the name of communal harmony never protest
against the Islamic extremism we have been suffering from for so many
years.
By Prithwiraj
11/29/2009 2:04:00 PM
USA is the most dangerous nation on earth. Its energy use has damaged
our climate. European cowboys who went to North America had killed of
the local population using bio warfare methods like distributing small
pox infected blankets to the red Indians and killed them off and
pushed them to reservations. USA does not belong to the European
Christians who invaded and occupied it. The Christian maniacs in USA
are funding christian conversions and Christian terrorism of Maoists
and NE terrorists in India and calls for the creations of Christian
nations out of India like Nagaland for Jesus. CIA has created
terrorists like Osama bin Laden, the 26/11 mastermind and double agent
like Daood Gilani alias David Coleman Headley, as well as politicians
like AK Anthony, Manmohan Singh who are controlling India now..
By n.krishna
11/29/2009 11:17:00 AM
First appearance of Saudi funding came in the form of cone speakers
that blast our home at 5AM from mosque across India. Cone speakers are
banned as per noise pollution control laws. Yet no law can be applied
to terrorist muslims of India. As long as muslim traitors are in India
and they open their Quran, terrorism will be there to harm us. Stone
age Saudis flushed with oil revenue are the world’s no 1terrorist
nation. Indian muslim terrorists are more dangeous in the world as
they extrapolate Quran in the freedom they enjoy in India. Laws are
made to suit the particular community’s requirement and the stone age
Sharia is an indicator of the nature of Islam and muslims. Muslims are
like a virus disease and the solution is clear. Virus are to be killed
or with time it will mutate to more virulent forms. No muslims and
there will be no terrorism in India. Sending muslims to Pakistan or
Saudi Arabia or by suitable other sterilization or genetic methods is
the solution to end terrorism.
By n.krishna
11/29/2009 11:01:00 AM
See how pakistan, the muslim majority ghost country eliminated by
terror more than 20 lakh minority hindus and sikhs and demolished more
than 500 temples of hindus and that is why muslim majority in secular
india and kashmir state eliminated more than 50000 hindus and sikhs
and demolsihed more than 200 hindu temples,etc.It is to get heaven the
killer Kesab and his friends killed more than 200 hindus and sikhs in
mumbai terror attack in november last year and many million of kafirs
have been killed by genocide by terror religions over the past many
centuries.To have peace in the world both islam and christinaity must
be banned and their terror books Quran and Bible must be banned and
only all-loving religion like hinduism and buddhism and jainism must
be alliowed in this world.Till that happens, there is no escape from
terror and hatred and killings in this world.Any one listening?
By True Hindustani
11/29/2009 10:32:00 AM
To solve terror and genocides there must be elimination of root causes
of terror and hatred and intolerance,Talks&condolence meetings,etc are
of no use.The root cause of terrorism hatred and violence and genocide
in this world is existence and propagation of senmitic religions,islam
and christianity.These terror religions preach that only their god is
supreme and that all others like hindus,sikhs,buddhists,tribals,etc
are infidels and kafirs and that muslims and christians will get
heaven with 72 virgins and wine after death if they kill or forcibly
convert infidel kafirs like hindus,sikhs, buddhists,etc and if they
demolish temples of hindus, gurdwaras of sikhs,etc.That is why this
pakistan, the muslim majority ghost country eliminated by terror more
than 20 lakh minroity hindus and sikhs and demolished more than 500
temples of hindus and that is why muslim majority in secular india and
kashmir state eliminated more than 50000 hindus and sikhs and
demolsihed more than 200 hindu temple
By True Hindustani
11/29/2009 10:23:00 AM
Pakistan wants to make itself the nerve centre of the global Islamic
Caliphate which is already in making. Pious muslims are exploding
themselves through out the world to realise their dream of an Islamic
take over of the whole of world. The state of Pakistan and the
militias it sponsors cannot rest unless and untill the whole of India
and all the Kuffir inhabitants of this hapless country is destroyed.
They have been fighting with these polytheistic 'kuffirs' for the last
1300 years and have been able to secure only one third of its landmass
as the home land of themselves. Now they have changed their tactics
and have resorted to mass killing and gerrila warfare. 26/11 incident
is just one of the many examples the whole of world has been
witnessing for the last two decades. It's the dream of an Islamic take
over of whole of India and a global Islamic Caliphate that makes the
pious Muslims terrorize the non-muslims and slaughter them whenever
and whereever it is possible to do so.
By Prithwiraj
11/29/2009 9:01:00 AM
Unfortunately even after 60 years of independence like Mr. Nehru we
still believe in the white man's justice. He complained to the UN in
1948 about Kashmir and it still is a problem. Unless we learn to care
of ourselves and our own nobody gives a damn about us. Time to
seriously arm our police well, increase our defense capabilities. We
still are postponing the aircraft purchase, other arms purchases.
Governance is making decisions and accepting responsibility.
By Satyawadi
11/29/2009 7:49:00 AM
why doesn't the good samaritans file a PIL against Manmohan being PM
being a Rajya sabha member? Perhaps they also want to keep there
options open!
By SAKSHI
11/28/2009 9:54:00 PM
India is but a TINY FISH with it's Non Violence,Righteous,Morality
teaching ethics in this vast Ocean of BIG BAD BOYS and hence gets
showed off, sometimes rudely and sometimes quiet diplomatically. India
cannot find it's place in this criminal community and hence is
isolated on this world stage. It is getting all the attention today
because Western Economies are in trouble and it can haul them out, but
in reality, NOBODY GIVES A DAMN FOR NO ONE HAS THE TIME TO LISTEN TO
IT'S SERMON ON ETHICS AND MORAL VALUES.
By BABUJI
11/28/2009 6:56:00 PM
George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld,Armitage the Gang of FOUR
had vast quantities of shares in one of the biggest US Arms
manufacturing and supplying companies in the world and also big Oil
Companies in US. Today the HOTTEST commodities in the world are OIL
and Arms. Saudi and US between them have both of these in unlimited
quantities to spread around. No wonder the world is AWASH with guns
and bombs creating an UNSECURED World. China and USSR are involved in
supplying to the opposite parties to any war situation. All developing
countries need oil and security today,hence instability and
uncertainty is big business today. This is known as INVISIBLE TRADE in
Economics where nothing exists and nothing is accountable for. THE
HAWKS ARE WATCHING.
By BABUJI
11/28/2009 6:39:00 PM
In reality the Nexus of all EVIL is this PAERTNERSHIP between US and
SAUDIS including UAE states and BIN LADEN knows this and hences the
formation of Al Queda.
By BABUJI
11/28/2009 6:04:00 PM
One thought that there was only one true proud Indian among the 100
Crores of Indians, viz. Ram Jethmalani, who dared to expose Saudi
Arabia as the mother of Islamic terrorism. And, a cowardly,
traitorous, Congress, Sonia-lapdog Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily
apologised to the Saudi Envoy and hastened to surrender to the Saudis
by stating that it was not the Indian Govt's view. Now one is proud
that there is another true patriotic Indian, viz. Aditya Sinha who has
the courage to call the spade a spade. One is missing the Greatest
Ever, Fearless and Brave Journalist, the One and Only Ramnath Goenka
Ji who had exceptional and extraordinary courage to take on the
dictator Indira Gandhi during the dark Emergency Days of June 1975. It
is gratifying that Adiya Sinha Ji is emerging as a true disciple of
Goenka Ji to keep the fearless Flag of the New Indian Express
flying.
By krishnamurthy
11/28/2009 6:00:00 PM
US and Saudis are complimenting each other's partnership. Saudis are
getting the military protection of their country from US and an
insurance to keep the Royal family in power at all times. And hence
the peace in Saudi. No wonder Bin Laden is against the Royals and
hence Al Quaed. Without US, one of the world's richest countries,
would now have been already torn apart, and the Royals uprooted from
their seat of Power by the Muslim factions. In return not only Saudis
are buying expensive and sophisticated arms and Combat Aircrafts from
US and supplying Oil but also supplying arms in vast quantities to the
Islamic militants in vulnerable countries for an Islamic revolution
for Islamization. Pakistan is being fully financed by the Saudis. Soon
after the Kargil was Mushy visited Saudi for the pay back. YOU SCRATCH
MY BACK I SCRATCH YOURS........!!!!!!!!!
By BABUJI
11/28/2009 5:58:00 PM
Well written article calling a spade spade. Will GOI look into the
facts. The vote bank politics of UPA will come in the way of naming
the culprits behind international terrorism.The U.S. will continue
with its lip serivices to India but will support the oil rich Saudi
Arabia at all cost. After all, who cares for the world's largest
democracy. It can never quench the oil thirst of the world's most
powerful democracy. Only a new energy source other than petrolem can
bring in some change in U.S. attitude.
By s. sarangan
11/28/2009 2:29:00 PM
In the Name of God, the Benificent, the Merciful As-Salaamu Alaikum wa
Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu! Allow me to express my disagreement over
the fact that during the Taliban in Afghanistan we were beating and
torturing Afghan civilians. Such accusations against us are totally
unacceptable and have no foundation. The enemies of the independent
and peaceful Afghanistan, which, along with military action are also
involved in the misinformation of the world community through massive
propaganda, which also paid for by the military budget on public
relations, there is no documentary evidence that during the reign of
the Taliban had occurred mass torture of civilians. The enemies of a
peaceful and independent Afghanistan only know how to inspire people
about the demonic Taliban through constant repetition of the same
phrases and the same words for more than fifteen years. Therefore some
of you have a prior association of alleged Taliban and the terrible
evil of the Taliban regime. Although
By Taliban View
11/28/2009 5:06:00 AM
Just as the Epicentre of all Terrorism is proved to be Pakistan, Saudi
Arabia is the Epicentre of pumping Billions of Petro Dollars into
vulnerable African and Asian countries towards Islamization. From the
North of Africa to West, Central and East, the Islamic militant
movement is spreading like wild fire. The TAP of this cascade of Petro
Dollars can only be turned off or slowed down by Less dependency of
Oil. US and Western Europe are fully industrialised and are heavily
dependent on oil. Asian countries along with Japan, China and India
are queuing up to Middle East Iran, and the Newly break away states of
Russia in order to catch up with the West. In order to make the Oil
revenue defunct unless an alternate source of ENERGY is found and
applied quickly by the West and East, terrorism is going to stay for
quite a while... Unless of course the Earth runs out of OIL RESERVES
FIRST..!!!!
By BABUJI
11/28/2009 4:01:00 AM
bademiyansubhanallah
Seema Mustafa First Published : 03 Dec 2009 11:53:00 PM IST
Last Updated : 03 Dec 2009 01:21:07 AM IST
People’s Democratic Party leader Muzaffer Baig has been spending
considerable time in Delhi recently to gain support for his party’s
autonomy proposal for Jammu and Kashmir. An articulate and sober
politician, Baig has impressed many with his reasoned and substantive
presentations and is now planning visits to several other cities in
what is clearly an attempt to build a consensus.
The PDP autonomy document is different from that of the National
Conference in that the latter wants almost the entire Constitution of
India rolled back, while the former has specified Articles that it
does not want Jammu and Kashmir to be governed by in a bid to give the
state more autonomy. But as Baig takes care to point out, the PDP is
positive about retaining all those Articles in the Constitution
necessary to protect secularism, democracy and the rule of law in the
state.
Interestingly, the PDP formula for autonomy does not envisage a role
for Pakistan as it can be achieved entirely by discussions between New
Delhi and Srinagar. Pakistan becomes relevant only in the proposal to
increase trade and business relations between Jammu and Kashmir and
Pakistan occupied Kashmir through a soft border. The scrapping of the
relevant Articles as proposed by the PDP will give Jammu and Kashmir a
Prime Minister, it will prevent the Centre from passing legislation
over and above the laws of the state, it will prevent the Centre from
dismissing elected state governments and it will also bring back
Article 370 in its original form.
Baig and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti have been campaigning for the
acceptance of their report, and have met BJP and Congress leaders on
this. There are several aspects in the proposal that could form the
basis for discussions here, and perhaps even re-define autonomy for
the state. Baig takes special care to speak of the rehabilitation of
Kashmiri pandits, making it clear over and over again that this was
necessary for any autonomy proposal to work for the state. The PDP has
suggested provincial legislatures for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh
separately to work directly towards answering the aspirations of the
local people. If the various elements of autonomy are sold
successfully to the people, the role of Pakistan becomes minimal.In
fact, the only role for Pakistan apart from helping facilitate trade
and commerce between the two Kashmirs will be to control terrorism so
that any agreement between Srinagar and New Delhi bears fruit, and
also allows the displaced Kashmiri pandits to return to their homes.
This, of course, will be the crux of the problem, and Baig and
Mehbooba Mufti are of the view that this would be achievable if India
offers to help them deal with terrorism in the region, even as it
negotiates peace within Jammu and Kashmir. But for this to succeed,
the leadership in Pakistan along with the military and the ISI must
first realise and admit that terrorism will wreck that country, and
that it needs to be controlled urgently. This realisation has dawned
on some, but not all sections in Pakistan, with the presence of the
Americans and the ongoing war in Afghanistan making it increasingly
difficult to convince the ordinary man that Pakistan’s route to
progress lies in tackling and defeating terrorism.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram is handling the back channel
negotiations with Jammu and Kashmir and was on record at one point
asking, “What is the need for a third party?” in a reference to
Pakistan. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on the other hand, is of the
view that first talks with Pakistan should yield results, and only
after that can New Delhi and Srinagar even begin negotiations on
autonomy. In this case Singh’s approach is questionable, and more akin
to the US that has been nudging and pushing for a resolution of the
Kashmir issue by India and Pakistan.
The moderate Hurriyat faction is on board for a dialogue with New
Delhi, with representative Abdul Ghani Bhat endorsing talks at a
recent seminar in the national capital. He made it clear that he was
favourably inclined towards the PDP autonomy proposal, and that it
could be a basis for further discussions. Hurriyat chairperson Mirwaiz
Omar Farooq, however, has added the factor of China to the complex
situation maintaining that it could be involved in seeking a solution
for Kashmir. Baig was clear publicly that there is no place for China
in the discussions, maintaining that a new stakeholder that is
“illegally” holding land belonging to Jammu and Kashmir should not be
added at this stage. Of course, hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani has
been resisting talks within India, and has been drawing crowds in the
Valley for what many insist is a “principled stand.”
The UPA government has let loose several negotiators within Jammu and
Kashmir, with most of them reporting back to the home minister. The
stage has been prepared and the separatists excluding Gilani and at
the moment Shabir Shah who can be brought around, are willing to talk
to the Centre. The spade work has been done but the government has
still not taken a decision. The dialogue was to begin this month, but
there are no signs that the government has developed the political
will it will take to bring all sides finally to the negotiating table.
The ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ continue to rankle the UPA, even though the
negotiators and the Kashmiri separatists had agreed that as immediate
first steps to gain confidence and trust the government would pull
back some troops and release some political prisoners as soon as the
dialogue began. A basic draft for the talks had also been worked out.
Observers are now worried that further delay could bring an end to
this opportunity as well, pointing out that if this happens it would
be extremely difficult to re-start the process again at any point in
time. More so, as the word out in Jammu and Kashmir is that the talks
are about to begin and inordinate delay will again lead to
disappointment and strengthen cynicism.
A sense of drift again seems to be overtaking government, and from
“the talks are just about to begin” the grapevine seems to be
suggesting yet again that this is not so. As a wag put it, “now we are
not waiting for word from just the United States, we want to see what
the Mirwaiz brings back from China”.
About the author:
Seema Mustafa is a commentator on political affairs
Comments
In Reference to the Rants of "True Hindustani": Serious readers have
commented previously that "True Hindustani" simply rants incoherently
- just rabid outpourings, with no logic, no ideas. The signature "True
Hindustani" is such an oxymoron. Since these postings are not
moderated, therefore the writers are expected to exercise basic
civility. How hard can that be!
By Dr. Ajay
12/3/2009 6:45:00 AM
See how pakistan, the muslim majority ghost country eliminated by
terror more than 20 lakh minroity hindus and sikhs and demolished more
than 500 temples of hindus and that is why muslim majority in secular
india and kashmir state eliminated more than 50000 hindus and sikhs
and demolsihed more than 200 hindu temples,etc.It is to get heaven the
killer Kesab and his friends killed more than 200 hindus and sikhs in
mumbai terror attack in november last year and many million of kafirs
have been killed by genocide by terror religions over the past many
centuries.To have peace in the world both islam and christinaity must
be banned and their terror books Quran and Bible must be banned and
only all-loving religion like hinduism and buddhism and jainism must
be alliowed in this world.Till that happens, there is no escape from
terror and hatred and killings in this world.Any one listening?
By True Hindustani
12/3/2009 12:16:00 AM
Talks are absolute waste of time.What is needed is removal of terror
from the minds and to prevent the brain-washing of faithful with
terror abd violence and killing mind-set.The root cause of terrorism
hatred and violence and genocide in this world is existence and
propagation of semitic religions,islam and christianity.These
terrorand hate-filled violent religions preach that only their god is
supreme and that all others like hindus,sikhs,buddhists,tribals,etc
are infidels and kafirs and that muslims and christians will get
heaven with 72 virgins and wine after death if they kill or forcibly
convert infidel kafirs like hindus,sikhs, buddhists,etc and if they
demolish temples of hindus, gurdwaras of sikhs,etc.That is why
pakistan, the muslim majority ghost country eliminated by terror more
than 20 lakh minroity hindus and sikhs and demolished more than 500
temples of hindus and that is why muslim majority in secular india and
kashmir state eliminated more than 50000 hindus and sikhs a
By True Hindustani
12/3/2009 12:15:00 AM
chhotemianinshallah
Punjab Newsline Network
Monday, 16 November 2009
NEVADA(USA): Hindus are calling for January seven next for observation
as day of fasting and prayer worldwide.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) on Monday,
said that in view of continuing global economic downturn, Hindus
should show camaraderie to the brethren who were suffering from the
financial crisis by fasting for a day.
Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said
that we should petition God through unified, collaborative, and
coordinated action of prayer on this day and ask mercy from God for
those suffering from the meltdown. Hindu scripture Rig-Veda (dated
around 1500 BCE) also tells us: Have mercy on us once more, generous
Lord, and be like a father to us.
Rajan Zed urged other world religions/denominations also to support
the Hindu call for fast and prayer on January seven as religion told
us to help the helpless. We should abandon the temptation to pursue
our own selfish interests and agendas for a day to fast and pray for
the suffering fellow human beings in these chaotic economic times, Zed
stressed and added that illusion of money veiled our minds, resulting
in unprecedented turmoil in the financial markets.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about
one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal.
http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/20950/112/
chhotemianinshallah
service
Punjab Newsline Network
Saturday, 28 November 2009
NEVADA(USA): In a remarkable interfaith gesture, northwestern Nevada
(USA) celebrated its 24th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service
at Sparks United Methodist Church with various religions/denominations
coming together to pray.
Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish,
Baha’i, and Native American prayers were read on the occasion giving
thanks to God. Participants included Tom Butler, United Methodist
pastor; George C. Bratiotis, Greek Orthodox Protopresbyter; Rajan Zed,
Hindu statesman; Matthew Cunningham, Catholic chancellor; Laurie
Chappelle, Episcopal rector; Teri Appleby, Jewish rabbi; William
Bartlett, Buddhist priest; Clair Earl, Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints elder; Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Muslim imam; Irwin
Sharp Fish, Native American spirituality teacher; Roya Galata, Bahai
singer; Gene Savoy Jr., International Community of Christ Bishop.
Hindu statesman on November 25 Rajan Zed recited from ancient Hindu
scriptures Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita in Sanskrit and
then translated into English. Zed, who is president of Universal
Society of Hinduism, read from Taittiriya Upanishad “Om saha
naavavatu, Saha nau bhunaktu, Saha viiryan karavaavahai, Tejasvi
naavadhiitamastu, Maa vidhvishhaavahai” and then gave the English
translation as: “May we be protected together, May we be nourished
together, May we work together with great vigor, May our study be
enlightening, May no obstacles arise between us”.
The Shepherd’s Bells Choir of Reno Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd
lead by Toni DeSalvo; Reno Stake Choir of Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints lead by Mildred Earl; St. Cecilia Choir of Reno
Trinity Episcopal Church lead by Art Johnson; Reno Buddhist Church
Nembutsu Singers lead by Robert Daniel; Sparks United Methodist Church
choir lead by Cindy Sabatini; Roger Hogan of Reno Baha’is; provided
various musical selections including “Call to Worship”, “Thank You for
These Gifts”, “Amazing Grace”, “We Plow the Fields”, “Three Homages”.
Audience also participated in congregational hymns “Come Ye Thankful
People Come” and “We Gather Together”.
The food items collected on the occasion were donated to Food Bank of
Northern Nevada and monetary donations collected went to Family
Promise. Thanksgiving, a national holiday in USA, has been an annual
tradition since 1863, when people gather to give thanks primarily to
God.
In the picture taken on the occasion (from left to right): William
Bartlett, Abdul Rahim Barghouthi, Teri Appleby, Rajan Zed, Gene Savoy
Jr., Laurie Chappelle, Matthew Cunningham, and Clair Earl.
http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/21328/92/
bademiyansubhanallah
PTI Thursday, December 3, 2009 22:50 IST
Washington: Pakistan still considers India as its number one enemy
even as Islamabad is becoming increasingly convinced that it needs to
take action against terrorists within its own territory, secretary of
State Hillary Clinton said today.
"We're dealing with a sovereign country that has a very clear idea of
who they think their overall enemy is, namely India. They have slowly
been convinced, and because of what's happened inside their own
territory, that they have to take action," Clinton told US lawmakers
at a Congressional hearing.
"I think that that will continue to lead to positive steps," Clinton
said in response to a question at a hearing on Afghanistan convened by
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The secretary of State said the US has clearly told Pakistan that
there can be no distinction between terrorists.
"We are now making the case to our counterparts in Pakistan, both in
the civilian and the military leadership, that the efforts they have
made against the TTP, primarily in Swat and now in Waziristan and the
Mehsud tribal core, are necessary," Clinton said.
"...but far from sufficient efforts to protect themselves; that this
syndicate, this network of terrorism, has to be addressed, that
whatever the utility of any of these groups might have been in the
past, they have morphed into a form that poses a threat to the
Pakistani government."
bademiyansubhanallah
Reuters Thursday, December 3, 2009 16:12 IST
London: Pakistan prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday he
did not think al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was hiding in his
country and called for more clarity on US plans to boost troop levels
in Afghanistan.
Gilani was speaking at a joint news conference with British prime
minister Gordon Brown who last week called on Pakistan to do more to
crack down on al Qaeda and to find bin Laden.
"I doubt the information which you are giving is correct because I
don't think Osama bin Laden is in Pakistan," Gilani said when asked
about efforts to track down the al Qaeda leader.
US president Barack Obama said this week he was ordering 30,000 more
troops into Pakistan's neighbour Afghanistan to counter a resurgent
Taliban.
Obama said a cancer had taken root in Pakistan's border region with
Afghanistan and promised US help to end it.
Gilani said Obama had discussed the Afghan plans with Pakistan's
president Asif Ali Zardari but that Pakistan was still seeking more
details.
"Regarding the new policy, we are carefully examining it. We have
already issued a statement through the foreign office and we are
looking into how we will be able to implement it and we need more
clarity on it as well".
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_gilani-does-not-think-osama-is-in-pakistan_1319638
bademiyansubhanallah
PTIT hursday, December 3, 2009 10:50 IST
Washington: Acknowledging that India is a big player in the region, a
top US military leader has said that the relationship between India
and Pakistan is critical for the stability in the region.
"India is a big player in that region as well," Admiral Mike Mullen,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in response to a question
at House Committee on Foreign Affairs; which held a hearing on
Afghanistan.
"I think all of us - international players, particular regional
players - have to take steps to stabilize. The reationship between
Pakistan and India is critical. Leadership there must, I think, step
forward to stabilize that border more than anything else. I think that
would be a great step forward in stabilizing the region," Mullen said.
Mullen was responding to a question from Democrat Congressman Donald
Payne.
"Is there any way we can impress Pakistan that India is not their
biggest enemy, about Kashmir, and have Pakistan concentrate more on
Pakistan and stop worrying about India and some India-Pakistan
conflict?" Payne asked.
In answer to another question from Congressman Bill Delahunt, the
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said the Obama Administration did
consult India on its new Af-Pak policy.
chhotemianinshallah
By SCOTT SHANE
Published: December 3, 2009
WASHINGTON — Two weeks ago in Pakistan, Central Intelligence Agency
sharpshooters killed eight people suspected of being militants of the
Taliban and Al Qaeda, and wounded two others in a compound that was
said to be used for terrorist training.
Dawn Newspaper, via Reuters
Baitullah Mehsud, right, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, in 2005.
He was killed by a remotely piloted drone aircraft.
Then, the job in North Waziristan done, the C.I.A. officers could head
home from the agency’s Langley, Va., headquarters, facing only the
hazards of the area’s famously snarled suburban traffic.
It was only the latest strike by the agency’s covert program to kill
operatives of Al Qaeda, the Taliban and their allies using Hellfire
missiles fired from Predator aircraft controlled from half a world
away.
The White House has authorized an expansion of the C.I.A.’s drone
program in Pakistan’s lawless tribal area, officials said this week,
to parallel the president’s decision, announced Tuesday, to send
30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. American officials are talking with
Pakistan about the possibility of striking in Baluchistan for the
first time — a controversial move since it is outside the tribal areas
— because that is where Afghan Taliban leaders are believed to hide.
By increasing covert pressure on Al Qaeda and its allies in Pakistan,
while ground forces push back the Taliban’s advances in Afghanistan,
American officials hope to eliminate any haven for militants in the
region.
One of Washington’s worst-kept secrets, the drone program is quietly
hailed by counterterrorism officials as a resounding success,
eliminating key terrorists and throwing their operations into
disarray. But despite close cooperation from Pakistani intelligence,
the program has generated public anger in Pakistan, and some
counterinsurgency experts wonder whether it does more harm than good.
Assessments of the drone campaign have relied largely on sketchy
reports in the Pakistani press, and some have estimated several
hundred civilian casualties. Saying that such numbers are wrong, one
government official agreed to speak about the program on condition of
anonymity. About 80 missile attacks from drones over almost the last
two years have killed “more than 400” enemy fighters, the official
said, offering a number lower than most estimates but in the same
range. His account of collateral damage, however, was strikingly lower
than many unofficial counts: “We believe the number of civilian
casualties is just over 20, and those were people who were either at
the side of major terrorists or were at facilities used by
terrorists.”
That claim, which the official said reflected the Predators’ ability
to loiter over a target feeding video images for hours before and
after a strike, is likely to come under close scrutiny from human
rights advocates. Tom Parker, policy director for counterterrorism at
Amnesty International, said he found the estimate “unlikely,” noting
that reassessments of strikes in past wars had usually found civilian
deaths undercounted. Mr. Parker said his group was uneasy with drone
attacks anyway: “Anything that dehumanizes the process makes it easier
to pull the trigger.”
Yet with few other tools to use against Al Qaeda, the drone program
has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress and was escalated by the
Obama administration in January. More C.I.A. drone attacks have been
conducted under Mr. Obama than under Mr. Bush. The political consensus
in support of the drone program, its antiseptic, high-tech appeal and
its secrecy have obscured just how radical it is. For the first time
in history, a civilian intelligence agency is using robots to carry
out a military mission, selecting people for killings in a country
where the United States is not officially at war.
In the months after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, C.I.A. officials were
not eager to embrace killing terrorists from afar with videogame
controls, said one former intelligence official. “There was also a lot
of reluctance at Langley to get into a lethal program like this,” the
official said. But officers grew comfortable with the program as they
checked off their hit list more than a dozen notorious figures,
including Abu Khabab al-Masri, a Qaeda expert on explosives; Rashid
Rauf, accused of being the planner of the 2006 trans-Atlantic airliner
plot; and Baitullah Mehsud, leader of the Pakistani Taliban.
The drone warfare pioneered by the C.I.A. in Pakistan and the Air
Force in Iraq and Afghanistan is the leading edge of a wave of push-
button combat that will raise legal, moral and political questions
around the world, said P.W. Singer, a scholar at the Brookings
Institution and author of the book “Wired for War.”
Forty-four countries have unmanned aircraft for surveillance, Mr.
Singer said. So far only the United States and Israel have used them
for strikes, but that number will grow. “We’re talking about a
technology that’s not going away,” he said.
There is little doubt that “warheads on foreheads,” in the macho lingo
of intelligence officers, have been disruptive to the militants in
Pakistan, removing leaders and fighters, slowing movement and sowing
dissension as survivors hunt for spies who may be tipping off the
Americans. Yet the drones are unpopular with many Pakistanis, who see
them as a violation of their country’s sovereignty — one reason the
United States refuses to officially acknowledge the attacks. A poll by
Gallup Pakistan last summer found only 9 percent of Pakistanis in
favor of the attacks and 67 percent against, with a majority ranking
the United States as a greater threat to Pakistan than its archrival,
India, or the Pakistani Taliban.
Interestingly, residents of the tribal area where the drone attacks
actually occur, who bitterly resent the militants’ brutal rule, are
far less critical of the drones, said Farhat Taj, an anthropologist
with the Aryana Institute for Regional Research and Advocacy, who
visits the tribal area frequently. A study of 550 professional people
living in the tribal area was conducted late last year by the
institute, a Pakistani think tank. About half of those interviewed
called the drone strikes “accurate,” 6 in 10 said they damaged
militant organizations, and almost as many denied they increased anti-
Americanism.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/world/asia/04drones.html?_r=1
chhotemianinshallah
By Christopher Allbritton / Islamabad Thursday, Dec. 03, 2009
A girl attends class in a school in Qutbal, Pakistan
Alexandre Meneghini / AP
Every morning, Sarim Zaidi, 17, puts on his school uniform,
straightens his tie and hops into the car his parents provide for him
to go to the Imperial International School and College in Islamabad,
an upscale private institution. After his driver drops him off, he
goes through metal detectors, winds his way around barbed wire,
glances nervously at the armed guard on the roof and flashes his ID
badge before finally entering a classroom.
Across town, in a poorer section of Islamabad, Hamza Baig, 14, also
smartens up his school uniform, but at the Overseas Pakistanis
Foundation Boys College, a government school, there are no armed
guards. There is only a lonely doorman behind a flimsily padlocked
gate. He is armed with a stick.
These are how kids go to school in Pakistan nowadays, thanks to a
ferocious campaign of violence by the Pakistani Taliban against
schools all over the country that has left parents panicked, students
uneasy and educators worried about whether they're doing enough to
protect kids in the middle of a war. Schools have been turned into
fortresses, and some students have made attending class an act of
defiance.
(See pictures of the tensions roiling Pakistan.)
The numbers show the extent of the war on education by the Pakistani
Taliban. At least 473 schools across Swat and Federally Administered
Tribal Areas have been destroyed over the past two years. Militants
recently blew up a 12-room state-run high school and health clinic for
boys in Hangu district, a small area nestled on the border of North
Waziristan and the North-West Frontier Province. And they routinely
blow up girls' schools in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and
North-West Frontier Province. Three have been destroyed in the past
two weeks.
(See pictures of suicide-bomb attacks in Islamabad.)
The targeting of schools — especially girls' and co-educational
institutions — had long been restricted to the tribal belt in the
northwest of the country. But the government offensive against
militants in South Waziristan has changed that. A double-suicide
attack on the International Islamic University in Islamabad in October
sent government officials and parents in cities into a frenzy. Across
the country, schools were told to close and security measures quickly
improvised. Up to 30 million public and private students from pre-
kindergarten through high school were affected, according to the
latest figures from the Pakistan Ministry of Education. Up to 220,000
institutions felt the impact. "We were just asked to shut down," says
Huma Ali, who runs a private elementary school in Karachi. "We thought
it was a precautionary measure. But as time went by, we found out
there was a threat to the schools."
Private schools were told to raise their walls, install barbed wire,
sandbags and closed-circuit TV cameras and hire armed guards. Some
even went so far as to put snipers on their roofs. Schools like Ali's
can afford such measures, she says. But government schools are out of
luck. The federal government is doing little, critics say, to help pay
for the extra security measures it says are necessary for schools to
remain open.
The contrast is stark. At the government-run Islamabad Model College
for Boys, an aged and unarmed doorman provides security. If someone
hopped over the walls out of sight of the guard, no one would know. At
the end of the school day, anxious fathers crowd around the gate,
collect their children and scurry toward a traffic jam of cars choking
the street. A suicide bomber would find it a tempting target.
The school has 1,500 students grades 1-12. If something happens, says
Atiq ur-Rahman, a chemistry teacher, the school is ill equipped to
protect its students. "We don't even have a security guard equipped
with weapons," he says. He says he can't handle a dangerous situation
and that the students and staff feel vulnerable. If a suicide bomber
targeted the school, "we could only request him not to explode."
The Taliban's campaign against schools, however, seems quixotic. On
the one hand, the militants are well known to oppose educating girls.
On the other, attacking boys' schools seems to be further alienating
the populace. Not that the government has been able to capitalize on
this; its tight-fisted response to paying for school security — in
essence, it doesn't — has angered parents and teachers alike. One
judge on the influential Lahore High Court dismissed a petition from
the Private School Owners Association for more government help by
saying schools should arrange for their own security. "Everything
should not be left to the government," said Justice Mian Saqib Nisar.
"Every citizen should play his due role for the betterment of the
society. I would impose a fine if such frivolous petitions were filed
in the future." No one from the Ministry of Education was available to
comment for this story.
Ur-Rahman, the chemistry teacher, has a list of ideas to beef up
security, ranging from hiring more trained security guards to adding
CCTV cameras, but he doesn't expect any of them to happen because the
school can't pay for them and the government isn't willing to pick up
the tab, he says. "It shouldn't put the [responsibility for] funding
on the college for everything," he says.
The situation's impact on the kids has been noticeable. "We've heard
people say, 'My daughter didn't want to go to school today. She had a
bad dream — she thinks something bad is going to happen today,' " says
Huma Ali in Karachi. "Kids ... as old as my younger daughter, who is
5½, now when they hear the word danger, they've been taught to drop
everything, drop down into their knees and go into a duck position,"
says Sanam Thariani, who works with Ali. "I just think that's really
sad that a 5-year-old has to know that."
Ruhab Zehra Zaidi, the 13-year-old sister of Sarim Zaidi, says she's
very scared at the Islamabad Model College for Girls and finds it hard
to study her favorite subject, math. "Anything can happen at any
time," she says, her big eyes widening further. "This disturbs my
studies very much." "I am upset about all this terrorism," says Hamza
Baig with intensity. The teenager from the Overseas boys college wants
to make sure his words are clear: "We feel very scared when going to
school, thinking today may be our last." Like many students, Baig
stayed home for weeks at a time after the attack on the International
Islamic University.
Perhaps most poignant, the situation has affected how kids play. At
Ali's school, the students are not allowed to play in the courtyard
anymore because of fear that someone might toss a bomb over the wall.
But staying home isn't an option. "I am ready to die for my country,"
says Sarim Zaidi, with a determination both uncommon and tragic for a
17-year-old who merely wants to go to school.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1943639,00.html
chhotemianinshallah
30 Taliban killed in military operation
* Taliban commander, two aides arrested from Bajaur Agency
MINGORA/HANGU/KHAR: Security forces killed at least 30 Taliban,
including a commander, in separate clashes on Thursday.
A Taliban commander Nasim Shah, alias Abu Faraj, was also killed in
the fighting that erupted after security forces raided a terrorist
hideout in the Kabal area of Swat.
“One soldier was wounded while 11 militants including Abu Faraj was
killed,” military spokesman Major Mushtaq Ahmed said.
Abu Faraj was a close associate of Fazlullah, the Taliban leader in
Swat who told the BBC last month he fled to Afghanistan.
Four terrorists were killed in clashes elsewhere in the valley, a
security official said.
Separately, security forces arrested 13 terrorists, including three
commanders, in Khyber, a tribal region where convoys carrying supplies
for Western forces in Afghanistan are frequently attacked, said a
statement from the Frontier Constabulary.
Separately, in Bajaur Agency terrorists attacked security checkpoints
on the outskirts of the main town of Khar.
“It was an organised attack. Troops effectively repulsed it, and five
militants were killed in the retaliatory fire,” said Fazal Rabbi,
deputy commander of the local tribal police force.
Separately, as many as 10 terrorists were killed when gunship
helicopters pounded Taliban hideouts in Hangu near Orakzai Agency, an
Iranian TV channel reported on Thursday.
The channel reported that four hideouts and three vehicles were also
destroyed in the bombing.
Hangu District Police Officer Abdul Rasheed said at least 10 Taliban
were killed in the attack.
He said 128 wanted criminals were also arrested from various parts of
the district in a joint operation conducted by police and Frontier
Constabulary.
Meanwhile, security forces arrested Taliban commander Hayatullah and
his two aides in Larmai area of Mamoond tehsil in Bajaur Agency. They
were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation. staff
report/ agencies/daily times monitor
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009%5C12%5C04%5Cstory_4-12-2009_pg7_6
chhotemianinshallah
Then There's Pakistan and the Pashtun
By OLIVIER ROY
Published: December 3, 2009
FLORENCE — President Obama is betting that sending 30,000 more troops
to Afghanistan will rapidly change the balance of power in the field,
erode local support for the Taliban, give breathing space to the Kabul
government to clean up its act, allow humanitarian aid and development
to reach the countryside and possibly bring some war-wearied Taliban
to the negotiating table. Al Qaeda would thus be deprived of any
sanctuary, and the U.S. mission there would be accomplished.
In essence, the president announced a short-term military surge in
Afghanistan to lay the ground for implementing a long-term political
agenda — one first put in place by the Bush administration in 2002 —
that focuses on good governance, fighting corruption, training a
professional police and promoting economic and social development.
Since the political project has failed over the last eight years, the
logic goes, only military action can revive the conditions for it. So
everything depends on a military progress in counterinsurgency.
It is true that, at a time when the Taliban are on the move and the
Kabul government embodies more than ever a failed state, nothing can
be done without a military surge. The Taliban smell victory and have
no interest in negotiating. The only alternative is to leave or to
escalate the fighting.
The idea seems to be to use tactics that worked in northern Iraq:
playing traditional tribal leaders against extremists, offering them
incentives and hoping that the large strata of the population who
don’t share the radicals’ agenda will turn against them.
In this perspective, the corrupt and distrusted Kabul government is
more a liability than an asset, which means that the American and NATO
troops would have to be politically involved at the local levels
instead of handing over the keys to Kabul once the field has been
cleared.
For such a policy to work, the Taliban insurrection must be correctly
understood and Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan must be at least
neutralized.
The Taliban insurrection is both an ethnic and a social movement. The
Taliban embody both a Pashtun irredentism and a shift in the
traditional tribal system. The insurgency is limited to Pashtun-
populated areas; in Pakistan, too, the “liberated Islamic areas” are
all Pashtun. Non-Pashtun Islamic militants choose other ways to act.
The issue of Pashtun frustration at being shut out of power has not
been ignored by the Western powers. They supported the dismantling of
the ethnically non-Pashtun Northern Alliance forces that took Kabul in
November 2001 — a rather easy task after the assassination of their
charismatic leader Ahmed Shah Massoud.
But now the non-Pashtuns in Afghanistan have no more military means to
protect themselves from a Taliban comeback, and they cannot rely on an
Afghan National Army. Thus the quandary is how to placate the Pashtuns
without weakening further the other ethnic groups whose fears of a
Taliban comeback make them the best allies of the NATO troops.
President Hamid Karzai was appointed largely because he embidied a
traditional Pashtun identity. He appointed Pashtun governors and has
played on Pashtun traditions. Yet this has been to no avail because
the tribal aristocracy he represents has lost its roots in the tribal
areas.
In northern Iraq, traditional tribal leaders happily answered Gen.
David Petraeus’ opening toward them to get rid of the threat of non-
Iraqi Al Qaeda fighters who ignored or even tried to suppress them.
But in Afghanistan as well as in Pakistan, traditional leaders of this
kind have almost disappeared. They have been replaced by a new elite
of young madrassa-educated Taliban, more connected to Pakistan and the
Gulf than to the West.
What of the role of Pakistan? If they find a shelter in Pakistan, the
Taliban could easily escape the brunt of the two coming years of a
military surge. They can expect that the U.S. will be unable to
bolster a counter power in the Afghan tribal belt or strengthen the
Kabul government. So they just have to wait.
Pressure on Pakistan will yield very little — the arrest or the
killing of some Taliban leaders or Al Qaeda cadres.
Until, now the Pakistan Army has used both Taliban and Islamist
militants as a proxy tool of its regional policy of “strategic depth”
vis-à-vis India. It still wants a Pashtun Islamist government in
Kabul.
This complex and dangerous cooperation between the army and the
Taliban was based on a deal: The Taliban, Afghan or Pakistani, might
push their agenda in Afghanistan or in the northwest territories in
Pakistan, but should not contest the leadership of the Pakistan Army.
Islamabad is off-limits.
The Taliban broke this deal when they made a foray from their Swat
stronghold through Buner in the direction of Islamabad. The army had
no choice than to counterattack. But the objective of the Pakistan
Army is not to destroy the Taliban. It is to bring them back into the
fold after a red line has been crossed.
As long as the Pakistan Army does not consider its campaign against
the Taliban as a matter of life and death for itself, it will not help
in any serious way with the American and NATO agenda in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has been fighting through proxies in Afghanistan for more
than 30 years. It can wait for American and NATO troops to leave the
region.
As far as I can see, only finding a way to alleviate Pashtun
frustration in Afghanistan and getting Pakistan to give up its decades-
old policy of supporting Islamists in power there will change anything
fundamental. Unless a broader and more coherent policy is defined that
includes these elements, 30,000 additional U.S. troops plus more from
NATO are not going to make a difference.
Olivier Roy is a research director at the French National Center for
Scientific Research and the author of “Globalized Islam: The Search
for a New Ummah.”
Tribune Media Services
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/opinion/04iht-edroy.html
bademiyansubhanallah
Kashmir Watch, Dec 4
By Awais Bin Wasi
It is hard to understand as to how Kashmir issue could be resolved
when Manmohan Singh on the one hand says that India is ready to solve
Kashmir issue and on the other hand asserts that the borders in
Kashmir cannot be redrawn. He has expressed these contradictory views
in an interview with CNN during his three day long visit to Washington
on November 22, 2009.
When he was asked whether he saw any prospects to the productive
dialogue with Pakistan, he said “If trade is free, if people-to-people
contacts are there and our both countries competing with each other to
enable people on both sides to lead the life of dignity and self
respect. Those are issues which we can discuss we can reach agreement”
Of late, it has become Indian attitude to give contradictory
statements for satisfying both the external as well as domestic
audience simultaneously. Earlier in Sharm-ul-Sheikh on July 16, 2009
Indian premier said that “action on terrorism should not be linked to
the Composite Dialogue process and these should not be bracketed”, but
later Manmohan Singh started saying that resumption of talks was
linked to the action on terrorism on the part of Pakistan.
Likewise, on Indian Independence day this year PM Singh remarked that
the massive participation of the people of Kashmir in the 11th state
assembly elections had made the separatist leaders irrelevant in Jammu
and Kashmir as their ideology has been rejected. Earlier, Congress
President Sonia Gandhi had also argued that the separatist movement
had lost impetus as the decent turnout in the last assembly elections
was, in fact, the vote against separatism.
But quite contradictorily just after the two months of the Indian
premier ’s policy speech in Srinagar India expressed her readiness to
start quiet diplomacy with the separatist leadership for having a
unique political solution. The questions arise as to what paradigm
shift has been occurred in the last two months in Jammu and Kashmir?
And, if the pro freedom forces had become irrelevant two months ago
what would have been the need to start dialogue with them now? Also,
if India is not ready to talk to Pakistan, a party to the dispute,
what outcome can be expected from Delhi-Srinagar talks excluding
Pakistan? All these Indian overtures seem nothing but eyewash.
The recent statements of Indian PM in Washington also need to be
looked in the same context. Although Manmohan Singh has expressed his
desire to discuss the Kashmir issue, as a matter of fact he is not
willing to discuss Kashmir problem to determine its political status
but seeks to discuss some peripheral issues associated with the core
problem such as people to people contact and trade etc.
It is very naive to believe that Indian leadership is not aware of the
fact that these are not the issues people of Kashmir have been
aspiring for over half a century, they do know that the urge for
freedom has not only remained intact but it has also been transferred
to the fourth generation of Kashmiris and the Indians who are at the
helms have also seen it very recently during Amarnath yatra and
Shopian agitation in 2008 and 2009 respectively, but Indian leadership
just wants to linger on the Kashmir problem hoping that the issue may
dissolve with the passage of time and the recent statement regarding
the readiness to talk on Kashmir are just for international
consumption and has nothing to do with the genuine desire to settle
the dispute once and for all.
Dr. Singh should understand that the valley is relatively peaceful at
present with comparison to the decade of ninety, the doublespeak on
Kashmir will further alienate the people of Kashmir and they may
completely lose the faith on the negotiations process if this Indian
attitude persists for long.
India should realize that it is more of her interest to resolve the
Kashmir problem than of Pakistan and she should pay heed to her own
voice i.e. “This is India’s century. We have the world to conquer�and
the means to do it. Kashmir is a 20th century problem. We cannot let
it drag us down and bleed us as we assume our rightful place in the
world. It’s time to think the unthinkable.” (Vir Sanghvi, The
Hindustan Times, August 16, 2008).
The writer is a research associate at Institute of Policy Studies
Islamabad with a focus on Kashmir Conflict and Pak-India Relations. He
can be reached at awaisb...@gmail.com
Posted on 04 Dec 2009 by Webmaster
chhotemianinshallah
www.chinaview.cn 2009-12-02 21:18:14
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Wednesday said it would
closely engage with the United States in understanding the full import
of its new strategy on Afghanistan and to ensure that there would be
no adverse fallout on Pakistan.
"There is certainly a need for clarity and coordination on all
aspects of the implementation of this strategy," the Foreign Office of
Pakistan said in a statement issued here.
The statement said Pakistan and the United States need to closely
coordinate their efforts to achieve shared objectives. The Foreign
Office said that Pakistan has taken careful note of the important
announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama of the U.S.-Afghanistan
strategy.
"Pakistan is committed to uprooting terrorism from our region and
in advancing the cause of peace and stability in Afghanistan," it
said.
Foreign Office said President Obama correctly mentioned that the
struggle against violent extremism extends well beyond the region.
"We welcome President Obama's reaffirmation of partnership between
the two countries built on a foundation of mutual interest, mutual
respect and mutual trust and also the United States' strong support
for Pakistan's security and prosperity," it said.
After months of review, the Obama administration on Tuesday
renewed its strategy for Afghanistan by sending 30,000 additional
troops to the country in a decisive war against the al-Qaeda network
and extremists.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/02/content_12575412.htm
Sid Harth
Hurriyat leader Qureshi shot at, condition critical
PTI
THE HINDU Senior Hurriyat leader Fazal Haq Qureshi. File photo: Nissar
Ahmad Related
NEWS
Senior Hurriyat leader Fazal Haq Qureshi was shot in the head by
suspected terrorists at Soura on Friday evening.
Mr. Qureshi, considered as one of the moderate separatists, was shot
by terrorists when he was coming out of the mosque in downtown of the
city, police said.
He has been rushed to Soura Medical Institute where he was being
operated upon, they said, adding his condition was stated by the
doctors as “very very critical.”
Mr. Qureshi was behind the first ever peace talks between terrorist
group Hizbul Mujahideen and the Central government in 2000. The
militant group was led by Abdul Majid Dar.
According to senior police officials, the attempt on the life of Mr.
Qureshi was to “stall” the dialogue process between the Centre and the
Hurriyat.
They said the separatist leader had refused security from the State
government.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article60161.ece
Sid Harth
Attack on Qureshi an attempt to derail peace process: Omar
PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday condemned the
attack on Hurriyat leader Fazal Haq Qureshi saying that it was an
attempt to derail the peace process in the State.
“It is the most unfortunate incident and a clear attempt to derail the
peace process. Qureshi was one of the separatist leaders who wanted to
find a solution to Kashmir problem at the negotiating table,” Mr. Omar
Abdullah said here.
Asked as to who could be behind the heinous crime, Mr. Omar Abdullah
said, “things will unfold in due course of investigations but
definitely it is the handiwork of those who do not want peace to
return to the State.
“This is the work of enemies of peace,” the Chief Minister said,
adding “this incident won’t be an impediment in the quiet diplomacy
that is going on between the Centre and the separatists.”
The Chief Minister said Mr. Qureshi was offered security on various
occasions but he turned it down.
Union Minister Farooq Abdullah also condemned the incident and said,
“it is a great tragedy. Those who do not want peace have started
targeting such people who are interested in peace.”
Senior CPI(M) leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami said this was carried out
by frustrated people who did not want Kashmiris to live in peace.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article60164.ece
Sid Harth
Russia could convince Pak to stop anti-India terror: PM
PTI
A file picture of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, calling on Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi last year.
Photo: Ramesh Sharma Related
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said Russia as a “great power” could
convince Pakistan not to use terror against India as an instrument of
state policy, observing that country’s conduct ran counter to a policy
of “good neighbourliness.”
Ahead of this three-day official visit to Russia starting on Sunday,
Dr. Singh without naming Pakistan said that India faced an “onset” of
terrorism aided, inspired and instigated by that country.
“We believe that Russia being a great power can influence the conduct
of Pakistan. Our hope is that Russia’s influence will be utilised to
convince Pakistan that the strategy of using terror as an instrument
of state policy is counter-productive, ” Dr. Singh said in an
interview to the Russian media on the eve of his visit.
Dr. Singh, who will be in Russia on his sixth visit as prime minister
since he assumed office in 2004. said, “We face in the sub-continent
the onset of terrorism aided, inspired and instigated by our
neighbour.”
On India’s part, Dr. Singh said that if Pakistan territory ceases to
be used by terrorists India saw immense opportunities for the two
countries to work together in cooperation.
“There are immense opportunities of expanding trade, investment and
technology flow between our two countries.” he said.
In the wide-ranging interview before summit talks with President
Dmitry Medvedev, at the Kremlin as well as meeting Premier Vladimir
Putin, on Monday, Dr. Singh covered issues relating to cooperation in
defence, civil nuclear energy, space and trade.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article60139.ece
Sid Harth
Any formula arrived at quiet parleys not acceptable: Geelani
PTI
AP A file picture of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani,
addressing a press conference in Srinagar. Photo: AP.
Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, today said any formula
arrived at during the on-going
“quiet dialogue” on Kashmir would not be acceptable to people even it
had the patronage of Pakistan or the United States.
The only solution to the lingering Kashmir issue lay in implementation
of the UN resolutions, he told a gathering at an ‘Eid Milan’ function
here.
“We will not be part of any sell out on Kashmir,” the chairman of the
hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference said.
“Any formula arrived at during the on-going secret talks will not be
acceptable to majority of the people even if that has the patronage or
blessings of Pakistan,” he said.
On Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks that the talks between the
Centre and the separatists should be held sans the hardline leader,
Mr. Geelani said “it is a matter of pride for me to be excluded from
any sell out on Kashmir.”
“Conscious and civilised people will not accept any formula which is
against our basic stand, even if it has the blessings of America,” he
said.
The Hurriyat hawk reiterated his stand that the only solution to the
Kashmir issue lay in implementation of the United Nations resolutions.
Mr. Geelani said bilateral talks between India and Pakistan and
between Kashmiri leaders and New Delhi had taken place 130 times, but
these had proved futile.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article58950.ece
Sid Harth
35 killed as suicide bombers storm mosque near Pak Army HQ
AP
AP Pakistani soldiers cordon off the area near a mosque after a
suicide attack in Rawalpindi on Friday. At least two militants stormed
a mosque close to Pakistan's Army headquarters during Friday prayers,
firing and throwing grenades before blowing themselves up in an attack
that killed tens of people, officials said. Related
PHOTOS
SLIDESHOW
Rawalpindi targeted once again
Rawalpindi bears the brunt again
An intelligence official said 35 people have been killed in an attack
on a mosque close to the Army headquarters in Pakistan.
The official said 70 others were wounded in Friday’s suicide bomb and
gun attack in Rawalpindi outside the capital.
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak
to the media on the record.
Two suicide bombers stormed the mosque opening fire and throwing
grenades before blowing themselves up in a heavily fortified area,
officials said.
Three helicopters hovered overhead at the scene while trucks carrying
commando teams and ambulances raced through the cordoned-off area as
soldiers kept onlookers and traffic away.
The attack — the third in the city of Rawalpindi in nearly two months
— underscored the resilience of militant networks in Pakistan despite
Army offensives against the Taliban in the northwestern regions
bordering Afghanistan. It was the latest in a wave of bloodshed that
has killed more than 400 people in the country since October.
The attack began when several gunmen triggered an explosion to break
through a checkpoint on the perimeter of a heavily fortified Army
installation in Rawalpindi, a garrison city just a few kilometres from
Islamabad, said Yasir Nawaz, a police official at the scene.
He said the installation included an Army parade ground as well as the
mosque, which was used by the military.
Two of the assailants were able to enter the mosque and sprayed the
congregation with gunfire and grenades, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas, the
main military spokesman, said earlier. He said there were other
attackers but provided no details about them.
He confirmed that at least 26 people were killed and 20 wounded.
Two of the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan occurred in
Rawalpindi. A November 2 suicide bomb killed 35 people and an October
10 raid on the Army headquarters prompted a 22-hour standoff that left
nine militants and 14 other people dead.
Violence has escalated since the Army launched an offensive in mid-
October against Taliban militants in the northwestern tribal area of
South Waziristan near the Afghan border.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article60012.ece?homepage=true
chhotemianinshallah
By LOLITA C. BALDOR (AP) – 3 hours ago
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is considering widening missile
strikes on al-Qaida and the Taliban inside Pakistan, and is planning
to bolster the training of Pakistan's forces in a key border
battleground where militants fuel the escalating Afghan insurgency,
according to U.S. officials.
The officials said the stepped-up moves against the militant networks
could extend the air strikes further south, beyond the current target
areas in Waziristan and into the western province of Baluchistan. U.S.
special operations forces are also developing plans to expand their
training of Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps into that province.
President Barack Obama cited the war against al-Qaida as his main goal
in a major address this week on his Afghan strategy but divulged no
new details about how the U.S. would carry it out.
Despite that silence, there have been growing discussions in recent
weeks about the need to expand the use of airborne missile-equipped
drones into other volatile regions of Pakistan, broadening a covert
CIA operation that has fueled anti-American sentiment in that country.
Rep. Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on
terrorism, acknowledged that there have been "discussions, in Congress
and a lot of different places, to expand the area" where the drone
attacks are being conducted.
"We have limited operations now, and there are threats from other
places in the region," Smith said.
He would not provide details, but a U.S. government official said
Friday that discussions are under way to expand those attacks into
Baluchistan. That official and others spoke on condition of anonymity
because the drone program is classified, and decisions on the training
program are not yet final.
The CIA had already accelerated the pace of its drone attacks in
Pakistan's federally administered tribal areas this year, but U.S.
officials are also concerned about Baluchistan because of its central
role in stoking the Afghan insurgency.
Since January 28, 2008, there have been 67 suspected U.S. missile
strikes into Pakistan, killing 721 people, 556 of whom intelligence
officials believe were militants, acccording to Pakistani intelligence
officials and witnesses interviewed by The Associated Press after each
strike.
Officials believe that much of the direction, funding and weapons
fueling the Taliban in Afghanistan comes from its fugitive leader,
Mullah Omar, who is thought to be based close to the city of Quetta in
Baluchistan province. More militants and resources come from a
separate network commanded by Siraj Haqqani in the Waziristan tribal
areas.
U.S. officials now estimate that there are about 500 al-Qaida members
in Pakistan and Afghanistan, often moving back and forth across the
border. And they say there are roughly 50,000 Taliban insurgents,
dispersed among the Afghan and Pakistani tribes.
The Pentagon's plans to widen training for Pakistani government forces
includes the possible creation of a second training center in the
rugged border region. That would add to an outpost already operating
in the North West Frontier Province, according to a senior defense
official.
There are 80 to 100 U.S. special operations forces and support staff
now in Pakistan, including roughly 35 trainers. Officials are not sure
whether additional trainers will be needed for the expanded effort.
According to a senior defense official, U.S. special operations forces
have so far trained about 1,000 members of the Frontier Corps. U.S.
funding for the additional training is already in place, but details
are still being worked out with Pakistan, the official said.
Earlier this year, U.S. officials said their goal was to train more
than 9,000 members of Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps, and to
slash the four-year training time by as much as half.
Training the paramilitary troops — budgeted at about $200 million in
this fiscal year — is included in the administration's five-year, $3.5
billion funding package for military aid to Pakistan.
The U.S. sees the Frontier Corps as a critical ally in rooting out al-
Qaida's hidden sanctuaries. The paramilitary corps members, said the
senior defense official, have access to hard-to-reach border regions
where the Pakistani Army has little presence.
"Giving extremists breathing room in Pakistan led to the resurgence of
the Taliban and a more coordinated, sophisticated attacks in
Afghanistan," Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Congress this week.
Over the past year, U.S. leaders have pushed Islamabad to beef up its
operations against militants on the border. But those efforts have
been hindered by the strained relationship between Washington and
Islamabad.
The loudest complaint from Pakistani leaders has been that the U.S.
has been a fickle ally.
"It is important for the Pakistani government and its military leaders
to know that we have a commitment to the region," said Smith, D-Wash.
"Right now our relationship with the Pakistani population is not good.
They don't like us. They don't trust us, and they have a hard time
believing us ... I think the president is going is going to work very,
very hard to build a relationship that is much more mutual."
Associated Press writers Pamela Hess in Washington and Chris Brummitt
in Islamabad contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jVPbub8VOAC4aCFDofQWcUJods0AD9CCLGC80
chhotemianinshallah
Obama's policy means ``more bombs, more drone attacks and more
bloodshed in the region''.
By Farooq Tariq
December 4, 2009 -- The Labour Party Pakistan (LPP) condemns US
President Barack Obama's Afghanistan policy and demands that all NATO
forces immediately withdraw from Afghanistan and stop drone attacks on
Pakistan. The Labour Party Pakistan has decided to protest against
this new escalation of the war effort in the region. The first protest
took place on December 4 in front of US consulate in Lahore. There
will be more demonstrations in different parts of Pakistan.
Nisar Shah, LPP general secretary, and Farooq Tariq, LPP spokesperson,
said that when Obama took office less than a year ago, there were only
32,000 US troops in Afghanistan. By next spring there will be 100,000.
Obama has given General Stanley McCrystal, US and Nato commander in
Kabul, more or less the numbers of troops he wanted. Obama clearly
spelt out to the Pakistan government that ''a safe haven for those
high-level terrorists, whose location is known, and whose intentions
are clear, cannot be tolerated''. This clearly means more bombs, more
drone attacks and more bloodshed in the region.
The Labor Party Pakistan leaders said that President Obama has
disappointed many who had the illusion that he may bring peace and
prosperity for the world. They said that Guantanamo has not yet
closed. Secret prisons are still functioning in the US, torture
continues, its land mine policy is unchanged and living standards even
in US are declining. The war in Iraq is unchanged and the war in
Afghanistan is escalating.
In Pakistan, the situation is getting worse and worse. The new US
Afghanistan policy will mean more terror in Pakistan. Religious
fanatics will not be silenced by more drone attacks, but on the
contrary it will promote more suicide attacks in desperation.
The Labour Party Pakistan leaders said in a press statement that for
many Americans the promise of the new Obama administration was that
finally the United States would reject the neoconservative concept
that the United States can ignore international law and use
indiscriminate violence around the world to assert its interests. That
hope was largely snuffed out when President Obama gave his hawkish
generals and the neocon pundits most of what they wanted by expanding
the eight-year-old Afghanistan war and guaranteeing more violations of
the laws of war.
The LPP leaders said that the religious fanatics and the imperialist
forces are providing each other excuses for escalating more violence.
The religious fanatics cannot be eliminated by military means. There
has to be a comprehensive and wide-ranging political and economic
strategy to fight the fanatics. The Pakistan state must end all forms
of support to madrassas [religious schools]. At least 10 per cent of
the state budget should be spent on education, and education must be
free until university level for all Pakistanis. The state must ensure
the delinking of education from religious practices.
Nasir Shah and Faroow Tariq said that the LPP condemns the both
imperialists and the religious fanatics. The Pakistan government is
acting blindly to the dictates of the Obama administration. The
political and economical dictates by US imperialism and its
institutions like International Monetary Fund and World Bank are
promoting war and more economic misery for people of Pakistan. The
Pakistan government must change its political and economical
priorities and must stop siding with US imperialism.
Comments
Fri, 12/04/2009 - 20:38 — normd
NYT: C.I.A. Authorized to Expand Use of Drones in Pakistan
December 4, 2009
By SCOTT SHANE
WASHINGTON — Two weeks ago in Pakistan, Central Intelligence Agency
sharpshooters killed eight people suspected of being militants of the
Taliban and Al Qaeda, and wounded two others in a compound that was
said to be used for terrorist training.
Then, the job in North Waziristan done, the C.I.A. officers could head
home from the agency’s Langley, Va., headquarters, facing only the
hazards of the area’s famously snarled suburban traffic.
It was only the latest strike by the agency’s covert program to kill
operatives of Al Qaeda, the Taliban and their allies using Hellfire
missiles fired from Predator aircraft controlled from half a world
away.
The White House has authorized an expansion of the C.I.A.’s drone
program in Pakistan’s lawless tribal areas, officials said this week,
to parallel the president’s decision, announced Tuesday, to send
30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. American officials are talking with
Pakistan about the possibility of striking in Baluchistan for the
first time — a controversial move since it is outside the tribal areas
— because that is where Afghan Taliban leaders are believed to hide.
By increasing covert pressure on Al Qaeda and its allies in Pakistan,
while ground forces push back the Taliban’s advances in Afghanistan,
American officials hope to eliminate any haven for militants in the
region.
One of Washington’s worst-kept secrets, the drone program is quietly
hailed by counterterrorism officials as a resounding success,
eliminating key terrorists and throwing their operations into
disarray. But despite close cooperation from Pakistani intelligence,
the program has generated public anger in Pakistan, and some
counterinsurgency experts wonder whether it does more harm than good.
Assessments of the drone campaign have relied largely on sketchy
reports in the Pakistani press, and some have estimated several
hundred civilian casualties. Saying that such numbers are wrong, one
government official agreed to speak about the program on the condition
of anonymity. About 80 missile attacks from drones in less than two
years have killed “more than 400” enemy fighters, the official said,
offering a number lower than most estimates but in the same range. His
account of collateral damage, however, was strikingly lower than many
unofficial counts: “We believe the number of civilian casualties is
just over 20, and those were people who were either at the side of
major terrorists or were at facilities used by terrorists.”
That claim, which the official said reflected the Predators’ ability
to loiter over a target feeding video images for hours before and
after a strike, is likely to come under scrutiny from human rights
advocates. Tom Parker, policy director for counterterrorism at Amnesty
International, said he found the estimate “unlikely,” noting that
reassessments of strikes in past wars had usually found civilian
deaths undercounted. Mr. Parker said his group was uneasy about drone
attacks anyway: “Anything that dehumanizes the process makes it easier
to pull the trigger.”
Yet with few other tools to use against Al Qaeda, the drone program
has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress and was escalated by the
Obama administration in January. More C.I.A. drone attacks have been
conducted under President Obama than under President George W. Bush.
The political consensus in support of the drone program, its
antiseptic, high-tech appeal and its secrecy have obscured just how
radical it is. For the first time in history, a civilian intelligence
agency is using robots to carry out a military mission, selecting
people for killing in a country where the United States is not
officially at war.
In the months after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, C.I.A. officials were
not eager to embrace killing terrorists from afar with video-game
controls, said one former intelligence official. “There was also a lot
of reluctance at Langley to get into a lethal program like this,” the
official said. But officers grew comfortable with the program as they
checked off their hit list more than a dozen notorious figures,
including Abu Khabab al-Masri, a Qaeda expert on explosives; Rashid
Rauf, accused of being the planner of the 2006 trans-Atlantic airliner
plot; and Baitullah Mehsud, leader of the Pakistani Taliban.
The drone warfare pioneered by the C.I.A. in Pakistan and the Air
Force in Iraq and Afghanistan is the leading edge of a wave of push-
button combat that will raise legal, moral and political questions
around the world, said P. W. Singer, a scholar at the Brookings
Institution and author of the book “Wired for War.”
Forty-four countries have unmanned aircraft for surveillance, Mr.
Singer said. So far, only the United States and Israel have used the
planes for strikes, but that number will grow.
“We’re talking about a technology that’s not going away,” he said.
There is little doubt that “warheads on foreheads,” in the macho lingo
of intelligence officers, have been disruptive to the militants in
Pakistan, removing leaders and fighters, slowing movement and sowing
dissension as survivors hunt for spies who may be tipping off the
Americans. Yet the drones are unpopular with many Pakistanis, who see
them as a violation of their country’s sovereignty — one reason the
United States refuses to officially acknowledge the attacks. A poll by
Gallup Pakistan last summer found only 9 percent of Pakistanis in
favor of the attacks and 67 percent against, with a majority ranking
the United States as a greater threat to Pakistan than its archrival,
India, or the Pakistani Taliban.
Interestingly, residents of the tribal areas where the attacks
actually occur, who bitterly resent the militants’ brutal rule, are
far less critical of the drones, said Farhat Taj, an anthropologist
with the Aryana Institute for Regional Research and Advocacy. A study
of 550 professional people living in the tribal areas was conducted
late last year by the institute, a Pakistani research group. About
half of those interviewed called the drone strikes “accurate,” 6 in 10
said they damaged militant organizations, and almost as many denied
they increased anti-Americanism.
Dr. Taj, who lived at the edge of the tribal areas until 2002, said
residents would prefer to be protected by the Pakistani Army. “But
they feel powerless toward the militants and they see the drones as
their liberator,” she said.
In an interview this week with the German magazine Der Spiegel, the
Pakistani prime minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, said the drone
strikes “do no good, because they boost anti-American resentment
throughout the country.” American officials say that despite such
public comments, Pakistan privately supplies crucial intelligence,
proposes targets and allows the Predators to take off from a base in
Baluchistan.
Pakistan’s public criticism of the drone attacks has muddied the legal
status of the strikes, which United States officials say are justified
as defensive measures against groups that have vowed to attack
Americans. Philip Alston, the United Nations’ special rapporteur for
extrajudicial executions and a prominent critic of the program, has
said it is impossible to judge whether the program violates
international law without knowing whether Pakistan permits the
incursions, how targets are selected and what is done to minimize
civilian casualties.
A spokesman for the C.I.A., Paul Gimigliano, defended the program
without quite acknowledging its existence. “While the C.I.A. does not
comment on reports of Predator operations, the tools we use in the
fight against Al Qaeda and its violent allies are exceptionally
accurate, precise and effective,” he said. “Press reports suggesting
that hundreds of Pakistani civilians have somehow been killed as a
result of alleged or supposed U.S. activities are — to state what
should be obvious under any circumstances — flat-out false.”
From 2004 to 2007, the C.I.A. carried out only a handful of strikes.
But pressure from the Congressional intelligence committees, greater
confidence in the technology and reduced resistance from Pakistan led
to a sharp increase starting in the summer of 2008.
Former C.I.A. officials say there is a rigorous protocol for
identifying militants, using video from the Predators, intercepted
cellphone calls and tips from Pakistani intelligence, often
originating with militants’ resentful neighbors. Operators at C.I.A.
headquarters can use the drones’ video feed to study a militant’s
identity and follow fighters to training areas or weapons caches,
officials say. Targeters often can see where wives and children are
located in a compound or wait until fighters drive away from a house
or village before they are hit.
Mr. Mehsud’s wife and parents-in-law were killed with him, but that
was an exceptional decision prompted by the rare chance to attack him,
the official said.
The New America Foundation, a policy group in Washington, studied
press reports and estimated that since 2006 at least 500 militants and
250 civilians had been killed in the drone strikes. A separate count,
by The Long War Journal, found 885 militants’ deaths and 94
civilians’.
But the government official insisted on the accuracy of his far lower
figure of approximately 20 civilian deaths, noting that the Pakistani
press rarely reported local protests about civilian deaths, routine
occurrences when bombs in Afghanistan have gone astray.
Daniel S. Markey, who studies South Asia at the Council on Foreign
Relations, said the comments of two anti-Taliban tribal leaders he
spoke with on a recent trip to Pakistan seemed to capture the paradox
of the drones.
The tribal leaders told him that the strikes were eliminating
dangerous militants while causing few civilian deaths. But they
pleaded for a halt to the attacks, saying the strikes stirred up anger
toward the United States and the Pakistani Army, and “made them look
like puppets,” he said.
“It gave the lie,” Mr. Markey said, “to the argument we’ve made for a
long time: that this fight is theirs, too.”
chhotemianinshallah
By ASIF SHAHZAD (AP) – 45 minutes ago
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — A Taliban suicide squad targeted Pakistani
military officers and their families praying at a mosque Friday close
to army headquarters in a gruesome display of the militants' ability
to strike at the center of power in this U.S.-allied, nuclear-armed
nation.
The barrage of bombs and bullets left 37 people dead, including seven
senior officers and 17 children.
The deaths of so many top brass inside a heavily fortified area a few
miles from the capital was a major coup for the Pakistani insurgents,
who are under pressure as the army pushes an offensive against their
stronghold of South Waziristan along the Afghan border.
Friday's carnage also dramatized the risks Pakistan faces if it steps
up its support for the United States in the war against Islamic
extremists on its side of the border with Afghanistan.
President Barack Obama believes Pakistan is a key partner in that war,
but critics contend that Pakistan, hedging its bets in the event the
Taliban eventually regain power in Kabul, has held back against Afghan
insurgents who use the lawless border region as a safe haven.
The attack on the mosque, which was largely reserved for military
families, was the latest in a relentless Taliban onslaught against
mostly military targets across Pakistan. It came nearly two months
after the brazen siege of the army headquarters on Oct. 10, when
insurgents held dozens hostage in a 22-hour standoff that left 23
people dead including nine militants.
By targeting a packed mosque during Friday prayers, the militants
showed they cared little about igniting a possible backlash in this
overwhelmingly Muslim country. Authorities urged clerics who had so
far avoided publicly criticizing the militants to do so.
The attack began shortly after 1:30 p.m. when the assailants lobbed
hand grenades to break through a checkpoint close to the mosque, said
Yasir Nawaz, a police official at the scene.
Witnesses said two of the militants then stormed the mosque, while
others ran into buildings nearby.
They wore suicide belts under traditional baggy Pakistani clothes,
lobbed grenades and sprayed automatic weapons at worshippers.
"They were killing people like animals," witness Nasir Ali Sheikh.
"Whoever they saw they shot at. They were well trained and moved very
quick."
At least four attackers took part in the attack, which left the walls
of the mosque smeared with blood and victims lying on abandoned prayer
mats.
Security forces exchanged fire with the assailants for an hour,
killing them or watching them blow themselves up. Reporters were
prevented from getting close as helicopters hovered overhead and
trucks carrying commando teams and ambulances raced to the scene.
The dead in Friday's attack included a major general, a brigadier, a
colonel, two lieutenant colonels, one major and a retired major as
well as three regular soldiers, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar
Abbas said. Seventeen children — 11 of them army kids — and 10
civilians also were killed.
Another witness, Ameeruddin Sheikh, cried when describing the corpse
of a young boy.
"He was hardly 12 or 13 years of age. His face was fresh and blood was
all over his body. His eyes were open and it was as if they were
asking all of us what kind of jihadis would kill people when they were
praying."
Many of the military families who use the mosque, which had about 150
worshippers, live in army housing close by. Residents said that to
enter the mosque people need to show military identification and were
frisked by guards.
The commander of the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan claimed
responsibility for the attack in a call to the BBC's Urdu service,
saying the mosque was targeted because it was used by the army. A
military spokesman said he was aware of the claim.
The army launched the South Waziristan offensive in mid-October,
pitting some 30,000 troops against about 10,000 militants. It has been
more successful than many people expected and the soldiers now control
what was once a sanctuary for local and foreign al-Qaida militants.
Many of the insurgents — including their leaders — appear to have fled
to other parts of the lawless border area.
The army has so far enjoyed broad public support for the offensive.
But the repeated Taliban attacks risk hurting the country's resolve as
well as the morale of the army's poorly paid rank and file. Some
politicians and many ordinary Pakistanis believe the government should
negotiate with the militants — not fight them — and blame the United
States for pressing Islamabad to act.
The United States is unable to send troops into the border region, but
has struck at militants over the last year with at least 60 missile
strikes at targets there. The attacks have scores of alleged insurgent
commanders but fueled anti-American sentiment.
U.S. officials said Friday they were considering increasing the
frequency of the missile strikes and expanding them to the western
province of Baluchistan, something that would likely prompt a furious
response from Pakistani officials and strain already tense U.S.-
Pakistani ties.
Associated Press writers Munir Ahmad and Zarar Khan in Islamabad and
Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Women look at dead bodies of suicide attack victims in a hospital
compound in Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009. At least two
militants stormed a mosque close to Pakistan's army headquarters
during Friday prayers, firing and throwing grenades before blowing
themselves up in an attack that killed tens of people, officials said.
(AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkiMxbHNH0BqgpWA2ZG6VD6wVTmAD9CCO6QO2
chhotemianinshallah
LeT Ultras Admit to Role in Bangalore Blasts
Shillong/Bangalore, Dec 3 (DHNS): The two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants,
handed over to India by Bangladesh, have confessed to their
involvement in the serial blasts that rocked Bangalore last year, a
top police official said on Thursday.
Thadiayantavide Nazir (25) alias Nazir Paryan told interrogators of
the Meghalaya Police and the BSF that he had planted the bombs in
Bangalore along with one Rahim, said an official who is a part of the
interrogation team.
Nazir, a bomb expert, and another LeT operative Shamas Nazir alias
Safiq (33), both from Kerala, were handed over to the BSF by
Bangladesh’s BDR on Wednesday. The duo, however, have so far not
admitted to their involvement in the attack at IISc in 2005.
Nazir and Shamas had been in Bangladesh for about a year and they are
understood to have revealed vital information regarding their “bases”
in South India.
Bangalore city police commissioner Shankar Bidari confirmed on
Thursday that the two terrorists were the “most wanted” in the
Bangalore serial blasts.
Nazir and Shamas are A1 and A19 (accused one and 19), respectively, in
the blasts that rocked the city on 25 July, 2008.
“We are convinced that Nazir played an active role and was involved
right from planning to execution in the serial blasts. However, we are
not sure of his involvement in the IISc attack,” he said.
“A four-member team has left for Meghalaya and we have all the proof
to prove in the court that the two terrorists are wanted in the
Bangalore blasts case. The team is also carrying copies of the charge
sheet and with in few days, the two terrorist will be brought to the
city. Based on their information, if need be, we will file a
supplementary charge sheet,” the commissioner said.
The duo told the Meghalaya police and the BSF personnel that they had
taken a house on rent on Hosur Road one-and-half months before the
Bangalore blasts.
Meetings
Earlier, they held a series of meetings in Ernakulum, Aluva,
Malappuram and Kannur in Kerala planning the blasts. They came to
Bangalore by a Scorpio SUV on July 22 and stayed in the house.
They planted 11 bombs around 4 am and fixed the time of the blasts
between 2 pm and 3 pm and went back to Kerala by the same vehicle,
sources in Meghalaya told Deccan Herald.
The two terrorists also revealed the existence of their group’s bases
in UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, the official claimed.
According to sources, there was an intelligence report that a Lashkar
commander had been in touch with Nazir and the duo were on a
recruitment spree under instructions from Pakistan’s Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI).
The two LeT militants were produced before the court of additional
district magistrate here amid heavy security. They have been remanded
in judicial custody for one day.
bademiyansubhanallah
bademiyansubhanallah
bademiyansubhanallah
By MUNIR AHMAD and RIAZ KHAN (AP) – 1 hour ago
ISLAMABAD — A car bomb exploded Saturday near a KFC fast-food
restaurant in Pakistan's main northwestern city, killing at least
three people and leaving others trapped in a blazing building where
many lawyers have offices, officials said.
The attack in Peshawar was the latest in a wave that has underscored
the resilience of militant networks in the country as the army wages a
key offensive against the Taliban in the lawless tribal belt bordering
Afghanistan. An attack Friday on a mosque frequented by army personnel
killed 37 people in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.
Saturday's explosion damaged vehicles and shattered windows along a
wide stretch of a major road. At least three people died and seven
others were wounded, police official Gohar Zaman said.
Several people were seen clinging to windows in one building that was
on fire, shouting for help. Firefighters struggled to put out the
flames, while others tried to get into the building using a ladder.
"It seems that the explosives were planted in the car, and it exploded
through a remote control," said Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the region's
information minister.
The exact target of the attack was unknown, but the bomb went off not
far from the KFC restaurant, which is well known in the city and has
security guards stationed outside.
No group immediately claimed responsibility. Attacks by Islamist
extremists have killed more than 400 people in Pakistan since October,
when the army began an offensive against the Taliban in the South
Waziristan tribal region.
At least nine of the attacks have been in and around Peshawar, the
largest city in the northwest and the main gateway to the border
region where many al-Qaida and Taliban are based.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkiMxbHNH0BqgpWA2ZG6VD6wVTmAD9CD0JP00
bademiyansubhanallah
December 5, 2009
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan is
fighting war against terror in its own interest and strongly rejected
the notion that Taliban are going to takeover Pakistan.
“We want peace and strong ties with neighboring countries including
India and delay in commencement of composite dialogue between India
and Pakistan does not favour either nation,” the Prime Minister said
in an interview with an Arab television in London before concluding
his four-day official visit to the United Kingdom and Germany.
“One thing I tell you, this is our own war and we are fighting it for
the interest of our own country,” he categorically added.
On US President Barack Obama’s new Afghanistan war strategy, the Prime
Minister said he wanted “more clarity” from Americans in this regard
before his country could take action on it.
Gilani appreciated Obama’s intentions about the security and
prosperity of Pakistan, but however, said his government was studying
US plan to send 30,000 extra troops to Afghanistan and also examining
its implications on Pakistan.
“We would likely to see what precisely would be [the policy’s] impact
on Pakistan,” he said. He said Pakistan had very close cooperation on
defence and intelligence side with the United States, and hoped that
“it would be taken care of.”
The Prime Minister said he had apprehensions that the surge of 30,000
troops in Afghanistan’s Helmand province would result into militants’
influx to Balochistan province. “But one thing is clear, we cannot
afford losing, because it is our own war and a stable Afghanistan is
in the interest of Pakistan,” he stressed.
He reiterated that Pakistan had the resolve to fight terrorism because
failing in Afghanistan would have bad impact on Pakistan. Gilani said
his government was following the exit policy in Pakistan as he
believed that military actions were not solution to the problems.
He said whenever writ of the government is challenged, there arises a
need to take military action in Pakistan. “But as far as Afghanistan
is concerned, yes there has to be an exit strategy,” the Prime
Minister said, while appreciating the building of institutions in
Afghanistan as a “positive thing”.
http://www.asianews.com.pk/2009/12/taliban-not-capturing-pakistan-gilani/
chhotemianinshallah
ISLAMABAD, Dec 4 (APP): Rejecting any possibility or danger of Taliban
ever taking over Pakistan, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has
said Pakistan is a country and “not some vegetable” which could taken
away by Taliban. “Certainly not. It is out of question. I don’t think
that even they (Taliban) can think of taking over Pakistan. Pakistan
is a country. It is not some vegetable that they will come and take
it”, Gilani said in response to a question during an interview with Al-
Jazeera English television telecast on Friday night. The Prime
Minister said, “Pakistan is in very safe hands.
Our armed forces are loyal and highly professional. They are defending
the boundaries of Pakistan and one thing I tell you there is
absolutely no danger.” “But at the same time we want greater
cooperation with the United States in defence and intelligence so that
we can jointly act against the militants”, he added. About the new US
policy on Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said Pakistan was fighting
this war because it was in the interest of whole world, adding,
however the military actions were not the solutions for the problems.
“We have to have some exit policy and for the exit policy we have to
do more social, cultural and political work in those areas. We have
to empower the people and we have to develop and reconstruct those
areas”, he added. Prime Minister Gilani agreed with the view of
President Obama that sooner or later the people of that country
(Afghanistan) will have to be empowered. “I don’t know what is the
time-frame but there should be some exit policy”, he added. To a
question about the implications of US troops surge in Afghanistan, the
Prime Minister said, “we cannot afford loosing because a stable
Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan”. “We want that Afghanistan
should be stable because we already have 3.5 million refugees from
Afghanistan and when there is stability in Afghanistan, they will go
back to their country with dignity, respect and honor.” The Prime
Minister said Pakistan was studying the new US policy to see what
impact would be on Pakistan. “We are getting further information and
the details of this plan”, he added. Asked as if he took up the issue
of Osama bin Laden with UK Prime Minister, he said “Yes I did and we
had a joint press conference and I told him (Gordon Brown) that if the
US or UK give any credible and actionable information to Pakistan we
are ready to act”. When asked if he believed that Osama bin Laden was
not in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said “I have already contradicted
it”. To another question as if Osama bin Laden was dead, Gilani said,
“I don’t know.” To a question as if he was confident that Pakistan
will defeat militants in Pakistan and the US will defeat Al-Qaida and
Taliban in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said with the whole nation,
country and leadership in Pakistan behind the military action and
supporting it, “I am confident that we are winning.” The Prime
Minister said any war cannot be won without the support of masses. If
you have to win a war then there should be a public opinion in you
favour”. About Afghanistan, Gilani said, “my message to US would be to
win the hearts and minds of the people”. To a question about Pak-India
relations, the Prime Minister said he also discussed the issue with
Prime Minister Brown and told him that “we want that there should be
peace in the region and there should be stability in the region”. He
said the Friends of Democratic Pakistan should also prevail on India
for resumption of Composite Dialogue with Pakistan, adding, “we want
all core issues to be settled so that our focus should be on fight
against terrorism and our focus should not be on Eastern border”. To
another question, Gilani said, “In fact we want to maintain excellent
relations with our neighbours whether it is Afghanistan, China, Iran
or India”. He referred to his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh in Sharm el Sheikh and said “We had good interaction.
He is a senior politician and we had met him and he wants to resolve
all issues between Pakistan and India”. The Prime Minister said but
with the Mumbai incident there was a lot pressure, adding, Pakistan is
serious and was going to take action against those who have been
identified as terrorists. “We have already registered cases against
seven persons”. He, however, added that Pakistan also wanted the world
to play an extremely important role in stabilizing the region by
helping in the settlement of all the issues between India and
Pakistan. “Our common enemy of India and Pakistan are terrorists. If
we are not talking to each other the beneficiaries are the terrorists
so that they should not be benefitted because of not resumption of the
Composite Dialogue”, he added. About future prospects of peace in the
region, the Prime Minister said, “I think the way we are moving and
the resolve we have and the public support we have at the moment..., I
hope we will be able to do that”. To a question about possibility of
any military take-over in Pakistan in future, the Prime Minister said,
“there had been in the past military take-overs but at this time the
Army Chief is a highly professional and pro-democracy”. “He (General
Kayani) had supported democracy and the parliamentary form of
government even during General Musharraf’s time, instead of supporting
those who had been ruling in the past”. To a question about President
Zardari’s recent action to transfer the powers of Chairman National
Command Authority to him, the Prime Minister said, it was according to
the manifesto of PPP as well as the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto
Shaheed to which President was committed. “In fact We are moving in
the right direction. According to the manifesto of PPP, that is the
manifesto given by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto..., that you have to
empower the parliament and we are moving exactly in the right
direction according to the vision of Mohtarma.” He said the Ordinance
which was promulgated by the former dictator General Musharraf had
exhausted on November 28 and now has been re-promulgate by the
President, who himself was committed to the manifesto of PPP. The
Prime Minister said President Zardari has stated twice on the floor of
the house that he will undo the amendments in the Constitution made by
General Musharraf and “therefore this is a step forward in moving in
the right direction”. The Prime Minister termed the re-promulgation of
NCA Ordinance as “a blue litmus test and indication that we are moving
in the right direction to strengthen the parliament.” “When the powers
of NCA have been given to the PM, the rest of powers including the
17th Amendment and 58-2(B) are also part of the manifesto and
President Zardari has already committed that he will pass on these
powers to PM and soon it will happen”, he added. The Prime Minister
also rejected the notion that due to corruption charges President
Zardari was in danger and said “He (President Zardari) has the
indemnity..., therefore I don’t personally feel that he is in danger”.
He said “these are the old cases and President Zardari has already
suffered more than eight years in jail. These are not the new cases.
These are the same old cases. These were the charges prior to his
becoming President”.
http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=91305&Itemid=1
bademiyansubhanallah
Aloke Tikku and Toufiq Rashid, Hindustan Times
Delhi/Srinagar, December 06, 2009
First Published: 00:34 IST(6/12/2009)
Last Updated: 00:37 IST(6/12/2009)
Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday got down to firefighting,
condemning the “cowardly assault” on All Parties Hurriyat Conference
leader Fazal Haq Qureshi on Friday.
Qureshi was shot in the head from close range when he was coming out
of a mosque after Friday prayers. He is still battling for life in the
state-run Sher-e-Kashmir Medical Institute in Srinagar.
Chidambaram, who held two rounds of talks with some Hurriyat leaders,
said, “The correct response at this hour is not to be cowed down by
these violent acts or allow fear to interrupt the process of quiet
talks and quiet diplomacy.”
Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Saturday the
conglomerate would continue the peace initiative despite such attacks.
He said, “nobody can stop us. We will see the Kashmir problem to its
end.”
“There are certain elements and agencies that don’t want any solution
to the Kashmir problem,” the Mirwaiz said, “But we are answerable to
thousands of people who had died.”
Government officials, however, acknowledged that such attacks had
discouraged Hurriyat leaders in the past.
Qureshi was part of the first Hurriyat delegation that met former
deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in 2004, but he withdrew before
their second meeting with Advani.
Intelligence officials said Qureshi’s decision followed threats from
Pakistan-based terrorist groups. The Mirwaiz had also distanced
himself from the talks after his relatives were attacked.
Inspector General of Police Farooq Ahmad told Hindustan Times that no
breakthrough had been achieved yet in finding out who were behind the
attack on Qureshi. “The incident happened yesterday and we are still
investigating,” he said.
The attack, being seen as a violent warning to the Mirwaiz against his
initiative to hold talks with the Centre, came two days after
Chidambaram said that there were positive responses to the talks
offer.
Earlier on October 14, Chidambaram told the Editors’ Conference in New
Delhi that the government would hold talks with every section of
political opinion in Kashmir through “quiet dialogue, quiet diplomacy”
to find a political solution that may be “unique”.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bid-to-save-talks-with-Hurriyat/H1-Article1-483449.aspx
bademiyansubhanallah
Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, December 05, 2009
First Published: 20:04 IST(5/12/2009)
Last Updated: 20:12 IST(5/12/2009)
India on Saturday again rebutted Pakistan's allegation that New Delhi
was fomenting trouble in Balochistan, saying it was Islamabad's
internal problem.
"We have stated it earlier and I say it again that there is no shred
of evidence (with Pakistan) of India's hand in Balochistan," Foreign
Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters in New Delhi.
Rao was asked about Islamabad foreign office spokesperson Abdul Basit
claiming that "India is involved in Balochistan and the proof will be
disclosed when the time comes".
"Balochistan is an internal problem of Pakistan. It is not our habit
to interfere in our neighbours' affairs, for that matter any
neighbour. I hope Pakistan will also follow the same role," Rao said.
India has been strongly rejecting the "unfounded" accusation of
fomenting insurgency in Balochistan.
Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Thursday told
Parliament that Pakistan "is fabricating evidence" of India's alleged
role in Balochistan.
bademiyansubhanallah
By RIAZ KHAN (AP) – 1 hour ago
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Police commandos acting on a tip killed one
militant and arrested five others Sunday in a raid against a bombing
cell accused in recent attacks around the northwestern Pakistani city
of Peshawar.
Police said they encountered fierce resistance when they stormed the
compound in the village of Kaka Khel near Peshawar, the largest city
in the northwest and the main gateway to the Afghan border region
where many al-Qaida and Taliban are based.
Militants have carried out a wave of deadly attacks in and around
Peshawar in apparent retaliation for an army offensive in the tribal
area of South Waziristan.
Three suicide jackets as well as a number of bombs, grenades, rocket-
propelled grenades and other weapons were seized from the compound,
regional police Chief Liaquat Ali Khan said.
He said one suspect was killed and five others arrested following a
gunbattle that lasted more than two hours. A search operation for more
militants continued in the area, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of
Peshawar.
The militants were suspected of involvement in recent bombings and
other attacks not only in Peshawar but in Islamabad and its sister
city of Rawalpindi, Khan said, declining to be more specific.
Police have been on high alert since Friday's bombing-grenade attack
in Rawalpindi that left 37 people dead, including several senior army
officers.
Pakistani security forces also killed five militants, including a
prominent commander identified as Gul Maula, in a shootout in Swat
Valley, the site of an offensive this summer.
Maj. Mushataq Ahmed, a military spokesman, said the fighting occurred
in the Dangram area where the militants were spotted trying to sneak
through the mountains into the region's main town of Mingora.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, center, and Army Chief
Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, left, attend funeral prayer for an army
officer, who was killed in the Friday's suicide bombing in a mosque,
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A Taliban suicide
squad targeted Pakistani military officers and their families praying
at a mosque close to army headquarters in a gruesome display of the
militants' ability to strike at the center of power. (AP Photo)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkiMxbHNH0BqgpWA2ZG6VD6wVTmAD9CDMIIG1
Sid Harth
By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Published: December 5, 2009
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — These are emotional times in Pakistan,
particularly since President Obama told its leaders last week to fight
harder against Islamist extremists, and expanded a deeply unpopular
covert air strike program in Pakistani territory.
After Mr. Obama’s speech at West Point, newspapers and talk shows here
were full of heated commentary that those demands would push Pakistan
further toward disaster. “Approval of increasing drone strikes in
Pakistan,” blared one headline. “A very difficult time is approaching
for Pakistan,” a former foreign secretary intoned on television.
Some of the feeling is not hard to understand. Who would want another
country using missiles against targets in one’s own? But there was
something else, an anti-Americanism whose depth and intensity I could
not fully grasp. So to find out where Pakistan’s head was, I sought
help from one of the country’s top psychiatrists.
What I got was not so much an explanation as an illustration, in all
its anger, of the embittered language in which a great many Pakistanis
discuss their relationship with America — living proof of just how
different America’s understanding of Pakistan is from its own view of
itself.
“The real terrorists are not the men in turbans we see on Al Jazeera,”
said the psychiatrist, Dr. Malik H. Mubbashar, vice chancellor of the
University of Health Sciences in Lahore. “They are wearing Gucci suits
and Brit hats. It’s your great country, Madam.”
I asked him to spell it out. “It’s coming from Americans, Jews and
Indians,” he said. “It’s an axis of evil that’s being supervised by
you people.”
This is not such an unusual view in Pakistan, even if the tone was
particularly harsh. At 62 years old, Pakistan is something of a
teenager among nations, even in its frame of mind — self-conscious,
emotional, quick to blame others for its troubles.
It was born in 1947, in a bloody, wrenching partition from India in
which hundreds of thousands were killed. That traumatic event left
deep scars on the psyches of both nations, and locked the countries
into a perilous rivalry in ways that foreign observers often fail to
understand.
But while India closed itself off, eliminated its feudal system and
developed its economy, Pakistan kept a corrosive system of feudal
privilege and went through decades of political upheaval. And India
still looms large in Pakistan’s collective imagination.
“We didn’t heal very well after the partition because we didn’t deal
with it,” said Ishma Alvi, a psychologist in Karachi.
So it is natural that Pakistan’s security concerns focus much more on
its eastern border with India, where the rivalry over who controls
Kashmir festers, and less on its western border with Afghanistan — a
smaller, weaker country that Pakistan has traditionally been able to
influence.
It is that focus that Americans now insist that Pakistan change, and
it is not irrational that Pakistanis are resisting. Pakistan and India
have fought three wars (or four, depending on who’s counting) and
India maintains a large force along its border. India has also poured
money into Afghanistan, raising hackles on this side of the border.
These are facts that Pakistanis like Dr. Mubbashar believe the United
States willfully ignores as it single-mindedly pursues its own
interests, as it did in the 1980s when it was confronting the Soviets.
Washington now sees the Taliban and Al Qaeda as the biggest threat in
the region, and is exasperated that Pakistan sees things differently.
“There is a clash of narratives,” said Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s
former ambassador to the United States.
Being a diplomat, Ms. Lodhi speaks in a low key. But not Dr.
Mubbashar, whose brand of patriotism may sound paranoid to an
American, but is shared by many Pakistanis. He asserted that the
American security company formerly known as Blackwater, a favorite
target of criticism for ultranationalists, rented a house next to his,
and that its employees had been trying to lure his servants with
sweets, alcohol and “McDonald’s food every Sunday.”
Conspiracy theories are pervasive in Pakistan, and Ms. Alvi offered an
explanation. They are a projection, she said — a defense mechanism
that protects one’s psyche from something too difficult to accept.
“It’s not me, it’s you,” she said. “It’s a denial of personal
responsibility, which goes a long way to cripple our growth.”
In recent months, Pakistan has begun challenging the Islamist
extremists on its border and the extremists have directed bombings
against Pakistani citizens and institutions. Even so, Pakistan’s
powerful news media aggressively trumpet the conspiracy theories,
which are consumed by anyone who picks up a paper or turns on a TV.
But there are exceptions, and I stumbled upon one in the most unlikely
of people, the elderly father of a young jihadi. A retired telephone
operator living in a working class area of Islamabad, the man blamed
his son’s ways not on India or America, but squarely on the Pakistani
groups that lured him.
He spoke in the broken, bitter manner of a father who had lost his
son, but went out of his way to tell me that foreigners, whatever
their faith, would always be welcome in his home. “Islam treats
foreigners according to their wishes,” he said, sitting cross legged
on the floor of a bare room. “It’s not what these people say — killing
them or asking others to terrorize them,” he said contemptuously of
the militants. “We must treat everybody equally. Christians, Jews,
Muslims.”
Pakistan recently has begun asking hard questions about who it is. The
freeing of the news media seven years ago, as unruly as it is, opened
the floodgates. Musicians and artists are wrestling with Pakistani
identity in new ways, and self-awareness is growing.
“Our healing is recent,” Ms. Alvi said. “Before, we were very confused
about who and what we were.”
But she said there is still a long way to go.
“A giant step forward would be to take responsibility,” she said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/weekinreview/06tavernise.html?ref=weekinreview
Sid Harth
PTI Tuesday, December 8, 2009 21:16 IST
Peshawar: Two government employees were injured when the vehicle they
were travelling in was targeted with a roadside bomb in Pakistan's
troubled northwest today.
The blast occurred at Dapak Mandakhel area of Lakki Marwat district in
North West Frontier Province, police said.
There was confusion about the department for which the two injured men
worked.
Police said they were employees of a fertilizer company while other
reports said they worked for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission,
which has several installations in Lakki Marwat, including a uranium
mine.
Both men sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby
hospital.
The windows of the vehicle were shattered by the blast. Police
cordoned off the area and collected evidence.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Militants have carried out a series of audacious attacks on government
installations and civilian targets since the army launched an
operation against the Taliban in South Waziristan tribal region in
October.
Terrorists today targeted Pakistan's powerful ISI for the second time
in less than a month as suicide bombers struck its office in eastern
Multan city detonating their vehicle packed with up to 1,000 kg of
explosives, killing at least 12 people and injuring 47 others.
The attack in Multan follows the suicide bombing at a crowded market
in Lahore last night that killed 54 people. Another suicide bomber
blew himself up outside a court complex in Peshawar yesterday, killing
10 people.
chhotemianinshallah
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
धर्म निरपेक्षता
Before I get into this post, let me make some things clear. This post
is not for people with a dichotomous thinking pattern; not for people
who believe things based on their own perception without actually
knowing the truth and certainly not for the prejudiced. This article
is not for or against anyone. This article is for free thinkers who
are willing to get the facts right before jumping into conclusions.
This post doesn’t contain baseless allegations against any political
party nor is it going to discuss the achievements and scandals of the
BJP or Congress party. This post will address some misconceptions &
possible reasons for the misconceptions and will tread along the thin
line of neutral thought in a highly biased and dichotomous political
world.
India being the largest democracy in the world has countless political
parties in every nook and corner of the country. But on a national
scale, only two parties, BJP and Congress exist. They may have some
similar economic, foreign and taxation policies but let’s keep that
aside for the moment and concentrate on one ‘alleged’ difference
between them – BJP is communal and Congress is secular.
What does secular mean anyway?
Secular means not specifically relating to a particular religious body
and communal (note that its communalism and not communism, both are
entirely different) means of relating to a specific community.The
definition seems pretty clear but the basis on which the political
parties in India consider them as secular and branding others as
communal, well that isn’t as plain as the definition. This article
will attempt to rip down that basis to its barest parts and analyze it
from the ground up so that you would know how this allegedly communal-
secular divide came into existence in the first place.
Let me walk through a set of oft-quoted reasons that contribute to the
communal tag of the BJP. Its time for the stereotypes to be broken and
get the real facts.
1
Hindutva – This is the mother of all the reasons. The word ‘Hindu’ in
hindutva is more than enough to associate the ‘communal’ tag with the
BJP. A little history first. The term Hindutva was coined by
V.D.Savarkar, a freedom fighter. Hindu Nationalism is often used
interchangably with Hindutva although the essence of Hindutva was
“cultural nationalism”. What’s the difference anyway? Well Hindutva
doesn’t advocate Hindu superiority and persecution of other faiths –
Instead it adresses people of other faiths such as Muslims,
Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and the Parsis as culturally Hindu
although they are religiously different. In simple words, though we
are all separated by faiths, we are united by culture.
Hindutva doesn’t compromise unity in diversity. Its just a means of
rekindling pride among the people for sharing the common heritage of
India. Culturally same is just one of the tenets. Just like any of the
philosophies like socialism, capitalism or communism, it also looks
for evolution of society with the its overall well being the main
surmise. Or in other words, it forms a synergy between mankind and
society with ’social well being’ as the whole. One of the main
proponents of Hindutva, M.S.Golwalkar believed that, quote –
“India’s diversity in terms of customs, traditions and ways of worship
was its uniqueness and that this diversity was not without the strong
underlying cultural basis which was essentially native. The Hindu
natives with all their diversity, shared among other things the same
philosophy of life, the same values and the same aspirations which
formed a strong cultural and a civilizational basis for a nation”.
And again the term ‘Hindu natives’ is not people belonging to Hinduism
but people who made India their home, for whom India is the native
place irrespective of any class, creed or religion That’s what
Hindutva also propagates, and it signifies gratification for being
part of the “unity in diversity” ideology.
Yet, Hindutva hasn’t been accepted by many mainly because of the word
‘Hindu’ in it. What may be called ‘Bharatva’ is being called
‘Hindutva’ because it was the word Hindu that gave India its identity
and in this sense, Hindutva is strictly a cultural and civilizational
concept and definitely not religious or political. But still there is
something in the word ‘Hindutva’ that doesn’t appeal to a large mass
of people in our country. Well I would like to shift gears now and
(just for the sake of comparison) and talk about ‘Jihad’. The
utterance of the very word and you have people associating it with
terrorism, bombs and militants. That the essence of the word ‘Jihad’
is completely façaded.
“Jihad is either a personal struggle within oneself to become a better
Muslim or a true holy war,a war which is governed by strict rules and
declared only by legitimate Koranic authority in defence of Islam”[1].
2
Association with RSS and Sangh Parivar – Let’s get this straight. The
BJP is nothing but the political arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS). If it wasn’t for the RSS, there would be no BJP. Now
these organizations are always in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Any attack on places of worship of minorities is attributed mostly to
the Sangh Parivar. That leads us to wonder, is it what they do? And
many people presumably admit that they have nothing else to do except
attacking minority places of worship. Truth cannot be farther away
from that because the Sangh Parivar does a host of humanitarian
activities[1a] they can brag about. Unfortunately, they don’t brag it
and consequently all that goes unnoticed. The RSS is credited with
helping relief works as back as 1962, during the Indo-China war for
which the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru invited a contingent of
the RSS to take part in the Republic Day parade of 1963. RSS also
played a crucial role in the accession of Portuguese ruled areas like
Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli[1b] in to the Indian union. Any
calamity and you can bet RSS will be one the first organisations in
helping with relief works. So the question of what job they do is
answered but I still can’t figure why the attacks on temples in Mysore
(April 2009), Ahmedabad (August 2008) and more recently the attack on
Ganesha pandal in Miraj town (September 2009) and many such incidents
isn’t reported by the mainstream media. May be it can’t create that
sensation that the media loves to create. Fortunately, it can’t
control the Internet and a little Googling will get you all the
information you want. I don’t support attacks on places of worship but
am just contemplating on how biased the media is. I think I’ve found
the missing link. A Google search on “who owns the India media” will
give you a considerable number of results and if the information is
true, then the bias of media is self-explanatory. You don’t need to be
rational but common sense would do.
3
Babri Masjid demolition – Do we need any other reason for branding the
Sangh Parivar (including BJP) as communal? They demolished the mosque
on the pretext of assuming that a temple dedicated to Ram stood there.
Sounds like a pretty good reason but there was no ‘assumption’ – there
was ‘evidence’ – not just one but several from reports of the
Archaeological Survey of India as recent as 2001 to as old as a book
written in the early 19th century by none other than the Grand
Daughter of Aurangazeb. A more detailed account can be found in the
book Hindustan Islami Ahad Mein(India under Islamic Rule) by Maulana
Abdul Hai, a renowned Islam scholar and Historian. But that doesn’t
grant the Sangh Parivar any authority to demolish the mosque and it
was a political motive by which only BJP was benefitted. Absolutely
yes. But on close examination one would know that the BJP wasn’t the
only party to politicize this sensitive issue. Almost all political
parties pounced on this to declare themselves as secular. You can be
sure that vote-gathering in the name of Babri Masjid demolition is
still prevalent. The Samajwadhi Party and Bahujan Samajwadhi Party
have left no stone unturned in raking up this issue. When Laloo Prasad
Yadav arrested Advani in 1990 in Bihar, he not only won the hearts of
the Muslims of his state but also formed the famous MY factor (Muslim-
Yadav votebank) which helped him till the last assembly elections.
Looks like the Congress is the only one to be deserted. Well on short
term, yes it was because the Congress was ruling at the centre during
the demolition and it could have averted that. The failure of Congress
in doing so angered Muslims in UP who switched loyalties to the SP. In
the long term however, the Congress made sure that this issue could be
used to uphold its secular credentials and it did help them a lot in
every election campaign. The recently tabled Sachar committee report
tells of various shortcomings of the government and the plight of
Muslims remaining backward for 60 years and the Congress party is busy
bragging about its so-called secular credentials. You may find this
advertisement interesting.
I forgot to tell you. The SP is now demanding that Babri Masjid be
reconstructed at the disputed site[2] – Yup they can do that. They are
secular, remember? And no you can’t demand a temple to be constructed
there because that’s communal.
Maybe Mr. Mulayam Singh forgot that many people want communal harmony
there and so that’s why some Muslim Imams have advocated building a
Ram temple[2a]. That explains why many Muslim groups ‘slammed’[3]
Mulayam’s proposal to build a mosque.
The bottom line is that you can demand a mosque and be secular but if
you demand a temple (even if some people feel it will promote communal
harmony) then you cannot be secular. Isn’t that hypocrisy?
4
Gujarat riots – I strongly condemn any act of violence. One cannot
deny the fact that Gujarat riots were indeed one of the darkest events
in Indian history. Talking of history, as far as I can remember the
Gujarat violence started when four coaches of the Sabarmati express
was burnt and one of the coaches which was completely burnt was
occupied by Kar Sevaks. The burning triggered the violence and
everyone knows what happened after that. The issue is sentimental and
sentiment gives the media a free hand to sensationalize and that’s
exactly what they did. On the day the Godhra incident happened, there
were reports of violence in that town. The English news channels were
so focused on covering the violence and weaving stories out of it that
it trivialized the shoot-on-sight orders handed out by the higher
authorities.[4]
The Gujarat riots were always reported to be one-sided. The victims
were Muslims and attackers were Hindus and as many as 2000 Muslims
alone were killed in the state-sponsored violence which saw the whole
of Gujarat burning down. These were all reports worked up by the
English media during the time of riots. If the Gujarat riots were
really one-sided, then the allegations of the media were also one-
sided as even today one cannot find the mention of the Godhra incident
but only of the Gujarat riots. All this had come down to things being
separated into black and white as discussing Godhra incident is
communal but the riots, that’s secular discussion. There were graphic
reports that displayed pictures of violence in local Gujarati
newspapers that fanned the flames of violence. People need to exercise
caution in separating fact from fiction and not give in to emotions
and sentiments in the wake of such violence.
Saurashtra and Kutch account for one-third of Gujarat and there were
no reports of violence from those areas. We cannot claim the violence
was one-sided throughout the riots because the areas such as Naroda
Patiya, Gulmarg Society, Naroda Gram, Sadarpar were Hindu dominated
while Himmatnagar, Danilimda, and Sindhi Market were minority
dominated. These are not allegations but only excerpts from the news
article published by India Today in 2002[5] [6]
The Gujarat police force faced the wrath of the public and more
accusations came from the media which alleged that the police were
giving a free hand to the attackers. On the contrary, the police did
their job, though their effectiveness may be disputed. The same
contention can be turned on the media because when the Godhra incident
happened, the police were put on red alert and as many as 70,000
policemen were deployed across the state.[7] There was deployment of
rapid action force, the CRPF on February 27th itself[8] and shoot on
sight orders issued, curfew imposed in as many as 26 cities and of
course the army was called in on February 28th itself.[9]
All that said, the official death toll tabled by the UPA government
was not 2000 Muslims alone but 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus which
doesn’t include the Godhra incident but only the Gujarat riots.[10]
One has to accept the fact that the unofficial death toll will
certainly be higher but terming the incident as a genocide and
premeditated action against minorities is a over generalization
statement derived from reductionism and not from deductions.
Post violence, the BJP won the Gujarat elections but was accused of
using of this sensitive issue as a poll plank, reinforcing its
communal tag. In the 2005 assembly elections in Bihar, Jharkhand and
Haryana, RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav declared that the Godhra report
(interim report of Banerjee commission) would form part of his party’s
election plank.[11][12] In case you’ve forgotten, the RJD is a
‘secular’ party and discussion of such sensitive issues doesn’t make
them ‘communal’. Isn’t that double standard? Looks like that doesn’t
have any significance, when secularism is self proclaimed.
5
Varun Gandhi episode – This was the most hyped, reported, debated and
sensationalized news in 2009, second only to the Swine flu outbreak in
India. I can still remember the debates in NDTV and CNN-IBN and other
TV news channels playing the role of prosecutors rather than
journalists. Anyway on March 6th 2009, at a meeting in Dalchand, the
BJP candidate from Pilhibit was alleged to have made a speech
containing hate verses against the minority community. The Election
Commission was quick to serve him a notice. The UP government on its
part slapped the National Security Act (NSA) under which a person can
be put behind bars up to 1 year, if he is deemed a threat to the
nation’s security. Varun alleged that the CD was doctored but some
excerpts from his speech has hatred and communal content.
“If any person lifts a hand against Hindus, or thinks they are weak,
there is nobody behind them, then I swear on the Bhagavad Gita that I
will cut off that hand”
Wasn’t this enough for the media? Well another excerpt from a speech
made by D. Srinivas, the President of Andhra Pradesh Congress
Committee.
“I’ll sever hands of those who point a finger at the hands of the
minorities”[13]
Do you find any hate in his words? I don’t. The congress is secular,
remember?
Srinivas claimed he was a “true secularist” and that his speech was
meant to discourage communal disharmony, not to instigate communal
violence. Congress spoke person Manish Tiwari said -
“Congress stands to safeguarding secularism. If he has used such
words, I would say it’s a wrong choice of words” [13].
Wrong choice of words?
To be fair, the election commission did issue a notice to Srinivas and
the media reported it, but it wasn’t debated or sensationalized nor
did the media play the role of prosecutors in this case.
Then what about this statement by Imraan Kidwai, chairman of the All
India Congress Community (Minority Cell), when he said that if he had
the power, “[he] would issue a fatwa asking Muslims to abstain from
joining the BJP”.[14][15] He didn’t stop there and went on to add that
Muslims shouldn’t vote for the BJP for it would amount to
‘kufr’ (infidelity/blasphemy) for which he was issued a notice by the
Election Commission.[15a]
Does the wrong choice of words statement appeal here also? Wait a
minute; I forgot that the Congress was secular. Problem solved. I
don’t find any communal statement here, do you?
Talk about secularism, you can’t forget to mention the communists. But
the CPI (M) have an alliance with the party floated by Abdul Nasser
Madani, one of the accused in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts which
killed 60 people[16][17]. He was however acquitted, publicly denied
all types of fundamentalist activities, and proclaimed himself to be
secular.[18] Yeah you read that right, he proclaimed himself a
secular, so what’s wrong if the CPI (M) forge an alliance with him?
They are secular too, right!
Reality check – The secular credentials of Congress
1
1984 Anti Sikh riots – First things first, this was not a riot at all
because riots happen (mostly) between two groups. This was a pogrom
directed against the Sikh community as a revenge for the assassination
of Indira Gandhi by her own body guards. The official death toll in
and around Delhi alone was 2733.[19] There were as many as ten
investigative commissions, the recent being the Nanavati commission in
2005 that inquired into the incident but many of the prime accused
were either acquitted or not even charge-sheeted. Worse, some of the
accused went on to become MPs and even ministers, who were from the
Congress party. As with any riots, it is normal for leaders to condemn
the incidents. But the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was a little
different when he said -
“Some riots took place in the country following the murder of
Indiraji. We know the people were very angry and for a few days it
seemed that India had been shaken. But, when a mighty tree falls, it
is only natural that the earth around it does shake a little.”[20]
It may be natural if a calamity struck but a planned act of vengeance
isn’t natural.
2
Uniform civil code – Article 44 of our constitution states “the state
shall endeavour to secure the citizen a uniform civil code throughout
the territory of India”. But we are not governed by uniform civil code
but by personal laws which are in place since the British Raj. The
personal laws differ for people of different faith for the same matter
of concern. The people who wrote the constitution had a vision of a
united India and were of the opinion that a uniform civil code would
pave way for unity. The ‘secular’ parties claim that the UCC will
deprive the religious freedom of minorities. This is another shallow
argument because implementation of the UCC requires some changes in
the personal laws of both the majority and the minority communities.
There will be always opposition from the conservative sections
whenever a change in their personal law is enforced. When the Hindu
personal law underwent some changes, the conservative sections did
oppose it. However the change was for the better. The reason for
opposition of the UCC by the conservationist section of the All India
Muslim Board is fear that their religious freedom will be deprived.
However the people from the Muslim board fail to recognize that their
strong opposition to any changes in the Muslim personal law is being
used against them. They consider it as a defeat when they pave way for
changes while sections of people who demand UCC consider it as their
own victory when UCC is implemented. This has given rise to a deadlock
situation. The self proclaimed secularists make maximum use of this
dead lock and have caused further divide among people in the name of
religion. That doesn’t end there – the secularists used this as a
weapon for dividing the almost non-existent communal-secular divide as
parties which support Uniform civil code are communal (no wonder BJP
is communal) while the ones who oppose it are secular. A law of land
laid down for uniting people is being used to feed the communal-
secular divide. WTF!?
The implementation of UCC is still difficult because Article 44 is one
of the directive principles, meaning they cannot be enforced by the
court but by the State as one of the fundamental laws for the
governance of the country. Even the apex court can only express regret
at the state for not implementing the UCC. Given the various problems
at hand, the implementation of UCC is difficult but not impossible.
First of all, a change in approach is needed as the implementation of
UCC is not a question of victory of the majority over the minority but
the triumph of the constitution in bringing people together. Change of
approach is to be backed with awareness and agreement between people
of different faiths after dialogues.
Implementation of UCC was present in the manifesto of BJP. We all know
what a manifesto is for. On a serious note, even if BJP had won the
2009 general election, it couldn’t have implemented UCC just like that
because the Janata Dal United (JDU), one of the key partners in the
NDA, had strongly asserted that their party won’t allow BJP to make
radical changes like this one.[21]
The Congress party has said that a uniform civil code will not be
implemented[22] even though the supreme court on numerous occasions
has expressed its favour for implementing it.[23]
The ground reality is that there are sections of people and parties
who oppose UCC plainly because of two reasons:
The BJP being communal (in their own definition) is pushing for UCC,so
that’s communal too.
UCC is communal not because of the changes it demands in personal laws
but because the BJP demands it.
Sounds stupid, right? But that’s the truth. If implementation of UCC
is to materialize then people need to stop buying these stupid reasons
and arguments.
3
The infamous Shah Bano case – This was one of the most controversial
lawsuits in our country and it also paved way for the then Congress
government headed by Rajiv Gandhi to pass the Muslim Women (Protection
of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. What happened was that, Shah Bano
[24] a 62-year old woman was divorced by her husband by ‘talaaq’,
meaning a man can divorce his wife by saying the word
‘talaaq’ (divorce) in front of two witnesses (neither of the two need
to be the concerned wife). Unable to support herself and her two
children, she approached the court and after seven years the Supreme
Court invoked section 125 of code of criminal procedure and directed
the husband to pay alimony. But this was against the Muslim personal
law and the conservationist Muslims opposed it while feminist groups
welcomed the judgement. At a time like this the then Prime Minister
Rajiv Gandhi nullified the Supreme Court judgement and passed the
Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act which empowered the
magistrate to order the women’s close relatives to pay for her support
or the state waqf board in the absence of close relatives thereby
relieving her husband to pay the alimony only for the period of iddat
[25] and not forever. The act does sound fair though it seems like
Rajiv Gandhi bends slightly in the side of orthodox Muslims but you
cannot call that as appeasement because he cited this gesture as an
act of secularism. Yeah secularism is a broad framework, it can
encompass appeasement of conservative sections of minorities but the
appeasement of conservative sections of a majority community is
communalism. The secular framework is so broad but still it has no
room for appeasement of the people belonging to conservative sections
of majority community. But why? Ask the self proclaimed seculars, they
will come up with another ridiculous reason.
4
Article 370 – This section needs a little help from history. I promise
I’ll keep it short. What is India today was a collection of princely
states and it was Sardar Vallabhai Patel who integrated these princely
states with the then British India and cemented the foundations of
modern India. At that time, Kashmir was ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh
and chose to remain independent. But in 1947, Pakistan tried to annex
Kashmir by force which prompted the Maharaja to hurriedly accede
Kashmir to India[26] and in the process, gave the political authority
to Sheikh Abdullah (founder of National Conference, Kashmir’s biggest
political party). India came to the rescue of Kashmir and waged a war
against Pakistan and ultimately a ceasefire was signed in 1949.
Kashmir was to accept the constitution of India and as a method of
fastening, the Integration Article 370 was passed in 1950 as a
temporary part of transition. Even our first Prime Minister,
Jawaharlal Nehru had commented that Article 370 will gradually erode
and as Kashmir was only a temporary settlement as Kashmir but as time
progresses, the integration would be complete. The purpose of Article
370 was to help in smoothing the integration. So what does the article
say anyway? Well it summarizes the following.
Firstly, Jammu & Kashmir state is one of the states of India.
Secondly, none of the provisions of the Constitution of India
including fundamental rights shall apply to the state unless assented
to by the constituent Assembly of the state to be formed.
Thirdly, no law passed by the Parliament even in respect of matters
with reference to which only the Parliament can pass laws under the
constitution, shall apply to Kashmir unless assented to by the
government of the state.
Fourthly, The President may by order specify that the provisions of
Article 370 may cease to apply to the state of J&K but no such order
shall be issued without the approval of the constituent assembly of
the State.
The implications of Article 370 are very varied. The simplest being
the government of India cannot enforce any law in Jammu & Kashmir
without the approval of the state government. The union government can
have its say only in matters related to defence, external affairs and
telecommunications. Heck you cannot hoist the national flag alone in
any part of Kashmir without hoisting the state flag. Well that doesn’t
seem to bother us. Another implication of the Article 370 is that the
people of Kashmir have dual citizenship, one as an Indian citizen and
another of that of Kashmir. The property laws of Kashmir prohibit any
citizen outside the state to own any land or property in Kashmir.
Let’s face it, we are not affected by Article 370 by any means. But
the original inhabitants of the Kashmir valley, the Kashmiri pandits
were forced to leave their land owing to terrorism and are living as
refugees in their own land. Now the act of driving out the Kashmiri
Pandits was labelled ‘ethnic cleansing’. Now that brings us to another
question – Why are the Kashmiri pandits, comprising mainly of Hindus,
are specifically targeted by terrorists. I’m not saying that residents
of Kashmir are not affected by terrorists. There are even reports of
armed personnel targeting villagers of Kashmir. But my argument is to
how can the atrocities against Kashmir pundits be called ethnic
cleansing, while other such incidents are termed as riots and pogrom?
Ethnic cleansing is euphemism; the real term should be Anti-Kashmir
pundits riot or Kashmir pundits massacre. That said, the real reason
is that Article 370 is a hurdle preventing the return of Kashmiri
pundits to their homeland. The whole point of talking about Article
370 is that the debate over strengthening and abolishing it has been
watered down to include the communal-secular divide with the parties
lining up against the abolition as secular and the other side as
communal. Can you believe it? Article 370 is a sensitive issue and any
changes regarding abolition and maintaining it is to be handled
carefully and not used as an instrument for debating the secular and
communal traits of parties.
I leave the conclusion part to you. But still I would like to say a
few words. The plain fact is that the secular-communal divide that you
hear almost always in the media, newspapers and of course form self-
proclaimed seculars are more of a myth than reality. There is no
absolute division as such but an invisible bridge that is reinforced
by fallacies and allegations that contain little truth. Every party is
secular in their own definitions and creating further divisions by
condemning the BJP as the communal by other ‘secular’ parties is
unfortunate. I reckon it isn’t enough for people like Edvige Antonia
Albina Maino,Raul and Bianca just to change their names to Sonia
Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to proclaim their secular
credentials. And adding Gandhi to their surnames wouldn’t make them or
their party any more secular. So is the case with BJP – just because
their ideology is based on Hindutva, it doesn’t make them communal as
such. True secularism just doesn’t exist in Indian politics and its
time people realize that the communal-secular divide is not so ‘great’
after all.
By the way, the comment section is moderated; Free speech – Yes. Hate
– No.
References
[1]-The Afghan, Frederick Forsyth, Page 22.
[1a]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtriya_Swayamsevak_Sangh#Relief_and_Rehabilitation
[1b]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_of_Dadra_and_Nagar_Haveli
[2]- http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sp-renews-call-for-babri-masjid-reconstruction/543034/1
[2a]- http://i45.tinypic.com/120ow95.jpg
[3]-http://www.indianexpress.com/news/muslim-groups-slam-sp-for-raking-
up-babri-issue-calls-it- opportunist/543609/
[4]- http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020228/main1.htm
[5]- http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20020415/states.html
[6]- http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2002/03/02/stories/2002030203050100.htm
[7]- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/1386341/Hindus-massacred-on-blazing-train.html
[8]- http://www.mid-day.com/news/2002/feb/21232.htm
[9]- http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2002/03/01/stories/2002030103030100.htm
[10]- http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=46538#compstory
[11]- http://news.indiamart.com/news-analysis/controversy-over-rai-8702.html
[12]- http://us.rediff.com/election/2005/jan/20cec.htm
[13]- http://ibnlive.in.com/news/varun-virus-spreads-cong-leader-talks-hate/89659-37.html
[14]- http://www.in.com/news/current-affairs/bjp-files-complaint-against-imran-kidwai-of-congress-minority-cell-8489739-63749-1.html
[15]- http://www.webnewswire.com/node/450189
[15]-http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/28/stories/2009032861041200.htm
[16]- http://www.indianexpress.com/news/terror-accused-mahdani-most-valuable-ally-for-left-cong/9248/0
[17]- http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/cpi-ms-new-ally-in-kerala-pdps-maudany_100169643.html
[18]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Nasser_Madani
[19]- http://www.massviolence.org/The-1984-Anti-Sikhs-pogroms-in-New-Dehli?cs=print
[20]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_anti-Sikh_riots#Rajiv_Gandhi.27s_remarks_and_later_apology
[21]- http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=354757
[22]- http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-107701780.html
[23]- http://news.indiamart.com/news-analysis/society-supreme-cour-1054.html
[24]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Bano_case
[25]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iddat
[26]- http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/documents/harisingh47.html
Posted by Sandeep at 11:37 PM
http://burads.blogspot.com/2009/12/b-efore-i-get-into-this-post-let-me.html
bademiyansubhanallah
Posted 07:56 PM ET
Police have detained 5 men from the Washington, D.C., area that U.S.
officials suspect were planning to join a terror group. The men were
picked up in a raid on a house in the eastern province of Punjab. One
of the men left behind what investigators believe was a farewell video
message, in which he talks about defending Muslims and shows images of
U.S. casualties
http://traffic.outbrain.com/network/postfr.jsp?agent=blog
bademiyansubhanallah
By Sudarsan Raghavan
Thursday, December 10, 2009
SANAA, YEMEN -- The Yemeni American cleric at the center of
investigations into last month's massacre of 13 people at Fort Hood,
Tex., became more openly radical in Yemen, following a path taken by
other extremists in this failing Middle East nation with a growing al-
Qaeda presence, according to relatives, friends and associates in
Yemen.
In interviews, they said Anwar al-Aulaqi, 38, blamed the United States
for 18 months he spent in a Yemeni jail, a little-known chapter in the
cleric's life that some described as a key path in his
radicalization.
Aulaqi, who was born in the United States and spent time in Yemen as a
child, left for Britain in early 2002 after he drew scrutiny from U.S.
authorities. The United States alleges that Aulaqi was a spiritual
adviser to three of the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackers while he was a
prayer leader at the Dar al-Hijrah mosque in Falls Church and at a
mosque in San Diego.
An examination of some of Aulaqi's sermons and lectures, as well as
interviews conducted here, shows that he increasingly began to
publicly endorse violence as a religious duty after he returned to
Yemen in early 2004, completing his transformation from an imam who
condemned the Sept. 11 attacks to an Internet preacher who views
Americans as legitimate targets.
Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, who has been charged in the Fort Hood shootings,
first contacted Aulaqi by e-mail last December. U.S. authorities
intercepted some of the e-mails, but no threat was perceived. The FBI
has declined to comment on Aulaqi, citing an ongoing investigation.
After the Fort Hood attack, Aulaqi issued a statement calling Hasan a
"hero." In an interview later with a Yemeni journalist, Aulaqi denied
that he had ordered or incited Hasan to carry out the attack but said
Hasan considered him a confidant.
Aulaqi's path to radicalization, at first, appeared unlikely. The
Aulaqis' descendants were sultans who once ruled what is now Yemen's
southern province of Shabwa, home to the ancestral village where
Aulaqi now lives with his wife and five children. Aulaqi's father,
Nasser al-Aulaqi, is a former president of Sanaa University and
agriculture minister.
While in Yemen during his childhood, Aulaqi studied in a secular high
school in the capital, Sanaa, along with children from other elite
families, before returning to Colorado in 1991 to attend college, said
a close relative in an hour-long interview. The relative spoke on the
condition of anonymity to avoid harming his family's efforts to
persuade Aulaqi to become moderate.
He said Aulaqi was an avid swimmer who enjoyed deep-sea fishing. His
ambition was to become a college professor, focusing on finding ways
to address water shortages in Yemen, the relative said. Like many
Arabs, the relative said, Aulaqi was angered by the U.S. assault on
Iraq in the first Persian Gulf War but didn't show signs of
radicalization afterward.
"He was very moderate. He was always against al-Qaeda ideology," said
the relative, adding that Aulaqi's contact with the hijackers was a
"coincidence."
After Sept. 11, Aulaqi grew frustrated and felt targeted by U.S.
authorities, the relative said.
"Sept. 11 changed a lot of Muslims," the relative said. "And the
invasion in Iraq in 2003 made him even stronger in his beliefs."
U.S. authorities have alleged that Aulaqi had become radicalized while
still in the United States, before the Sept. 11 attacks, but they
never found evidence to detain him.
Beginning in 2002, when he left the United States for Britain, Aulaqi
lauded Palestinian suicide bombers on a Web site and in lectures
attended by ultraconservative Muslims. He spoke at fundraising events
hosted by Cage Prisoners, a rights group in Britain, but did not
incite violence or express support for al-Qaeda, said Moazzam Begg, a
former Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detainee who heads the group. "He
wouldn't have been so popular if his message was not moderate and
across the board," Begg said in a phone interview from London.
In early 2004, Aulaqi returned to Yemen. At a lecture at Sanaa
University, he spoke eloquently about Islam's role in the world. He
railed against U.S. policies in Iraq. He denounced Israel, according
to those present at the lecture. But he stopped short of calling for
violent jihad.
"He was not inciting us to use arms," recalled Adil al-Howlari, who
now works as a journalist for the United Nations. "He was talking
about how to use English to spread Islamic values."
Aulaqi eventually took classes and lectured at Iman University in
Sanaa. The university is led by Sheik Abdul Majeed al-Zindani, an
influential religious figure whom U.S. officials have described as
Osama bin Laden's spiritual leader and placed on a list of global
terrorists.
The university has a reputation as an incubator of radicalism. John
Walker Lindh, an American who fought with the Taliban, is a former
student. Other students allegedly took part in numerous attacks.
Aulaqi's relative said the cleric had given four lectures at the
university about Islam's role in medieval Spain.
By 2006, Aulaqi's influence had widened into the world of terrorism
through his Web site and Facebook page, even though most Yemenis had
never heard of him. Starting that year, investigators have found
Aulaqi's sermons downloaded on the computers of suspects in nearly a
dozen terrorism cases in Britain and Canada.
In mid-2006, Yemeni authorities arrested him. Aulaqi was accused of
inciting attacks against a man over a tribal matter involving a woman.
Aulaqi denied the allegations in an interview with Begg last year and
accused the U.S. government of pressuring Yemen to keep him locked
up.
In that interview, Aulaqi said he spent the first nine months in
solitary confinement in an underground cell. Around September 2007,
FBI agents interrogated him about the Sept. 11 attacks and other
issues, Aulaqi told Begg. Although he wasn't physically abused, Aulaqi
said, a U.S. Embassy legal attache swore at him. He was never charged
and was released in December 2007.
Yemeni officials have declined to comment.
After his release, Aulaqi's stance on using violence for jihad grew
more forceful. Last December, he penned a letter calling for fighters
and financing for al-Shabab, the Somali Islamist movement with ties to
al-Qaeda. And this January, he published an essay titled "44 Ways to
Support Jihad." It called, among other things, for Muslims to stay fit
and train in weapons to fight on the battlefield.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/09/AR2009120904422.html?waporef=ak
bademiyansubhanallah
Call for tolerance comes with a caution on displays of religion
By Edward Cody
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
PARIS -- Faced with swelling unease over the place of Muslim
immigrants in France, President Nicolas Sarkozy called Tuesday for
tolerance among native French people but warned that arriving Muslims
must embrace Europe's historical values and avoid "ostentation or
provocation" in the practice of their religion.
Sarkozy's appeal, in a statement published by Le Monde newspaper,
reflected concern that a government-sponsored debate on France's
"national identity," sharpened by a recent referendum banning minarets
in neighboring Switzerland, seemed to be contributing to expressions
of anti-Muslim sentiment and generating resentment among Muslim
citizens and immigrants.
"I address my Muslim countrymen to say I will do everything to make
them feel they are citizens like any other, enjoying the same rights
as all the others to live their faith and practice their religion with
the same liberty and dignity," he said. "I will combat any form of
discrimination.
"But I also want to tell them," he continued, "that in our country,
where Christian civilization has left such a deep trace, where
republican values are an integral part of our national identity,
everything that could be taken as a challenge to this heritage and its
values would condemn to failure the necessary inauguration of a French
Islam."
Sarkozy said he understood the fears of many native French at the
growing visibility of Muslims. France has Europe's largest Muslim
population, estimated at well over 5 million. That, he said, is what
led him to propose the national-identity debate managed by Eric
Besson, the minister of immigration, integration and national
identity.
"This muffled threat felt by so many people in our old European
nations, rightly or wrongly, weighs on their identity," Sarkozy added.
"We must all speak about this together, out of fear that, if it is
kept hidden, this sentiment could end up nourishing a terrible
rancor."
Dismissing criticisms from leftist figures and some members of his own
government, Sarkozy said the Swiss decision Nov. 29 to ban
construction of minarets arose from a democratic vote and, instead of
outrage, should inspire reflection on the resentment felt by Swiss
people and many other Europeans, "including the French people."
Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner had said he was "a little
scandalized" by the Swiss vote and suggested it "means a religion is
being oppressed." Intellectuals in the Paris chattering class took
their criticism further, suggesting the Swiss vote betrayed bigotry
and isolationism.
But Xavier Bertrand, head of Sarkozy's political coalition, the Union
for a Popular Movement, seemed to indicate that a referendum like the
one in Switzerland would be a good idea for France. In an appearance
before reporters, he questioned whether French Muslims "necessarily
need" minarets for their mosques.
Bertrand's stand, and Sarkozy's entry into the controversy Tuesday,
were seen against the background of regional assembly elections in
March, in which the governing coalition is seeking to make inroads
into provincial Socialist Party strongholds. The extreme-right
National Front, which could drain votes from Sarkozy's party, openly
applauded the Swiss decision and said minarets -- towers beside
mosques from which the faithful are called to prayer -- should also be
banned here.
Along the same lines, members of parliament from Sarkozy's coalition
introduced a bill this month giving mayors the authority to ban
foreign flags at city hall marriages, aiming at Algerian, Moroccan or
Tunisian flags that often accompany the weddings of immigrants'
children. Similarly, a mayor from the government majority complained
recently that, in his city hall, weddings more often are accompanied
by Arab-style ululating than polite applause.
While urging Muslims to avoid ostentation and provocation, Sarkozy
avoided specific comment on another test soon to be posed for his
government, this one over whether Muslim women should be allowed to
wear veils that cover their entire faces. Although only a small number
do so, a parliamentary commission has held three months of hearings
and is expected to issue a report next month proposing legal
restrictions.
The president has said publicly that "the burqa has no place in
France," placing his opposition in the context of women's rights. But
since then, a number of political leaders have suggested that the
French constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, would make
legislating on the question difficult no matter what the angle of
attack.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/08/AR2009120802018.html
bademiyansubhanallah
12/9/2009 10:18 PM ET
(RTTNews) - Two state-run schools in Pakistan's restive northwestern
Khyber tribal region, where troops are conducting operations against
the militants, were blown up by suspected pro-Taliban militants early
Wednesday morning.
The boys' high school building in Bara sub-division of Khyber Agency
was blown up with large quantities of dynamite planted around the
outer walls by the militants. The blast also destroyed a nearby
primary school but no one casualties were reported in the attack.
Shafeerullah Wazir, the top administrative official of Khyber
district, blamed both the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam for this
despicable act.
Bara town, located 12 miles (20 km) south of Peshawar, the capital of
the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), has witnessed a wave of
terrorist attacks and suicide-bombings over the past few weeks by
Islamist fighters avenging military action.
Since last year, Taliban militants, who oppose co-education, have
blown up hundreds of schools, most girls in Swat valley of the NWFP.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: contact edit...@rttnews.com
http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1152907&SMap=1
chhotemianinshallah
Posted by Explorer at 5:12 PM
Source: ET
10 Dec 2009, 0510 hrs IST, ET Bureau
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday found indications of
‘forceful’ religious conversions under the garb of ‘love’ in the
state, and asked
the government to consider enacting a law to prohibit such ‘deceptive’
acts. “Under the pretext of love, there cannot be any compulsive,
deceptive conversion,” the court said.
Justice KT Sankaran of the Kerala High Court made this observation
while dismissing the anticipatory bail applications moved by two
people accused of participating in activities of ‘love jihad’,
allegedly involving converting girls from other religions to Islam
after enticing them to marry Muslim boys.
After perusing the case diary in ‘love jihad’ cases, justice Sankaran
concluded that there were indications of forceful religious
conversions.
From some of the police reports, it was clear there was a ‘concerted’
effort to convert girls of a particular religion to another with the
“blessings of some outfits”, he said.
This should be of concern to people at large and government was bound
to protect the fundamental rights of citizens, the court said, and
asked the legislature to consider enactment of law to prohibit
compulsive conversion of religious faiths. Any use of force for
propagation of religion was illegal and may cause law and order
problems, justice Sankaran observed.
Quoting statistics, the court said during the last four years,
3,000-4,000 religious conversions had taken place after love affairs.
According to reports by special branch of police, fundamental outfits
like National Democratic Front (NDF) and Campus Front have roots in
college campuses in various cities, it said.
As per available information, the plan was to ‘trap’ brilliant upper
caste Hindu and Christian girls from well-to-do families.
Though there was no evidence so far to show ‘love jihad’ has
operations all over India, it was said the programme was started in
1996 with blessings of some Muslim organisations, the court observed.
The court had earlier dismissed the anticipatory bail applications of
Shanshah and Sirajuddin, two youths who had eloped with girls
belonging to Hindu and Christian religions.
http://www.terrorismwatch.org/2009_12_01_archive.html
chhotemianinshallah
Balochistan: Pakistani security forces raid New Kahan
Balochistan: Pakistani security forces raid New Kahan, army perparing
for an operation in Makuran region
Quetta: Several Pakistani security personal armed with latest weapons
have raided New Khan Quetta ‘a Marri Baloch populated area’ on Tuesday
evening. According to independent sources and Balochistan national
newspapers the Pakistani security forces started a house –to – house
search operation in the areas.
The Baloch Women Panel said in a statement that Baloch women and
children were forced to stay out of their houses in the cold
‘temperature in Quetta dropped to minus 4’ for several hours. Their
houses were searched and door of many house have been broken by the
security officials. The BWP alleged that the Pakistani officials have
looted people houses and took valuables. The statement also claimed
that the FC and other security personal misbehaved with Baloch women
and children.
The BWP said that people in New Kahan have not been provided with any
basic facilities of medication, clean drinking water and electricity
and on top of it the government keeps on raiding the area. Last year
during such a raid an innocent Baloch woman Gull Naz Marri was killed
and 26 others were injured. Several people have been abducted from New
Kahan who are still missing, said the BWP.
The Women Panel spokesperson Mehr Jan Baloch said that it is a shame
that on one hand Pakistani rulers talk of the packages and
negotiations on the other hand operation against innocent people is
still going on in Kohlu, Dera Bugit and other areas. She said it was
sad that the International Community and International Human Rights
Organisation were silent on such atrocities of Pakistan government in
Balochistan.
She urged the UN, and other Human Right bodies to take notice of the
going on massacres in Balochistan and put pressure on Pakistani to
halt the military operation against Baloch people.
It has been reported that Pakistani FC and other law enforcement
agencies have intensified their activities in Mand, Dasht, Turbat and
some areas in Gwader. Fresh forces have arrived in Mand and Thump
yesterday evening.
Local people have reported that fighter plan and helicopter gunships
have been seen flying in Gwader and Mand. There is a mounting fear
among the residents of these areas that the Pakistani forces might
start yet another military operation in the region.
Posted by Naxal Watch at 12:05 AM
http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/12/balochistan-pakistani-security-forces.html
chhotemianinshallah
AfPak apparition: Baloch people are paying a very real price for a
videogame war
The AfPak apparition
The Baloch people are paying a very real price for a videogame war on
a phantasmagorical land
Kamila Shamsie guardian.co.uk,
Tuesday 8 December 2009 22.00 GMT
Someone in the American government has been reading Borges. This would
explain the creation of a fantastical place called AfPak which
occupies the same place on the map as the nations of Afghanistan and
Pakistan. AfPak has much in common with the shared border region of
the two countries – the same topography, the same militants with their
perverted form of Islam, the same distrust of central governments. But
there are distinctions. AfPak is, after all, an abbreviated place, so
it takes all the complex realities of Afghanistan and Pakistan,
ignores some, distills others – and in so doing, distorts the picture.
And of course, the strategies drawn up about AfPak are carried out in
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
To say that AfPak distils complex realities is not to imply that AfPak
itself is without complications. It is one entity but in two parts.
One part has "good Taliban", with whom US officials are willing to
enter into discussions; the other part has only "bad Taliban", who
must be "taken out" by military force. One part is approached via
troops on the ground; the other via unmanned drone attacks.
But now it seems troops on the ground are being considered for Pak as
well, unless the Pakistan government, already locked in battle with
the Taliban, also takes on the militants who have fled Afghanistan for
Pakistan. The fact that expanding the Pakistan army's remit might
cause an even greater escalation in suicide bombings is not,
presumably, germane to AfPak strategy. But surely there's a lesson
about opening up too many fronts, even in AfPak world?
Or perhaps all this talk of US escalation is just laying the
groundwork for increasing the scale and scope of drone attacks. This
videogame form of warfare – press a button in Langley! Kill a
terrorist in AfPak! – is at present confined to the tribal regions of
"Pak".
A senior US official recently claimed the drone attacks have killed
400 terrorists and only 20 civilians in Pak. This forms a sharply
contrasting picture to the reality of Pakistan, where figures reported
by both local and international press have placed civilian deaths in
the hundreds. It appears the "Pak" to Pakistan conversion rate is
about 1:50.
The AfPak strategists now want to expand drone attacks to the province
of Balochistan, where many of the Taliban are allegedly based – having
unsurprisingly decided to flee the drone attacks in the tribal areas.
In the world of AfPak, Balochistan is the new safe haven, and so it
must be the new target. Of all the distilled and distorted complex
realities of Pakistan, this is among the most egregious.
The province of Balochistan has been at odds with the central
government of Pakistan since 1947. During the 70s, the Baloch
separatist movement – both secular and leftist – led to a five-year
military operation, ending with the withdrawal of the army and a
period of martial law. In the succeeding years, nothing was done to
seriously address the political and economic deprivation of the
mineral-rich province. Islamabad controls Balochistan's gas, coal,
uranium and other natural resources, but returns very little to the
province in terms of revenue or infrastructure. The Frontier Corps
(which the United States wants to "strengthen" as part of its AfPak
plans) is viewed as an occupying power; hundreds or, more likely,
thousands, of Baloch are among the "disappeared people" who, in the
last decade, have been picked up by intelligence agencies and never
seen again. It is no great surprise that there are loud demands for
provincial autonomy, and great anger towards the centre.
One of President Zardari's first acts was to apologise to the people
of Balochistan for all they have suffered at the hands of the state.
On 24 November, his government tabled a wide-ranging package of reform
for Balochistan. There is scepticism in Balochistan about the package,
but at least some kind of start has been made to the vital issue –
crucial to Pakistan's hopes of coming through its nightmarish present
– of making Balochistan feel a part of the federation, with a stake in
its future.
What might derail the process? The AfPak videogame. Whether the
Taliban or al-Qaida are welcomed in Balochistan under a "my enemy's
enemy is my friend" way of thinking or not does not alter the
desperate need to prevent bombs raining down. Given the battles being
fought between province and centre, how could the Baloch fail to see a
tacit complicity of the Pakistan military behind every drone?
Posted by Naxal Watch at 9:06 PM
http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/12/afpak-apparition-baloch-people-are.html
chhotemianinshallah
Daughter of Baloch disappeared, demand Asma Jhangir's Resignation from
HRCP
Sharry Qambar is 14-year-old daughter of disappeared Baloch. She
belongs to the Thump area of Makran region in Balochistan.
On March 14, 2007 her father Mr Whaid Qambar had been picked up from
Thump area by the law-enforcement agencies while Mr Whaid Qambar was
having picnic with his friend. After being kept in an unknown location
for more than a year the Military Intelligence finally conceded his
arrest and brought him to the court on the charges of drug smuggling.
On June 8, 2008 he was sentenced for 25 years in prison after brutally
tortured for 15 months. His family claims that Mr. Qambar is very ill
due the brutal torture and demanding Mr. Qambar be kept in an outside
hospital but the Jail authorities are declining him for the proper
treatment in an outside hospital.
The following letter was written by Sharry Qambar where she has
expressed her concerns over the visit by Ms Asma Jhangir the
Chairperson of Human rights commission of Pakistan to Quetta
Balochistan on October 2009.
To whom it may concerns:
My name is Sharee Qambar. I am writing this letter on behalf of
thousands of disappeared mothers whose sons and daughters were
forcefully abducted by the Army Authorities of Pakistan.The violation
of human rights in Balochistan and the silence of human rights
activists is totally appalling.On October 2009, Asma Jhangir visited
Quetta the Capital of Balochistan to investigate the gross human
rights violation and to raise the profile of disappeared Baloch
Political Activist. To us Baloch, Ms Asma Jhangir have always
outspokenly favored the Baloch cause and remained the champion of
Human rights violation in Balochistan. She was considered the last of
hope for the more than 8000 unfortunate disappeared Baloch political
workers. But alas, our feelings were let down by the Chairperson of
HRCP Pakistan. Instead of exposing the state terrorism and barbarism
unleashed by Pakistan Army on unarmed Baloch people Ms Jhangir made
mockery of Baloch peoples resistance against the Army of Pakistan. Ms
Jhangir declined to meet the mothers and sisters of disappeared Baloch
but took the liberty to ridicule the 8,000 disappeared Baloch. She had
the time to openly critcize the Baloch resistance against the Army of
Pakistan but she had no time to visit the Prison and Torture Cells
where Baloch detainees were kept in Prison under subhuman conditions.
She had no time to visit the mothers of detained Baloch prisoners who
are desperately waiting for their beloved sons to come home. Some
families of detained political workers even made a tearful request to
Ms Jhangir to visit those jails where their sons and daughters are
being kept illegally and being tortured mercilessly. Instead of
bringing the Human Rights Violation on agenda she bluntly stated that
she would not support the resistance for a free Balochistan and
angrily advised Baloch people that she would not help the Baloch if
they talk of independence of Balochistan.
After listening to Ms Jhangir, Baloch ask to the HRCP:
-if it is the stated policy of the Human Rights Organization to force
the oppressed people to accept the state sponsored oppressions and
tortures and give up the the struggle for just cause?
- if the call for independance by the oppressed people against a
tyrant state does qualify for a Human Right?
I demand on behalf of the Baloch nation to the International Human
Rights Organizations of the world to take serious notice of the action
taken by Ms Asma Jhangir and HRCP.
I also demand that Ms Asma Jhangir should immediately be removed from
the Presidency of HRCP due to her controversial and biased
performance.
If the above mentioned steps are not taken the trust on any other
Human Rights Organization by Baloch people will be abolished.
There is a slow genocide of Baloch Populace is being committed in
Blaochistan by Pakistan Army and its extension the notorious ISI and
MI.
Today every home in Balochistan is burning and the behaviour of
Chairperson of HRCP added further fuel in this fire by enforcing her
personal and political views on the already oppressed people.
Therefore, it is the humble request to all the Human Rights
Organizations of world to put pressure on HRCP to stand against the
slow genocide of Baloch nation in Pakistan.
SHAARI QAMBER BALOCH FROM TUMP MEKRAN BALOCHISTAN
Posted by Naxal Watch at 3:56 AM
http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/12/daughter-of-baloch-disappeared-demand.html
chhotemianinshallah
Govt.
New Delhi, Dec.9 (ANI): The Government on Wednesday released the
number of communal incidents in the country in the last five years,
which stated 2008 recording maximum number of 943 incidents in the
country.
There were 677 incidents in (2004), 779 (in 2005), 698 (in 2006), 761
(in 2007), and 943 (in 2008) as per government data released State
wise for last five years.
'To maintain communal harmony in the country, the Central Government
assists the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations in a
variety of ways like sharing of intelligence, sending alert messages,
sending Central para-military Forces to the concerned State
Governments on specific request including the composite Rapid Action
Force created specially to deal with communal situations, and in the
modernization of the State Police Forces. In addition, the Union
Government sends advisories in this regard from time to time. The
Central Government has also circulated revised Guidelines to promote
communal harmony, to the States and Union Territories in the month of
June, 2008,' stated Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay
Maken in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
'Further, the Central Government has introduced a Bill titled 'The
Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims)
Bill, 2005' in the Rajya Sabha to address various aspects of the issue
of communal violence,' added the reply. (ANI)
Sid Harth
Agencies
Posted: Dec 10, 2009 at 1622 hrs IST
London Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is a ‘billionaire’ having
massive empire across the world, the Supreme Court has heard during a
hearing, following which it has asked the National Accountability
Bureau (NAB) to submit a comprehensive record of 60 million dollars
allegedly kept by Zardari in Swiss bank accounts.
NAB Additional Prosecutor General Abdul Baseer Qureshi told the court
that an application, filed with the Swiss government, for the return
of 60 million dollars was withdrawn by former Attorney General Malik
Qayyum.
However, Qayyum has rejected the allegations, saying he has not
withdrawn the application.
In its written testimony submitted to the apex court, the NAB claimed
that Zardari, who was often referred as Mr.Ten Percent during his wife
Benazir Bhutto’s regime, owned homes and estates across the world,
including Britain.
According to the testimony, Zardari paid a whopping 4.35 million
pounds for the British estate in 1995.
It was then claimed that Zardari had built his own private polo ground
on the 350-acre estate and recreated the local village pub in one of
its suites, The Telegraph reports.
The report said that Zardari had amassed an eye-watering 876 million
pounds, mainly during his wife’s regime, in deposits and properties.
Apart from depositing 175 million pounds in Pakistan, he also has
million of pounds deposited in various banks of Britain, US, Spain and
France.
Meanwhile, Qayyum, who is considered as one of the main persons behind
the promulgation of the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinace
(NRO), has denied revealing the name of the person who had issued
directives to get Zardari’s Swiss accounts’ cleared from litigation in
foreign courts.
“Sorry, I cannot reveal the name of the personality who asked me to
submit the NRO copies before the Swiss court for the withdrawal of
cases on behalf of the Government of Pakistan,” Qayyum said.
It is pertinent to mention here that it is believed that the then
President General Pervez Musharraf or Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had
asked to clear Zardari’s Swiss bank accounts.
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Billionaire-Zardari-has-built-massive-global-empire/552548/
Sid Harth
Agencies
Posted: Dec 10, 2009 at 1929 hrs IST
Islamabad Pakistan on Thursday accused some world powers of enabling
India to pursue its nuclear programme to the detriment of regional
peace and stability and said it would take all possible steps to
protect its security interests.
World powers have a significant responsibility in ensuring peace in
the region but some of them had "contributed negatively in enabling
India to pursue its ambitious nuclear programme more rapidly to the
detriment of peace and stability in South Asia", Foreign Office
spokesman Abdul Basit said.
Though Basit did not name the world powers concerned, he was
apparently referring to the civil nuclear deal concluded with India by
the US.
Pakistan has for long insisted that it should be given a similar deal
by Western powers.
Pakistan will take "every legitimate step to protect its security
interests" and will not "compromise on maintaining a credible minimum
nuclear deterrent", Basit told a weekly news briefing.
He was responding to a question on the possible implications of
defence and nuclear deals concluded during Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh's recent visit to Russia.
Basit said Pakistan has a "legitimate interest in ensuring that the
strategic balance in South Asia is maintained under all
circumstances".
"This is all the more necessary due to jingoistic statements from New
Delhi about waging limited wars based on the dangerously naive cold
start strategy."
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/India-getting-help-to-purse-Nprog-fumes-Pak/552590/
Sid Harth
Agencies
Posted: Dec 10, 2009 at 1104 hrs IST
Islamabad Rejecting Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s claims about
having ‘concrete evidence’ regarding India’s involvement in terror
activities inside the country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood
Qureshi has said that evidence against New Delhi is not enough.
Talking to reporters in Islamabad, Qureshi said that while involvement
of foreign hands can not be ruled out, more evidence is needed to
‘plausibly argue’ that India is involved in fanning insurgency inside
Pakistan.
“The possibility that there are elements who want to destabilise the
country cannot be ruled out. But information received by us in this
regard, is insufficient. We need more information and material to
plausibly argue our case,” 'The Daily Times' quoted Qureshi, as
saying.
Earlier, Malik had claimed that the Interior Ministry has substantial
proof against India, and that it has been handed over to the Foreign
Office.
“Pakistan has concrete evidence of India’s involvement in fomenting
unrest in Pakistan and the evidence has been provided to the Foreign
Office to take it up with New Delhi,” Malik had told mediapersons on
Wednesday.
Sid Harth
Agencies
Posted: Dec 10, 2009 at 1603 hrs IST
New Delhi Pakistan has approached the US and other countries for
acquiring more sophisticated weapons on lease basis, Rajya Sabha was
informed on Thursday.
Minister of External Affairs S M Krishna in a written reply said
government has consistently drawn the attention of the US and other
countries to the need for proper benchmarks and accountability to
prevent the diversion of assistance provided to Pakistan for use in
its military build up against India.
He said the country has also stressed the need for constant vigilance
as also close monitoring of such assistance being provided.
Government closely monitors all strategic programmes in India's
neighbourhood and remains committed to taking all necessary steps to
safeguard the nation's security, the minister said.
To another question, Krishna said government expects Pakistan to act
with purpose against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack and also
unearth the wider conspiracy which motivated, planned and launched the
attack.
Sid Harth
Agencies
Posted: Dec 10, 2009 at 1433 hrs IST
Washington Linking the Kashmir problem with the Middle East conflict,
President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the US to demonstrate
"neutrality" and step up efforts to "mediate" on the issue between
India and Pakistan.
In an op-ed published in a daily, he also accused India of playing
destabilising role in the region and said that the perceived
"rhetorical" one-sided American policy often fuels conspiracy theories
in Pakistan.
"Public mistrust of the United States also stems from regional issues,
specifically policies concerning India. I know it is the conventional
wisdom in Washington that my nation is obsessed with India," he
wrote.
"But even to those of us who are striving toward accommodation and
peace, the long history and the unresolved situation in Kashmir give
Pakistanis reason to be concerned about our neighbour to the east."
Just as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute cannot be resolved without
accommodating the Palestinian people, "there cannot be permanent
regional peace in South Asia without addressing Kashmir," Zardari
said.
While welcoming the Kerry-Lugar bill under which his country gets USD
7.5 billion from America in the next five years, he said this is not
enough.
"This long-term commitment must be complemented by short-term policies
that demonstrate American neutrality and willingness to help India and
Pakistan overcome their mutual distrust. It could start by stepping up
its efforts to mediate the Kashmir dispute," he said.
Zardari said the "recent upset" in Pakistan over the Kerry-Lugar
legislation, which US President Barack Obama signed into law and which
requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on military and
civil progress in Pakistan, shows how sensitive many in his country
are to what they see as unfair treatment by the US.
"It would be helpful if the United States, at some point, would
scrutinise India in a similar fashion and acknowledge that it has from
time to time played a destabilising role in the region," he wrote.
In his article titled 'How to Mend Fences with Pakistan,' Zardari said
he along with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is working closely
with national assembly and military and intelligence agencies to
defeat the Taliban insurgency and the al-Qaeda-backed campaign of
terrorism.
"Simultaneously, we are pursuing policies that will re-establish
Pakistan as a vibrant economic market and finally address the long-
neglected weaknesses in our education, health, agriculture and energy
sectors. This isn't just rhetoric it is an active policy with new
budget priorities and a reoriented national mindset," he said.
"Over the last weeks I have moved forcefully to re-establish the
traditional powers of the presidency as defined in the parliamentary
model on which our Constitution is based. Our Constitution was
distorted and perverted by military dictators who usurped the legal
powers of Parliament," he said.
"In accordance with the manifesto of the Pakistan Peoples Party,
Zardari said, he is working towards strengthening the separation of
powers of the Presidency from those of the Prime Minister.
"Recently, I voluntarily handed back the chairmanship of the National
Command Authority that exercises control over Pakistan's nuclear
arsenal.
"Contrary to some of the commentary on the subject, this is not a sign
of weakness, but rather a demonstration of the vitality of Pakistani
democracy," Zardari said.
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Zardari-seeks-US-mediation-on-Kashmir/552533/
Sid Harth
10 Dec 2009, 0529 hrs IST, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the Justice
Ranganathan Mishra report, which has recommended 15 per cent quota for
religious and linguistic minorities in educational institutions and
government-sponsored schemes, would be tabled in Parliament during the
ongoing session.
Mr Singh’s assurance to the House came following an allegation by
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav that the report had been
leaked to the media without being submitted before the House.
“I have taken note of it. I assure that the report will be tabled
before the session gets over,” he said in the Lok Sabha.
The National Commission on Religious and Linguistic Minorities led by
justice Ranganathan Mishra, former chief justice of India, had
submitted its report to the prime minister two years ago, on May 22,
2007.
The government’s reluctance to table the report is understandable, as
the report would give a fillip to the controversial demand for the
reservation of minorities. The Commission has defined religious and
linguistic minorities as backward classes. In its report, the
Commission recommended 10 per cent reservation for Muslims and five
per cent for other minorities in educational institutions.
“In case there are not enough Muslim candidates to fill the 10 per
cent seats, the vacant seats should be offered to other minorities,”
the report has said, adding that in no case the reserved seats should
go to majority community.
It has also recommended that concessions in eligibility criteria given
to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should be given to the
minorities.
A decision is not easy given its repercussions on the Dalit
population, as well as the implications it will have on 50 per cent
ceiling on reservations.
Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed has been maintaining that
that quota on religious ground was not admissible under the
Constitution. The government is also against giving SC status for
Dalit converts.
bademiyansubhanallah
STAFF WRITER 19:42 HRS IST
Rajouri (J-K), Dec 10 (PTI) Favouring restoration of Indo-Pak
composite dialogue, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
today said the coalition government is committed to facilitate talks
between Centre and all sections of people in state to find a solution
to the Kashmir issue.
Addressing National Conference (NC) workers' conventions at Kotranka
and Mendhar in Rajouri and Poonch districts, Abdullah said "our
efforts are yielding results positively and the day is not too far
when people will see problems getting resolved across the table in an
amicable manner".
"We are in favour of Indo-Pak composite dialogue and want the internal
situation in Pakistan to settle soon and peace to prevail. We also
want the relations between two neighbours to improve fast with borders
remaining peaceful and trade and travel across the LoC expanding
further," he said.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/417774_Omar-favours-Indo-Pak-dialogue--expansion-of-trade
bademiyansubhanallah
STAFF WRITER 19:39 HRS IST
Paris, Dec 10 (AFP) Muslim men who force their wives to wear the full
Islamic veil should not be granted French citizenship, Justice
Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said today.
Wading into the debate over whether to ban the burqa, Alliot-Marie
said the government would await the recommendations of a parliamentary
panel considering possible legislation to bar Muslim women from
wearing the full veil.
But the minister went on to say that "there are a certain number of
basics on which we must stand firm."
"For instance, someone who would be seeking French citizenship and
whose wife wears the full veil is someone who would not appear to be
sharing the values of our country," she told LCI television.
"Therefore in a case like that one, we would reject his request," she
said
http://www.ptinews.com/news/417755_No-French-citizenship-for--burqa--Muslims--minister
chhotemianinshallah
Ashraf Wani
Srinagar, December 11, 2009
Five persons were injured after CRPF personnel opened fire on
protesters who had targeted one of its posts in Srinagar on Friday.
The CRPF post at Maisuma was attacked and set on fire during a
shutdown called by Hurriyat's separatist leader Syed Ali Gilani.
The shutdown was organised to protest against the alleged illegal
occupation of land by armed forces for camps and other installations
across the Kashmir Valley.
A group of protestors violated prohibitory orders and marched to Lal
Chowk in the heart of Srinagar. They first threw stones at security
forces in the area and then moved towards the CRPF post in Maisuma.
chhotemianinshallah
Afghanistan
In an interview, a jihadi talks about why state-sponsored militants
who once fought in Indian-controlled Kashmir are now joining the
Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Madrasa lessons: A child learns from an older student at a religious
school in Lahore, Pakistan. Some of the schools have become breeding
grounds for jihadis.
Newscom/File
.Enlarge Photos (1 of 2)
December 8, 2009
hafizabad and lahore, pakistan
Saeen Dilawar hadn't killed an infidel in years.
Like many of his friends from Pakistan's Punjab Province, in the 1990s
he rushed east to help the Army fight the Indians in Kashmir. When
government support dried up in 2002, he returned home to his quiet
farming town of Hafizabad.
But last summer, Mr. Dilawar found a new cause. This time he headed
west to join the Taliban, sneaking across the mountainous border to
Afghanistan to fight NATO forces.
"Unfortunately, I have not yet killed an American," he says. Shrapnel
from enemy shelling broke his left leg and sent him hobbling home, he
says.
In recent years, Pakistan has aimed its antiterror offensives at the
Taliban network operating in the remote northwestern tribal districts,
a largely ethnic Pashtun movement in an area that has long resisted
state rule.
But another militant threat is rearing its head in Punjab, Pakistan's
most populous province and its heartland; home to the country's
capital, cultural hub, and military headquarters. Once-dormant Punjabi
jihadists like Dilawar are beginning to link up with the Taliban,
supplying manpower in battles in the northwest but also bringing the
fight to Pakistan's center by carrying out attacks on their home turf.
Some 5,000 former Punjabi fighters have returned to combat as part of
what is being called the "Punjabi Taliban," according to Hassan Abbas,
a fellow at the Asia Society in New York. More young men could join,
spurred by radical madrasas, or religious schools, that dot the
province, advocating jihad.
Pakistan's government has shown reluctance to crack down on these
militants, many of whom were trained by the state to fight proxy wars
in Kashmir and Afghanistan. But militants are not showing the same
restraint for their onetime backers, as evidenced by a slew of attacks
in Pakistan this year.
The latest occurred on Dec. 8, when an explosive laden-truck blew up
outside a police check-post, killing 12 people. A day earlier, twin
strikes in a crowded Lahore market place killed more than 40 people,
mostly women and children, and last Friday a coordinated attack in a
Rawalpindi mosque also accounted for more than 40 lives, prompting
President Asif Ali Zardari to make a rare public appearance at the
hospital where the injured are being treated.
Attack on Pakistan's 'Pentagon'
In October, the so-called Punjabi Taliban claimed credit for a 22-hour
hostage raid on the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi that left 23 dead.
A few days later, a triple strike on an intelligence agency
headquarters and two police academies in Lahore brought life to a
standstill in the country's once-peaceful cultural hub.
"These militants were backed by both Pakistan and the United States in
the past. When they are left alone, some of them do go rogue,"
concedes a senior Pakistani intelligence chief who asked to remain
anonymous.
Sitting among friends at his neighborhood mosque in Hafizabad after
early evening prayers, Dilawar recalls his early days as a jihadist.
Fed a diet of jihadi fiction about injustice against the Palestinians,
he decided in 1992 to join Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the militant wing of a
mainstream religious party, Jamaat-e-Islami, which was sponsored and
trained by Pakistan's intelligence agency. His career, he says, began
under the command of infamous Islamist warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a
man now desperately sought by the US for his attacks in Afghanistan.
Dilawar participated in four sorties into Indian-administered Kashmir
before he was forced into "retirement" because the government dropped
its support for Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. He returned home, married, and
began to farm.
But "a true jihadi never retires," he is quick to emphasize. Dilawar
recalls with satisfaction how he abandoned his field and returned to
the front – this time in Afghanistan. "There is no feeling quite like
killing kaffirs [infidels]," he says, pointing proudly at the deep
scar from a shrapnel injury.
Dilawar's friend Akbar Ali Alvi, a former Jamaat-e-Islami official,
adds: "The war may be in Waziristan [a tribal district] and
Afghanistan now, but, God willing, we will bring it to the streets of
New York and Washington."
Once sponsored by US, Pakistan
Many Punjabi militant groups, which like Hizb-ul-Mujahideen were
founded in the 1980s and '90s, profess similarly expansive goals.
Others are dedicated to violence against Shiites or to battling Indian
forces in Kashmir. Some fought with the mujahideen in Afghanistan
against Soviet forces, (1979-89) with support from the Pakistani and
US governments.
Principal among these groups are Sipah-e-Sahaba, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi,
and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), based in the south of the province, and
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in the center.
After the US invaded Afghanistan in 2001, and Pakistan's then-leader
Gen. Pervez Musharraf pledged support for its "war on terror," the Pak
istani government was forced to ban some of these militant groups and
scale back its dealings with them, especially with JeM and LeT, which
had been used to conduct covert proxy wars with India.
But many groups continued to operate openly, and some established ties
with the Taliban and Al Qaeda. On Nov. 25, Pakistan indicted seven
alleged LeT members for involvement in the November 2008 terror
attacks in Mumbai (Bombay).
The US has repeatedly expressed concern about these groups and about
the Pakistani government's failure to rein them in. A recently passed
US aid program, the Kerry-Lugar bill, provides $7.5 billion in
civilian aid over five years – but it attached conditions that
Islamabad crack down specifically on JeM and LeT.
The Pakistani government may hesitate to target these groups because
it might be able to use them again someday as proxy fighters against
India or Afghanistan, and because it wants to avoid becoming their
next target.
"You sometimes have to tolerate the little things," says the Pakistani
intelligence chief. "We don't want to create a new Lal Masjid," a
reference to the violent backlash that resulted when the Army stormed
the extremist Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad two years ago.
Publicly, the Punjabi government has sought to play down the threat of
a "Punjabi Taliban." The province's law minister, Rana Sanaullah,
insists that organized terror does not exist in Punjab.
In an interview, a jihadi talks about why state-sponsored militants
who once fought in Indian-controlled Kashmir are now joining the
Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Privately, however, some officials admit deep concern. Jehanzeb Burki,
a key adviser on law and order to Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minister
of Punjab, says the government is taking the threat very seriously
"because they are targeting us."
Asked whether the government may be giving a free pass to militants
from Punjab who operate outside the country, he says: "As far as the
government of Punjab is concerned, our first priority is to deal with
those groups focused on Punjab itself."
Are madrasas breeding grounds?
Though much of the discussion on Punjabi militancy has focused on the
poorer, less-developed southern part of the province, evidence shows
that militants are being drawn from other parts as well.
The masterminds behind the Army headquarters attacks in October came
from Rawalpindi and Faislabad, in the north of the province, says
Ashar Rehman, Punjab bureau chief of Dawn, a leading English daily.
Suspects in other high-profile attacks – such as Ajmal Kasab, the lone
surviving Pakistani gunman of the Mumbai attacks – also came from
Punjabi areas outside the south.
Some of the madrasas spread across the region are fueling hard-line
views. Punjab is home to more than 6,000 of the country's 8,000
madrasas. With the help of funding – mainly from Saudi Arabia – they
have grown exponentially since Pakistan's independence in 1947, when
the number of madrasas nationwide was 137.
Only a handful of the schools are worrisome, and "not all students in
these madrasas will become fighters," says Mr. Burki, the government
adviser. "But some problematic teachers will keep an eye out for the
raw minds they feel they can work upon, perhaps two or three from each
batch."
At the Jamia Muhamaddia madrasa in Lahore, a school for 400 students,
young men undergo vigorous religious training in the Ahl-e-Hadith
doctrine, an orthodox strain of Islam imported from Saudi Arabia.
The school's principals, Khawar Rasheed and Hafiz Ata-ur-Rehman, deny
that their institution preaches war against America or intolerance for
other sects.
These claims seem to be contradicted by the school's monthly magazine,
Sawt-ul-Haq ("Voice of Truth"), which, on the subject of jihad, notes:
"God shows his wrath for those who shy from Jihad. Jihad is one of the
reasons God is kind to Muslims. They who deserve His mercy are they
who engage in Jihad."
Jihad can also refer to the internal struggle Muslims must undergo to
improve themselves morally.
But in the brochure, jihad seems to mean violence: "In this day and
age, Jihad has been incorrectly labeled terrorism and militancy. Our
rulers are trying to please the non-Muslims … on America's command."
Outside the madrasa, Asif, a teenager who joined the madrasa at age
11, contemplates his future. He wants to complete the remaining seven
years of his religious education.
Then, he says, "I will do the work of Islam, by fighting Islam's
enemies in Afghanistan and Kashmir."
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2009/1208/p06s20-wosc.html
chhotemianinshallah
Dec. 11: A senior al Qaida leader has been killed in a Predator drone
missile strike in northwest Pakistan, US officials said.
They told NBC News that the attack using Hellfire missiles had taken
place in the last few days. The officials said the target was not the
network’s Saudi leader Osama bin Laden or his Egyptian deputy Ayman al-
Zawahiri.
CBS news quoting an official today said it was a “major hit” whose
name will be “recognisable to many” when it becomes public. The report
also said that the commanders unnamed deputy was also killed in the
strike. “Normally we wait for the National Security Agency (NSA) to
study the area for 24 to 36 hours after a strike like this,” the CBS
quoted the official as saying.
The officials said they have to study the strike zone, and the
behaviour of the al Qaida operatives left behind to see either if they
hold a funeral for the suspected target or somehow move to replace him
to be able to confirm the identity.
The officials told the US network that the killing followed an
acceleration of operations targeting al Qaida leaders over the past
weeks.
Northwest Pakistan has seen a surge in US strikes, which fan anti-
Americanism in the nuclear-armed Muslim country, since President
Barack Obama took office. They have contributed to putting the country
on the front line of the war on al Qaida.
The government in Islamabad is under increasing western pressure to
not only target Taliban groups attacking Pakistan, but also al Qaida-
linked fighters and the militants who cross over the border and target
foreign troops in Afghanistan. Since August 2008, at least 65 such
strikes has killed around 625 people.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH AND AGENCIES
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091212/jsp/foreign/story_11854630.jsp
chhotemianinshallah
Washington, Dec. 11 (AP): A senior state department official said
today the US expects Pakistan to deport five young Americans detained
after they allegedly sought to join up with terrorist groups.
While Pakistani officials have said the men admitted trying to connect
with militant groups, an FBI note sent to American lawmakers said the
bureau has “no information linking them to terrorist organisations”.
The state department official said today that it is not yet clear
whether the five men may have broken any Pakistani or US laws during
their stay in Pakistan. The five allegedly told local investigators
they were trying to connect with al Qaida-linked militant groups.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091212/jsp/foreign/story_11854924.jsp
bademiyansubhanallah
Ads by Google
The New Af-Pak Strategy
Appraisal of the New US AfPak Strategy
www.politact.com/
Taliban in Pakistan:
Press Trust Of India
Washington, December 11, 2009
First Published: 17:31 IST(11/12/2009)
Last Updated: 20:16 IST(11/12/2009)
Five Americans arrested in Pakistan have been grilled by the FBI and
US security agencies and had tried to join terrorist groups linked to
Al-Qaeda intending to travel to the Taliban heartland in the country's
restive northwest.
Police officials said the five men were planning to strike "sensitive
installations" in Pakistan. All the five
were picked up with their laptops, maps and videos suggesting that
they intended to join extremist terrorist groups to fight US forces in
Afghanistan, media reports here said.
The five men were arrested on Wednesday in Sargodha, about 180
kilometres south of Pakistan's capital Islamabad,
and were all US citizens with origins in other countries, including
two Pakistani-Americans, one Egyptian-American and
two Ethiopian-Americans.
"They tried to contact jihadi groups in Pakistan through YouTube and
other websites," Sargodha district police
chief Usman Anwar was quoted by the media as saying.
"From the documents and maps that they were carrying, it appeared that
their destination was Miranshah, the main
town of North Waziristan tribal district. This indicates what
they were up to."
North Waziristan is where Al-Qaeda, Taliban and other militant groups
have carved out sanctuaries and training camps
in the hostile region outside direct government control.
chhotemianinshallah
By Griff Witte
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, December 17, 2009
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's Supreme Court nullified on Wednesday a
controversial deal that had given President Asif Ali Zardari and
thousands of other government officials amnesty from prosecution on
corruption charges, a decision likely to further weaken Zardari's
shaky hold on power.
The ruling could open the door to additional legal challenges against
Zardari. Although he still has immunity from prosecution under the
constitution, opponents plan to contest that by arguing that Zardari
is technically ineligible for the presidency.
The court decision comes as the United States pushes for an expanded
strategic partnership with Pakistan to help combat the growing threat
from Islamist extremist groups, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
The United States is sending 30,000 additional troops to neighboring
Afghanistan and wants Pakistan to step up efforts on its side of the
border to keep militants from finding refuge there.
But Zardari's ability to make decisions about the level of Pakistani
cooperation with the United States has been compromised by his
struggle to simply hold on to his job -- a task likely to be made more
difficult by the court ruling.
The ripple effects
The decision to overturn the amnesty deal had been expected, but the
17-member Supreme Court panel went further, requesting that Swiss
authorities open years-old corruption cases against Zardari that had
been set aside.
It was unclear whether the ruling Wednesday would have any bearing on
the decisions of the Swiss courts. Zardari is suspected to have
received millions in illegal commissions from two Swiss companies, and
he was convicted in 2003 on money laundering charges by a Swiss
magistrate. The conviction was later suspended. Zardari has denied the
allegations and has said they are politically motivated.
The Pakistani court's ruling had the immediate effect of reopening
cases against thousands of politicians and bureaucrats that had been
frozen under the amnesty deal. Four government ministers had been
protected under the amnesty. One, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, had
been convicted and may now be forced to appeal his conviction.
The amnesty deal, known as the National Reconciliation Ordinance, was
forged in 2007 as part of an agreement between former prime minister
Benazir Bhutto and then-President Pervez Musharraf. The U.S.-backed
deal allowed Bhutto and her husband, Zardari, to return to Pakistan
without facing prosecution over long-standing corruption allegations.
Bhutto was assassinated months later, and Zardari succeeded her as
leader of the Pakistan People's Party. After the PPP won elections
last year and Musharraf stepped down, Zardari became president.
President vs. the people
In the hearings leading up to the court's decision, the government had
not defended the unpopular deal. But the ruling is likely to be a
major distraction for the government as prosecutors dust off old
cases. The Supreme Court said it would establish a special commission
to ensure the cases are prosecuted vigorously.
Zardari spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the government would respect
the court's decision, but he reiterated that the president, by virtue
of his office, remained immune from prosecution under the
constitution. "We believe this does not affect the president of
Pakistan," he said.
Others had different ideas. Roedad Khan, a retired civil servant who
was one of the petitioners who had challenged the amnesty, said the
decision would "destroy" Zardari.
Khan called Zardari "a man who has looted and plundered this poor
country. Is there one law for Zardari and one law for the 160 million
people of Pakistan? No, there is one law for everyone."
Zardari is deeply unpopular in Pakistan, in large part because of
persistent rumors of corruption. He spent 11 years in prison in
Pakistan but was not convicted.
Still, opponents argue that he is not eligible for the presidency
because of the suspended Swiss conviction and because he fled Pakistan
rather than appear in court to face charges. Under the constitution, a
person convicted of a crime is ineligible to be president.
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, a veteran lawyer who argued that the amnesty
deal should be nullified, called the decision "a victory for truth"
and "a victory for the country." He predicted that "many public office
holders will be relieved of their services" because of the ruling.
Wednesday's decision deepens the divide between Zardari and the
Supreme Court, particularly its independent-minded chief justice,
Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry. The chief justice had been removed from
his job by Musharraf, and Zardari angered many lawyers because he took
months to reinstate Chaudhry.
In addition to facing judicial challenges, Zardari's weak civilian
government has had an uneasy relationship with the military, which has
run this country for about half its history. On a visit to Pakistan
this week, Gen. David H. Petraeus, chief of U.S. Central Command, told
Pakistani journalists that he saw no reason to think that the military
intended to seize power. Special correspondent Shaiq Hussain
contributed to this report.
LibertySpinner wrote:
Time to jail our puppets and get the money they misappropriated back.
Also what is so critical about Pakistan. Bet the Indians could take
the whole country apart in a flash and remake it as a functional
democracy.
12/17/2009 2:01:39 AM
Recommend (0)
Obama_TRAITOR_in_Chief wrote:
Thanks a lot Obama
12/16/2009 10:38:54 PM
Recommend (1)
vermaswarup wrote:
Partners in war on terror make strange bed fellows: US diplomats no
longer getting visas to travel to Pakistan.
'Pakistan has held up visas for U.S. diplomats, military service
members and others, apparently because of hostility within the country
toward the expansion of U.S. operations in Pakistan, a senior U.S.
diplomat said Wednesday.
American diplomats have also been stopped repeatedly at Pakistani
checkpoints as part of what U.S. officials say is a wider focus on
foreigners working in Pakistan. U.S. cars are searched, although
diplomats are told to open the trunk but to refuse access to the
passenger compartment.
The visa holdup is the latest tangible sign of the volatility of
official U.S.-Pakistani relations. The two nations have an improving
military relationship but mistrust and suspicion still shadow many
government interactions, including U.S. attempts to help Pakistan.'
This level of service for payment of Billion of Dollars?
12/16/2009 10:19:31 PM
Recommend (1)
Farnaz1Mansouri1 wrote:
Bad, bad scene in Pakistan. Really bad.
The worst I've ever known it to be. I just got off the phone with a
Pakistani friend whose about to fly back to Islamabad.
For the first time in his life (early fifties), he sees people keeping
indoors, afraid to go outside.
Overrun by corruption, Islamists, terrorists, held in the grip of
powerful families, landless men floating here and there, even chanting
Hate India, Hate Israel and "The Jews" isn't working.
Pakistan may fail. If it does, millions will suffer, and not only
Pakistanis.
12/16/2009 10:12:56 PM
Recommend (0)
ronin12 wrote:
Hmmmm!!
I Guess Indians are one of the most shameless idiots out there, who
will twist things to again prove how big of low lives they are. One
Great example of Indian progress, there are so many Indians wants to
come or wants to stay in USA that they ran out visa numbers, they have
to wait 8 to 10 years in order to be illegible to apply for Green
Card.Massive abuse of H1B visas, turning IT sector in USA into sweat
shops.They have corrupted UK health system by flooding their quacks
and ended up causing mess in NHS.Once they were kicked out of jobs
they started demonstrating on roads,Imagine Doctors demonstrating on
roads for jobs in a foreign country.If their freaking motherland is so
full of progress and opportunities, these "Pakora's would not have
flooded all western countries in droves.
Poverty,pollution,corruption,low moral and ethical standards are
hallmark of wonderland called India. How the hell in the world you can
live in a place 1/3rd the size of USA and 4 times the population.
Level of stench by so many people stacked in this size of country
would be awful.
Go figure!!
12/16/2009 9:49:35 PM
Recommend (1) Report
shovandas wrote:
So who is in charge of the country ?
12/16/2009 9:09:52 PM
Recommend (0)
probashi wrote:
India and Pakistan came into being in 1947 when Britain formally
relinquished power.
Even a cursory look at the two countries
today makes it clear that there is something wrong with Pakistan and
the people of Pakistan who tolerate such conditions.
India has made progress whereas Pakistan
has stepped backward. Until young, educated Pakistanis shake off the
hold
of archaic scripture-based laws and customs Pakistan has no future. It
is a pity.
12/16/2009 8:55:52 PM
Recommend (2)
clearthinking1 wrote:
A FEW FACTS:
Pakistanis have attacked Indians many times in only 60 years (All 4
wars lost by Pakistan).
Pakistanis have attacked Indians using terrorism for almsot 3 decades
(Sikh and Islamic terrorism since the 1980s).
Pakistanis have attacked Pakistanis (West on East - see genocide of
Bangladeshis).
Pakistanis have attacked Afghanis (using the Taliban).
Pakistanis have attacked Baluchis.
Pakistanis have attacked Pakistanis (Sunni vs Shiite)
Pakistanis have attacked Pakistanis (Muhajir vs Punjabis)
Pakistanis(born and raised in England) have attacked Londoners - some
habits die hard I guess.
Pakistanis have knowingly supported terrorist organizations like LeT.
Pakistani military and ISI are, in part, terrorist organizations.
Pakistanis cheered openly after 9/11.
India has had a Sikh Prime Minister, two Muslim Presidents, a female
President and female Prime Minister. Communists and Christians have
held positions of power and Ministerships. Arguably the most powerful
politician in India is an Italian whose children are Catholics. There
is no moral equivalence between the two nations.
Pakistan is a failed state. The main difference between Pakistan and
India is that there are no tolerant, peaceful Hindus left in Pakistan.
There is no tolerance left in Pakistan. There is no peace in Pakistan.
"Pakistan" was 40% Hindu at partition; now it is <1%. The people in
both countries may be nearly identical genetically, but what a
difference a good spiritual and philosophical system (Vedanta) can
make
12/16/2009 8:44:22 PM
Recommend (3) Report Abuse Discussion Policy
clearthinking1 wrote:
asifkh wrote:
"Hindus, you have no shame."
The people who should have shame are the ones supporting islamic
terrorism.
It's starting to sound like you are feeling sorry for yourself tough
guy. Pakis started 4 wars against India and lost, even with support of
UK & US. Now, the West is tired of your evil and duplicitious games.
So, stop supporting terrorism and start building a decent nation.
12/16/2009 6:53:20 PM
Recommend (3)
roberto3 wrote:
Does the Judiciary have the balls to call out the Army and former
military leaders to account for their dealings on a scale thousands of
times greater that their whacko president..? Naaawwwww!!
Wait..their budget is separate..it ain't the business of the rest of
the wakee-pakees..
12/16/2009 6:47:57 PM
Recommend (2)
clearthinking1 wrote:
The corrupt and criminal culture of Pakistanis only agrees on one
thing: support for islamic terrorists like Lashkar-e-taiba. Murder of
innocents makes them feel good and stronger?
Corruption, stealing, lying, killing is the main part of the sad show
called "pakistan".
No wonder the leaders of pakistan are chosen at meetings in London.
The country has become increasingly dysfunctional since
"independence", and it is more and more dependent on its white
colonial masters in UK and US for advice, money, and guns.
Pakis: if all you want is to be the servants and slaves of your white
masters, then be good servants and slaves. So far for 60 years you
have been beggars, servants, & terrorists for your British masters.
How has this helped ordinary Pakisstanis or really hurt Indians, who
you hate?
12/16/2009 6:19:00 PM
Recommend (1)
vaidyatk wrote:
There was a time when Nawaz Shariff was very unpopular with the
Pakistani people and his nemesis Musharaff was their apple of the eye.
The nation overwhelmingly supported Musharaf when he unceremoniously
removed Shariff and put him in Jail. Now, it is Zardari's turn to be
unpopular. If Zardari goes, Shariff can return and he will become the
center of unpopular decisions. If you are in power in Pakistan, it
doesn't take much time to become unpopular. The country is simply
ungovernable. The people are charged with Islamaphobia and sympathetic
to Taliban at the moment. They need some experience with a Taliban
government before Taliban becomes unpopular. The obsession with
relgion has eroded the confidence of the people in Pakistani nation. I
don't know how long the country will keep asking for aid from the USA
just to save their own country. The USA can keep paying the fanatics
to create more and more problems for this country in the middle of
recession and bleak economic outlook.
12/16/2009 6:04:34 PM
Recommend (0)
vermaswarup wrote:
The earlier slogan of Go Musharraf Go will now be replaced by Go
Zardari Go !
A period of even more turbulence is in store for Pakistan with even
more adventuristic acts...a nuclear state gone crazy !India watch out!
12/16/2009 6:03:40 PM
Recommend (0)
vermaswarup wrote:
With the political demise of Mr Zardari, the pak part of the Af -Pak
strategy of Pres Obama lies in tatters!What next? A de-fcto military
coup ?
As an indian I am happy that the cancer now called Pakistan was
separated from india by the British in 1947.
12/16/2009 5:52:27 PM
Recommend (0)
Heerman532 wrote:
Oh JOY!
Now we will get to read headlines EVERY DAY about how corrupt and
stupid the leaders of wackypackeestan are!
As if we didn't already freeking KNOW THAT!
12/16/2009 5:23:14 PM
Recommend (4)
asifkh wrote:
Hindus, you have no shame.
12/16/2009 5:20:29 PM
Recommend (1)
WindSong wrote:
The decision comes as the United States pushes for an expanded
strategic partnership with Pakistan to help combat the growing threat
in the region from Islamic extremist groups, including the Taliban and
al-Qaeda. The United States is sending 30,000 additional troops to
neighboring Afghanistan, and wants Pakistan to step up efforts on its
side of the border to keep militants from finding refuge there.
yeap and to think Islamic..Jew haters that Obama Was Bowing to as with
and or was try-ing to get Obama to not to send more trrops as to show
any more Support of Israel are finding out..He is sending more
troops...that means Obama can not Leave Isarel to the Wolves so to
speak as he was wanting ...as with the Talks over the land rights the
part of the Copehagen talks that is over the Water way rights that you
are not being told anythng about...Hey Obama You are Failing...
Other goods News
Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Iran Refined
Petroleum Sanctions Act by an overwhelming margin of 412-12. Our
Congressmen have spoken, and they have sent Iran a clear message that
there will be a steep economic price to pay for their illegal pursuit
of nuclear weapons.
Christians United for Israel has been a leading supporter of this
legislation. Through our visits to Capitol Hill and our e-mail action
alerts, we have made it clear to Congress that America's Christians
support tough economic sanctions against Iran. And Congress has
listened.
Congratulations to all of you who have supported CUFI in this effort.
This is an important victory, and you helped to make it happen!
Nehemiah told those helping him rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that
"the work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated
from each other along the wall. Whenever you hear the sound of the
trumpet, join us there." We heard the sound of the trumpet, and we
came together in action. Our efforts have been blessed.
Of course, our work is far from over. The bill moves next to the
Senate. We will be watching this legislation closely and will let you
know when we need your help to ensure that it passes the Senate by the
widest possible margin. And we will continue to provide you with other
opportunities to speak out against Iran's threats and aggression, such
as our petition to indict Iran's President Ahmadinejad for incitement
to genocide.
Thank you for your support of CUFI and Israel. Together, we are making
a difference.
Blessings to you and those you love.
Pastor John Hagee David Brog
National Chairman Executive Director
Christians United for Israel Christians United for Israel
12/16/2009 4:09:34 PM
Recommend (0)
TogetherinParis wrote:
Pakistan should realize that a good deal of leniency is involved in
leadership selection. In America, we have had a lecher president
before that a serial killer and presidential assassin (Bush I) and
after the guy who used date-rape drugs to rape hundreds of underage
teenagers (Bush II). With three felons holding the presidency
immediately before Obama, governing well obviously requires a little
give and take.
12/16/2009 4:05:32 PM
Recommend (4)
rcubedkc wrote:
Congratulations to Pakistan. Now only if our own Supreme Court would
do the same, all the crooks who plundered the American treasury by
lying us into the unnecessary and illegal Iraqi war could be flogged,
jailed, and then hanged. All their ill gotten wealth must be
confiscated and returned to the American treasury.
12/16/2009 3:20:18 PM
Recommend (5)
guru21 wrote:
-------------
The most corrupt..
-------------
The most corrupt entity in Pakistan is the Pak army.
Can the judiciary, which has so far upheld every army coup and
mangling of the constitution by the army, act againt the army ??
The answer is a big No.
This is just typical Pak political drama and a joke.
-----------------
12/16/2009 3:12:05 PM
Recommend (4)
guru21 wrote:
-------------
The most corrupt..
-------------
The most corrupt entity in Pakistan is the Pak army.
Can the judiciary, which has so far upheld every army coup and
mangling of the constitution by the army, act againt the army ??
The answer is a big No.
This is just typical Pak political drama and a joke.
-----------------
12/16/2009 3:12:05 PM
Recommend (4)
oba1 wrote:
The Pakistan Supreme Court has not only rejected a crook (Asif
Zardari) but also rejected the amnesty imposed on the poor Pakistani
nation by dictator Gen. Musharraf at the urgings of US and UK (read GW
Bush and his poodle, Tony Blair).
Some Pakistanis believe that some of the recent "terrorist" incidents
in Pakistan were the handiwork of Zardari goons to shift the focus
from the impending Supreme Court decision. In fact, the latest
incident was an attempt to blow up the house of Mr. Khosa, a senior
leader of the main opposition, PML-N party. After all, Pakistanis
expect anything from someone who has stolen some $1,8 billion of their
hard earned money.
It was a popular movement spearheaded by lawyers and intellectuals
that reinstated the judges fired by Musharraf, and the rest is
history. Let us hope that Pakistan continues on its path to stability
and peace. The restoration of justice will bring about a quantum
change in that country.
The US and world can only gain by supporting this reconstruction
process, and desist from dealing with crooks like Benazir, Zardari,
and Musharraf.
12/16/2009 3:03:18 PM
Recommend (3)
guru21 wrote:
-------------------------
Ingredients of Pakistani politics
------------------------------
1. Corrupt and all powerful Pak punjabi Mafiaso army.
2. Islamic Fundamentalist-army nexus
3. Bureucratic, parasitic official class.
4. Unprincipled, corrupt politicians.
5. Clownish, self-serving judiciary.
------------------------------
Yes you have it all.
12/16/2009 2:54:37 PM
Recommend (7)
a097646 wrote:
Finally the Supreme Court of Pakistan has come of age.
Congratulations.
All the crooks who plundered Pakistan should be flogged, jailed, and
then hanged .All theie ill gotten wealth must be confiscated and
returned to the Pakistani treasury.
12/16/2009 2:40:21 PM
Recommend (5)
vmitchell49 wrote:
Something, anything, to get this pitiful, sham of a wannabe nation
moving forward.
12/16/2009 2:14:21 PM
Recommend (8)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/16/AR2009121601911.html
bademiyansubhanallah
PTI Thursday, December 17, 2009 16:41 IST
Kochi: Soofiya Madani, wife of PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani, was
today arrested from her residence shortly after the Kerala high court
dismissed her anticipatory bail application, in connection with the
burning of a Tamil Nadu bus in the state in September 2005.
Soofiya was named as the tenth accused by the Kerala police recently
after the interrogation of suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba militant T Nazir,
who was picked up by the Bangladesh Rifles along with an associate,
and handed over to Indian security agencies.
Her arrest came as Justice KT Sankaran dismissed her bail plea stating
that, prima facie, there was evidence that terrorism took place, and
there were serious allegations against the petitioner of waging war
against the country.
Within minutes of the verdict, she was arrested and taken away amid
slogans raised in her support by PDP activists,
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_madani-s-wife-held-after-court-rejects-bail-plea_1324687
bademiyansubhanallah
CM: Minorities real strength of nation
Staff Reporter | New Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday stated that minorities
are also the real strength of the nation and she stressed upon
educational schemes of Central Government and State Government to be
utilised. Her Government will not have any dearth of funds for
educational schemes announced, she said.
Dikshit said that the education should be value based so as to build a
strong nation. She was speaking in a function organised by the Delhi
Minorities Commission in connection with UN Minorities Rights Day.
While lauding the efforts of this Commission, Dikshit said that the
Commission monitors the implementation of the policies and schemes of
the Government for the welfare of minority community effectively. The
Commission also conducts studies research and analysis in order to
make recommendations to promote socioeconomic upliftment of the
minority community by holding seminars debates and the discussions.
This Commission is third in success with Kamal Faruqui as Chairman and
Pushpinder Singh and Arnold James as Members have done their best to
reach to the people of minorities, according to a Press release by
Delhi Government.
Dikshit said that the Commission took a unique initiative in
association with the KVIC in creating mass awareness of Prime Minister
Rozgar Yojna regarding loans to minorities in the urban and rural
areas. She also wished Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the
participants. Further the Prime Minister has been taking keen interest
to ensure reasonable opportunities to the Minorities for their equal
and just empowerment. Prominent speakers representing different
communities Nem Chand Jain, Bishop Franko, Dadi E Mistry, Dr
Fakhruddin Mohammed and Baba Iqbal Singh also addressed the large
gathering.
Kamal Faruqui, Chairman of the DMC, raised the issues highlighted by
the prominent speakers and said that this Commission has tried its
best in finding solutions to the problems of the minorities. He also
referred to the PM's 15-point program implementation. James delivered
the vote of thanks. Pushpinder Singh, Member (DMC) conducted the
proceedings of the function. The Commission also presented the First
Copy of the Annual Report of the year 2007-08.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/223634/CM-Minorities-real-strength-of-nation.html
bademiyansubhanallah
Meanwhile Pakistan amends Baloch policy
Samuel Baid
It appears the Obama effect is compelling Pakistan to reconsider its
Balochistan position and discard Musharraf’s policy of using only
brute force; late November saw fresh initiatives taken by Pakistan’s
Parliament to work out a political solution
The 45-point package, approved by Pakistan’s Parliament on November 24
for Balochistan is an admission by the country’s elected
representatives that this province has suffered injustices which are
responsible for the present insurgency.
On the face of it, the package, called “Aghaaz Haqook-e-
Balochistan” (the beginning of the rights of Balochistan), reflects
the parliamentarians’ sincere desire to end Baloch alienation at any
cost. Some of the demands of the common Baloch are: withdraw the Army
from the province; produce the missing Baloch people; accept the
rights of the Baloch to the natural wealth of the province; stop work
at Gwadar Port and stop the construction of Army cantonment in the
areas of Dera Bugti and Kohlu, which are worst hit by Baloch
resistance.
Under the leadership of Nawab Akbar Bugti, the Baloch were demanding
their political and economic rights and due human dignity. An alliance
of four Baloch political parties, which met a Special Parliamentary
Committee, headed by ruling Quaid Muslim League Secretary-General
Mushahid Hussain in 2004, had, in addition to the above-mentioned
demands, wanted cases against Baloch political leaders and activists
withdrawn, general amnesty for those accused of anti-State activities
and stoppage of work on mega projects.
Hussain returned to Islamabad and wrote his recommendations, which, if
accepted, would have brought peace to Balochistan. But General Pervez
Musharraf, who was obviously inspired by the devastating affect of the
United States’ firepower used in Afghanistan and Iraq, decided his own
firepower to bomb the Baloch demands forever. He got Akbar Bugti and
his men killed in August 2006. Thus, a movement for political and
economic rights became a violent movement for separation of
Balochistan from Pakistan.
The present Pakistan People’s Party-led Government and
parliamentarians are trying to win over Sullen Baloch. Prime Minister
Yousaf Raza Gilani constituted a committee under the leadership of
Senator Raza Rabbani to visit Balochistan and make proposals for
ending the insurgency. The Baloch nationalists boycotted the visit
because, they said, the committee included only non-Baloch
nationalists. Thus, Senator Raza Rabbani’s
proposals, which he put in Parliament on November 24, had no support
from the Baloch nationalists.
Raza Rabbani’s proposals, which reportedly had the Army’s approval,
announced that the Army would be replaced in Sui district with the
Frontier Corps (FC) in Balochistan. This proposal sounds like a
revolutionary concession to the angry people of Balochistan. But, they
say, only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches: the Rabbani
Committee seemed to have overlooked Baloch resentment against FC, too.
According to them, both the Army and the FC are equally hostile to the
Baloch population.
The Rabbani Committee does not say how its proposal will remove the
Baloch complaints against the ISI’s activities such as quietly killing
Baloch leaders and activists and causing disappearances. It says a
committee, under a retired High Court judge will be appointed to
identify missing persons but it does not say how ISI’s anti-Baloch
activities will be stopped. ISI’s activities in Balochistan seem
beyond the oversight of world’s human rights organisations. A few
years ago, former Chief Minister of Balochistan Akhtar Mengal was
caught and put in a cage in Karachi for many days. Pakistan’s human
rights organisations protested, but within the constraints of
Musharraf’s military rule and a captive judiciary.
In April this year, three Baloch leaders who were consulting their
lawyers in their chambers in Turbat, were tied with ropes by alleged
ISI operatives and dragged out of the lawyers’ chambers like animals.
A week later, their mutilated bodies were found in a nullah. There
were prolonged agitations — to no avail.
Nawab Akbar Bugti’s campaign, for which he was killed, was not for
secession but economic and political rights. The province was very
irregularly paid royalty for its natural resources like gas much of
which came from Bugti’s fields. How irregular the royalty payment was
reflects in Parliament’s approval of paying Rs 120 billion as gas
royalty for 30 years from 1954 to 1992.
The Rabbani proposals, as recommended by Parliament, also promise to
compensate denial of political rights by giving Balochistan provincial
autonomy. This is a confusing promise. The 1973 Constitution already
provides for provincial autonomy. But in the past 36 years no
government has honoured this provision. The Rabbani proposals don’t
make it clear whether the Government intends to honour the existing
constitutional provision for provincial autonomy in respect of
Balochistan or give this province a special status. The latter choice
may invoke bitter opposition especially in Punjab where sixty years of
negative propaganda has given Baloch an image of traitors to
Pakistan.
The negative propaganda describes Baloch Sardars as exploiters who are
held responsible for the poverty of their people. The Bugti, the Marri
and the Mengal Sardars are called trouble makers. This propaganda,
which might have been designed and sponsored by the Army and its
intelligence agencies, claims the Baloch already have a government-in-
exile established by militants in 2005 with headquarters in Jerusalem.
According to this propaganda, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
has its headquarters in Kandhar where it has the support of RAW and
CIA.
The writer is Media Director, YMCA
http://www.dailypioneer.com/223675/Meanwhile-Pakistan-amends-Baloch-policy.html
bademiyansubhanallah
By MARTHA IRVINE and NAFEESA SYEED (AP) – 2 hours ago
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — There was a book left in a Pakistani hotel room
where five young men from Virginia were arrested, suspected of trying
to join Taliban forces. Called "The Pact," that book tells the true
story of three boys from a rough neighborhood and broken homes who
bond and eventually help one another through medical and dental
school.
"This is a story about the power of friendship. Of joining forces and
beating the odds," reads one snippet on the back of the book.
It is also a story with a happy ending.
But the saga of these five young men from Virginia — friends who grew
up together and attended the same small neighborhood mosque — has been
anything but that, quickly turning from one of promise to despair for
many of the family members and friends they left behind.
There is sadness in their tight-knit Muslim community, and anger.
These were young men who grew up with modest means, still living in
small homes and apartments with their families, but who, in at least
some cases, seemed as though they were on track to achieve good
things.
Some of the young men, who range in age from late teens to early 20s,
have been described by friends and neighbors as polite, quiet, even
kind. They went to public schools. Some were athletes.
Right up to the time they disappeared a few weeks ago, they regularly
attended prayer services at the mosque. Then two or three of them
would head to a nearby gym five days a week, "like clockwork," a gym
manager says.
At least two of them were in college. Umar Farooq — whose family ran a
computer business and whose home has a small nameplate on it that says
"geek" — was a business major at George Mason University. Another of
the five, the soft-spoken but charismatic Ramy Zamzam, had just
started dental school at Howard University. This past week, he
would've taken his first round of final exams.
Instead, he and his friends were sitting in jail cells in Pakistan,
not yet charged but suspected of trying to join militants who are
fighting U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
"We had such hope for them," says Mustafa Abu Maryam, the volunteer
youth coordinator at the Islamic Circle of North America mosque, a one-
story brick house tucked in a residential street in Alexandria, a
northern Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C.
While the mosque is traditional, with a curtain dividing men and women
during prayers, for instance, he and other leaders say they have
always rejected extremism.
But that may not matter in an age when just about anyone on the
Internet can connect with terrorists and where even young Muslims from
moderate families can get caught up in what some call "Jihadi cool."
These are "seemingly well-adjusted kids who are forming a subculture
of their own — namely, the Muslim under siege," says Saeed Khan, a
specialist in Islam who teaches at Wayne State University in Michigan.
It is a scenario that has played out in Britain more than once. And
some suspect it happened here, too, since one of the young men left a
farewell video that mixed war scenes and calls to fight for Muslims
across the world.
In this instance, Khan thinks the young men's close proximity to the
nation's capital also could have influenced them.
"They feel a certain helplessness that, despite this proximity, they
are disenfranchised from helping end the perceived violence against
fellow Muslims thousands of miles away," he says.
___
With the exception of one young man's father, who was questioned and
released by Pakistani authorities, the families have remained in
seclusion, though they are fully cooperating with authorities. Their
seclusion has, however, meant that details about some of the young men
have been sketchy at best.
Very little is known, for instance, about Aman Hassan Yemer, a young
man of Ethiopian descent who, at age 18, is the youngest of the five.
Meanwhile, for at least one other, Waqar Khan, signs of trouble-making
had begun to emerge.
Between December 2005 and March 2006, Khan, now 22, was arrested for
trespassing, twice at Mount Vernon High, his former school, and once
at an unspecified location. Prosecutors dropped two of the charges,
and Khan pleaded no contest to the third misdemeanor charge and
received a small fine and a year of unsupervised probation. He was
also ordered to stay away from the high school.
Farooq's mother also told The New York Times that Khan, whose former
employers included United Parcel Service, had brought $25,000 with him
to Pakistan, significant money for someone in his circumstances.
Still, those details offer little explanation or solace to family and
friends.
Erika Nelson, assistant general manager at the gym where some of the
young men worked out, was particularly fond of Zamzam, calling the 22-
year-old dental student and his family "very decent, loving, smart"
people.
"I can only guess he was misguided," she says, though others insist
that Zamzam was far from an easily influenced follower.
"He's the type of person that thought for himself. He was very bright
and confident and I could never see him as the type of person getting
involved in such crazy stuff and the stuff the media is talking
about," says Said Ahmed, a 22-year-old student at Northeastern
University who knew Zamzam when they were both freshman at Howard.
This was a guy who, according to friends, regularly passed out
sandwiches to the homeless in Washington.
"He was more the person people looked up to," Ahmed says.
Sebastian Evennou, who joined the U.S. Army this year after graduating
from high school, was on the wrestling team with 20-year-old Ahmed
Minni, the final member of the five.
Contacted via Facebook, Evennou called Minni "really dedicated" and
said he would not have imagined he'd be arrested for something like
this: "he never showed any hostility toward any american ideas that i
know of," he wrote. "he was even happy with the fact that i joined the
military. and said he was thinking about it too."
If the allegations from Pakistani authorities prove true, it will not
be the first time that U.S. Muslims from the Washington area traveled
to Pakistan to receive militant training.
In 2003, federal prosecutors charged 11 young men from the region with
being part of a "Virginia jihad network" that used paintball games in
the Virginia woods as a means to train for global holy war. In the
end, 12 men were convicted on various charges, including several who
went to Pakistan to receive training from Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant
group that the men saw as a steppingstone to joining the Taliban.
While the five men implicated in the current investigation appear to
have been rebuffed in their efforts to receive training, the members
of the Virginia jihad paintball group were accepted, in large part
because one of their members, Randall Royer, had previously trained
with Lashkar.
Members of this more recent group of five were much more low-key, and
blended in more in their diverse neighborhood, a mix of nondescript
residential streets and strip malls with any number of common chain
stores and restaurants.
They also allegedly contacted their Taliban source through YouTube, an
online video service that terrorists are using as a recruiting tool.
That's particularly scary to some Muslims, including Arsalan Iftikhar,
an international human rights lawyer and commentator in Washington,
D.C., who often writes about Muslim issues on his Web site. He's among
those calling for more moderate Muslim groups to fight, or at least
counter, terrorist postings on the Internet.
"These guys are essentially brainwashed pawns of terrorist
propaganda," he says of the five young men.
And he, too, is angry at them.
"These are wannabe thugs who are real-world idiots."
Associated Press writer Matthew Barakat contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
FILE - In this Dec. 14, 2009 file photo, a Pakistani police officer
shows a copy of book allegedly found in a luggage of arrested American
Muslims in Karachi, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil, File)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hBCWo1ZY7pLkpa5yVrawG72GAt9QD9CN6DEO0
bademiyansubhanallah
Praveen Swami
Key foreign jihadists aided by systemic gaps in security
Mohammed’s visit to India has been public knowledge for several years
In Malaysia, he forged a pact that provided base for terror attacks
across East Asia and the West
NEW DELHI: Al-Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who allegedly
had tactical control of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United
States, made at least one visit to India in 1996, documents show.
But, The Hindu has found, India’s intelligence services made no effort
to determine when he came, what travel documents he used, where he
stayed and with whom he met with.
The Union Home Ministry has blamed lax visa procedures for the
clandestine reconnaissance by Pakistani-American jihadist David
Headley prior to the November 2008 Lashkar-e-Taiba Mumbai terror
attacks. But the poor investigative follow-up of Mohammed’s visit
suggests there are serious systemic gaps in the country’s internal
security.
Mohammed’s visit to India has been public knowledge for several years.
Following a meeting with Osama bin-Laden in mid-1996, the official
Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the
United States says, Mohammed “journeyed onward to India, Indonesia,
and Malaysia.”
Testimony
Later, in the now-declassified testimony given to the Combatant Status
Review Tribunal at Guantanamo Bay on March 10, 2007, Mohammed admitted
he was “responsible for surveying and financing the destruction of the
Israeli embassy in India, Azerbaijan, the Philippines and Indonesia.”
In Malaysia, Mohammed met with Jemaah Islamiyyah chief Riduaan
Islamuddin, forging an alliance that provided the foundation for
several terrorist attacks across East Asia and the west. And in the
Philippines, he set up “Operation Bojinka,” a plot to blow up 12
airliners carrying passengers from Asia to the U.S.
But Indian investigators failed to explore evidence that corroborates
Mohammed’s claims that al-Qaeda was engaged in targeting India prior
to the September 11 attacks.
Back in August 2001, the Delhi Police filed charges against Sudan
national Abdul Raouf Hawas for conspiring to blow up the U.S. embassy
in New Delhi. Hawas, the police claimed, was linked to al-Qaeda
operative Muhammed Omar al-Harazi, also known as Abdul Rehman al-
Safani.
Pakistani Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami operative Qamar Mohammad Ayub, held
by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in December, 2001, was also alleged to
have been working to facilitate an al-Qaeda attack on the Israeli
mission in New Delhi.
Many jihadist leaders in the past have escaped scrutiny by Indian
immigration and internal security authorities.
For example, Jaish-e-Mohammad leader Mohammad Masood Azhar arrived in
New Delhi from Dhaka, using an illegally-obtained Portuguese passport,
on January 29, 1994. “The duty officer at the Indira Gandhi airport,”
he later told interrogators, “commented that I did not look
Portuguese. However, when I told him I was Gujarati by birth, he did
not hesitate to stamp my passport.”
Lack of surveillance meant that no credible prosecution could be
mounted against the jihadist leader, who was eventually released in a
hostages-for-prisoners swap after the hijacking of an Indian Airlines
jet in 1999.
Lashkar-e-Taiba financier Mahmoud Mohammad Ahmed Bahaziq, a Saudi
Arabia national, later sanctioned by the United Nations Security
Council, also travelled in and out of India until at least 1999. He is
known to have met with Lashkar clandestine operative Mohammad Ishtiq
at the President Hotel in Mumbai. Precisely how Bahaziq obtained an
Indian visa remains unknown.
Monday, Dec 21, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version
http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/21/stories/2009122155600100.htm
chhotemianinshallah
By Bill Roggio December 21, 2009 4:01 AM
Haji Turkistan Bhittani.
According to this report in the Daily Times, the Pakistani government
is planning on installing the Abdullah Mehsud and Bhittani groups, the
so-called 'good' Taliban, into power in the Mehsud tribal areas in
Sauth Waziristan as the military operation there winds down and
civilians return to the region:
“The real worry for the military is how to bar the return of TTP
[Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or the Movement of the Taliban in
Pakistan] terrorists when civilians return to their areas next year.
We believe you can only cut iron with iron and using (pro-government)
splinter groups against the Hakeemullah Mehsud-led TTP can be a viable
solution,” sources told Daily Times on condition of anonymity.
Support: The sources said the Turkistan Bhittani and Abdullah groups
were being considered to play the leading role in the post-operation
era and their “contribution” would be significant to keep the TTP at
bay.
“We are working on this idea and hopefully it will be a successful
project,” the sources said. “Without this project we will not be able
to keep Mehsud areas out of bound for the TTP.”
Here's a refresher on Haji Turkistan Bhittani and the Abdullah Mehsud
groups, since it has been a while since these groups have popped up in
the media (excerpted from here & here):
Three minor Taliban commanders based in South Waziristan and active in
the adjoining districts of Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have banded
together and reformed the Abdullah Mehsud Group.
Haji Turkistan Bhittani, Haji Tehsil Khan Wazir, and Ikhlas Khan
Mehsud recently joined forces and appointed Ikhlas as the leader of
the Abdullah Mehsud Group. The Taliban commanders have recently
established offices in the eastern areas of South Waziristan that
border Tank and Dera Ismail Khan...
Abdullah Mehsud, the found of the group, had been a senior Taliban
leader in South Waziristan before he was killed during a shootout with
Pakistani security forces in Zhob in Baluchistan province. Zainuddin
and his followers subsequently accused Baitullah of providing
information to the Pakistani military that led to Abdullah's death.
Abdullah had also been a detainee at the Guantanamo Bay detention
facility in Cuba. Abdullah and his followers sent Taliban forces into
Afghanistan to battle Coalition forces...
Haji Turkistan Bhittani, a leader in the Abdullah Mehsud Group based
in the South Waziristan region, said he would take on NATO forces in
southern Afghanistan after defeating his Taliban enemies in South
Waziristan. Bhittani claimed to have 5,000 fighters under his command.
"After dealing with my opponents in South Waziristan, I will go to
Helmand to reorganize my leader Abdullah Mehsud's group against
foreign forces," Bhittani told Pajhwok Afghan News. Bhittani
reaffirmed his loyalty to overall Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2009/12/pakistan_plans_to_back_good_tal.php
chhotemianinshallah
By Uddipan Mukherjee
Published: December 21, 2009TOOLBAR
Kolkata, India — Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani
proclaimed on Dec. 12 that the army had ended its offensive against
the Taliban in South Waziristan and was shifting its focus to Orakzai,
a Pashtun tribe on the Kohat border of the North West Frontier
Province. Does this mean that the Taliban strongholds in South
Waziristan have been demolished and the army has a new destination?
Not quite.
Actually, the Taliban has turned to guerrilla warfare and is
prolonging the battle. Moreover, they have scattered into other tribal
areas in Pakistan’s rugged northwest.
Under U.S. pressure and in response to numerous suicide bombings the
military, backed by Pakistan’s spy agency the Inter-Services
Intelligence, had launched a major ground offensive on Oct. 17 against
the Taliban and other Islamist rebels in the country’s northwest.
Haunted by previous not-so-successful operations against the Taliban,
the military elite finally decided to begin a real duel against its
former ally.
The rugged topography of the region, former abject failures, and the
fear of losing its stooge against its childhood enemy, India, no doubt
had caused hesitation and uneasiness in the minds of the Pakistani
military. But U.S. President Barack Obama’s outcry against terror and
the suicide bombings finally propelled the army to act.
A glance at a map of the region shows that the Kurram and North
Waziristan areas separate the Orakzai territory from South Waziristan.
Logically speaking, the militants should have regrouped there by
directly crossing through the other two provinces. Or they could have
taken a circuitous route to reach Orakzai via the North West Frontier
Province and Punjab. The second scenario is an even more dangerous
situation for the greater Pakistani landmass.
When the ground offensive commenced it was said that South Waziristan
was the epicenter of Taliban operations. Now the military has shifted
its attention to Orakzai and incidents of violence have also been
reported from other areas like Khyber and Kurram.
The fact is that the Taliban is a wily contender and has enhanced its
fluidity. It is distributing its militants all over Pakistan and the
military shall consequently find it hard to achieve success in this
battle.
This time around the Pakistani army has a stronger conviction to
uproot the Taliban menace, but the enemy is not a baby. At the same
time Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership is not excluding the
option of holding talks with the insurgents. After all, they would
prefer not to alienate their erstwhile ally, more so in the event of a
possible U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Compounding these problems is the presence of the Afghan Taliban led
by Mullah Muhammad Omar at Quetta, capital of the Pakistani province
of Baluchistan. This haven provides a constant supply line to the
Taliban in the northwestern regions, both in terms of logistics and
ideology.
There are reports that senior U.S. officials are pushing to expand CIA
drone strikes beyond the tribal areas and into a major city in an
attempt to pressure the Pakistani government to pursue Taliban leaders
based in Quetta. Interestingly, after much dillydallying, Pakistani
officials confirmed the existence of the alleged Quetta-Shura Taliban
network. Moreover, they have also admitted that the United States is
using the Shamsi airbase, about 320 kilometers (200 miles) southwest
of Quetta, for predator-drone strikes on the Taliban.
Top Taliban leaders including Hakeemullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain are
still at large. So where has the military achieved anything
substantial in South Waziristan? Its offensive has also not thwarted
suicide attacks in urban areas, although the military claims
otherwise.
Meanwhile Pakistan’s civil administration keeps shifting the blame for
suicide bomb attacks onto India, which means that real success against
the Taliban and other militants is hard to come by.
There are reports of Taliban elements sneaking into India to commit
many terror attacks similar to the Mumbai attacks last November. Is
this the extended arm of the Taliban-al-Qaida duo acting on its own,
or has the ISI reactivated its machinery?
Meanwhile the biggest bank robbery in the history of Pakistan took
place in Karachi on Dec. 13. Could this also be Taliban related?
Working out a correlation may not be such a formidable exercise.
(Uddipan Mukherjee has a doctorate in physics from the Tata Institute
of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. He writes on international
relations and security issues pertaining to India. He blogs at:
http://uddipanmukherjee.blogspot.com. ©Copyright Uddipan Mukherjee.)
http://www.upiasia.com/Security/2009/12/21/pakistan_army_too_rigid_to_beat_fluid_taliban/7281/
bademiyansubhanallah
REUTERS 22 December 2009, 01:50am IST
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's main opposition party said on Monday it would
not support any unconstitutional action against President Asif Ali
Zardari or his government but warned of protests if Zardari did not
give up some powers.
Political tension has been running high in Pakistan since last week
when the Supreme Court threw out an amnesty that protected him,
several government ministers and thousands of others from corruption
charges.
Zardari has faced some calls to resign but he has rejected them. He
and his ruling party issued a defiant statement on the weekend, saying
no members of the government would resign and condemning what they
called a witch-hunt against them.
Several of Zardari's aides and two of his top ministers -- Interior
Minister Rehman Malik and Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar --
were also on a list of people protected by the amnesty, and they too
are facing calls to quit.
While some members of the main opposition party, led by former prime
minister Nawaz Sharif, have called for President Asif Ali Zardari and
the two ministers to step down, the party has been circumspect.
A spokesman for the party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), said
the party felt it was the "moral duty" of Zardari and the two
ministers to step down, but it was up to them.
"If Mr Zardari and his ministers, who were covered by the amnesty, do
not resign, that's completely up to them," the spokesman, Siddiqul
Farooq, told a news conference.
"Mr Nawaz Sharif has very clearly stated that democracy has to go on
and if someone thinks that he will do something unconstitutional, he
won't get our support."
Sharif's party would not be part of any unconstitutional move against
Zardari, the spokesman said.
bademiyansubhanallah
Iran, Pakistan and Rigi question
http://globalpolitician.com/26116-iran-pakistan
Reza Hossein Borr - 12/21/2009
Pakistan fell in a trap that Iran had planted for her when Pakistani
government handed over 14 alleged members of Jondollah. Under pressure
by Iran, the Pakistan government extradited Abdul Hamid Rigi, the
brother of Abdul Malik Rigi, the leader of Jondollah. The Iranian
governments forced Abdul Hamid Rigi to confess and used his forced
confessions as true documents. Among different confessions, one is the
claim that Abdul Malik Rigi lives in Pakistan under the protection of
the security agents. Pakistan has rejected this claim as well as Abdul
Malik Rigi. Since then, the Iranian governments have used his
confessions as true documents to pressurize Pakistan to give in to its
different requests.
The government of Iran claimed that it found a new document which
proves that Rigi is in Pakistan but again, the Iranian officials
claimed that the document was based on confessions of Abdul Hamid Rigi
who has been extradited to Iran two years ago. It is not clear how
Abdul Hamid has found a new document regarding the whereabouts of
Abdul Hamid Rigi when he has been in prison for two years.
Jondollah claims that Abdul Hamid Rigi was expelled from Jondollah a
long-time ago before he was arrested in Pakistan because of
disobedience. The leader of Jondollah claims that his organization is
a very much disciplined organization and Abdul Hamid could not carry
out all the disciplinary procedures that were required of all members
and therefore he was expelled. When he was expelled from the group, he
began his own military operations against the Iranian regime. In one
occasion when he kidnapped a few Iranian officials, and transported
them to Pakistan, he was arrested.
His actions did not have any relationships with Jondollah and its
leaders but as the brother of Abdul Malik Rigi, he had some
information about his family and his movements.
He passed his information to the Iranian regime. After extracting
different kinds of confessions that were suitable for Iranian regime,
the government of Iran announced that he has been condemned to death
along with 13 other Baloch. When the executions were carried out,
Abdul Hamid was not among them. The Iranian officials announced that
he has not been executed because he has been a very important source
of information. Before and after that, Abdul Hamid was shown on
Iranian televisions and conference halls where he confessed to many
crimes that he had allegedly committed or Jondollah had allegedly
committed. Among these confessions, was the allegation that Jondollah
had relationships with Pakistani intelligence agencies, United
Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.
Also he alleged that Jondollah had close relationships with Alqaedah
and Taleban. These contradictory confessions showed that Jondollah has
been able to acquire the support of many intelligence agencies in many
countries at the time that he had close relationships with Alqaedah
and Taleban. Nobody believed them. An organization that has close
relationships with Alqaedah and Taleban logically cannot have any
close relationships with the United States of America, the United
Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. Yet, Abdul Hamid Rigi expressed his
confessions in many televisions and even some conference halls where
Baloch leaders attended. Again nobody believed them.
All these countries rejected the claims as well as Jondollah. Abdul
Malik Rigi claimed that his organization and its members are all
located in Iran. He also rejected the claims of any kind of connection
with these countries, Alqaedah and Taleban .It seems that there is
some truth in what Rigi has claimed as Jondollah changed its tactic
from guerrilla war to suicide bombing. He said this tactic allowed his
members to live and work in Iran as before and carry out one military
operation once every few months. Suicide bombing missions do not need
team work and participation of many people at the same time. People
can work individually and separately without knowing each other. Using
this strategy, it carried out successfully three missions which caused
immense embarrassment and casualty to Iranian government.
Whenever a mission is carried out, Iranian government which is not
able to arrest the members of Jondollah in Iran exerts pressure on
Pakistan to arrest and extradite Rigi to Iran. Pakistan has always
rejected these claims.
The 13 Baluch that were extradited to Iran were executed in Iran and
this was clear from the beginning. According to different conventions
and human rights organizations, the extradition of those people who
are likely to be hanged or executed is banned and yet, the Pakistani
government extradited them to Iran and they were executed.
It must be noted that Iran is extremely skilful in aggressive lobbying
and pressurising other countries. Sometimes the scale of lobbying is
so much intense that countries like Pakistan cannot bear the weight
and give in even if they do not find any member of Jondollah in
Pakistan. They can arrest ordinary Baluch people and accuse them of
such allegations and extradite them to Iran. And when they get
extradited to Iran, the officials extract confessions from them under
tortures and use confessions as true documents and accuse Pakistan of
harbouring terrorism and demand the extradition of more terrorists.
The extradition of Hamid Rigi and 13 other innocent Baluch and also
the recent arrest and extradition of another Norwegian Baluch has
given Iran more tools to embarrass Pakistan. It is not know why
Pakistan is generating all these problems for itself.
Reza Hossein Borr is a leadership consultant and the creator of 150
CDs and 14 Change management models. He is also the author of Manual
Success, Manual of Coaching and Mentoring, Motivational Stories that
Can Change Your Life, and a New Vision for the Islamic World. He can
be contacted by email: baloc...@aol.com
Posted by Naxal Watch at 10:54 PM
http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/12/iran-pakistan-and-rigi-question.html
bademiyansubhanallah
Blast outside Peshawar press club kills two
At least two people have been killed after a suicide bomber blew
himself up outside a club for journalists in the Pakistani city of
Peshawar, police say.
The Peshawar Press Club is a well-known landmark in the city and is
frequented by many journalists.
The north-western Peshawar city has seen several bomb blasts over the
past few months which have left scores dead.
Pakistan has seen a surge in violence ever since the army began an
offensive against the Taliban in Waziristan area.
"It was a suicide attack. The bomber wanted to enter the building. The
police official at the gate stopped him and he blew himself up," news
agency AFP quoted senior police official Karim Khan as saying.
"The guard room outside the gate was badly damaged. Three motorcycles
parked inside the compound and one bus on the other side of the road
were damaged. Almost all windows of the building were shattered," Mr
Khan said.
The dead included a policeman and an accountant of the Press Club who
was at the gate when the explosion occurred.
At least 10 people were injured and taken to hospital.
Peshawar, near the Afghan border, has been targeted repeatedly since
Pakistan sent its troops to fight the Taliban in the tribal region of
South Waziristan.
On 28 October, at least 100 people died when a huge car bomb ripped
through the city's busy Peepal Mandi market.
Hundreds more people have been killed in attacks across the country
since the army operation began in the autumn.
RECENT MILITANT ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN
Dera Ghazi Khan, 15 December: At least 27 killed in bomb attack on
market
Multan, 8 December: Intelligence agency office attacked - at least 12
killed
Peshawar: Many recent attacks - 28 October bombing killed about 120
Lahore: Targeted several times - market bombs killed 50 on 7 December
Rawalpindi: Several recent attacks, including one at a mosque on 4
December in which 35 died
Islamabad: Security tightened after series of attacks - 20 October
bombing killed nine at International Islamic University
Charsadda, 10 November: Car bomb kills 34 and wounds 100
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8425769.stm
Sid Harth
STAFF WRITER 18:20 HRS IST
Jammu, Jan 5 (PTI) BJP today demanded the redeployment of the army in
rural areas of the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in
Jammu and Kashmir and sophisticated weapons for Village Defence
Committee members to instill confidence among the people there.
In a memorandum submitted to Governor N N Vohra here, senior party
leader Kuldeep Raj Gupta claimed that due to the shifting of the army,
people in rural areas of Rajouri and Poonch were feeling unsafe and
insecure and were migrating to other places.
He demanded that the army be redeployed in rural areas of the
districts to instill confidence among people.
Gupta also demanded that VDC members be provided latest weapons to
fight militancy.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/454234_Redeploy-army-in-rural-areas-of-Rajouri-Poonch--BJP
bademiyansubhanallah
PM must reach out to Pakistan
Ashok K Mehta
The buzz in the air is that by extending the hand of friendship to
Pakistan soon, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is out to make history, a
distinction that eluded him in his first term. He had previously done
so from Srinagar, Amritsar, Havana and Sharm el-Sheikh but without any
follow-up action. New Delhi has doggedly resisted resumption of
dialogue with Pakistan, despite repeated requests from its leaders who
are saying Mr Singh has reneged on his commitment at Sharm el-Sheikh
to delink dialogue from terrorism.
Why is Pakistan keen to revive the composite dialogue ? Some reasons
being mentioned are that it wants to throw a smoke-screen over the
David Coleman Headley trail which has recently led to three serving
Pakistani Army officers. The ruling establishment wants to show that
the civilian Government is as effective as the military in resuming
talks with India. Further, it says that reopening official channels
will relax the perception of Indian threat on its eastern flank.
At a Afghanistan-Pakistan-India trilateral conference in Kabul
recently, Pakistani Senator from Peshawar Afrasiyab Khattak noted that
early revival of India-Pakistan talks will enable Islamabad to be more
focussed in its fight against the Taliban. Although New Delhi has not
communicated any benchmarks for starting talks, it seeks the
conviction of the seven Mumbai culprits which Islamabad has said it
will be able to obtain by February. Action against Hafiz Saeed,
banning Jamaat-ud-Dawa’h and dismantling the terrorist infrastructure
have become legacy demands.
Sources in the Home Ministry are skeptical about an early conviction,
saying three of the seven booked are alibis for the real culprits and
have been paid Rs 3 lakh each. Is there a change of heart in
Pakistan ? After three back-to-back Track II meetings with Pakistanis
in New Delhi, Singapore and Kabul last month, some progress can be
reported. Whether the recent spurt in suicide terrorism has altered
the disposition of the Army and the ISI towards the Taliban remains
doubtful, as they continue making a distinction between ‘good’ and
‘bad’ Taliban.
The Government, civil society and lay public are no longer in denial
and many are saying tauba (enough) — “our own pets have started biting
us”. They admit that the country is in deep trouble with the trouble
spreading, and add: “Things are bound to get a lot worse before they
get better.” The message is: Anyone who can help the civilian
Government will help the cause of democracy in Pakistan. Last week,
President Asif Ali Zardari said that political forces want the ISI to
be brought under civilian control but the matter has been shelved for
now.
On New Year’s Day, India and Pakistan promptly exchanged lists of
nuclear installations, reaffirming the commitment not to attack them.
India-Pakistan cooperation in multilateral fora is common, especially
in United Nations Peace-keeping Operations. Not long ago, IAF
helicopters rescued a beleaguered Pakistani patrol in Congo. Their
contingents have worked happily abroad under each others’ officials.
Yet, when it comes to Afghanistan, Pakistani daggers are drawn to
circumscribe India’s perceived over-ingress. Several Pakistanis have
rubbished the concept of strategic depth, especially after the nuclear
balance. Equally, there are not many Pakistani takers except the ISI
for the return of ‘good’ Taliban to Kabul. Afghans and Indians reject
the concept of good Taliban except those laying down arms and swearing
allegiance to the Constitution.
In Afghanistan too, there is evidence of India-Pakistani cooperation.
Accompanying the Indians, Pakistani delegates were smuggled past
Afghan security into Kabul’s most popular Taliban-proof pub, posing as
‘kafirs’. Siachen, Wullar, Tulbul and even Kashmir were solved before
dawn. Pakistanis give mixed signals on Kashmir. Many say after Gen
Pervez Musharraf it is no longer the core issue,though its settlement
will un-knot Pakistan’s eastern flank to allow the military to expand
the war in the west.
At present, Gen Asfaq Parvez Kayani is telling the Americans he does
not have the troops to take the war into other tribal areas. Pakistan
is dragging its feet in mounting a fresh offensive on North Waziristan
for fear of annoying its ally, the Haqqani network. Have no illusions,
the Pakistani Army will not take on the Taliban even after Kashmir is
resolved and India provides strategic assurance on the eastern border
without US reassurance that it will not cut and run.
Over the last one year, 27 and 39 Mountain Divisions were de-inducted
from Jammu & Kashmir to their permanent locations but this has not
impressed Pakistan. It could pull out at least two to three divisions
deployed against India without suffering any military adversity.
Pakistan is seeking assurances from India not just on the
inviolability of its eastern borders but also in Balochistan. The
first ever discussion on Balochistan at Singapore, thanks to Sharm el-
Sheikh, turned out to be a major embarrassment when the Baloch speaker
blamed Islamabad for all their woes, putting it down to wrong
policies, misgovernance and stealing its gas, copper and gold. He
warned that Balochistan was a Bangladesh waiting to happen.
Yet Pakistan blames India and Afghanistan for fuelling the insurgency.
The R&AW is blamed for training 600 Baloch dissidents in Afghanistan,
supplying arms and providing funds. When the US Ambassador to
Pakistan, Ms Ann Patterson was questioned about Indian involvement,
she said, “Pakistan has not shared any intelligence regarding India or
else we would take action”. The US reportedly has a network of 40,000
informants with satellite phones all over Pakistan and would know of
the Indian hand. The Afghan Army Chief, Gen Bismillah Khan says that
Pakistan has been periodically alleging that Afghan helicopters have
been supplying weapons to Baloch insurgents which is not true.
Recently, Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani shared with
Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif details of India’s Baloch dossier and
advised confronting India with a copy to the UN.
Pakistan is in trouble for selectively trying to prevent its
Talibanisation. The choice for India is between letting Pakistan stew
in its own juice or reaching out. Waiting for convictions of Mumbai
terrorists could prove to be a long wait, exceeding the needlessly
extended Operation Parakram after the attack on Parliament.
Pounded by unstoppable human bombers, Pakistanis naively ask: “What
will satisfy India”? On New Year’s Day, Aman ki Asha, an Indo-
Pakistani peace project gave an emotional answer,ending with “Reach
out.” Mr Singh missed the opportunity in 2006 to settle the Kashmir
issue with Gen Musharraf, on terms favourable to India. Even with a
high possibility of failure, he should give it a try again.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/227341/PM-must-reach-out-to-Pakistan.html
bademiyansubhanallah
Indo-Asian News Service
Mumbai, January 06, 2010
First Published: 11:25 IST(6/1/2010)
Last Updated: 11:27 IST(6/1/2010)
Security has been tightened at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
railway station and other sensitive locations in Mumbai on Wednesday
following a threat to carry out explosions this afternoon, officials
said.
An anonymous threat call to carry out blasts in at least half a dozen
locations was received by the Mumbai police control around 7.30 am on
Wednesday.
The caller threatened to blow up around half a dozen targets -- which
he did not specify -- just after noon today, officials said.
The railway and security authorities at CST were alerted and the
entire station complex -- a World Heritage Building -- shifted to a
high security gear.
Confirming the developments, an official spokesperson for Central
Railways (CR) said: "We are taking all possible precautions, making
announcements, deploying the dog squad and sufficient security
personnel to ensure there is no untoward incident."
He said there was no panic among the three million plus commuters who
use the CR services daily.
Besides CST, security has been tightened at various locations,
including the famed Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, some five
star hotels, Churchgate and Dadar railway stations.
bademiyansubhanallah
By Khalid Qayum
Jan. 6 (Bloomberg) -- A suicide bombing at a Pakistan military
barracks in Kashmir killed three soldiers and wounded 11, the second
terrorist assault in the part of the divided Himalayan region
controlled by Pakistan in less than two weeks.
The bomber detonated the device outside the compound near the town of
Rawalakot at about 7 a.m. local time today, said a military official
who didn’t want to be identified. Long free of militant violence, a
suicide attack killed five people outside a Shiite Muslim gathering in
the region’s capital, Muzaffarabad, on Dec. 27.
Taliban militants have spread out after being dislodged from their
strongholds in the tribal region of South Waziristan by a military
offensive that began in October, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has
said.
More than 600 people have died as guerrillas stepped up reprisal
attacks on civilian and security targets across the country. The army
has since spread its operation to other tribal districts bordering
Afghanistan.
At least 105 people were killed on New Year’s Day when a suicide
bomber attacked a volleyball tournament near the pro- government town
of Lakki Marwat in northwest Pakistan. Residents had been supporting
efforts to suppress Taliban militants in the area near South
Waziristan.
Police believe the car bomber meant to detonate his 550 pounds (250
kilograms) of explosives at a meeting of tribesmen who supervise an
anti-Taliban militia, Associated Press reported on Jan. 2.
Karachi Attack
On Dec. 28, at least 43 people were killed and 100 were injured in a
suicide bomb attack during a religious procession in Karachi, the
deadliest attack in the country’s largest city in two years. A
terrorist attack at slain leader Benazir Bhutto’s homecoming
procession in October 2007 killed 170 people.
Pakistan has fought three wars with its eastern neighbor India since
the two countries gained independence from the U.K. in 1947. Two of
these were fought over control of Kashmir. India blames Pakistan for
supporting an insurgency in the part of Kashmir controlled from New
Delhi. Pakistan says it provides moral support.
To contact the reporter on this story: Khalid Qayum in Islamabad at
kqa...@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: January 6, 2010 01:01 EST
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=a5Yvv_3RHjMQ
chhotemianinshallah
Peerzada Ashiq, Hindustan Times
Srinagar, January 07, 2010
First Published: 00:46 IST(7/1/2010)
Last Updated: 01:41 IST(7/1/2010)
A two-man fidayeen (suicide) squad on Wednesday lobbed grenades and
opened fire in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk before rushing to a nearby hotel,
where they were still holed up.
A policeman was killed and 10 people — six security personnel and
four civilians — were injured.
This is the first fidayeen strike in the city since October 2007, when
two bombers were killed in an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) camp near the Dal Lake.
Eyewitnesses told HT on Wednesday that the militants swore at CRPF
personnel at a picket before firing a burst of gunfire and hurling a
grenade.
Muhammad Yusuf, a policeman, was killed and a CRPF jawan injured. The
police said the militants then took positions inside the hotel, where
some civilians are feared trapped.
Claiming responsibility, the pro-Pakistan Jamiat-ul-Mujahedin, in a
fax to the Press Trust of India, said the attack was aimed at
derailing the “so-called political process” in the state.
Later, the militants and security personnel exchanged heavy fire.
Intermittent fire could be heard from both sides till late in the
evening.
Inspector General of Police Farooq Ahmad said at least two militants
were still inside the hotel. “But most of the civilians have been
evacuated. We have shifted people stuck in shops, malls and building
at the encounter site.”
Muneeb Ahmad, the owner of a hotel near the attack site, said he was
trapped inside with 60 others for six hours before being evacuated.
chhotemianinshallah
Indo-Asian News Service
Srinagar, January 07, 2010
First Published: 08:22 IST(7/1/2010)
Last Updated: 09:48 IST(7/1/2010)
An exchange of firing at dawn on Thursday broke the brief lull in Lal
Chowk as security forces prepared to launch an assault on the hotel
building in Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar where two
terrorists are holed up.
Firing intensified at the break of dawn as police and CRPF troopers
were preparing to launch an assault on the hotel building to
neutralize the two holed up militants of the Jamiat-ul-Mujaheedin
outfit which claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attack in the city centre, the commercial hub of Srinagar started
when two terrorists hurled grenades and opened heavy fire from their
automatic weapons at paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
troopers guarding a camp Wednesday afternoon.
At least one policeman and one civilian died and nine people were
injured.
"We have fully encircled the hotel building to take out the holed up
militants," a senior police officer said.
The security forces suspended the operation as darkness enveloped the
area Wednesday evening.
"This is a highly congested area and we don't want any collateral
damage," the officer added.
Lal Chowk has witnessed several such attacks in the over 20-year-long
militancy. It is thronged by thousands of people everyday.
Authorities had a difficult time on Wednesday evacuating the wounded
and those trapped in the area.
"The final assault on the hotel building will be launched any time,"
the police officer said.
This is the first terrorist attack after two years in the Kashmir
valley and has come at a time when the state government has been
claiming a sharp decline in violence here.
chhotemianinshallah
encounter site
Peerzada Ashiq, Hindustan Times
Srinagar, January 07, 2010
First Published: 00:45 IST(7/1/2010)
Last Updated: 00:47 IST(7/1/2010)
The Lal Chowk attack is still on in Srinagar. Loud explosions and
firing were heard at 10:30 pm. Police and CRPF have decided to
continue the assault instead of halting it for the night.
Unlike the past nightlong encounters in Srinagar, police have decided
not to halt fire for the night. In most such encounters, security
forces would halt fire for the night and would launch the final
assault at the crack of the dawn.
Police sources said the security forces involved in the assault find
it difficult to locate the militants hiding in the area. Though it’s
believed the militants are hiding in Hotel Punjab, the police fear
they might have changed their positions. The encounter started at 2 pm
in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Security forces have launched attack from three sides to scuttle any
attempt by the militants to escape in the cover of darkness. The whole
area has been lit up by flash lights. The encounter has entered into
ninth hour. There is no sign of scaling down of use of weapons from
both sides.
What would make it difficult for security forces to neutralize the
militants is sub-zero temperature. The valley witnessed a snowfall two
days ago and night temperature has touched even minus four in the
night. This is also forcing security forces to finish the assault as
soon as possible.
Unconfirmed reports put the number of security forces’ casualty at two
now.
chhotemianinshallah
Press Trust Of India
Srinagar, January 06, 2010
First Published: 19:19 IST(6/1/2010)
Last Updated: 19:20 IST(6/1/2010)
Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen, a radical outfit, on Wednesday claimed
responsibility for the terror attack in Lal Chowk here, saying the
strike was intended to convey the message that militancy was not yet
over in Kashmir.
Threatening further attacks, the pro-Pakistan militant outfit said
today's assault was carried out to show that "Mujahideens are still
living in the hearts of Kashmiris".
The attack was also aimed at derailing the "so-called political
process" in the state, said Jaleel Ahmed, an outift spokesman, in a
faxed statement to PTI.
"The attack will continue on Indian forces and vital installations,"
he said.
Militants opened fire and hurled grenades in busy Lal Chowk, the nerve
centre of summer capital Srinagar, at around 1415 hrs sending
terrified people scurrying for cover.
They barged into a hotel and were still holed up there. Security
forces had ringed the building.
chhotemianinshallah
Peerzada Ashiq, Hindustan Times
Srinagar, January 06, 2010
First Published: 19:24 IST(6/1/2010)
Last Updated: 19:25 IST(6/1/2010)
Srinagar's market hub Lal Chowk turned into a war zone this afternoon
when two suspected fidayeen (suicide mission) militants fired at a
CRPF picket and then hurled a grenade before entering into unknown
building adjoining the area. It's after two years that militants
carried suicide attack in Srinagar. Police are not confirming any
casualty at this point of time.
Eyewitnesses said they heard two fire shots followed by a bang of an
exploding grenade. "After two shots were fired unknown gunmen, we saw
CRPF personnel rushing in all direction. In the chaos, we heard a band
of a grenade," said an eyewitness.
HT correspondent at the spot witnessed smoke billowing from two lanes
opposite to each other near Pladium cinema, now occupied by CRPF
personnel. There were constant bursts of bullets from both sides.
Police is bringing concertina wires, indicating the encounter will be
a long one. They have cleared the site of civilian population.
Police suspect two militants are hiding inside two different
locations. "We suspect militants are hiding inside Hotel Punjab. But
it's confusing. We cannot confirm anything," said DSP Imran Farooq.
Sketchy reports suggest one-security personnel have died in the
incident, one five-year-old sustained bullet injuries and grenade
splinters hit NEWS 25 cameraman. No official source is confirming it.
Several people were injured in the attack but no source is confirming
on their number.
Since last evening police had beefed up security in Srinagar after
intelligence reports on high profile attack. Last fidayeen attack was
carried on November 11, 2007 when militants made their entry into a
hotel occupied by CRPF on the banks of the Dal Lake.
chhotemianinshallah
Peerzada Ashiq, Hindustan Times
Srinagar, January 06, 2010
First Published: 22:34 IST(6/1/2010)
Last Updated: 00:47 IST(7/1/2010)
Another militant outfit, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen also claimed
responsibility of the Lal Chowk attack. Claiming himself to be a
spokesman of the outfit, Hassan Taskari in a faxed message to Kashmir
News Serivice, a wire service, claimed two militants were involved in
the attack. “One militant is from across the border and another from
Sopore,” he claimed.
“There has been increase in security forces’ suppression in Kashmir.
This attack is in revenge to that…In year 2010, we will increase
militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Taskari.
A police source said there are reports that JuM and HuM is working in
coordination of late and share logical support to each other.
chhotemianinshallah
Aloke Tikku, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, January 06, 2010
First Published: 22:51 IST(6/1/2010)
Last Updated: 22:52 IST(6/1/2010)
The government’s move to reduce central security personnel from Jammu
and Kashmir over the last six months has not weakened the security
grid, a senior security official said in Delhi against the backdrop of
attack in Srinagar.
Last year the Centre started reducing security forces to enable Delhi
to focus on naxal areas. The plan envisaged withdrawing nine
battalions (each battalion has a sanctioned strength of 1,050
personnel) of the CRPF and eight battalions of the Border Security
Force from the Valley.
Wednesday’s attack came a month after Home Minister P. Chidambaram
spoke about the plan to withdraw central security forces from J&K.
“Places like J&K have more policemen than required,” a security
official said. For one, five battalions of the BSF withdrawn as part
of this rationalisation plan had already been replaced by CRPF
personnel and were due to be withdrawn.
Four CRPF battalions withdrawn from the anti-insurgency grid were
replaced by India Reserve Battalion personnel of the state police,
leaving the state with about 65 battalions.
chhotemianinshallah
Bhadra Sinha, Hindustan Times
Srinagar, January 06, 2010
First Published: 22:49 IST(6/1/2010)
Last Updated: 22:50 IST(6/1/2010)
Eight-year-old Zeeba binti Farooq and her six-year-old brother
Mohammad Aqib were discussing their computer lessons in the bus
standing near Court Road in Lal Chowk here when they heard a bang.
“Within no time the window panes of our bus were shattered and I saw
blood oozing from the chest of a man standing near me. Outside, a CRPF
man was firing aimlessly,” recalled Zeeba in the emergency ward of the
state government-run Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar. “I
felt a sharp pain in my left leg and fell down,” she recalled.
The class III student and her brother were returning home from their
computer coaching classes at an institute when militants struck at Lal
Chowk in central Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon. Their bus was
waiting for commuters near Court Road, the main spot where militants
fired some shots first and hurled a grenade towards a CRPF bunker
nearby before storming into a hotel.
“I screamed at Aqib when I saw blood flowing from my leg,” Zeeba said.
Her brother said an “uncle” lifted her up and took them to the
hospital in an auto.
Two splinters had pierced Zeeba’s left thigh but doctors said she was
out of danger.
At the hospital, 40-year-old Ghulam Mohammad Dar was pleading with
doctors in the emergency ward to treat a bullet wound. “It must be
somewhere. We were fired from behind,” Dar was saying.
He had spent at least an hour stuck in a shop on Court Road after the
shootout started. “I was walking on the road when I heard gun shots. I
immediately ran into a shop and downed the shutters. There were three
of us inside,” said Dar, a medical assistant and resident of north
Kashmir.
“We heard securitymen shouting outside the shop telling us to come
out. We came out. But we heard gunshots behind us. I don’t know whose
shots... but I ducked and got injured,” Dar said.
“I was brought to hospital by a civilian not by the police,” he said.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jandk/Heard-a-bang-saw-blood/494630/Article1-494571.aspx
bademiyansubhanallah
PTI, 7 January 2010, 12:22pm IST
SRINAGAR: Security forces on Thursday stormed the hotel in Lal Chowk
killing two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists including a Pakistani in the 22-
hour The hotel where the terrorists were holed up is seen in flames
during a gunbattle with security forces in Srinagar. (Reuters) More
Pictures operation that has left a policeman and a civilian dead.
( Watch Video )
The operation intensified on Thursday morning, even as the death toll
in the major terror attack in the heart of the city rose to two with a
civilian succumbing to injuries. ( Watch Video )
"The encounter is over. Two terrorists have been killed. We are
ascertaining if there are any more terrorists inside the hotel who may
be dead," Kuldeep Khoda, DGP, told reporters.
He said a policeman was killed and a CRPF official and eight civilians
were injured when the terrorists opened fire and lobbed grenades when
they were checked at a police post in the Lal Chowk area. One of the
civilians succumbed to his injuries today, he said.
He said concerted efforts were being made by Pakistani terrorists to
hit targets in J&K. "There is desperation in infiltration, there is
desperation in carrying out such attacks," he said.
The Pakistani terrorist was identified by the security agencies
through wireless intercepts as Qari while the other was named as Usman
from Sopore. ( Watch Video )
Hotel Panjab in Lal Chowk caught fire this morning as the security
forces inched closer to the terrorist who was believed to be holed up
in the top floor and was hurling grenades and firing at them.
The operation launched by police and paramilitary CRPF to neutralize
the terrorists was suspended at around 11pm on Wednesday was resumed
at 0700 hours today, officials said.
Meanwhile, one of the eight civilians injured in the incident on
Wednesday succumbed to his wounds on Thursday morning at the SHMS
hospital, the officials said.
One policeman was killed when the terrorists hurled grenades at
security forces in Lal Chowk area before they entered the hotel.
Several people were rescued by authorities from the area.
Lal Chowk has witnessed several such attacks in the over 20-year-long
militancy. It is thronged by thousands of people everyday.
This is the first terrorist attack after two years in the Kashmir
valley and has come at a time when the state government has been
claiming a sharp decline in violence here.
chhotemianinshallah
Sach Kanwal Singh
* So few turned out at the Indian Parliament to mark the day when it
was attacked that the Indian media shed many a tear, berating the
politicians who cared so little about the war against terror. There
were hardly a dozen odd MPs to pay homag to those hwo had died during
the attack on Indian Parliament. Most of the relatives of those who
were killed during the December 13, 2001 attack also chose to stay
away, gathering instead at the India Gate war memorial to mark the
anniversary. The attack killed 14 people, including the five
attackers.
* Indian MPs were also absent during crucial discussions on price
rise, an issue that has been probably killing more people than any
other problem. On one day, so many were absent in Lok Sabha during the
Question Hour that the Speaker had no other option but to adjourn the
House.
* Last month, social activist and Naramada Bachao Andolan's face Medha
Patkar was shouting anti-government slogans during a forest worker
protest near Parliament where hundreds of activists, farmers, tribals
and forest workers demanded that Congress-led UPA government not pass
the proposed Land Acquisition bill.
* In Delhi, crowds had come gathering to ask for food entitlement
right.
* In Punjab, Sikhs were fighting to stem the tide of dera culture and
keep elements like Ashutosh out of Punjab.
Each of the above are diverse examples in which various people fight
terrorism. Terrorism of the state that keeps indulging in machinations
to harass a minority. Terrorism of state powers. Terrorism of
poverty.
It is for each one of us to chose our fight against terrorism. From
the Manorama Mothers who are fighting against the terrorism of the
Indian state by asking for scrapping of the Armed Forces Special
Powers Act to Irom Sharmila who hasn't had a bite in over ten years to
Darshan Singh Lohara who preferred to take a bullet than sit at home
and suffer insults to his Guru, each one of us is fighting terrorism.
But the Indian Nation State is peddling a singular, linear definition
of terrorism. TV channels like Times Now, India TV and myriad other
programs on other TV channels ahve become self-appointed spokespersons
of the official Indian line and are forever rasing ruckus against
Pakistan.
The Indian establishment is moving the chess pieces in such a way that
the middle class, large sections of mainstream media, particularly
electronic media are going hammer and tongs after Pakistan.
That is why we presented above the other ways in which people are
fighting terrorism. It is time for the saner elements to step back and
have a hard good look at all aspects of the problem.
No doubt India has suffered terror strikes. Even if you take it
granted for a moment that it is indeed Pakistan behind the many
problems that India is facing, what does one mean by Pakistan? The
Government of Pakistan? The ISI? The Army? The militants? The Al
Qaida? So many terror attacks around the world emanate from fringe
groups. Many of these could be in Pakistan.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who masterminded the 9/11 operation of 2001,
was captured in Pakistan; Osama bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri are
probably hiding and leading al-Qaeda from the Pakistan-Afghan non-
existent border, jihadi terrorist groups work from inside Pakistan.
Dawood Ibrahim continues to be sheltered by Pakistani.
Will attacking Pakistan be equivalent to attacking these people?
Will India not be attacking the people of Pakistan? The very people
who are India's only hope as they are the ones suffering, they are the
ones who have rejected the mullahs, they are the ones who are again
and again choosing democracy over dictators despite adverse
conditions.
This is the time when India should understand that one form of attack
is to befriend a people, join them in their struggle against
terrorists, and thus rid oneself of terror.
This is the time when Pakistan needs help, when India must reach out
to Pakistan's people and tell them that it understands their problems,
that it too is facing similar problems, and that it is possible to
fight.
But before that India will have to contend with its own brahmanical
agenda and apply the correctives. New Delhi is shy of appealing
directly to the Muslim world because its own record in dealing with
the Muslim population, in addressing its arrested development, in
empowering the Muslim minority, is extremely poor.
It cannot make this an issue because the Christian world will ask New
Delhi about its credentials on security of Christians, and India's
response to reprisal terrorism unleashed by Hindutva forces.
India could have become a partner in a global approach to tackle the
problem head-on. All it needs to do is to first set its own house in
order quickly, and for that its entire approach to the way New Delhi
deals with its minorities must change.
India has so far not said it clearly that it will rather help in
stability of Pakistan. New Delhi is seen in Pakistan as the hegemonic
force that has not made its peace with its neighbour’s existence. This
has to change. Instead, Indian hawkish sections talking of striking at
and inside Pakistan should be shut up. They are part of the problem.
No one can beat the menace of Islamist extremism that provides
ideological energy for jihadi terror by making Pakistan an unstable
and economically desperate country.
By attacking Pakistan, or even by indulging in such irresponsible
talk, New Delhi and the saffron lobby actually help the terrorists in
Pakistan. Because that gives ammunition to the grist mills. The
problem is that Indian brahamanical forces also stand to gain from
such hawking statements as it polarizes opinion, society, and votes.
If you want to fight terrorism, go and tell P Chidambaram that his
Operation Greenhunt is terrorism against the poorest of the poor.
Thank Medha Patekar because by fighting against Land Acquisition Bill,
she is preventing more people from turning towards terrorism.
Choose your new and progressive way of fighting terrorism. Choose to
add your voice to the concerns of minorities and the repressed
classes. That way you will ensure that terrorism does not get new
recruits.
You can do the same thing and achieve the same results by either
demolishing mosques, attacking Golden Temple or Hazratbal or by
talking of dropping bombs on Lahore. For decades, the BJP-RSS-VHP has
been indulging in such talk, now major sections of Indian middle
classes brought up on neo-liberal economic ideas and depoliticized to
massive and shameful extent are doing the same.
One saw sloganeering of Bharat Mata Ki Jai during rapes in Orissa, one
heard nationalist slogans in Jammu when Kashmiris were hunted and
highway blockaded.
To those who may not be amenable to cold logic but can understand what
a nuclear weapon means, our point is simple: Pakistan is not Iraq. It
does have WMD. The Indian media and establishment forget to mention
it. It has a complicated terrain, and its armed forces have sections
that may not shy away from using the WMD if push comes to shove.
The only thing that can succeed in such a scenario is to take the
inimical perception out of it.
It is time New Delhi goes all out to ensure sustainability of
Pakistan’s democratic forces. And anyone desirous of keeping the
terrorist out of India must understand that they will have be kept out
of Pakistan. For that, Pakistan needs assistance. Assistance of all
kinds.
The trick lies in pulling Pakistan out of this terror bind in order to
save others. It will help the US and it will help India.
Only forces it will not help are Indian brahamanical forces. Will the
people of India allow themselves to be held hostage to such
machinations of these forces that pervade across political spectrum,
or will they see through their tactics and rise to the challenge?
Therein lies whether we will rid ourselves of the terror, or whether
New Delhi would become the new terror bully in the region?
If you want to fight terrorism, go and tell P Chidambaram that his
Operation Greenhunt is terrorism against the poorest of the poor.
Thank Medha Patekar because by fighting against Land Acquisition Bill,
she is preventing more people from turning towards terrorism.
Choose your new and progressive way of fighting terrorism. Choose to
add your voice to the concerns of minorities and the repressed
classes. That way you will ensure that terrorism does not get new
recruits.
16 December 2009
http://www.worldsikhnews.com/16%20December%202009/Let%20Fight%20Terrorism.htm
Sid Harth
following CIA attack
January 7th, 2010 SindhToday
Washington, Jan 7(ANI): The revelation that Jalaluddin Haqqani, who
controls one of the most powerful Taliban groups fighting in
Afghanistan, may be behind the deadly CIA bombing throws the spotlight
back on Pakistan’s involvement with militants operating on its soil, a
report in the Times has said.
Pakistan has refused to make any moves against Haqqani, but several
reports have claimed that Haqqani has official Pakistani support from
top to bottom.
According to the paper, earlier in 2008, the Pakistani Army chief
General Ashfaq Kayani was caught on CIA intercepts referring to
Haqqani as a strategic asset and tipping off his men about a raid.
It was also found out by Afghan reporter of The Times, Tahir Ludin,
when the group kidnapped him last year along with the New York Times
reporter David Rohde.
Crossing into Pakistan in a Haqqani convoy, Ludin saw Pakistani border
guards accept cash and salute their captors through, the report said.
Rohde later recounted how a senior commander, Badruddin Haqqani,
transported them through the tribal belt under the noses of the
Pakistani military, it added.
“He explained that under a ceasefire agreement all civilians were
required to get out of their cars when an army convoy approached. For
Taliban vehicles, though, only the driver had to get out,” Rohde
wrote.
“The practice allowed the Taliban to hide kidnapping victims and
foreign militants from the Pakistani Army,” he added. (ANI)
http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/89715.htm
Sid Harth
January 7th, 2010 Abdul Nishapuri
In the following article in Daily Times, renowned journalist and TV
anchor Syed Talat Hussain discusses a new strategy of the Taliban
militants, i.e. a deliberate and strong effort to escalate the cost
for the public.
People are the battlespace —Syed Talat Hussain
Militants are now making a deliberate and strong effort to break the
momentum of public opinion. They are escalating the cost for the
public. They are showing them that the political and military support
available to them is no longer ineffective
Slowly but steadily, militancy is creeping back into vengeful life.
Militants are replacing their loss of sanctuary, the equivalent of a
proper state, in Malakand Division and the entire stretch of the
tribal belt, with hit-and-run terrorism. These new tactics are deadly.
Worse, these can also resurrect the legend that the Taliban are a
force that always bounces back, sometimes as an ideology, sometimes as
a social reaction to injustice, and sometime a pure militant movement.
Clearly, the Taliban have abandoned the path of organised resistance.
News flow is reduced to a trickle about long drawn-out combat and
military operations that require long supply-lines. Instead, they have
mutated into small cells. Each is self-contained. Some are deployed to
protect vital territory. Some spread out in the towns to exploit the
vulnerabilities of the local population. Yet others, mostly death
squads, are tasked to wreak havoc and break the resistance and the
will of the people to hold firm against militant ingress.
This strategy kicked off resoundingly with the suicide attack in Swat
on Shamsher Khan in his home, killing him, his brother and nine
others. Since then the attacks have been incessant and determined. The
last strike on Shah Hasan Khel village in Lakki Marwat approximates
the use of a tactical nuclear weapon in a desperate war. Of the small
population, 91 are now dead and buried. Almost as many are likely to
be crippled for life. The site of the suicide attack, a playground
wedged between a row of houses, looks like a mini-Nagasaki. No wonder
the villagers recount the horror of the attack in the language of the
Armageddon. The Taliban have visited a most horrible vengeance upon
them for forming peace committees and daring to side with the
government.
Elsewhere, in Salarzai of Bajaur, the killing of local notables has
picked up speed. Pro-government important men, who sit and dine with
local military commanders, have been kidnapped and killed. Others have
been IEDed — a new verb needed to describe death stalking the roads.
In Hangu, the same trap has been used. This has resulted in the death
of Ghani-ur-Rehman, a veteran politician, someone whose name was known
to everyone around the area. As previously, when the Taliban widened
their actual and psychological influence using scare tactics, the
local and civilian cadre of the anti-Taliban leadership is again being
targeted.
The message that the Taliban are trying to convey through this blood-
soaked madness is clear: the Taliban are NOT dead and gone; they are
NOT broken and neutralised; the local resistance to them is NOT strong
enough. Aside from this there is another message: the drone attacks
(there have been eight in the last four weeks) in North Waziristan may
get some High Value Targets, but these are NOT the knock-out punch
that many in Pakistan and the US think them to be.
The second message has been most famously packed in the suicide attack
inside Chapman, a forward operating CIA base in Khost, Afghanistan,
gathering intelligence about drone targets inside Pakistan. The death
of the CIA base chief, a female, six of her colleagues and a Jordanian
on intelligence deputation, is the biggest blow the agency has
suffered in the last quarter of a century. The other one was in 1983,
in Beirut, where an attack on the US embassy took out a similar number
of CIA operatives.
The importance of the Taliban in Pakistan accepting responsibility for
this strike across the border cannot be emphasised enough. By
showcasing their success they are underlining both their capabilities
and a complete mood of defiance. Seen together, the attacks on Chapman
and Shah Hasan Khel make menacing reading. They show the potential of
a militancy that is bent upon taking a variety of targets, and has
done so with impunity. And seen against the backdrop of other strikes
inside Pakistan, particularly on GHQ and Parade Lane, and now in
Karachi, these attacks can become a propaganda tool for different
militant cells to recreate their lost awe and fear among the local
population, especially in the border areas. What the Taliban seem to
be saying is this: whether it’s the CIA or the ISI, the Pakistan
military or the US army, the local notables or members of peace
committees, we can hit them all.
It is of fundamental importance to blunt this message before it gains
currency. People are the battlespace. Their opinion is the weapon of
advantage. Which is why public opinion swings make a difference
between success and failure in any military action. Swat is a good
example of this fact. It was not the capability of Mullah Fazlullah’s
coterie that made them look invincible in the eyes of the local
population. It was the myth of their power, cemented by ruthless
executions and a killing spree that made horrible examples out of
those who dared to resist. Once this myth was established, state power
and writ, already tenuous and timid, crumbled like a badly built house
in an earthquake.
Later on, this myth had to be shattered for the Swat Taliban to be
rolled back. The public mood then changed and swung in favour of the
new, and free order. In Kabal district, Union Council-level lashkars
came up once the Taliban had been scotched and scooped out. The same
thing happened in other areas. In the Salarzai area, resentment took
the shape of proper lashkars only once the Taliban were hit hard and
official backing for the locals poured in.
Conversely, one reason the locals are reluctant to make a lashkar in
the Maidan area of Dir is the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
There have been attacks such as the one on Police Lines in Timergara a
week-and-a-half ago. Also Maulvi Faqir Muhammad’s FM radio continues
to spew out threats to the locals in Munda, bordering Bajaur. This
situation is forcing the people to hunker down and live in dread of
the Taliban.
These instances offer important lessons. One is that people in
uncertain situations become fence-sitters. Two, they follow the flow
of coercive power. Three, once they have tilted in one direction, they
become the most important factor in shaping outcomes. And four, re-
setting these opinions and changing their direction is a time-
consuming and costly affair.
Militants are now making a deliberate and strong effort to break the
momentum of public opinion. They are escalating the cost for the
public. They are showing them that the political and military support
available to them is no longer ineffective. Steeped in death and inked
in blood, these messages are becoming frequent and widespread. The
public must be protected to defeat the purpose of these messages.
People are the actual forward base of operations against organised
militancy. This base cannot be lost. If this is lost, the whole effort
is lost.
People are the battlespace
The writer is a leading Pakistani journalist.
http://criticalppp.org/lubp/archives/4240
Sid Harth
UN asked to ease some Taliban sanctions
* Afghan ambassador says country ready to take up security
UNITED NATIONS: Afghanistan has asked the UN Security Council to lift
sanctions on elements of the Taliban that renounce violence and agree
to support the government on Wednesday, signalling a new strategy
against the militants.
The United States said it is tripling its civilian experts in the
nation to almost 1,000 in a complementary effort to the additional
30,000 U.S. troops President Barack Obama has ordered to the
Afghanistan. At a Security Council debate, Afghan Ambassador Zahir
Tanin proposed allowing his government to recommend names of Taliban
members “willing to renounce violence and join the peace process,” so
that they would no longer be subject to asset freezes, travel bans and
arms embargoes if the council’s sanctions panel approves.
Tanin said Afghans are ready to take over their own security and
defence, but military efforts cannot bring peace and stability without
“reconciliation” among all citizens and “integration” of former
combatants. Council members said they support the aims of the Afghan
government, but expressed concerns about the plan. ap
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C01%5C07%5Cstory_7-1-2010_pg7_39
bademiyansubhanallah
An Embattled Zardari Battles Back
By SALMAN MASOOD
Increasingly described as “embattled,” “beleaguered” and “isolated,”
President Asif Ali Zardari is fighting back. His latest speeches have
been defiant and hard-hitting. He smells a conspiracy to force him to
resign and warns his enemies of a tough fight. Predictions of his
imminent departure from the presidential palace regularly do the
rounds here. Such predictions often seem to be inevitable in a society
rife with rumors and speculations.
But who are his enemies?
After all, neither Mr. Zardari nor his supporters have mentioned any
names. But the fingers of insinuation are pointed at the General
Headquarters of Pakistan Army. It is an open secret in Islamabad that
the relationship between the country’s powerful army and Mr. Zardari
are strained and, according to some analysts, beyond repair.
Gen. Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, the army chief, has maintained an
apolitical posture publicly, but many Peoples’ Party officials believe
that the army and the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate have
never really accepted Mr. Zardari at the top.
Not surprisingly, Mr. Zardari construes any whiff of opposition as
having been instigated by the “men in uniform.” Some PPP officials
hold that the tussle is over civilian-military balance: who should
make the decisions relating to national security. The army, they say,
is upset with Mr. Zardari for his handing an olive branch to arch-
rival India. The botched efforts to bring the ISI under civilian
control also led to an estranged relationship between the presidency
and the military. Above all, the army sees Mr. Zardari as unreliable
and an epitome of corruption though no charges have ever been proven
in courts.
Mr. Zardari, for all his apparent flaws and public perceptions, enjoys
an almost impregnable constitutional position. He can only be removed
through impeachment unless he resigns himself – a wish for his
opponents. And of late, Mr. Zardari has tried to rally his supporters
through a burst of emotional speeches and tours of his power base, the
southern Sindh province. Opponents of Mr. Zardari term his aggressive
public posturing as a proof that he is losing control.
In a speech last week, Mr. Zardari made his choices clear: Either
President House/Prime Minister House or Jail, he thundered.
http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/an-embattled-zardari-battles-back/
bademiyansubhanallah
There were predictions in the last few months of 2009 that Pakistan's
President Zardari was finished. But he has defended himself
aggressively in recent days and won back some political ground.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari looks at pictures of his wife,
former premier Benazir Bhutto as he speaks on the second anniversary
of her assassination at the family mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bukash,
Pakistan, on December 27.
Nadeem Soomro/Reuters
By Saeed Shah McClatchy Newspapers / January 6, 2010
Islamabad
Pakistan’s US-backed president, Asif Ali Zardari, appears to have
survived a campaign to oust him, a storm that had threatened to
sidetrack the country from its battle with Islamic extremists.
.Although there were predictions in the last few months of 2009 that
he was finished, Zardari has defended himself aggressively in recent
days and won some political allies. The news media and the judiciary
had appeared to be closing in on him, but in a world of political
shadow boxing, many analysts and politicians think that Pakistan’s
powerful military has been behind the drive to force the president out
of office.
“I think he is fighting back admirably,” said Abida Hussain, a senior
member of Zardari’s Pakistan People's Party. “He threw down the
gauntlet, fair and square, and the conspirators, if any, seem to be
backing off.”
The confrontation had sparked fears that the army, which has ruled
Pakistan for most of its existence, would intervene again, perhaps to
force fresh elections when the country is under pressure from the
Obama administration to launch an offensive in North Waziristan, a
vital Pakistani refuge for al Qaida and the Taliban.
The army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, has let it be known repeatedly
that he’s not interested in getting involved in politics, but the
Pakistan People's Party, the country's largest political party,
remains wary. Under pressure from Washington, Zardari and the
country’s civilian leaders have pushed the military for greater action
against Islamic extremists.
“If you have the civilians and the military at loggerheads, it creates
a more confusing picture for the Americans, an extra layer of
uncertainty,” said Cyril Almeida, a newspaper columnist for Dawn, a
Pakistani daily newspaper. “And the fight in Pakistan is moving from
counterinsurgency to the more delicate phase of counter-terrorism, for
which you need co-ordination between agencies and between the civilian
and military apparatus.”
The importance of North Waziristan, in northwest Pakistan, was
underscored Wednesday by another US missile strike in the area, which
is a stronghold for the Haqqani network, considered a close ally of Al
Qaeda and the most dangerous insurgent group in Afghanistan. It was
the fifth such strike since a suicide bomber killed a group of CIA
officers in the adjacent Afghan province of Khost last week. According
to news reports, 12 people were killed in the latest strike.
Separately, a suicide bomber hit a military camp Wednesday in the
Pakistani portion of the Kashmir region, which Pakistan and India both
claim, killing three soldiers.
Retaliatory terrorist attacks have killed more than 600 people since
Pakistan launched a military offensive this fall against the Pakistani
Taliban in South Waziristan. The South Waziristan operation and a
similar offensive in the Swat valley earlier this year were possible
largely because the civilians and military worked together, swaying
public opinion.
In a series of pugnacious speeches and pronouncements since Dec. 27,
Zardari has said that democracy in Pakistan is in danger, without
spelling out the source of the threat.
.“Whether it’s an internal conspiracy against democracy or external
conspiracy against Pakistan, we will fight them with the support of
the masses,” he said in a speech Saturday.
Many members of Pakistan’s military establishment despise Zardari for
his past alleged corruption and for interfering in sensitive security
policy since he was elected last year. Given that the last period of
military rule ended only in 2008 and had become deeply unpopular, the
army is thought to be wary of seizing power again. The chief military
spokesman, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas, didn’t return calls seeking
comment.
The Supreme Court appeared to deal the final blow to Zardari last
month when it ruled that an amnesty that had ended pending corruption
cases against the president and some ministers was unconstitutional.
After the court verdict Dec. 16, however, no one resigned from the
government, and Zardari's political party decided to fight the graft
charges in the courts. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who some
speculated could be separated from Zardari, leaped to the defense of
the president.
Zardari also got strong backing from the leader of the Awami National
Party, which runs the provincial government in Pakistan's insurgency-
plagued North West Frontier Province. In recent days, three of the
four provincial parliaments passed resolutions in favor of the
president.
Crucially, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, whom a military coup ousted
from his post as prime minister in 1999, hasn’t called for Zardari’s
resignation and has warned against unconstitutional moves. “Our
problems are the gift of dictatorship,” Sharif said Wednesday.
“The politicians as a whole are behaving very maturely,” said Ayaz
Amir, a member of parliament with Sharif’s party, the Pakistan Muslim
League-N. “It’s because of the perception on the part of the political
class that if the (democratic) system goes, then everything goes down
the drain.”
(Shah is a McClatchy special correspondent.)
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2010/0107/Pakistan-President-Zardari-s-nine-political-lives
bademiyansubhanallah
First Posted: 01- 7-10 03:05 PM
Updated: 01- 7-10 05:16 PM
Watch Video
"NOW" on PBS has obtained some amazing footage of the Pakistani army
taking the fight to the Taliban in Waziristan as part of its look at
the U.S.'s effort to combat Taliban and al Qaeda forces in
Afghanistan.
The footage was captured by a reporting team embedded with a Pakistani
army group working along the country's volatile border with
Afghanistan. The documentary, PBS says, will address the question of
whether, by sending 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, has the
U.S. mistaken the real target?
The footage will be shown as part of the network's "Targeting The
Taliban" documentary, set to air at 9.30pm (EST) Friday.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/07/pakistani-army-fighting-t_n_415137.html
bademiyansubhanallah
The building in the city of Karachi collapsed after the explosion on
Friday [AFP]
At least seven people have been killed after an explosion destroyed a
house in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi.
Police said that the blast on Friday appeared to have been caused by
explosives stored in the building.
Television footage showed police removing guns, suicide vests and
grenades from the site.
"It seems that explosives which were stored in the house caused the
explosion," Waseem Ahmad, the Karachi police chief, said.
"It seems that the house was being used by terrorists. We are taking
utmost care in removing the rubble. Bomb-disposal officials have
arrived at the scene to determine the exact nature of the explosion."
Two people were arrested at the scene of the blast, police said.
"Police believe that this was terrorist cell hiding out in Karachi,"
Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, reporting from Islamabad, said.
Karachi violence
Rehman Malik, Pakistan's interior minister, said the people living in
the house were from Swat, a district in the North West Frontier
Province where the military last year launched an operation against
Taliban fighters.
"According to reports they were all asleep in the courtyard when this
blast occurred," he said.
The port city has largely avoided the suspected Taliban attacks
experienced in the rest of the country, but there have been outbreaks
of sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
A bomb attack on December 28 hit a procession of Shia Muslims marking
the Ashoura commemoration leaving more than 40 people dead.
Al Jazeera's Fisher said: "There has always been a concern about
Karachi because it has been seen by many as the gateway that people
use to get in and out of the country.
"Finance has been raised for some of the groups behind the bombings in
Pakistan in Karachi, there is a support network there.
"There is a concern, given the attack on the parade in the city, this
may be the start of more attacks in Karachi."
Attacks across Pakistan have intensified in recent months in an
apparent response to a military offensive against the Pakistani
Taliban in South Waziristan.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/01/2010184733944362.html
chhotemianinshallah
STAFF WRITER 14:56 HRS IST
New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) A local court today acquitted four men who were
accused of hatching a conspiracy to attack the Indian Military Academy
(IMA) at Dehradun in 2005 but held two LeT members guilty of
possessing explosives.
In a judgement, Additional Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma, absolves
Haroon Rashid, Mohd Iftikhar, Masood Ahmed, Maulana Dilawar Khan of
the charges relating to waging war against the country, related
offences under the IPC and other offences under the Explosives
Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The court, however, convicted Hameed Hussain and Mohd Shariq who were
arrested on March 5, 2005, with 10.5 kg RDX in the capital.
According to the prosecution, Haroon, Iftikhar, Masood and Dilawar had
prepared a plan to attack the IMA in Dehradun.
The Delhi police's special cell had unearth the alleged conspiracy
following the arrest of Hameed and Shariq.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/458698_Delhi-court-acquits-four-in-IMA-attack-conspiracy
chhotemianinshallah
STAFF WRITER 16:13 HRS IST
A M Sofi
Srinagar, Jan 8 (PTI) Two LeT terrorists, wanted in connection with
last year's bomb blast outside the central jail here, were gunned down
in Pulwama district of south Kashmir today in the second encounter in
three days.
The militants, identified as Altaf and Zahoor, were killed in a four-
hour gunbattle with security forces at village Andoosa, 30 kms from
here, Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda said.
Two Ak assault rifles, four magazines and some live rounds were
recovered from them, Superintendent of Police, Awantipora, Bashir
Ahmad Khan, who supervised the operation, told PTI.
He said a joint search party of Police, Special Operations Group
(SOG), Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF cordoned Andoosa village in the wee
hours following specific information about the presence of the two
hardcore militants.
"The ultras fired on the search party around 9 AM but the operation
was briefly suspended to evacuate the civilians.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/458838_2-LeT-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-Pulwama
chhotemianinshallah
STAFF WRITER 13:28 HRS IST
Peshawar, Jan 8 (PTI) A suicide bomber blew himself up today at the
headquarters of a banned militant group in Pakistan's Khyber tribal
region, killing six persons and injuring 12 others.
The attacker tried to enter the main gate of the headquarters of the
Ansar-ul-Islam group in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency, witnesses said.
He detonated his explosives when a watchman stopped him.
Witnesses and local residents said six persons were killed and a dozen
others injured.
However, Ansar-ul-Islam leader Mehboob-ul-Haq claimed only one person
was killed.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Ansar-ul-Islam has been engaged in a bitter rivalry with the
Lashkar-e-Islam for the past five years.
Dozens of members of both groups have died in clashes between the two
groups.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/458537_Suicide-attack-at-militant-group-hq-in-Khyber-6-killed
bademiyansubhanallah
A Warning to Anti-Taliban Groups
Death Toll in Pakistan Volleyball Game Bombing Now 96, in Town Where
Militia Had Been Formed to Fight Militants
Pakistani paramilitary soldiers salute before caskets of their
comrades killed in Friday's suicide car bombing, during a funeral
prayer at their base camp in Bannu, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/
Ijaz Muhammad)
Play CBS Video
Video
Pakistan Attack Kills Dozens
Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has condemned the suicide bombing
that has left dozens dead in Northwest Pakistan. As Sheila MacVicar
reports, the brazen attack was the country's deadliest in months.
Video
Pakistani Sports Event Bombing
At a volleyball match in Pakistan, a suicide bomber blew up his van in
a nearby field, killing dozens of spectators and athletes. As
Elizabeth Palmer reports, officials say the Taliban is to blame.
(CBS/AP) With the death toll still rising, and with at least 96
people dead, the people of Lakki Marwat are planning for a mass
funeral this afternoon.
In the rubble of yesterday's bomb blast, local residents are still
finding the bodies of victims - volleyball players and spectators -
killed in this latest attack carried out by Pakistan's Taliban,
reports CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar.
The police say they believe these people were not the intended
targets.
The bomber wanted to attack tribal elders opposed to the Taliban, but
could not reach the mosque where they were meeting.
Instead, he drove his SUV - packed with more than 500 pounds of
explosives - into a field crowded with people watching a volleyball
tournament.
The massive explosion leveled as many as 20 buildings.
The attack on the outskirts of Lakki Marwat city was one of the
deadliest in recent Pakistani history and sent a bloody New Year's
message to Pakistanis who dare take on the armed Islamist extremists.
As villagers in Shah Hasan Khel held funeral services and rescuers
searched rubble for more bodies, many in the area were too terrified
to speculate on who staged the assault.
Lakki Marwat district is near South Waziristan, a tribal region where
the army has been battling the Pakistani Taliban.
Since October, when the army launched a major offensive against
militants, more than 500 civilians have died as the Taliban have
fought back with terror attacks across the country. Analysts say the
army has not yet gone far enough.
"You can't just go in killing its leaders and hoping the system will
improve," Sajjan Gohel of the U.K.-based Asia Pacific Foundation told
CBS News, "because they are simply replaced. Unless the infrastructure
is totally dismantled, this problem will continue to proliferate."
Across Pakistan's northwest, where the police force is thin, underpaid
and under-equipped, various tribes have taken security into their own
hands over the past two years by setting up citizen militias to fend
off the Taliban.
The government has encouraged such "lashkars," and in some areas they
have proven key to reducing militant activity.
Still, tribal leaders who face off with the militants do so at high
personal risk. Several suicide attacks have targeted meetings of anti-
Taliban elders, and militants also often go after individuals. One
reason militancy has spread in Pakistan's semiautonomous tribal belt
is because insurgents have slain dozens of tribal elders and filled a
power vacuum.
Shah Hasan Khel village "has been a hub of militants. Locals set up a
militia and expelled the militants from this area. This attack seems
to be reaction to their expulsion," local police Chief Ayub Khan told
reporters.
(AP Photo/Ijaz Muhammad)Footage on private TV channels showed
villagers gathered Saturday to say funeral prayers as covered bodies
lay before them. Piles of beige mud-bricks were nearby, what was left
of some three dozen homes toppled by the massive blast.
(Left: Residents search for bodies in the rubble of houses destroyed
by Friday's suicide car bombing at Shah Hassan Khail near Lakki
Marwat, Pakistan, Jan. 2, 2010.)
Mohammed Qayyum, 22, tried to avoid crying Saturday as he recounted
how his younger brother died when the explosion shook the
neighbourhood. His family's house was damaged.
"After the blast, I heard cries, I saw dust, and I saw injured and
dead bodies," said Qayyum, who escaped injury. "See this rubble, see
these destroyed homes? Everybody was happy before the explosion, but
today we are mourning."
Like many others in the village that had prided itself on standing up
to the militants, Qayyum refused to comment when asked who he thought
was behind the bombing.
Mahmood Shah, a former security chief for Pakistan's tribal regions,
described the attack as a big blow to Pakistanis resisting the
Taliban, but noted past militant strikes had not stymied the
resistance.
"I'm sure that even with this blow it will not make much difference to
the resolve of the people to fight the war on terrorism with their own
means," Shah said.
In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned the
attack.
"The United States will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan
in their efforts to chart their own future free from fear and
intimidation and will support their efforts to combat violent
extremism and bolster democracy," she said in a statement.
Authorities said about 300 people were on the field at the time of
Friday's blast and security had been provided for the games and the
tribal elders' meeting. Local administrator Asmatullah Khan said
Saturday that 90 bodies had been identified, while six remained
unknown. Thirty-six people were being treated at nearby medical
centres.
Eight children, six paramilitary troops and two police were among the
dead, police said.
Omar Gull, 35, a wounded paramilitary soldier, said the attacker drove
recklessly into the crowd and people were trying to figure out what
was happening when the explosives detonated. "It was then chaos," he
said.
The attack was one of the deadliest in years, and the second deadliest
since the latest wave of bloodshed began in October. A car bomb killed
112 people at a crowded market in Peshawar on Oct. 28.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani vowed Saturday to defeat
militants, saying "the agenda of terrorists is to destabilize the
country, to create panic and spread fear."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/02/world/main6047023.shtml