Hillary’s Tour to Pakistan- “We don’t really trust your country!”

  By Majed Iqbal- US secretary of state Hillary Clinton completed her three day tour of Pakistan in the last week of October attempting to win the hearts and minds of a population which has become instrumental to Americas War on Terror.

Many Pakistani commentators dubbed her visit as a ‘charm offensive’ to re-build that ‘trust deficit’; a long overdue initiative to ease tensions with the Pakistani masses that have been having second and third thoughts about their ‘use and abuse’ partnership with the US since its inception in 2001.

The tour saw concentrated efforts in dialoguing directly with the public on a range of issues which the people of Pakistan were thinking about on Pakistan- US relations.

Hillary Clinton’s “people to people” diplomacy — with journalists, students and common people, which included town hall meetings in a “no holds” barred question and answer session at a university in Lahore were part of a new packaging.

This was possibly an approach to re-build that trust in an open and transparent way, a somewhat ‘revolutionary’ step away from more clandestine approaches with Government ministers and opposition figureheads to manipulate political will.

Clinton, who professes deep personal affection for Pakistan and its people, was aiming to be cautiously optimistic in her visit to maybe change as many hearts and minds among Pakistanis.

Afghanistan’s “Pop Idol”- Signs of Democracy, Progress, Liberation?

By Majed Iqbal- The second presidential election in Afghanistan under the new constitution, designed after ‘liberation’ in 2001 was held on August 20, 2009.

The much awaited election has been at the forefront of international observers from the west. An election result which must prove that democracy has now been embedded in Afghan society and a living showcase to the world that the troops sent thousands of miles away from across the world were not fighting in vain.

The fight for ‘people power’ took a new form, away from the battlefield where western troops are fighting the ‘insurgency’. The fight to establish people power was now through Television allowing Afghanis to digest democracy through voting for their favorite singing stars by text messaging, in the form of the countries own version of Pop Idol.

The program titled “Afghan Star” drew viewing figures of 11 million people (a third of the population) who tuned in to watch the finale, gathering in homes, fruit shops, coffee houses and military barracks. The six-month-long television show, running for the third season would name the final two contestants, based on votes sent in from viewers via text message and offering a grand prize of £2,500 for the winner.

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- Muslim Communities in the North Reject Government PVE strategy

Pubished on the Asian News Website-

By Majed Iqbal- A report released last week by think-tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) has criticised the flagship £70 million Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) programme launched by the government two years back because it alienates Muslims.

Community groups across the North West and Yorkshire have refused to join a Government-funded scheme to prevent violent Islamic extremism because it “victimises” Muslims, it has been claimed.

The PVE programme was modeled to “promote shared values, support local solutions, build civic capacity and leadership and strengthen the role of faith institutions and leaders”.

The generic nature of the strategy was welcomed initially at the first look but rejected once the details became further apparent. The plans were considered divisive and an effort to divide the Muslim community on the lines of moderates and extremists by branding what ideas of Islam will be acceptable in Britain and what won’t.

ASIAN IMAGE ARTICLE- Pakistan “In-dependence” Day

Published on the Asian Image Website

By Majed Iqbal- Pakistan Independence day will be celebrated in full swing today by the young and the old to mark the day which saw the formation of Pakistan in 1947. Pakistanis will be jumping with joy with festivities, speeches, and remembrance of the sacrifices made to bring the country into existence.

Without a doubt, the feeling of being liberated and having a homeland to be able to live freely and choose a lifestyle suitable to your culture, history and civilisation is unmatchable to anything.

However, if one was to pause and reflect on even just the last decade or event the last year of the country’s history, those jumping with celebratory independence passion would stop in reflection.

Pakistan has been subject to foreign intervention, and that’s not referring to the ‘insurgents’, but to America since 2001, and has been the subject of threatening behaviour from White House officials which has even made Pakistani Parliamentarians jump out of their seats.

Beyond Obama’s speech in Egypt

 By Majed Iqbal- Earlier this month, the American President, Barack Obama visited a number of Muslim Countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in efforts to open up a new chapter of US and Muslim relations.

Barack Obama’s speech in Egypt was watched internationally from East to West, in light of all the pressing issues that had hit our screens in the past years like the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, America’s silence on Gaza and the recent open drone attacks in Pakistan under the guise of fighting Americas “war on terror”.

Surprisingly, in his speech it was not US- Arab relations discussions that were being alluded to. Instead the primary focus was referenced as developing ‘Muslim’ relations with the ‘Islamic World’.

“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect”

Some were taken back by his speech and hailed it as a new direction in policy towards the Muslim world which seemed to be ripe with positive gesture and promises of a new era of relations. Was America admitting its failures? Was America admitting that the Iraq war was wrong? Was America admitting that its War on Terror was ill-devised which has caused devastation in key parts of the Muslim world?

COMMENT- Irans “Unacceptable” Democracy?

 By Majed Iqbal-Western countries have gone mad questioning  the validity of the results of the Iranian Elections. Newspaper reportage and coverage like ‘ Democracy is the loser in Iran’s ‘free’ election’ and ‘Iran faces international backlash over vote-rigging claims’ have all added to the media frenzy on Iran as Western observers map out what now holds in store for the future with the ‘rogue’ Iranian state.

In almost a dejavu fashion, the Iranian Elections seemed a repeat episode of  the Hamas election victory into power in the Palestinian territories when the West questioned whether it was a ‘Fair and free’ Election. Iran stands in a similar position today, questioned on its election validity despite pursuing the Democratic route.

Britain, America, Israel and European leaders were doubted over President Ahmadinejad’s re-election. Joe Biden, the US Vice President, said: “There is an awful lot of questions about how this election was run“.

COMMENT- Nawaz Sharif gaining ‘good graces’ of the West

By Majed Iqbal- The long march held in March in Pakistan was a ripe opportunity for Nawaz Sharif and his party PML-N to present itself as still a major stake holder in Pakistan’s politics after being sidelined and zardari being more favoured by outside powers.

As a US led undeclared war in Pakistan continues to create the malaise of problems, US political leaders are apparently thinking of changing their protagonist midway.

The Wall street Journal quoted senior US officials as saying that President Zardari’s in-effectiveness in curbing the Taliban threat and his lack of political tact in swaying public opinion in favour of fighting the militants is the reason behind this change of heart.

US and European officials now believe that Nawaz Sharif’s longstanding ties with religious parties could position him better to convince the Pakistani public of the need to confront the Taliban. Recently, western leaders have been upping their contacts with the PML-N which is obvious from the traffic of envoys seen at Raiwind.

VIDEO- Why do Pakistanis resent America?

Pakistan has been at the crux of the War on Terror and has been described as an indispensable ally by the Americans. However, the Pakistani population has been distant from the government and showed signs of concern on the special relationship which the US enjoys. The following video questions America and its policies towards Pakistan and the Muslim World in general.

 

Will America allow countries like Pakistan to develop its own Political future? Watch the video further.

North West Women’s conference addresses the future of Gaza

    By Majed Iqbal- While international pressure seems to have produced a ceasefire in Gaza, feelings of outrage have not dissipated easily left by the international silence by leading powers whilst the aggression was taking place in Gaza. Bitter taste can be felt resounding in many countries and seemed no different for the Muslim community in the UK.

Beyond the Gaza episode and the alleged ceasefire by Israeli forces, debates and discussions continue to look at a viable alternative to achieving territorial integrity and liberation for the Palestinians and mapping out the main obstacle in the way of achieving this.

To discuss these issues over a 150 women attended a one day Conference which looked beyond the ‘ceasefire’, evaluated the practical steps that could have prevented such atrocities and mapped out a future political set up to ensure stability and peace for the region

The women’s chapter of the Islamic political party Hizb ut-Tahrir organised the conference in Longsight, Manchester opening a robust debate on the Gaza issue.

Slideshow- Demonstration to Mobilise Armies to defend Gaza

Over three thousand people demonstrated onSunday 4th January 2009 calling the Arab armies to defend Gaza and the innocent people who continue to be terrorised by the occupying Israeli army. The demonstration started from Paddington Green and travelled through Edgeware Road and concluded with a number of speeches at Marble Arch.

Many speakers, including Mohamed Ali, CEO of Islam Channel, Mozzem Beg, the former detainee of Guantanamo and Dr Abdul Wahid from Hizb ut Tahrir, the Islamic political party who were the organisers of the demonstration urged the Muslim armies and governments to help the Muslims of Gaza. After months of a siege that starved hundreds of thousands, the Zionist occupiers of Palestine have killed over 300 men women and children in a wave of missile strikes on Gaza and have seriously injured thousands. Where are the Muslim rulers? Where are the Muslim armies? Where is the governement that will respond to the ongoing massacre of Muslims in Gazza and across the globe?

ASIAN LEADER Article- From the Widows, Orphans and those killed in Iraq

The Following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper highlighting the growing negativity and failure of US policy for Iraq and the Arab World as demosntrated through a Journalists shoe throw.

The Newspaper article can be read online on the Look Asia Website. Please click HERE to read

SLIDESHOW- After Benazir- What next for Pakistan?

Published on the Asian Image Website

By Majed Iqbal- Ever since Benazir stepped backed into Pakistan, security was the key concern for her to ensure she could kick start her Political rallying after securing her deal with the then ‘uniformed’ Musharraf. Her episode in the Karachi Rally where she narrowly escaped death re-asserted the lack of Political security offered from the state and highlighted a new phenomenon on Pakistani terrain- that of suicide bombings, something which was unheard of prior to Pakistan engaging in the War on Terror.

However, last Thursday, Benazir became the new casualty in the episode of this External War which has found a front in Pakistan through the discredited military dictatorship of Musharraf. But this has not been the focus of discussion! Both national and international media have been glued to the tug of war taking place between the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s version of events. What exactly happened? Who was the Assassin? Where was security? Was it Bullets, Shrapnel or the bang on the head?

Shaping the destiny of the Muslim world

By Majed Iqbal- In October 2005, the then British Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, made a speech to the right wing neo-conservative US think-tank the Heritage Foundation where he said:

“What drives these people on is ideas. And, unlike the liberation movements of the post-World War II era, these are not political ideas like national independence from colonial rule, or equality for all citizens without regard for race or creed, or freedom of expression without totalitarian repression. Such ambitions are, at least in principle, negotiable and in many cases have actually been negotiated. However, there can be no negotiation about the re-creation of the Caliphate; there can be no negotiation about the imposition of Shariah law”.

An interesting statement to say the least, which coincided with the governments feeble attempts to try and ban a legitimate political party in the UK advocating the re-establishment of a caliphate for the Muslim world. What seemed to be more delusional than this was Charles Clarke’s attempts to paint a picture of the Islamic Civilization which boasts a 1400 years of rich political, social, cultural, educational and economic history, to one in his eyes no different to current Zimbabwe under the authority of the Harold shipman of Africa , Robert Mugabe. A gory picture indeed Charles.

However, its not only Charles Clarke who was interested in this discussion over two years ago. Senior politicians, including George Bush are now ‘warning’ of the consequences of its re-establishment. Bush, in a speech to the American nation on the 8th of October 2005 stated:

“The militants believe that controlling one country will rally the Muslim masses, enabling them to overthrow all moderate governments in the region, and establish a radical Islamic empire that spans from Spain to Indonesia.”