Monday 27 April 2009
Saturday 25 April 2009
Influenza Epidemic
"The symptoms of the 'Spanish’ influenza (1918) – so-called because Spain, as opposed to countries involved in the conflict, did not censor reports of the spreading plague - included a hacking cough, projectile nose bleeds, and a condition known as heliotrope cyanosis, a dark-blue discoloration caused by shortage of oxygen to the lungs. Unlike most strains, it did not just strike the very young and old but also the 20-40-year-old age group. Around 228,000 Britons perished, and worldwide, it killed at least 50 million – ten times as many as had died in the war.
Now, as the world faces the prospect of a new pandemic - mostly likely triggered by the bird flu virus H5N1 - the question has to be asked: how would Britain cope with a similar outbreak today? In the event of a repeat of 1918, the Department of Health calculates that a quarter of the UK population could fall sick over a fifteen-week period and 375,000 people could die. But the Armageddon scenario is that a new avian virus could have an even worse impact - resulting in more than 450,000 deaths."
A couple of months ago a person giving a lecture said that during a conversation he had with the British Health Minister he was told that "the UK government is anticipating an influenza epidemic that will wipe out a third of UK population. The minister said it should have happened between two years ago and next year"...
Now, as the world faces the prospect of a new pandemic - mostly likely triggered by the bird flu virus H5N1 - the question has to be asked: how would Britain cope with a similar outbreak today? In the event of a repeat of 1918, the Department of Health calculates that a quarter of the UK population could fall sick over a fifteen-week period and 375,000 people could die. But the Armageddon scenario is that a new avian virus could have an even worse impact - resulting in more than 450,000 deaths."
A couple of months ago a person giving a lecture said that during a conversation he had with the British Health Minister he was told that "the UK government is anticipating an influenza epidemic that will wipe out a third of UK population. The minister said it should have happened between two years ago and next year"...
Monday 20 April 2009
Walking Out - An Act of Racism
If the west keeps on bringing up the issue of free speech, and then walk out on a person who is merely expressing his opinion, what does that make the western nations? What is the difference between walking out in protest of what Ahmadinijad had to say about the racist, apartheid Zionist state, and when Muslims walked in the streets demonstrating against the insulting drawings of the prophet Mohammad (may God's peace and blessings be upon him)?
The double standards exhibited by these people is unbelievable. To not accept the fact that the Zionist state is a racist, hateful state that has been waging wars against the Arabs and has been using weapons indiscriminately against civilian populations is an act of racism in it self. These are the same western countries that stood and watched Lebanese being massacred in 2006, and are the same ones supplying Israel with weapons and technology and aid that has been used to Massacre Palestinians for the past 60 years, while at the same time subjugating Arab countries and Muslim countries to economic sanctions just because they refused your hegemony in thier countries..
wonder why AlQaeda gets so many sympathizers within the muslim world...?
Saturday 18 April 2009
An Achievement
A person I knew back when I was still in high school had on his facebook status "officially an American citizen.. Proud to be American!!".. 12 people gave him the thumbs up while another 16 congratulated him on this "achievement"..
Which got me thinking about how many Arabs wish they had a citizenship of a different country, and the reasons for that.. very soon after that I was checking citizenship requirements for the UK.. just checking..
To be honest I will be the last one who will think of doing that.. :)
Which got me thinking about how many Arabs wish they had a citizenship of a different country, and the reasons for that.. very soon after that I was checking citizenship requirements for the UK.. just checking..
To be honest I will be the last one who will think of doing that.. :)
Thursday 16 April 2009
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Old Habits
So much for Obama's decision to shut down and end torture in Guantanamo. Inmates at Guantanamo claim they are still being abused and tortured. Credibility strike one for Obama..
Trying Too Hard
It seems the Egyptian regime has now gone full force against Hizbullah and Iran attempting to lower the support that Hizbullah has amongst the Egyptians. The crime of Hizbullah is that they tried to help out the trapped people in Gaza by supplying the people with essential day to day products and the resistance with weapons and ammunition. It is true that Hizbullah by sending members of its group to Egypt does indeed violate the sovereignty of Egypt but if the Egyptian government refuses to open up the Rafah border and allow the Palestinians whom have been trapped in Gaza for almost 2 and a half years with limited supplies, and if the Egyptian government refuses to support those who are willing to fight for their freedom by at least turning a blind eye to the smuggling of weapons to those freedom fighters then someone else will take up that role. It is unfortunate that such a regime has borders with Gaza.
(On this note let me point out that Mr. Mubarak along with other world leaders and politicians are nothing short of criminals for not forcing Israel to lift the siege off Gaza even after a devastating military attack by the Zionists).
I am most amazed by the Egyptian media which has lost all of its professionalism in the way it has been dealing with the issue. The slandering of Hasan Nasarallah, or any other leader or even person in such a manner by supposedly professional journalists writing in respected news outlets, is nothing less than shameless and utterly shocking, these journalists have managed to reach new levels of low.
The most infuriating thing is how those journalists repeat the same thing as if if they keep saying it we will have to believe it.
One thing I would really want an answer to is the comment made by journalists and politicians who are saying that "the Egyptian people are completely around/support the Egyptian government in everything it does", to what extent is this? Do the Egyptian people support the Egyptian governments role in the Gaza war by sealing off the border and not allowing aid to go through? Do they support the view that Hamas and Iran (and any other state that refuses to be dictated by America) are the enemies while Israel and the United States are their "best friends"? Do they share the opinions of their foreign minister when he said that "any Palestinian coming through the borders will have their legs cut off" during the time the Gazans broke through the Rafah border crossing out of desperation? Do the Egyptian people believe that internally their country and government is at its best shape, economically and socially?!
And what the hell is that claim about "spreading Shiaism" in Egypt?! As if the Egyptian Government is so worried about the spirituality of its people; that Shiaism will spread like wild fire if it wasn't for the heroic interventions of the flawless government that stopped one man of 25 years of age sent by Hizbullah to convert the people of Egypt to Shiaism. I wonder if those Palestinians and Egyptians helping the Hizbullah agent are Shia as well considering that at least 3 members of that "Cell" belong to the Muslim Brotherhood. I find those claims by Egypt and other Arab governments that Iran is trying to spread Shiaism within their countries is very patronizing and condescending to Arabs and non-Arabs in the Muslim world.
Some members of the Egyptian parliament are saying that Egypt should respond by two folds to the attempts of destabilizing the country by Hizbullah and Iran. What can Egypt do? Ever since the peace treaty signed between the Egyptians and Israelis the Egyptian role and presence in the region has slowly been diminishing. Iran and quickly Turkey, are playing the major roles in the region. Can the Egyptian presence in the region be compared to that of the Iranians? The Egyptians were not even able to get the Palestinians to agree on forming a unity government, unlike the Iranians who have now complete control of Iraq and Lebanon. The Egyptian government has lost its ability of political decision making, which is currently in the hands of the US and Israel, which explains Mubaraks invitation to Netanyahu a week prior to revealing this Hizbullah "cell".
The Egyptians (and when I say Egyptians followed by criticism I mean the Egyptian government) is trying too hard to create this separation between the Sunnah and Shia'a Islam, they are trying too hard to minimize the mentality of 'resistance' within the Egyptian population by smearing the image of those who chose to resist and be truly sovereign unlike the fake sovereignty the Egyptian government claims it has. That resistance to the imperialist plans of Western nations is the only thing that brought the Arabs and Muslims any good, and if anyone claims there is any other means by which we can liberate our countries, bring peace and justice to those that have been persecuted for so long then they are wrong.
(On this note let me point out that Mr. Mubarak along with other world leaders and politicians are nothing short of criminals for not forcing Israel to lift the siege off Gaza even after a devastating military attack by the Zionists).
I am most amazed by the Egyptian media which has lost all of its professionalism in the way it has been dealing with the issue. The slandering of Hasan Nasarallah, or any other leader or even person in such a manner by supposedly professional journalists writing in respected news outlets, is nothing less than shameless and utterly shocking, these journalists have managed to reach new levels of low.
The most infuriating thing is how those journalists repeat the same thing as if if they keep saying it we will have to believe it.
One thing I would really want an answer to is the comment made by journalists and politicians who are saying that "the Egyptian people are completely around/support the Egyptian government in everything it does", to what extent is this? Do the Egyptian people support the Egyptian governments role in the Gaza war by sealing off the border and not allowing aid to go through? Do they support the view that Hamas and Iran (and any other state that refuses to be dictated by America) are the enemies while Israel and the United States are their "best friends"? Do they share the opinions of their foreign minister when he said that "any Palestinian coming through the borders will have their legs cut off" during the time the Gazans broke through the Rafah border crossing out of desperation? Do the Egyptian people believe that internally their country and government is at its best shape, economically and socially?!
And what the hell is that claim about "spreading Shiaism" in Egypt?! As if the Egyptian Government is so worried about the spirituality of its people; that Shiaism will spread like wild fire if it wasn't for the heroic interventions of the flawless government that stopped one man of 25 years of age sent by Hizbullah to convert the people of Egypt to Shiaism. I wonder if those Palestinians and Egyptians helping the Hizbullah agent are Shia as well considering that at least 3 members of that "Cell" belong to the Muslim Brotherhood. I find those claims by Egypt and other Arab governments that Iran is trying to spread Shiaism within their countries is very patronizing and condescending to Arabs and non-Arabs in the Muslim world.
Some members of the Egyptian parliament are saying that Egypt should respond by two folds to the attempts of destabilizing the country by Hizbullah and Iran. What can Egypt do? Ever since the peace treaty signed between the Egyptians and Israelis the Egyptian role and presence in the region has slowly been diminishing. Iran and quickly Turkey, are playing the major roles in the region. Can the Egyptian presence in the region be compared to that of the Iranians? The Egyptians were not even able to get the Palestinians to agree on forming a unity government, unlike the Iranians who have now complete control of Iraq and Lebanon. The Egyptian government has lost its ability of political decision making, which is currently in the hands of the US and Israel, which explains Mubaraks invitation to Netanyahu a week prior to revealing this Hizbullah "cell".
The Egyptians (and when I say Egyptians followed by criticism I mean the Egyptian government) is trying too hard to create this separation between the Sunnah and Shia'a Islam, they are trying too hard to minimize the mentality of 'resistance' within the Egyptian population by smearing the image of those who chose to resist and be truly sovereign unlike the fake sovereignty the Egyptian government claims it has. That resistance to the imperialist plans of Western nations is the only thing that brought the Arabs and Muslims any good, and if anyone claims there is any other means by which we can liberate our countries, bring peace and justice to those that have been persecuted for so long then they are wrong.
Monday 13 April 2009
The Green Islam
Way before the creation of any human rights groups and animal rights groups why before we understood how important trees are, and before we realized our dependence on the survival and maintenance of our ecosystem, Islam gave us guidelines on all those topics. The following is an article written by Gar Smith about "Islam and the Environment":
Despite the apocalyptic premise of Samuel Huntington's book, The Clash of Civilizations (which prophesies an inevitable war between the armies of the God and the armies of Allah), Islam and Christianity have much in common. In their view of the natural world, both the Bible and the Qur'an share many of the same stories,
heroes and ethical concepts. But there are some differences. The Qur'an might even be said to be the "greener" of the two holy books.
The world "Earth" (ard) appears no less than 485 times in the holy book of the Qur'an. Shari'a, the word for Islamic Law, literally means "source of water."
One familiar story from the life of the Prophet recounts how, during a journey, one of Muhammad's companions removed a baby pigeon from a nest. Muhammad confronted the thief and gently returned the bird to its nest. "For charity shown to each creature with a wet heart, there is a reward," the Prophet declared.
In the words of Allah, "There is not an animal in the earth, nor a creature flying on two wings, but they are nations like you." (6:38)
Islamic cleric Mufty Imam Tajuddin H. Alhilaly, argues that all living things "are partners to man in existence and they deserve their own respect."
As befits a faith born in the desert, water is honored as "the secret of life." Islam forbids the wastage of water "and the usage thereof without benefit.... The preservation of water for the drinking of mankind, animal life, bird life and vegetation is a form of worship which gains the pleasure of Allah."
Imam Alhilaly infers from this passage that Islam also forbids "factory outpours to go to waterways or to the ocean, as this would pollute the water and threaten marine life.
"Air is the property of Allah the Exalted," the imam states. "Hence, contaminating the air with smoke is an encroachment on nature and a threat to the life of mankind and all other living things."
The Qur'an does, however, endorse the transformation of wilderness into agriculture and cattle pastures. The Qur'an proclaims that it is Allah who "sends down water from the sky, and therewith we bring forth buds of every kind. We bring forth the
green blade from which we bring forth the thick-clustered grain; and from the date-palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches, and gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate."
"The earth is our first mother," says Imam Alhilaly. "Therefore it has certain rights over us. One of these rights is making it come alive with green vegetation and other plant life.
"The Prophet said that he who is kind and merciful towards animals, Allah will be kind and merciful towards him.... We must deal with animals with utmost beneficence and compassion and strive to ensure the preservation of the different species,"
Imam Alhilaly instructs. "It is forbidden in Islam to kill a animal for mere play. Islam has forbidden wastage of animals and plants in peacetime and in wartime."
Tradition has it that if someone kills a bird for amusement, the bird will demand justice from that man on judgment day.
In an essay on the "Significance of Environment in Islam" in the April 1998 issue of the Islamic Voice, Akhtar Mahmood, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Punjab, notes that "Islam discourages luxurious and lavish living." Muslims see the
existence of luxury as "an expression of social injustice, as few can afford luxurious items at the expense of the deprived masses."
In an article posted on www.Islamicwell.com , F. Kamal notes that the two fundamental books of Muslim faith - the Qur'an (the Holy Book) and the Hadith (the
parables and examples from the life of the Prophet) - both teach that kindness to animals is an "article of faith for Muslims." The Prophet advised people never to curse beasts of burden and commanded his followers to treat these animals with gentleness and kindness.
The Muslim holy books tell of a woman who "was tortured and was put in Hell because of a cat which she had kept locked till it died of hunger." In another tale, a prostitute's sins are washed away because she gave drinking water to a thirsty dog.
Kamal observes with some pride that these stories were recorded "1,400 years ago - long before it became fashionable or 'politically correct' to care about
animal rights."
In the centuries following Muhammad's passing, Islamic scholars introduced the idea of hima - a protected zone. Many Islamic countries now set aside certain wild areas that cannot be developed or cultivated. These have become modern wildlife reserves.
"Much of the foundations of modern science are built on Muslim scientific roots," Kamal states. But Islamic science, Kamal noted, was not "a cold pursuit devoid of any ethical considerations. It was not a confrontation against nature but a search for Allah's signs, limitless bounty and mercy.
"One of the most destructive causes of pollution is consumer waste," Kamal writes, citing the Qur'an (17:27): "Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord." Devout Muslims, Kamal says, "do not disorder their world... in search of self-gratification, greed, waste and ingratitude to their Lord."
In his article "Islam and the Environment," Arafat El Ashi, director of the Muslim World League in Canada, [191 The West Mall, Suite 1018, Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 5KB, Canada, (416) 622-2184, www.al-muslim.org ] observes that "Human life is sacred in the sight of Islam. No one is permitted to take the life of another person except as
life-for-life. Suicide is a crime in Islam."
Under Islam, El Ashi states, "it [is] incumbent on every Muslim to contribute his/her share in improving greenery. Muslims should be active in
growing more trees for the benefit of all people." Even during battle, Muslims are required to avoid cutting trees that are useful to people.
The Prophet instructed the faithful that any Muslim who plants a crop that feeds another person, animal or bird, will receive a reward in paradise. Cutting down trees is seen as an abomination.
How important is the planting of trees? In the words of the Prophet: "When doomsday comes, if someone has a palm shoot in his hands, he should plant it."
Resources:
* Environmental Protection in Islam, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
[www.islamnet.com]
* The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Science (at Harvard University's Center for the Study of World Religions) offers information ranging from religious instruction to organic gardening and solar energy. [www.hds.harvard.edu/cswr]
* Islam and Vegetarianism [501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510, www.islamveg.org]
* more on islam religion
Despite the apocalyptic premise of Samuel Huntington's book, The Clash of Civilizations (which prophesies an inevitable war between the armies of the God and the armies of Allah), Islam and Christianity have much in common. In their view of the natural world, both the Bible and the Qur'an share many of the same stories,
heroes and ethical concepts. But there are some differences. The Qur'an might even be said to be the "greener" of the two holy books.
The world "Earth" (ard) appears no less than 485 times in the holy book of the Qur'an. Shari'a, the word for Islamic Law, literally means "source of water."
One familiar story from the life of the Prophet recounts how, during a journey, one of Muhammad's companions removed a baby pigeon from a nest. Muhammad confronted the thief and gently returned the bird to its nest. "For charity shown to each creature with a wet heart, there is a reward," the Prophet declared.
In the words of Allah, "There is not an animal in the earth, nor a creature flying on two wings, but they are nations like you." (6:38)
Islamic cleric Mufty Imam Tajuddin H. Alhilaly, argues that all living things "are partners to man in existence and they deserve their own respect."
As befits a faith born in the desert, water is honored as "the secret of life." Islam forbids the wastage of water "and the usage thereof without benefit.... The preservation of water for the drinking of mankind, animal life, bird life and vegetation is a form of worship which gains the pleasure of Allah."
Imam Alhilaly infers from this passage that Islam also forbids "factory outpours to go to waterways or to the ocean, as this would pollute the water and threaten marine life.
"Air is the property of Allah the Exalted," the imam states. "Hence, contaminating the air with smoke is an encroachment on nature and a threat to the life of mankind and all other living things."
The Qur'an does, however, endorse the transformation of wilderness into agriculture and cattle pastures. The Qur'an proclaims that it is Allah who "sends down water from the sky, and therewith we bring forth buds of every kind. We bring forth the
green blade from which we bring forth the thick-clustered grain; and from the date-palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches, and gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate."
"The earth is our first mother," says Imam Alhilaly. "Therefore it has certain rights over us. One of these rights is making it come alive with green vegetation and other plant life.
"The Prophet said that he who is kind and merciful towards animals, Allah will be kind and merciful towards him.... We must deal with animals with utmost beneficence and compassion and strive to ensure the preservation of the different species,"
Imam Alhilaly instructs. "It is forbidden in Islam to kill a animal for mere play. Islam has forbidden wastage of animals and plants in peacetime and in wartime."
Tradition has it that if someone kills a bird for amusement, the bird will demand justice from that man on judgment day.
In an essay on the "Significance of Environment in Islam" in the April 1998 issue of the Islamic Voice, Akhtar Mahmood, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Punjab, notes that "Islam discourages luxurious and lavish living." Muslims see the
existence of luxury as "an expression of social injustice, as few can afford luxurious items at the expense of the deprived masses."
In an article posted on www.Islamicwell.com , F. Kamal notes that the two fundamental books of Muslim faith - the Qur'an (the Holy Book) and the Hadith (the
parables and examples from the life of the Prophet) - both teach that kindness to animals is an "article of faith for Muslims." The Prophet advised people never to curse beasts of burden and commanded his followers to treat these animals with gentleness and kindness.
The Muslim holy books tell of a woman who "was tortured and was put in Hell because of a cat which she had kept locked till it died of hunger." In another tale, a prostitute's sins are washed away because she gave drinking water to a thirsty dog.
Kamal observes with some pride that these stories were recorded "1,400 years ago - long before it became fashionable or 'politically correct' to care about
animal rights."
In the centuries following Muhammad's passing, Islamic scholars introduced the idea of hima - a protected zone. Many Islamic countries now set aside certain wild areas that cannot be developed or cultivated. These have become modern wildlife reserves.
"Much of the foundations of modern science are built on Muslim scientific roots," Kamal states. But Islamic science, Kamal noted, was not "a cold pursuit devoid of any ethical considerations. It was not a confrontation against nature but a search for Allah's signs, limitless bounty and mercy.
"One of the most destructive causes of pollution is consumer waste," Kamal writes, citing the Qur'an (17:27): "Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord." Devout Muslims, Kamal says, "do not disorder their world... in search of self-gratification, greed, waste and ingratitude to their Lord."
In his article "Islam and the Environment," Arafat El Ashi, director of the Muslim World League in Canada, [191 The West Mall, Suite 1018, Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 5KB, Canada, (416) 622-2184, www.al-muslim.org ] observes that "Human life is sacred in the sight of Islam. No one is permitted to take the life of another person except as
life-for-life. Suicide is a crime in Islam."
Under Islam, El Ashi states, "it [is] incumbent on every Muslim to contribute his/her share in improving greenery. Muslims should be active in
growing more trees for the benefit of all people." Even during battle, Muslims are required to avoid cutting trees that are useful to people.
The Prophet instructed the faithful that any Muslim who plants a crop that feeds another person, animal or bird, will receive a reward in paradise. Cutting down trees is seen as an abomination.
How important is the planting of trees? In the words of the Prophet: "When doomsday comes, if someone has a palm shoot in his hands, he should plant it."
Resources:
* Environmental Protection in Islam, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
[www.islamnet.com]
* The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Science (at Harvard University's Center for the Study of World Religions) offers information ranging from religious instruction to organic gardening and solar energy. [www.hds.harvard.edu/cswr]
* Islam and Vegetarianism [501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510, www.islamveg.org]
* more on islam religion
Friday 3 April 2009
Reshuffling Positions
Two things are happening soon in Syria's politics. First of all the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood. The Syrian Muslim brotherhood is a sister organization to the Egyptian brotherhood, it is an Islamic political party who's ideas were transferred to Syria in the early 1930's from Egypt, but only became prominent politically in the 1950's. the Muslim Brotherhood was outlawed in 1980, anyone caught and accused as being a member of the brotherhood was sentenced to death. The Hama revolt carried out by the Brotherhood, and subsequently the crushing of the revolt by the iron fist Ba'athist regime (also known as the massacre of Hama) was the last fight between the Syrian regime and the brotherhood. Leaders of the Syrian brotherhood were exiled.
Coming back to recent events; in 2006 exiled leaders of the Syrian muslim brotherhood formed an alliance with other opposition members most notable AbdulHalim Khadam who was the Syrian vice president to Bashar Al Assad, the alliance was called the "National Salvation Front" and was created to bring the Syrian regime to an end and usher in a democratic government. To most Syrians this was seen as a joke mostly due to the reputation of AbdulHalim Khadam due to his activities in both Lebanon (during the time Syrian forces were present in Lebanon) and Syria.
Having seen their credibility dwindle, and the increase of popularity of the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar Al Assad, not only within Syria but also across the Arab world, and having seen their efforts go ineffective to the much efficient and effective Syrian foreign and internal (to an extent) politics and policies the leadership of the Syrian Brotherhood are reconsidering their position, carrying out an "auditing approach" to their position and policies. The Muslim brotherhoods' membership to the "National Salvation Front" is also under revision and a decision will very soon be made as to whether or not they should uphold their membership to the "Salvation Front" or terminate it in order to be able to resume political activities in Syria.
The Syrian government have signaled a willingness to allow the Syrian Brotherhood back into Syria but of course under their rules and conditions. It will be a tough nut to crack for the Syrian Brotherhood where they will have to make some concessions but I believe this will benefit both sides.
Secondly, the Syrian government will be undergoing a cabinet reshuffle soon. It is said that there will be two additional ministerial roles added. This will include reinstating the role of 'Deputy Prime Minister for Services', and the addition of a 'Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Development/Reform' along with the currently existing role of 'Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs' occupied by Abdullah Al Dardari. Thus, and for the first time there will be three deputy prime ministers in the new government.
According to the sources of AlQuds AlArabi the new appointments will be completely from an academic background with a great amount of experience in their fields of expertise and that there will be no appointments of well known politicians within the Syrian political circles. This comes as Syria moves towards a new stage of its "social market economy", as well due to the current world economic crisis that is bound to hit Syria.
Coming back to recent events; in 2006 exiled leaders of the Syrian muslim brotherhood formed an alliance with other opposition members most notable AbdulHalim Khadam who was the Syrian vice president to Bashar Al Assad, the alliance was called the "National Salvation Front" and was created to bring the Syrian regime to an end and usher in a democratic government. To most Syrians this was seen as a joke mostly due to the reputation of AbdulHalim Khadam due to his activities in both Lebanon (during the time Syrian forces were present in Lebanon) and Syria.
Having seen their credibility dwindle, and the increase of popularity of the Syrian regime under the leadership of Bashar Al Assad, not only within Syria but also across the Arab world, and having seen their efforts go ineffective to the much efficient and effective Syrian foreign and internal (to an extent) politics and policies the leadership of the Syrian Brotherhood are reconsidering their position, carrying out an "auditing approach" to their position and policies. The Muslim brotherhoods' membership to the "National Salvation Front" is also under revision and a decision will very soon be made as to whether or not they should uphold their membership to the "Salvation Front" or terminate it in order to be able to resume political activities in Syria.
The Syrian government have signaled a willingness to allow the Syrian Brotherhood back into Syria but of course under their rules and conditions. It will be a tough nut to crack for the Syrian Brotherhood where they will have to make some concessions but I believe this will benefit both sides.
Secondly, the Syrian government will be undergoing a cabinet reshuffle soon. It is said that there will be two additional ministerial roles added. This will include reinstating the role of 'Deputy Prime Minister for Services', and the addition of a 'Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Development/Reform' along with the currently existing role of 'Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs' occupied by Abdullah Al Dardari. Thus, and for the first time there will be three deputy prime ministers in the new government.
According to the sources of AlQuds AlArabi the new appointments will be completely from an academic background with a great amount of experience in their fields of expertise and that there will be no appointments of well known politicians within the Syrian political circles. This comes as Syria moves towards a new stage of its "social market economy", as well due to the current world economic crisis that is bound to hit Syria.
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