Redefining Identity: How Young Technologists Are Leading a Silent Revolution in Pakistan (c) 2011 FiveRivers Technologies. A FiveRivers Technologies and Pepper.pk production. Redefining Identity takes a look at the amazing entrepreneurship and creativity that is being unleashed in Pakistan, where young technologists are coming together to lead a very real revolution that has powerful social, economic and technological implications. In doing so, these young Pakistanis are also transforming Pakistan’s perception in the minds of millions of people all around the world who use their products and appreciate their creativity.
Showing posts with label revolution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label revolution. Show all posts
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Imran Khan’s revolution
BY MURTAZA RAZVI ON APRIL 27TH, 2011 
The way Imran Khan has been rallying the youth over the years has now seen him put up a big show in Peshawar over the weekend. “Stop the drone strikes, or we’ll block Nato supplies to Afghanistan!” cried the angry cricketer-turned-philanthropist-turned politician from a stage that seemed more like a pulpit. Khan is no diplomat; he does not know how to mince words, and believes in thinking aloud at all times. He boots for success and does not know of failure; even when failure strikes, as in his politics over the years, he picks up the pieces and starts walking again. Nothing seems to bog him down, no obstacle appears insurmountable; he’s in it for the long haul. Add to this the personal charisma that he has carried all these years, and you have an endearing leader in him: relatively young, educated and articulate. He does not do doublespeak nor plays mind games, and is thus also a darling of the youthful electronic media, many of whose not as charismatic talk show hosts have been echoing the same mix of rightist patriotism in a new, empowered lingo. The only problem is that little of it is based on progressive thinking. Safeguarding national honour is like protecting your women, believing that your honour lies in them, and as your possession, and that they are incapable of protecting it themselves. The truth is that they will remain incapacitated if you do not take steps to educate and emancipate them; make the same tools of life available to them as are to men. The same is true for any nation’s capacity to defend itself and its so-called national honour. Unless a nation has access to the wherewithal of modern life, the right education, a working healthcare system, the social net hedging the less privileged, gainful employment and opportunity for all, it lives a life of utter dishonour and low self-esteem. It is not the West or the CIA that have done this to us. We’ve worked hard to achieve this ignoble status ourselves. The kind of education we impart, with heavy doses of right-wing rhetoric and a hollow sense of patriotism based on the hatred of others, instead of empirical knowledge and adherence of universal values, produces only bigots. Those not having access even to this shady mix of ideological social engineering then gang up on society to blow up schools, preferably girls’ schools, mosques and shrines alike. That’s their revenge on a society that is working to sully not its own honour but also that of the great Muslim faith, hence there can be no meeting point with them. They must be eliminated to make room for the pious and the righteous to establish Allah’s writ in this unruly world which is full of evil attractions for the rich; a whole generation of pious sons must be raised, everyone of whom is a mujahid, ready to kill and maim all those who oppose Allah and his Kingdom. The world must be cleansed of all infidels. Muslims not buying into this world view must also be eliminated for they are agents of infidels.
Now this is the emerging world that Imran Khan has set out to turn around on the back of the groundswell of his popularity amongst largely urban youth. Given the rising anti-US sentiment, mainly in urban Pakistan, and with alleged help from certain powerful quarters that share his vision for an Islamic welfare state, where women and minorities are seen as burden, he is very likely to win more and more converts as he pushes ahead. And the first step in doing so is to cut off Nato’s supplies into Afghanistan, as proposed by him. The next would be to rescind Pakistan’s commitment to being a partner in America’s war on terror, because we’re a state armed with nukes, not Iraq or Afghanistan that could be invaded. In doing so he forgets one critical aspect: who will finance this newfound independence and the flagging about of national honour? According to the political analyst, Khaled Ahmed, Pakistan only succeeds if it succeeds economically. He goes on to say that our economic success hinges very much on whether we give trade passage to willing, buying countries. This may mean giving passage to India and Central Asia from east to west and vice versa, China from north to south and vice versa, and the US and others as and when they need such a passage through Pakistan. Denying this passage will mean that the international community will have to go around us and make other, perhaps more expensive arrangements, like India has done for its oil supplies. The US too can bypass Pakistan by exploring more expensive routes for Nato supplies but in the process it can isolate Pakistan completely, and bring its already troubled economy to a grinding halt. It will not need to militarily invade Pakistan, for we will have accomplished the needful ourselves. Where will then the urban youth, and those nouveau riche TV anchors will go to seek their comforts, more opportunities to prosper and live a better, more promising life, with less loadshedding, more air conditioning and international mobility? A revolution to regain national honour by asserting independence in an increasingly interdependent world will surely result in economic blockade and a nation so inclined left to rot in its own isolation, making it all the more irrelevant to the rest of the world. Drone attacks must stop but we have to remove the bait that brings them on in the first place. In order to start putting things right, one does not start by blocking the roads or threatening to march on the capital to bring down an allegedly corrupt and inept government that has failed to deliver. Who else but Imran Khan should know that to treat cancer he had to build a well-equipped modern hospital instead of destroying the ones that were there and could not provide the needed treatment. The positive energy that went into building that state of the art treatment facility is what is required at the national level to start setting things right; an overdose of radical ideology just won’t cut it. It does not get any simpler than that.
Now this is the emerging world that Imran Khan has set out to turn around on the back of the groundswell of his popularity amongst largely urban youth. Given the rising anti-US sentiment, mainly in urban Pakistan, and with alleged help from certain powerful quarters that share his vision for an Islamic welfare state, where women and minorities are seen as burden, he is very likely to win more and more converts as he pushes ahead. And the first step in doing so is to cut off Nato’s supplies into Afghanistan, as proposed by him. The next would be to rescind Pakistan’s commitment to being a partner in America’s war on terror, because we’re a state armed with nukes, not Iraq or Afghanistan that could be invaded. In doing so he forgets one critical aspect: who will finance this newfound independence and the flagging about of national honour? According to the political analyst, Khaled Ahmed, Pakistan only succeeds if it succeeds economically. He goes on to say that our economic success hinges very much on whether we give trade passage to willing, buying countries. This may mean giving passage to India and Central Asia from east to west and vice versa, China from north to south and vice versa, and the US and others as and when they need such a passage through Pakistan. Denying this passage will mean that the international community will have to go around us and make other, perhaps more expensive arrangements, like India has done for its oil supplies. The US too can bypass Pakistan by exploring more expensive routes for Nato supplies but in the process it can isolate Pakistan completely, and bring its already troubled economy to a grinding halt. It will not need to militarily invade Pakistan, for we will have accomplished the needful ourselves. Where will then the urban youth, and those nouveau riche TV anchors will go to seek their comforts, more opportunities to prosper and live a better, more promising life, with less loadshedding, more air conditioning and international mobility? A revolution to regain national honour by asserting independence in an increasingly interdependent world will surely result in economic blockade and a nation so inclined left to rot in its own isolation, making it all the more irrelevant to the rest of the world. Drone attacks must stop but we have to remove the bait that brings them on in the first place. In order to start putting things right, one does not start by blocking the roads or threatening to march on the capital to bring down an allegedly corrupt and inept government that has failed to deliver. Who else but Imran Khan should know that to treat cancer he had to build a well-equipped modern hospital instead of destroying the ones that were there and could not provide the needed treatment. The positive energy that went into building that state of the art treatment facility is what is required at the national level to start setting things right; an overdose of radical ideology just won’t cut it. It does not get any simpler than that.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Will Gaddafi escape from Libya on this plush private jet?
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER Last updated at 9:31 PM on 9th March 2011
Rumours have been rife over the past few days that Colonel Gaddafi is ready to quit Libya - and here is the jet he may use to make his escape abroad.
On Monday night it was reported the dictator was ready to relinquish his 41-year rule after proposing a meeting of the Libyan parliament to agree a transition period to pave the way for him to step down, according to Al Jazeera, the Arab TV network.
His terms include immunity from criminal prosecution and a pile of cash.
This United Aviation Bombardier Challenge 8,500 jet may be used by Gaddafi to flee Libya 
The fancy plane is the property of a jet company owned by the Libyan government
If Gaddafi and his family were to fly out of the country, they could well do so on on a United Aviation jet, such as the Bombardier Challenge 8,500.
The jet company, owned by the Libyan government, is also in possession of a Bombardier Global 5,000 and a Bombardier Challenge 3,000, which the dictator could utilise.
Gaddafi allegedly sent Jadallah Azzouz Talhi, a former prime minister, to meet Libyan rebels to work out the fine print of a deal to stand down earlier this week.
The offer proposed that the dictator would hand over power to a committee formed by the General People’s Congress.
The plush plane will allow the dictator and his family to flee Libya in luxurious comfort
However, the rebel interim council, based in the eastern city of Benghazi, reportedly rejected the offer because such an ‘honourable’ exit would offend Gaddafi’s victims. A source close to the rebel council said he had heard that ‘one formula being proposed by the other side would see Gaddafi hand power to the head of parliament and leave the country with a certain guaranteed sum of money’.
He added: ‘I was told that this issue of money is a serious obstacle from the national council’s point of view.’
The cock pit of the private jet, which is ready to carry Gaddafi from Libya for good after his 41 years in charge
Meanwhile, Colonel Gaddafi's forces today blasted an oil terminal to smithereens as Libya's bloody civil war entered its blackest day.
Rebels retaliated by firing back with rockets as a fireball exploded from one of the oil tanks and the sky above the Es Sider terminal, in the east of the country, filled with hideous smoke.
A witness said one of the smoke plumes was the biggest he had seen in the conflict so far.
The fresh onslaught came as Gaddafi deployed tanks and snipers to 'shoot anything that moves'.
Forces loyal to the Libyan dictator poured into the city of Zawiyah in a desperate bid to oust the hardcore band of protesters and army defectors who have taken control.
The fully-fitted kitchen of the Bombardier 8,500. Earlier today, there were reports that three private jets owned by Gaddafi had left Libya for Vienna, Athens and Egypt
Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi arrives to give television interviews at a hotel in Tripoli last night
Last night, the increasingly crazed despot gave his fourth rambling TV interview since protests began on February 15.
Returning to familiar themes, the Libyan leader said the rebels wanted to pave the way for a new colonial era that would allow Britain, France and the United States to divide up the country and control its oil wealth.
Making reference obliquely to unrest in the Arab world and elsewhere, he said: 'How can (Libyan) parents allow Tunisians, Egyptians, Algerians and Afghans to enrol your children?'
He said rebels were drug-addled youths and Al Qaeda-backed terrorists. One of his sons said if Gaddafi bowed to pressure and quit, Libya would descend into civil war.
He promised to fight any attempt to impose a no-fly zone on the country which he said would merely be an excuse by the West to seize Libya's oil deposits.
'If Al Qaeda seizes Libya, that will amount to a huge disaster,' Gaddafi said. 'If they (Al Qaeda fighters) take this place over, the whole region, including Israel, will be dragged into chaos,' he said.
'Then Bin Laden may seize all of north Africa that faces Europe.'
Greek officials said they spotted one Libyan Airlines Falcon 900 jet as it briefly entered airspace for around 15 minutes earlier this morning - but Gaddafi was not aboard 
The extravagant bathroom of the private plane. Gaddafi wants immunity from criminal prosecution and a pile of cash before he considers jetting off Earlier today, there were reports that three private jets owned by Gaddafi had left Libya for Vienna, Athens and Egypt. Greek officials said they spotted one Libyan Airlines Falcon 900 jet as it briefly entered airspace for around 15 minutes earlier this morning. The sightings prompted speculation that Gaddafi or members of his family have fled the country. However, it later emerged that one aircraft had landed in Egypt carrying the head of the Libyan Authority for Supply and Logistics, Major-General Abdel Rahman Ben Ali al-Sayyid al-Zawy, who was carrying a message from Gaddafi.
Rumours have been rife over the past few days that Colonel Gaddafi is ready to quit Libya - and here is the jet he may use to make his escape abroad.
On Monday night it was reported the dictator was ready to relinquish his 41-year rule after proposing a meeting of the Libyan parliament to agree a transition period to pave the way for him to step down, according to Al Jazeera, the Arab TV network.
His terms include immunity from criminal prosecution and a pile of cash.
This United Aviation Bombardier Challenge 8,500 jet may be used by Gaddafi to flee Libya The fancy plane is the property of a jet company owned by the Libyan government If Gaddafi and his family were to fly out of the country, they could well do so on on a United Aviation jet, such as the Bombardier Challenge 8,500.
The jet company, owned by the Libyan government, is also in possession of a Bombardier Global 5,000 and a Bombardier Challenge 3,000, which the dictator could utilise.
Gaddafi allegedly sent Jadallah Azzouz Talhi, a former prime minister, to meet Libyan rebels to work out the fine print of a deal to stand down earlier this week.
The offer proposed that the dictator would hand over power to a committee formed by the General People’s Congress.
The plush plane will allow the dictator and his family to flee Libya in luxurious comfort However, the rebel interim council, based in the eastern city of Benghazi, reportedly rejected the offer because such an ‘honourable’ exit would offend Gaddafi’s victims. A source close to the rebel council said he had heard that ‘one formula being proposed by the other side would see Gaddafi hand power to the head of parliament and leave the country with a certain guaranteed sum of money’.
He added: ‘I was told that this issue of money is a serious obstacle from the national council’s point of view.’
The cock pit of the private jet, which is ready to carry Gaddafi from Libya for good after his 41 years in charge Meanwhile, Colonel Gaddafi's forces today blasted an oil terminal to smithereens as Libya's bloody civil war entered its blackest day.
Rebels retaliated by firing back with rockets as a fireball exploded from one of the oil tanks and the sky above the Es Sider terminal, in the east of the country, filled with hideous smoke.
A witness said one of the smoke plumes was the biggest he had seen in the conflict so far.
The fresh onslaught came as Gaddafi deployed tanks and snipers to 'shoot anything that moves'.
Forces loyal to the Libyan dictator poured into the city of Zawiyah in a desperate bid to oust the hardcore band of protesters and army defectors who have taken control.
The fully-fitted kitchen of the Bombardier 8,500. Earlier today, there were reports that three private jets owned by Gaddafi had left Libya for Vienna, Athens and Egypt Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi arrives to give television interviews at a hotel in Tripoli last night Last night, the increasingly crazed despot gave his fourth rambling TV interview since protests began on February 15.
Returning to familiar themes, the Libyan leader said the rebels wanted to pave the way for a new colonial era that would allow Britain, France and the United States to divide up the country and control its oil wealth.
Making reference obliquely to unrest in the Arab world and elsewhere, he said: 'How can (Libyan) parents allow Tunisians, Egyptians, Algerians and Afghans to enrol your children?'
He said rebels were drug-addled youths and Al Qaeda-backed terrorists. One of his sons said if Gaddafi bowed to pressure and quit, Libya would descend into civil war.
He promised to fight any attempt to impose a no-fly zone on the country which he said would merely be an excuse by the West to seize Libya's oil deposits.
'If Al Qaeda seizes Libya, that will amount to a huge disaster,' Gaddafi said. 'If they (Al Qaeda fighters) take this place over, the whole region, including Israel, will be dragged into chaos,' he said.
'Then Bin Laden may seize all of north Africa that faces Europe.'
Greek officials said they spotted one Libyan Airlines Falcon 900 jet as it briefly entered airspace for around 15 minutes earlier this morning - but Gaddafi was not aboard The extravagant bathroom of the private plane. Gaddafi wants immunity from criminal prosecution and a pile of cash before he considers jetting off Earlier today, there were reports that three private jets owned by Gaddafi had left Libya for Vienna, Athens and Egypt. Greek officials said they spotted one Libyan Airlines Falcon 900 jet as it briefly entered airspace for around 15 minutes earlier this morning. The sightings prompted speculation that Gaddafi or members of his family have fled the country. However, it later emerged that one aircraft had landed in Egypt carrying the head of the Libyan Authority for Supply and Logistics, Major-General Abdel Rahman Ben Ali al-Sayyid al-Zawy, who was carrying a message from Gaddafi.
Muammar Gaddafi: Libyan rebels 'brainwashed' - video
In a speech to members of Libya's Zentan tribe, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi says foreign elements urged Libyan youngsters to turn against their country
Monday, February 28, 2011
'US unable to hijack Middle East uprising'
'US unable to hijack Middle East uprising' Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:30PM Interview with International Lawyer, Franklin Lamb. 
People cheer during a celebration of the liberation of eastern Libya On Friday, massive Arab Revolutionary demonstrations were held throughout the Middle East, amid Gaddafi's brutal mercenary militia killing more protesters in Libya. Press TV interviewed International Lawyer, Franklin Lamb from Beirut regarding the uprisings in the Middle East. Press TV: I would like to welcome Dr. Franklin Lamb from Beirut now. Thank you so much for being with us. Now yesterday was an interesting day Mr. Lamb. We saw more protests of course in Yemen, in Libya, in Bahrain and in Jordan. We also saw a revisiting of the previous two revolutionary countries meaning Tunisia and Egypt. What do you say about the state of affairs in the region? Do you think what we are looking at is something that is going to evolve into permanent change, or is there concern that right now as the Tunisians and Egyptians seem to be expressing that there is just figureheads changing, and not enough significant changes? What direction do you see the region going? Are we seeing total change? Lamb: Thank you. This regional revolution, this standing up or uprisings, I think it has got legs and it's broadening and deepening and unlike what Condoleezza Rice said here about in 2006 regarding a new Middle East, it's a new Middle East and probably the opposite of what she had in mind. That is where we are and yes, I think it will sustain. I think the danger is lessening of hijacking this revolution. I site as evidence of that the committees of the different countries particularly in Egypt. They are calling it a coalition to protect the games they achieve. That means when they meet the military that they hold them to their words. They cite the demands for progress and verification of real change. Of course, it's in the hands of the people. We cannot help them other than to encourage this historic movement. I have confidence from your footage, and other reports that these people are serious. It is fundamental. It is a deep endemic revolt after years of oppression. I disagree with my colleague Robert Fisk who says there is no religious aspect. I think the justice and equality that is inherent in Islam and its practitioners is a factor not the Wahabbie -Salafee sort of extremist versions, but the quest for justice is a factor in here. I don't think these people are going to allow this to be hijacked. It may take more time. Press TV: You said Islam is very much a part of these movements. Why do you think this is the case with much of the mainstream media? It is more human rights or equal rights that the protesters are demanding. Why is it that the international media present it as if Islam would be exclusive of that? Lamb: Well I think it's just fundamentally ignorance. We are a long way away, and we have so many of our own problems in the West for the last hundred years with our own culture. We just do not understand Islam. I can tell you here in Beirut when Westerns come here and see Islam in practice. The beauty of Islam is that it's a way of life and it's not some sort of jihadist that are media likes to identify with. Part of the problem is we have been a little lazy in the West. We have not had respect of others enough to study Islam. Of course, there will be no revolution without Islam because the essence of Islam is of course the quest for justice. Therefore, I think that is our problem. We have to catch up. We are going to catch up in the sense that we are not in control. I believe the beliefs of these people and these images are going to be sustained. It's not going to be easy and we are worried about certain aspects of that. However, I think the leadership will come and the way of life and the culture of resistance are too strong. The idea is too powerful to be turned to the side. There will be efforts to hijack it. The paradigm of the West has been three things: Put in a despot or someone who represents stability, make sure that they are compliant in terms of military means and as you know, we have those 800 bases in 130 countries, and then finally support our foreign policy with respect to Israel. The despots were happy to do that. Are these people going to be satisfied with the occupation of Palestine? Of course not. Is it at the forefront right now? No, but is it fundamental? Yes, so I am optimistic. I don't see that the West has the power to turn this thing aside. I think the region is changing dramatically. It's a fundamental change and the most the West can do is to respect these new governments on the basis of equality, and apply the tenets in the United Nations charter such as principals of equality and I think there can then be peace and good relations. I know that sounds a little idealistic, but I have confidence that these people are going to demand that. I hope that the American people will also demand that. Press TV: They are saying, “Down, down Hamad!” in reference to the Bahraini King. Mr. Lamb, how significant is this chant, as it seems they are not only asking for a change in the government but total regime change in Bahrain. Lamb: Yes, and these images are enormously powerful. Who is going to hijack [this uprising]? We are all worried about hijacking the revolution. I don't think these people will easily be hijacked. Hamed was considered a special case. You know the little reforms he did. He is a favorite of the Americans because not only [his country is home to the US] fifth fleet but [because] of his connection with Saudi Arabia etc… As a King, he will likely start to blame the problems on the government, make some changes and survive. The presidents will fall in the Middle East ... The monarchs are in a better position some say but they may not be the case with Hamad. I mean the family has been I think you said 300 years or something. He is in danger now with his kind of persistence in resisting. That is the key to success and all of this is simply persistence and persistence. Thus, I think it's very significant. It has to be of enormous concern to Saudi Arabia and Washington. The big question is can he survive? The images suggest that he may not survive. Press TV: On that note I would like to thank you International Lawyer, and Middle East Analysis, Dr. Franklin Lamb from Beirut. NM/PKH
People cheer during a celebration of the liberation of eastern Libya On Friday, massive Arab Revolutionary demonstrations were held throughout the Middle East, amid Gaddafi's brutal mercenary militia killing more protesters in Libya. Press TV interviewed International Lawyer, Franklin Lamb from Beirut regarding the uprisings in the Middle East. Press TV: I would like to welcome Dr. Franklin Lamb from Beirut now. Thank you so much for being with us. Now yesterday was an interesting day Mr. Lamb. We saw more protests of course in Yemen, in Libya, in Bahrain and in Jordan. We also saw a revisiting of the previous two revolutionary countries meaning Tunisia and Egypt. What do you say about the state of affairs in the region? Do you think what we are looking at is something that is going to evolve into permanent change, or is there concern that right now as the Tunisians and Egyptians seem to be expressing that there is just figureheads changing, and not enough significant changes? What direction do you see the region going? Are we seeing total change? Lamb: Thank you. This regional revolution, this standing up or uprisings, I think it has got legs and it's broadening and deepening and unlike what Condoleezza Rice said here about in 2006 regarding a new Middle East, it's a new Middle East and probably the opposite of what she had in mind. That is where we are and yes, I think it will sustain. I think the danger is lessening of hijacking this revolution. I site as evidence of that the committees of the different countries particularly in Egypt. They are calling it a coalition to protect the games they achieve. That means when they meet the military that they hold them to their words. They cite the demands for progress and verification of real change. Of course, it's in the hands of the people. We cannot help them other than to encourage this historic movement. I have confidence from your footage, and other reports that these people are serious. It is fundamental. It is a deep endemic revolt after years of oppression. I disagree with my colleague Robert Fisk who says there is no religious aspect. I think the justice and equality that is inherent in Islam and its practitioners is a factor not the Wahabbie -Salafee sort of extremist versions, but the quest for justice is a factor in here. I don't think these people are going to allow this to be hijacked. It may take more time. Press TV: You said Islam is very much a part of these movements. Why do you think this is the case with much of the mainstream media? It is more human rights or equal rights that the protesters are demanding. Why is it that the international media present it as if Islam would be exclusive of that? Lamb: Well I think it's just fundamentally ignorance. We are a long way away, and we have so many of our own problems in the West for the last hundred years with our own culture. We just do not understand Islam. I can tell you here in Beirut when Westerns come here and see Islam in practice. The beauty of Islam is that it's a way of life and it's not some sort of jihadist that are media likes to identify with. Part of the problem is we have been a little lazy in the West. We have not had respect of others enough to study Islam. Of course, there will be no revolution without Islam because the essence of Islam is of course the quest for justice. Therefore, I think that is our problem. We have to catch up. We are going to catch up in the sense that we are not in control. I believe the beliefs of these people and these images are going to be sustained. It's not going to be easy and we are worried about certain aspects of that. However, I think the leadership will come and the way of life and the culture of resistance are too strong. The idea is too powerful to be turned to the side. There will be efforts to hijack it. The paradigm of the West has been three things: Put in a despot or someone who represents stability, make sure that they are compliant in terms of military means and as you know, we have those 800 bases in 130 countries, and then finally support our foreign policy with respect to Israel. The despots were happy to do that. Are these people going to be satisfied with the occupation of Palestine? Of course not. Is it at the forefront right now? No, but is it fundamental? Yes, so I am optimistic. I don't see that the West has the power to turn this thing aside. I think the region is changing dramatically. It's a fundamental change and the most the West can do is to respect these new governments on the basis of equality, and apply the tenets in the United Nations charter such as principals of equality and I think there can then be peace and good relations. I know that sounds a little idealistic, but I have confidence that these people are going to demand that. I hope that the American people will also demand that. Press TV: They are saying, “Down, down Hamad!” in reference to the Bahraini King. Mr. Lamb, how significant is this chant, as it seems they are not only asking for a change in the government but total regime change in Bahrain. Lamb: Yes, and these images are enormously powerful. Who is going to hijack [this uprising]? We are all worried about hijacking the revolution. I don't think these people will easily be hijacked. Hamed was considered a special case. You know the little reforms he did. He is a favorite of the Americans because not only [his country is home to the US] fifth fleet but [because] of his connection with Saudi Arabia etc… As a King, he will likely start to blame the problems on the government, make some changes and survive. The presidents will fall in the Middle East ... The monarchs are in a better position some say but they may not be the case with Hamad. I mean the family has been I think you said 300 years or something. He is in danger now with his kind of persistence in resisting. That is the key to success and all of this is simply persistence and persistence. Thus, I think it's very significant. It has to be of enormous concern to Saudi Arabia and Washington. The big question is can he survive? The images suggest that he may not survive. Press TV: On that note I would like to thank you International Lawyer, and Middle East Analysis, Dr. Franklin Lamb from Beirut. NM/PKH Friday, February 11, 2011
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned
Cairo, Egypt (CNN) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned Friday, relinquishing power after three decades of iron-clad rule in the powerhouse nation of the Arab world.Vice President Omar Suleiman announced the resignation on state television and said he was transferring authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to "run the affairs of the country." Tens of thousands of emotional anti-government protesters erupted in deafening cheers on the streets of Cairo after the announcement."Egypt is free!" they chanted.It was a moment anti-government protesters had been waiting for after 18 days of relentless demonstrations that called for Mubarak's departure. U.S. President Barack Obama said he was notified of Mubarak's decision Friday morning and was closely watching the extraordinary developments unfold in Egypt, a key U.S. ally. He will make a statement Friday afternoon, the White House said. A source with close connections to Persian Gulf government leaders told CNN that Mubarak had gone to the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A 'contagious' revolt
Could Egypt happen to Pakistan?
Since January 25, 2011, the world has been captivated by developments in Egypt. One after the other, like the domino effect, major cities in Egypt erupted in protests, calling for the removal of the Mubarak regime. Reminiscent of the color revolutions that took place in Eastern Europe during the twilight of President Bush's administration, the Egyptian situation has caused consternation for a lot of international actors, and analysts are on the edges of their seats trying to determine what this sociopolitical movement means for democracy in the middle east, and for political rights in the modern Muslim world at large.
There are a lot of causal factors that point to the current turmoil in Egypt. Most believe that it was Hosni Mubarak's elongated rule that will come to 30 years in power if he continues till October 2011. Almost all of this administration has been under emergency rule, which says a lot about the democratic process in Egypt and the freedoms Egyptian citizens enjoy - despite being allied to the United States. Even though Egypt has seen two revolutions - one in 1919 and another in 1952 which brought Gamal Abdel Nasser to power - the current regime is also descended from the 'revolutionary' legitimacy of the Nasser and Sadat eras. On January 21st, Ahmad Aggour wrote that Egyptians should learn a lesson from the Tunisians and send Mubarak packing, just like Zine el Abidine ben Ali.
It seems that the current revolution is designed to install a true democracy of the Egyptian people, thereby upturning the status quo established by the July 23 Revolution of 1952.
Larbi Sadiki has written an interesting opinion piece in Al Jazeera, where he labels the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions as 'bread intifadas'. Claiming that the real terror facing Muslim societies is that of political, social and economic marginalisation, Sadiki argues that these bread riots come and go but regimes stay. Countries like Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia continue to be "the fodder of chaos in the absence of social justice, culturally sensitive sustainable development and democratic mediating networks and civic channels of socio-political bargaining and inclusion". "Oppositions and dissidents have not yet learned how to infiltrate governments and build strong political identities and power bases. This is one reason why the protests that produced 'Velvet revolutions' elsewhere seem to be absent in the Arab world."
Sadiki says that bread uprisings have positive and negative outcomes: "On the positive side, they act as elections, as plebiscites on performance, as an airing of public anger, they issue verdicts on failed policies and send stress messages to rulers".
There are also concerns about the future of Egypt after Mubarak - especially for the US and Israel, who counted Mubarak's Egypt as a firm ally. Mubarak and his newly appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman were instrumental in the peace dealings between the Israelis and different factions of the Palestinians (Hamas and Fatah), and Suleiman was considered Israel's point-man in Egypt while he was chief of military intelligence. This has led to rumours that if Mubarak steps down, he is most likely to go into exile in Tel Aviv.
All of this points to the opposition to Mubarak's pro-West regime from the Muslim Brotherhood - the Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen - which seemed to be the main force behind the January 25th protests, except for the fact that a more progressive and pluralistic constituency is out on the streets, countering the Ikhwan's "Allahu Akbar" chants with "Muslim, Christian, We're all Egyptian". Resonating patriotism and renewed inter-religious harmony is evident after the recent attacks on Egyptian Copts, and the protesters are keen to show that they are fighting for their country, and not specifically to install an Islamic government - an outcome the US is keen to avoid. The Muslim Brotherhood has also backed the consensus Opposition candidate, Mohamad ElBaradei, to negotiate with the regime - this step has led to some erosion in ElBaradei's standing as a moderate, liberal, progressive alternative to Mubarak who will be more sensitive to popular demands.
Mubarak's reactions to the uprising have not been promising; he dismissed his 'government' and replaced his prime minister, but the most important development was the appointment of a Vice President. Anwar Sadat appointed Mubarak as his Vice President in February 1981, and Sadat was assassinated in October of that year. Conspiracy theorists are also saying that if Mubarak continues, Suleiman may contemplate "bumping Mubarak off" just like Mubarak "bumped off" Sadat. Egyptians only believe this if they convince themselves of an Israeli hand behind these transformations at the top echelons of Egyptian power.
Regional and international reactions are as confused as they could be. The US doesn't want to see Mubarak leave, but at the same time, it is urging Mubarak to give concessions, restore freedom of expression and the internet, and allow democracy and human rights to flourish. However, the CIA is busy establishing Suleiman as the go-to figure in Egypt, as the new Egyptian government has prominent faces from the same regime who are also well-connected to the Armed Forces - Mubarak and his new Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik both belonged to the Air Force. Especially after Najib Mikati, a Hezbollah-backed billionaire, is poised to become Prime Minister of Lebanon, it seems that Israel will not be willing to allow another one of its Muslim neighbours to shift towards the political right.
On Day seven of the protests, the protesters have called for a million-man march in Cairo, while Alexandria, Suez and other major Egyptian cities are waking up to this new revolution. Everyone, including the Egyptians on the streets, acknowledge that the Army holds the keys to any future solution, and the Army itself realizes that an important transformation is taking place and it should not be left out of it. The Egyptian police retreated from the streets in the first few days of the Cairo protests, and the Army was called out to restore order. Egyptian policemen, especially from the feared and loathed secret services, continued to harass protesters, and some policemen in plainclothes were also caught shoplifting and were handed over to the authorities. The Egyptian Army exercised utmost restraint in the use of force, and imposed curfews despite thousands of citizens violating the curfew at Tahrir Square. One placard at the protests urged the Army to "decide between Egypt and Mubarak", summing up the predicament the Egyptian Army itself would be facing at this point in time. The lower echelons are sympathetic to the people on the streets, and the rank-and-file of the Armed Forces are both professional and patriotic, but the top brass and generals' proximity to the current regime continues to draw the ire of the protesters, who may urge the soldiers to mutiny if the generals continue to support Mubarak.
The Pakistan government first stated via the Foreign Office that Pakistani families in Cairo are safe, but on the fifth day of protests, the Foreign Office and Pakistan Air Force extricated 152 Pakistani families from Egypt. While this says a lot - or nothing at all - about the state of affairs and governance in Pakistan, many civil society activists, commentators and pundits are wondering whether a revolution along the lines of Tunisia and Egypt possible in Pakistan, or not. Some say that the Pakistani people should learn from the Egyptians and make a decisive choice. Others say that the conditions and circumstances are not conducive for a revolution the likes of which has strangled Egyptian society.
The Pakistan government has blocked Blackberry Enterprise services for foreign missions, embassies, high commissions, etc. in an apparent attempt to exercise regulatory control over the telecommunication infrastructure in Pakistan, and to keep a lid on undesirable news reaching the outside world. The PTA has allegedly denied receiving such orders, but such a denial hasn't restored the diplomats' BES services. Regulatory checks and balances of such a nature were also utilized by the judiciary when it ordered a ban on Facebook, and authorized PTA to implement the ban - however ineffectively. While Pakistani netizens developed workarounds and continue to interact with social media websites, the ban only reminded people of how difficult it will continue to be for freedoms in Pakistan - especially for free speech and the freedom of expression. One might say that an Egyptian revolution is possible in Pakistan if the government - sensing mass chaos - enforces a ban on the use of Facebook, Twitter, Google Talk, Skype, and other social media websites and connectivity systems. Such an attack on the internet use of Pakistani citizens - most of whom cannot spend a day without using the internet - will definitely bring these people out on the streets; out of sheer boredom if not incensed at the denial to use these harmless mediums of expression.
A greater revolt can be fomented if SMSes and mobile phone communications are also disrupted - while the PTA and existing PTCL infrastructure would most likely blame this on degradation of facilities, and would be partially telling the truth in doing so - it will bring out greater numbers of Pakistanis on the streets (including the religious fanatics, the extremists and the fundamentalists) because Pakistan is a country where even in 2011, 11 people are joining the national cellular network, more than 430,000 SMS are sent and approximately 160,000 calls made in every single minute. Denying Pakistanis these services will definitely leave them with nothing to do - thus giving them either option or impetus to come out on the streets and protest against whatever they want to protest against, be it corruption, misgovernance, terrorism, extremism, Americanism, liberalism, and so forth. In any case, the religious parties will have more mass support and momentum, and as the opportunistic activities of the PML-Q have shown, most liberal and secular parties will join and support the fray, not create their own momentum for other constituents to join in - despite liberal political leaders like Altaf Hussain calling for revolution in every way possible. In this way, the liberals and seculars will be politically marginalised as their politicians will run to the religious right so as to garner greater voting banks with more guarantees and more stability. This will only strengthen the religious right - and their extremist extensions - in case of a Pakistani revolution.
What would the Pakistani Army do in such circumstances? It is well known that the jihad mentality exists in the Armed Forces first and foremost, so many elements sympathetic to the religious right exist within the soldierly rank-and-file as well as in the general staff. The Army - seeing that fundamentalists are leading the revolution - will think twice about taking an overly liberal or Westernized approach, and if the liberal progressives cannot take the lead, the Army will be forced to bargain for a future with a definite role for religious fundamentalists in the corridors of power. Upon such a travesty taking place, the fundamentalists will have to decide whether they align themselves with the Taliban, or take a balanced approach and oppose the Taliban's antics in Pakistan - if they decide for the former, then Pakistan will go the way of Afghanistan, and if they decide the latter, then we can see some composite solution the likes of which Imran Khan has been harping on about for a few years now.
In conclusion, one must refer to President Kennedy's timeless quote to sum up the current boiling situation in Egypt and the Muslim world at large: Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)