Abdel Fattah el-Sisi comes with another surprise

 Abdel Fattah  el-Sisi comes with another surprise

Dr. Jassim Taqui

Islamabad, July 10, 2016- History is in the making in the Middle East. The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has sent his Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to Israel to hold talks with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution. It is the first visit by top Egyptian diplomat in 9 years.

Last month, Shoukry  visited the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank to urge the Palestinian to unify themselves in one delegation to hold direct talks with Israel.

Most probably, the visit will also pave the way to a summit meeting between el-Sisi and Netanyahu at Cairo to put a framework for the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.

The visit should be viewed as a follow-up to the el-Sisi’s  regional peace initiative last May. The initiative is based on the 2002 Arab peace offer, which promised Arab collective recognition of Israel provided it surrendered all Arab land seized in 1967 including East Jerusalem. El-Sisi also demanded the resolution of the issue of Palestinian refugees as per UN General Assembly Resolution 194. El-Sisi promised to introduce “ warm ties” between Egypt and Israel in lieu of implementing his initiative.

Recalling the past events of the Middle East, one would state that this initiative is in line with the thinking of late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser ( 1918-1970) when he accepted in 1969 the Rogers Plan.  The plan  was a framework proposed by United States Secretary of State William Rogers to achieve an end to belligerence in the Arab-Israeli conflict following the 1967 war and the continued War of Attrition.

Unfortunately, the plan stalled following the passing away of Nasser on 28^th September 1970. However, the Egyptian President Anwar el- Sadat( 1918-1981) resurrected the peace process following his victory in 1973 war. He signed two peace agreements with Israel. The first was signed  on 18^th January 1974 and the second on 4^th  September 1975.

Egyptian-Israeli ties survived during the regimes of Hosni Mubarak and Muhammad Mursi. The first lacked the political will to enhance the peace process, while the second tried to sabotage it. Both were politically killed by the Middle East issue. They simply could not comprehend the issue and took wrong decisions at defining moments that emerged in  turbulent events.

In retrospect, el-Sisi initiative has a far-reaching influence on the regional and global peace. If sincerely implemented by Israeli and the Palestinian state, it would massively contribute to establishing a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, bringing the long conflict to an end. In effect, we are living in a critical phase of the issue that decides the final crossing from despair to hope.

Dreams, dreams

Dreams, dreams

Jassim Taqui

Ignoring facts on the ground, we opt for dream,
Full of action, fantasy, perfect they appear, seem,

Everything possible including the mighty king,
Ruling with absolute power, owning everything,

Or a queen with powers unlimited, jewel crown,
Living forever with eternal beauty, others down,

She’s the beauty of the universe, she’s the best,
Taming men one after another, enslaving the rest,

Her kingdom is solid, unlimited, so very vast, wide,
None could conquer even if fenced from every side,

Dreams, dreams, no days, you live only in night,
There’s no sadness, sorrow, there is only delight,

But I’m no dreamer, I never ever quit my magic,
I stick to my loved ones, even if the end is tragic,

Even if I turn upside down, on my ultimate way,
Even if oceans revolt, if volcanoes burst, swing, sway,

My eyes would be focused on yours in desperate search,
For the lost warmth, for a final answer in quick march,

How can you write me off, I wrote your name in the sand,
Dreams, dreams bring disaster, dismay. panic all around.

Nawaz Sharif versus Shahbaz Sharif

Nawaz Sharif versus Shahbaz Sharif

Dr. Jassim Taqui

Now that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (NS) has finally come to Pakistan after spending 48 days abroad, he is not merely facing Panama Leak scandal but a more serious problem.

The new issue pertains to a division within Sharif’s family on who would be the next prime minister. NS promised his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif (SS) to either nominate him or his son Hamza Shahbaz Sharif (HSS) as the next prime minister way back in the nineties. However, NS has other ideas. He dumped both SS and HSS. Instead, he decided that his daughter Mariam Nawaz (MN) would inherit the party and also be the next prime minister.

Evidently, SS does not like this change of heart by NS. Thus, he seems to be inclined to split the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) and form his own faction namely, Pakistan Muslim League (SS group).

The new faction has the blessing of the strongman, Interior Minister Nisar Ali (NA), who along with SS are acceptable to the military establishment.

According to insiders of PML (N), SS would become the next prime minister while NA would be appointed the Chief Minister of Punjab. This means the era of NS would come to an end. And this is what worries NS.

Defects in American and British democracies

Defects in American and British democracies

Dr. Jassim Taqui

First, the US President George W. Bush admitted that he lied to the American nation, the Congress and international community about Iraq’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Nonetheless, Bush justified his invasion of Iraq, claiming it was good since it got rid of “ authoritarian ruler of Iraq.” Conveniently, Bush ignored to mention that he was supporting the most authoritarian and ruthless regimes in the Middle East. There was also no mention of his appetite to Iraqi oil and gas.

The former British prime minister Tony Blair also lied to the British people about Iraq’s WMD. However, Blair had to apologize for the Iraqi invasion following Chilcot report.

Full credit goes to Sir John Chilcot who released his inquiry report. The report criticized Tony Blair, stating that Blair’s support of the American invasion of Iraq was unjustified.

However, no action has ever been taken against Bush and Blair. In effect, this signifies the failure of American and British democracies. For, in any civilized democratic system Bush and Blair would have been put on trial as criminals of war.

Further, international norms demand that US and UK should compensate Iraq for the huge damages in lives and destruction due to the invasion. Both lied and deceived international community to justify killing millions of innocent civilians.

US and UK did kill one dictator but produced thousands of ISIS terrorists that have now field days throughout the world.

The irony is that those who helped create ISIS are now facing its brunt.

Netanyahu’s diplomatic offensive

Netanyahu’s diplomatic offensive

Dr. Jassim Taqui

While his critics are questioning his rejection of the EU-supported French initiative to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian crisis on the basis of two-state formula, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised all by a diplomatic offensive. Netanyahu travelled to Kenya and vowed to help strengthen African ties. In the process, the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta  promised to help Israel regaining her observer status at the African Union.

Israel was kicked out of the African Union in 2002 at the behest of Libya. Kenyatta is justifying the move as “ good for global peace.”

The AU, based in Addis Ababa and currently comprising 54 African countries, is an organization dedicated to promoting cooperation among its members.

Ostensibly, the visit is aimed to remind France of Israel’s Operation Entebbe 40 years ago. After terrorists hijacked an Air France plane to Entebbe, Uganda, in June 1976, Israeli special forces launched a spectacular rescue operation. On their way back from Entebbe, the Israeli plane landed in Kenya to refuel.

Netanyahu trip to Africa includes also Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia, the first ever by an Israeli head of state to bub-Sahara Africa in decades.

Netanyahu is also involved in “secret diplomacy with anti-Iran states of the GCC,” who are fed up with the Iranian proxy wars and interference in their internal affairs.

Reaching out to the Muslims, Netanyahu plans to strengthen ties with Indonesia, the largest Muslim state in the globe. He is planning trips to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Selecting Azerbaijan is significant since it is a secular state that has a large border with Iran and majority Shiite population including the ruling regime of Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijan enjoys good relations with Israel and a grim relations with Iran, which supports Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Kazakhstan enjoys good relations with Israel since both countries established diplomatic relations on April 10, 1992. The embassy of Israel in Kazakhstan opened in August 1992. The embassy of Kazakhstan in Israel opened in May 1996.

Netanyahu plans also to improve Israeli relations with Latin America. He maintains excellent relations with Russia, China, Japan and India.

In retrospect, the diplomatic offensive of Netanyahu seems to build an international alliance in a bid to prevent the establishment of the Palestinian state.

However, one would wonder: Can this tactic delay the two-state settlement? The writing is very much on the wall. Delay is no answer. Delay always breeds danger.

Sofi : the mortal birth

Sofi : the mortal birth

Jassim Taqui

Sofi, the love of God, the shining angel, serene... the like of her you’ve never seen,

Unrivaled with her femininity,  grace...the charming is bracing the human race

can always bring her charm in various ways... can make you restless nights and days

looking deep into her eyes, she made moan...she landed in my cottage descended from her throne

rising with actions, funny news...all barriers wiped away to zero she does  reduce

your love,  music, lyrics show the way.... of life to the people who go astray

Sofi shines, radiates love,  erotic poetry….she's a model of race, full symmetry

Reading her mind,  her sharp look,.. like a heavenly gift , like the holy book

the touch of magic bringing inside unrest...that agitates keeping  you at your best

show me your face,  so as to see your eyes...revealing  all of you, big surprise

horror would die, evil,  disappear, knock to the ground...no place to go: you’re all around

the  legend of temptation test.. body and soul, she's the best

delighting , redeeming tender self, all….when you go down, in her grip; seeking to fall

shaking all  with her stunning red...food for thought and imagination to be fed

loving her in black dress,  her dancing in the rain....when changes calm and sane

facing you with red and black , she’s bold... easing slow, becoming gold

predicting a future of her own  that would please....would make her  sober, at ease

could see you forever and beg for more....the  fairy  is delightful,  I do adore

her smile speaks, her body seeks, dressing  red and  black.... always there when the day turns dark

how can you describe the feeling of utmost ease?.....times ceases to exist, love seeks  to please

shining  like a bright sun, pleases all.... saving them from the ordeal and fall

igniting me for real... bring change; reflect  what I feel

making people mad with your moves, free.. growing, giving fruit like a healthy tree

your red charm is a holy thing to see...is a medicine that erases my misery

her fame is ability to see in the dark...people want her this way to hide their inner black

she’s daring, loving, free to shine... why then blame me when I adore her and proclaim she's mine

never ending story , her charm, she's eve... following  your heart, would never leave

when you forget me, the bells toll... the sounds would be so loud, you'll definitely fall

when you see me, you would remember Sofi , the bare....the symbol of love,  elevated there

her charm continues , my friend.. her warmth, her tender touch would never end

feeling lost without her around....lost in worries, her sweet look that can’t be found

Sofi the kind, smiling, the mortal birth.. the wave of love that has swept all the earth

look an eternal scene revealed from sky....the heaven loves me, always stands by

Saudi Arabia and The Great Sedition

Saudi Arabia and  The Great Sedition

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The renowned Egyptian scholar Dr. Taha Hussein (1889-1973) wrote a master piece book in Arabic, “ El Fitna Al Kubra” or The Great Sedition. He revisited the turmoil during the third Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate Amir al-Muminin Uthman ibn Affan ( reign 6 November 644 to 17 June 656). The sedition ended in his martyrdom on 18 Dhul-Hijjah, 35 AH.

While analyzing the reasons behind the sedition, Dr. Taha Hussein listed factionalism and differences on the interpretation of holy Quran as the main reasons. He sincerely advise all schools of thought of Islam , way back in 1947 when he published the book, to opt for moderation and co-exist on the basis of mutual accommodation and respect.

Presently, Arabia and Iran are confronted with similar situation. This time, it is Iran who is behind the initiation of this sedition due to its policy of  waging proxy wars in the Middle East, especially in Yemen, which is the strategic depth of Saudi Arabia.

The gravest outcome of this sedition has been the three suicides attacks on Madina and Qatif in Saudi Arabia on 4^th July, 2016, which bear the hallmark of ISIS.

Due to the gravity of the situation, OIC and United Nations should intervene to contain the situation. Any indifferent attitude towards these incidents could engulf the entire Muslim World in devastating civil war. The sedition is also expected to widen to US, EU and other Western countries where sizable Muslims live. The sedition would also open new avenues for ISIS to carry terrorist operations not only against the Muslims but against all.

The two faces of Erdogan

The two faces of Erdogan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

If you have followed the politics of the Turkish President Tayyib Erdogan, you would be shocked by its contradiction and controversy.

To start with, Erdogan swore to everyone that he would never compromise the secular polity of  the founding father of modern Turkey Ataturk.

Later, however, he turned to be the biggest supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB). Tracing the history of MB, you find that its basic goal from its very inception was to overthrow the secular regimes in the Middle East and to impose a Taliban-like regimes in their place.

Erdogan  declared his famous zero-differences with his neighbors, but he secretly was interfering into the internal affairs of Iraq, Syria and Iran.

Perhaps  his biggest deception was the initiation of the civil war in Syria by secretly supporting ISIS ; claiming that CIA was behind this terrorist outfit. Everyone was deceived by his plan including NATO.

When the Russian President Vladimir Putin provided documentary evidences of his clandestine support of ISIS, he shot the Russian fighter, which was bombing the facilities of ISIS in Syria. His game was to force NATO to be dragged into the Syrian civil war. However, the NATO, the United States and the EU quickly realized his deception and pressed for a peaceful solution of the Syrian civil war.

When Erdogan’s policy of supporting ISIS backfired domestically, regionally and internationally, he was compelled to mend his relations with Israel.

Erdogan was desperate to show himself as supporter of the Palestinian people. He requested the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to permit him to send humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian in Gaza. But when the Turkish truck entered the Gaza Strip, it was not carrying food and medicines but toys and diapers. (Times of Israel,4^th July, 2016).

As matters stand, Erdogan’s dream of reviving the Ottoman Empire vanished. Now, the international community is united in fighting ISIS, which lost Fallujah and is cornered in Mosul as well. Suddenly, the  would be Erdogan’s Empire is no more. It is merely confined to his Presidential Palace, which cost the exchequer an enormous amount of $650 million.

Building a Stronger Future for Pakistan and America

Building a Stronger Future for Pakistan and America

David Hale

As America celebrates its Independence Day, we at the American Embassy and Consulates are pausing to reflect on the shared values of our two countries.  The people of Pakistan and the United States share a fundamental desire for peace and prosperity.  Working together since Pakistan’s own independence, our two countries have achieved great successes in fields ranging from energy to education to security, and have built the foundation for our long-term partnership. 

Over the decades, the United States and Pakistan have become strong economic partners, with two-way annual trade of over $5 billion.  Last October in Washington, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama highlighted this economic partnership, announcing a Joint Action Plan on Trade and Investment and a U.S.-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership. 

On June 2-3 in New York City, the United States hosted the fourth annual U.S.-Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference, bringing together over 250 industry representatives, investors, and government leaders from our two nations.  We also recently launched the Pakistan Private Investment Initiative, a partnership between the U.S. Government and Pakistan to invest over $150 million in small- and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan.  Moreover, I have made it a priority for the Embassy to support entrepreneurial efforts of Pakistanis, particularly among women and youth.

In both Pakistan and the United States, there is a recognition of the critical importance of a stable energy supply to power economic growth.  That’s why energy is a centerpiece of our civilian assistance program in Pakistan. 

 American and Pakistani cooperation has added enough power to the national grid to benefit 28 million Pakistanis.  We also are focused on attracting private sector investment to develop Pakistan’s rich, renewable solar, wind, geothermal, and water resources for sustainable energy.  Together, we can build Pakistan’s energy capacity not just for today, but for the future.

Whether in the United States or Pakistan, a successful economy and society also require the participation of engaged and educated citizens.  As the first American President, George Washington, once said, “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.”  From primary school to post-graduate research, our nations are collaborating to develop the knowledge and skills of Pakistani youth. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Pakistan Reading Program aims to improve the reading ability of over one million children.  The Fulbright Program has made it possible for thousands of students from Pakistan to pursue advanced degrees in the United States.  Our two nations also are partnering through the Let Girls Learn-Pakistan initiative to support girls’ access to education throughout Pakistan.

Security and counter-terrorism efforts are another key element of our partnership to build a prosperous and peaceful future.  Pakistan has suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists, and America stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and all who fight the menace of terrorism.  To support Pakistan’s efforts, America provides financing for military equipment and infrastructure, strengthening the Pakistan military’s combat and operational capabilities. 

Pakistan is in fact the largest recipient worldwide of International Military Education and Training funds, which invest in the professional and human resource development of Pakistan’s military and is among the top five recipients worldwide of American Foreign Military Financing.  Beyond military support, America has been a longstanding partner with Pakistan’s law enforcement professionals, providing millions of dollars annually since 1982 to strengthen Pakistan’s law enforcement and criminal justice systems and its capacity to fight illicit narcotics.

In each of these fields, and many others, the length and breadth of our cooperation has seen us through challenges, and I look forward to seeing our cooperation flourish as our enduring partnership grows.  Through our joint efforts, we can build a stronger future for both Pakistan and America.

His Excellency David Hale is the Ambassador of United States to Pakistan.

The mullahs factor

The mullahs factor

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The majority of the civil society social society have always been the victims of a small segment of mullahs. Before Gen. Zia ul Haq’s  coup of 5^th July, 1977, mullahs were completely marginalized by secular regimes. However, Gen. Zia, himself a mullah sympathizer, infused a new life in their dead bodies. He was helped by the US administration, which wanted the mullahs to wage jihad against the Soviet troops in Afghanistan.

Billions of dollars were spent on recruiting mullahs and building thousands of seminaries, which served as nurseries to recruit  Mujahideen.

During the Afghan jihad (1979-1989) the mullahs became a formidable force. They penetrated all decision-making institutions in large number including the armed forces of Pakistan.

Subsequently, the mullahs combined with the terrorist outfits to spread terrorism all over Pakistan especially when Gen. Raheel Sharif decided to hit them hard in Zarab-e-Azab Operation-   in progress since June, 2014.

While the army has been able to cleanse North Waziristan from terrorist outfits, the mullahs remain  untouchable due to their influence , wealth and clandestine assistance from non-state actors within Pakistan and outside it.

The mullahs succeed to introduce amendments in the constitution that paralyze every government to abrogate them ; fearing that the mullahs would declare them Kafirs (infidels.)

In fact, the mullahs influenced the parliament to declare the minority Ahmadis as infidels although the decision conflicts with the basic teaching of Islam. Holy prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had proclaimed, “ Whosoever says: There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Prophet of God is a Muslim.” All factions of Islam are observing the above criterion. How, can anyone, then, declare any faction as infidel or non-Muslim?

Another problem behind the influence of the mullahs is the wide spread illiteracy in Pakistan and substandard educational system. The culprit behind this is the government, which allocates less than 2 percent of the annual  budget for education.

In retrospect, the mullahs would continue to dominate and influence the society unless the government introduces massive reform and substantially increase the allocation for education in the annual budget.

Closing ceremony of the One UN Project

Closing ceremony of the One UN Project

Dr Jassim Taqui

The One UN Project, “Livelihood Restoration, Protection and Sustainable Empowerment of Vulnerable Peasant Communities in Sindh Province”, steered by the Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh and jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with the financial support of United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS).

The project resulted in improving the lives of 12000 families in targeted Districts of Mirpurkhas and Dadu in the Sindh Province. The Project utilized multiple actions to improve the human security and reduce the poverty of the targeted communities. 

ILO Country Director, Pakistan , Ms Ingrid Christensen delivered the keynote speech setting the tone for the rest of the speakers. She spoke about the 2010 and 2011 floods of Pakistan and its adverse impact on Sindh, particularly Mirpurkhas and Dadu districts, highlighting the relief operations by FAO and ILO. Now, however UN WOMEN combined with ILO and FAO to  complete the project that lasted for 3 years. She commended the unity of UN agencies and said she was inspired by the transformation in the life of the beneficiaries of the project.

FAO Representative, Pakistan, Patrick Evans spoke about lessons learnt in his presentation especially the advantage of UN agencies working together. He commended the outcome of the project particularly the empowerment of women, improving irrigation system, water management and livestock through ILO loans to the farmers belonging to 12,000 families.

UN Women Country Director, Pakistan Sengeta Tapa said the project could be a potential for the Government to expand it to other parts of Sindh and Pakistan.

Commissioner Mirpurkhas Division Shafiq Ahmad lauded the project , highlighting more coordination between UN agencies and the Government of Sindh.

UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne brilliantly concluded the 3-hour long ceremony by stating that  multidimensional poverty is a pain to the society. Quoting from recent UN statistics, he revealed that poverty in Sindh touched  the fearful figure of 75.5 percent. He proposed enforcing “ human security” on the principle of reaching first to the most secluded people. He said that the project improved people’s life and choice and succeeded in devising principles to connect people. He described the project as unique in the sense that it gave  the people voice.

Ending his speech by posing a thought –provoking question, what we do next?... the scope is huge but it needs will and human security.”