In an article published on the wall street journal, the writer reflects the difference between what is happening in Iran and the European Union saying:
"In some countries they rig votes, in the European Union they repeat votes to get the desired result."
Then there is Noam Chomsky whose opinion and speculations regarding different matters are always interesting to read. Chomsky says in a radio interview:
Sunday 28 June 2009
Friday 26 June 2009
Michael Jackson Dies
Probably one of the most influential people of the70's, 80's and 90's, "The King of pop" an icon and a reference point for so many people has died yesterday at the age of 50. Whether you like him for his music or dislike him for his attitude or actions, I doubt anyone will deny that he was one of those people whose name (and moon walk) will be known for generations to come.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Johann Hari on Iran/Peru media bias
It is not usual that I agree with what Johann Hari says, but this article is his finest for me. It seems that there are some people that are awake and actually to realize what is going on in the world.
Johann Hari: A fight for the Amazon that should inspire the world
Johann Hari: A fight for the Amazon that should inspire the world
Friday 19 June 2009
Why Not Peru?
The coverage of the western media on the Iranian "revolution" has been so extensive that some outlets have dedicated a minute by minute coverage webpage to follow what is happening there. This meant that whatever is happening anywhere else in the world goes unnoticed. For example what happened in Peru during the demonstrations by the poor and native of that country against the government that had planned to introduce new laws allowing foreign companies to exploit the rainforest which those people lived by. Atleast 60 people have been killed during the demonstrations and many more missing. But this is not important because Peru unlike Iran is not hindering the West and their multinational companies from exploiting their natural resources and allowing them to dominate over the area.
The independent has writen an article about it, yes one article is all that it gets. And the only reason why they did is because it somehow is related to the UK...
The independent has writen an article about it, yes one article is all that it gets. And the only reason why they did is because it somehow is related to the UK...
Lost in Translation..?
Got extremely bored today at work, so I thought to myself what better to do then to check out whats going on in terms of sustainable development in Syria!!! Ya' feel me ! interesting stuff.
So I went on google and searched "Syria Sustainable Development" and as usual the relevant stuff comes up...(?) I was surprised to see that there was a report on the sustainable development programme in Syria that was submitted to the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. So I decided to read it. It was really enlightening. The environmental management and planning system they were proposing to implement is very similar to the system here in the UK to some respect. Until I hit this bombshell of a sentence:
"MSEA is assisted by a Consultative Technical Committee and nine Environmental Committees reflecting scrotal interests."
SCROTAL??!!! reallyyy? they have scrotal interests? Excuse me if I am mistaken but scrotal does not fit in that sentence at all! unless there is another meaning to that word (from what I know scrotal is basically describing something that has a scrotum... you should google it if you need more info that's as far as I go)
NINE committees reflecting scrotal interests! I think we have some serious scrotal issues in Syria that no one knew about.. we should all get our scrotals checked by those committees before its too late! haha..
This is the link to the report in pdf. click here if interested.
So I went on google and searched "Syria Sustainable Development" and as usual the relevant stuff comes up...(?) I was surprised to see that there was a report on the sustainable development programme in Syria that was submitted to the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. So I decided to read it. It was really enlightening. The environmental management and planning system they were proposing to implement is very similar to the system here in the UK to some respect. Until I hit this bombshell of a sentence:
"MSEA is assisted by a Consultative Technical Committee and nine Environmental Committees reflecting scrotal interests."
SCROTAL??!!! reallyyy? they have scrotal interests? Excuse me if I am mistaken but scrotal does not fit in that sentence at all! unless there is another meaning to that word (from what I know scrotal is basically describing something that has a scrotum... you should google it if you need more info that's as far as I go)
NINE committees reflecting scrotal interests! I think we have some serious scrotal issues in Syria that no one knew about.. we should all get our scrotals checked by those committees before its too late! haha..
This is the link to the report in pdf. click here if interested.
Global warming sweeps Syrian countryside
DAMASCUS: Some 160 villages in northern Syria were deserted of their residents in 2007 and 2008 because of climate change, according to a study released on Tuesday.
The report drawn up by the International Institute for Sustainable Development warns of potential armed conflict for control of water resources in the Middle East.
"The 2007/8 drought caused significant hardship in rural areas of Syria. In the northeast of the country, a reported 160 villages have been entirely abandoned and the inhabitants have had to move to urban areas," it said.
In Syria and also in Jordan, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, "climate change threatens to reduce the availability of scarce water resources, increase food insecurity, hinder economic growth and lead to large-scale population movements," the report said.
"This could hold serious implications for peace in the region," the Canada-based institute said.
The study, financed by Denmark, predicts a hotter, drier and less predictable climate in the Middle East, "already considered the world's most water-scarce and where, in many places, demand for water already outstrips supply."
Oli Brown, who co-wrote the report with Alec Crawford, said: "Climate change itself poses real security concerns to the region. It could lead to increased militarization of strategic natural resources, complicating peace agreements."
"Israel is already using climate change as an excuse to increase their control over the water resources in the region," he said.
The IISD said, however, that there is much that national governments and authorities, civil society and the international community can do to respond to climate change and the threats it may pose to regional peace and security.
"They can promote a culture of conservation in the region, help communities and countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster greater cooperation on their shared resources," the study said.
Brown and Crawford's report says climate change could affect farm productivity in Syria, where agriculture represents 23% of gross domestic product and employs 30 percent of the active population.
"Some 13% of agricultural land was downgraded between 1980 and 2006 because of ... urban expansion and agricultural, industrial and tourism activities," Fayez Asrafy, a desertification expert, told AFP.
"Rainfall shrank by 10 millimetres (a year) between 1956 and 2006 while temperatures rose by (an average) 0.5 degrees Celsius, though below the worldwide average of 0.6 degrees," Syrian meteorologist Khales Mawed said.
The IISD predicts even modest global warming would lead to a 30% drop in water in the Euphrates, which runs through Turkey, Syria and Iraq, while the Dead Sea would shrink in volume by 80 percent by the end of the century.
more on treehugger.com
The report drawn up by the International Institute for Sustainable Development warns of potential armed conflict for control of water resources in the Middle East.
"The 2007/8 drought caused significant hardship in rural areas of Syria. In the northeast of the country, a reported 160 villages have been entirely abandoned and the inhabitants have had to move to urban areas," it said.
In Syria and also in Jordan, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, "climate change threatens to reduce the availability of scarce water resources, increase food insecurity, hinder economic growth and lead to large-scale population movements," the report said.
"This could hold serious implications for peace in the region," the Canada-based institute said.
The study, financed by Denmark, predicts a hotter, drier and less predictable climate in the Middle East, "already considered the world's most water-scarce and where, in many places, demand for water already outstrips supply."
Oli Brown, who co-wrote the report with Alec Crawford, said: "Climate change itself poses real security concerns to the region. It could lead to increased militarization of strategic natural resources, complicating peace agreements."
"Israel is already using climate change as an excuse to increase their control over the water resources in the region," he said.
The IISD said, however, that there is much that national governments and authorities, civil society and the international community can do to respond to climate change and the threats it may pose to regional peace and security.
"They can promote a culture of conservation in the region, help communities and countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster greater cooperation on their shared resources," the study said.
Brown and Crawford's report says climate change could affect farm productivity in Syria, where agriculture represents 23% of gross domestic product and employs 30 percent of the active population.
"Some 13% of agricultural land was downgraded between 1980 and 2006 because of ... urban expansion and agricultural, industrial and tourism activities," Fayez Asrafy, a desertification expert, told AFP.
"Rainfall shrank by 10 millimetres (a year) between 1956 and 2006 while temperatures rose by (an average) 0.5 degrees Celsius, though below the worldwide average of 0.6 degrees," Syrian meteorologist Khales Mawed said.
The IISD predicts even modest global warming would lead to a 30% drop in water in the Euphrates, which runs through Turkey, Syria and Iraq, while the Dead Sea would shrink in volume by 80 percent by the end of the century.
more on treehugger.com
Wednesday 17 June 2009
إلى كل شامي
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
إلى كل شامي لا يعرف قيمة بلده
إلى كل شامي لا يصدق متى تتاح له فرصة السفر والخروج من الشام
إلى كل دمشقي لم يدرك جمال دمشق ولم يحمل لها في قلبه الحب والإخلاص والوفاء
إلى كل مسلم لا يعرف وصية رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بالشام
أهدي هذه الرسالة التي وصلتني في بيان فضل دمشق والشام من أحاديث سيد البشر صلى الله عليه وسلم,
وللاستزادة (كتاب فضائل الشام ودمشق) ((للإمام الألباني رحمه الله)) والذي خرّج فيه أحاديث كتابي (الربعي) و(شيخ الإسلام) عن نفس الموضوع وإليك الرسالة:
لقد ذكر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم الشــام وخصوصاً دمشق بإسمها، من خلال أحاديث صحيحة ومسندة صححها أهل العلم والحديث
قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: ((إن فسطاط المسلمين ، يوم الملحمة ، بالغوطة إلى جانب مدينة يقال لها : دمشق ، من خير مدائن الشام
الراوي: أبو الدرداء - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح - المحدث : الألباني - المصدر: صحيح أبي داود - الصفحة أو الرقم: 4298
قال عليه الصلاة والسلام: ((ستخرج نار من حضرموت – أو من نحو بحر حضرموت – قبل يوم القيامة ، تحشر الناس)) . قالوا : يا رسول الله فما تأمرنا ؟ فقال : ((عليكم بالشام ))
الراوي: عبدالله بن عمر - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح - المحدث: الألباني - المصدر: صحيح التر! مذي - الصفحة أو الرقم : 2217
ذكر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: ( اللهم بارك لنا في شامنا ، اللهم بارك لنا في يمننا ). قالوا : يا رسول الله، وفي نجدنا ؟ قال: ( اللهم بارك لنا في شامنا ، اللهم بارك لنا في يمننا )......
الراوي: عبدالله بن عمر - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح - المحدث : البخاري - المصدر: الجامع الصحيح - الصفحة أو الرقم: 7094
وقال صلى الله عليه وسلم: ((يوم الملحمة الكبرى فسطاط المسلمين بأرض يقال لها : ( الغوطة ) ؛ فيها مدينة يقال لها : ( دمشق ) ؛ خير منازل المسلمين يومئذ .))
الراوي: أبو الدرداء - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح - المحدث: الألباني - المصدر: صحيح الترغيب - الصفحة أو الرقم : 3097
وعنه صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: (( عليكم بالشام )).
الراوي: معاوية بن حيدة القشيري - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح - المحدث : الألباني - المصدر! : صحيح الجامع - الصفحة أو الرقم: 4069
وعنه صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: ((صفوة الله من أرضه الشام ، و فيها صفوته من خلقه و عباده ، و لتدخلن الجنة من أمتي ثلة لا حساب عليهم و لا عذاب))
الراوي: أبو أمامة الباهلي - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح لغيره - المحدث: الألباني - المصدر: السلسلة الصحيحة - الصفحة أو الرقم: 1909
وقد ورد عنه عليه الصلاة والسلام أنه قال: ((يا طوبى للشام، يا طوبى للشام، يا طوبى للشام، قالوا يا رسول الله وبم ذلك ؟ قال: تلك ملائكة الله باسطوا أجنحتها على الشام )).
الراوي: زيد بن ثابت - خلاصة الدرجة: صحيح - المحدث: الألباني - المصدر: فضائل الشام - الصفحة أو الرقم: 1
Mousavi's big blunders
By Kaveh L. Afrasiabi
In the current post-election turmoil, when the reformist challenger to Ahmadinejad has petitioned the relevant authorities to void the presidential elections results and hold new elections, it is easy, too easy, to jump to conclusions about who is right or wrong in Iran today, as if Mousavi and the other reformist candidate Mehdi Karrubi, have the final say on the fraudulent nature of the elections results, hotly contested in the streets of Tehran and a number of other Iranian cities today.
The western media has adopted at face value Mousavi's allegation of rigged elections and the stream of images from Iran, showing the defiant mostly young Iranians battling the riot police, etc., has showered us with the tendency to dismiss any suggestion that the Mousavi camp bear some blame for what has transpired in Iran, that is, a major political crisis. Here is one plausible explanation:
Initially, the ruling elite had no intention of any "election engineering" and, in fact, lowered its guards by allowing a fiercely competitive race that galvanized the public attention through the TV debates, unfettered campaigns, etc. but then as we got closer and closer to the June 12 appointed hour, it became patently obvious that the reformist camp was pushing the envelope to new, and from the vantage point of system coherence, intolerable heights that, in turn, required a stern reaction.
With respect to Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi, who is today appealing to the spiritual leader and pledging loyalty to the principle of rule of jurisprudence, velayat-e faghih, it is noteworthy that throughout the campaign Mousavi showed no deference whatsoever to the leader and, in fact, crossed the red line when he showed his secularist true colour in his speech at Tehran University, which can be seen on youtube, where he explicitly called on the clergy to not get involved in politics and maintain their independence from government.
During his long absence, Iran has been much transformed and, per the words of a University political scientist, a "regional power house under the leadership of ayatollah Khamenei" has emerged that, perhaps, Mr. Mousavi has no keen knowledge of, in light of his vitriolitic attacks on the regime's foreign policies, calling Iran's foreign policy a "disaster."
Ayatollah Khamenei was quick to respond to Mousavi's mostly unfounded criticism, by issuing a statement that questioned the views that claim Iran has been "isolated." Ahmhadinejad himself aptly rebuffed Mousavi in their TV debate, when he pointed at the 60 world leaders who have visited Iran during his term, adding that 118 nations of the Non-Aligned Movement have been supporting Iran.
That is true, and sadly neither Mousavi nor Karrubi ever showed any understanding of the country's dynamic foreign policy, e.g., the fact that Iran today is at the forefront of the NAM movement and its regional power and influence has substantially increased. Instead of constantly trashing Iran's foreign achievements, a fair opposition candidate would have praised the positive while criticising the negative and, yet, there was a conspicuous lack of balance in Mousavi's assessments of Iran's foreign policy performance.
Nor was Mousavi consistent all the time. Case in point, while in his Farsi speeches he criticised Ahmadinejad's hitherto unanswered letter to Obama, in his latest interview with an Arabic satellite channel, he sang a different tune by referring to the letter as a sign of Iran's proactive diplomacy. Also, he would defend Iran's program without ever giving Ahmadinejad any credit for the strides that Iran has taken in its nuclear program in the past four years. "We had three centrifuges when I came in and we have over 7000 now," Ahmadinejad pointed out during the debate, to Mousavi's oblivious ears.
How did a man known previously as an unreconstructed leftist, who is still so enamored of planned economy, with no ties whatsoever to the Second Khordad reformist movement end up at the helms of this movement and, now, with his great refusal to accept the elections' verdict without showing much evidence of voter fraud, has thrown that movement in a crisis of survival? That is surely a question for future historians to ponder, for at the moment with passions running high in Iran, Mousavi is simply viewed as a symbol of resistance to religious tyranny.
But what about the tyranny of simplistic and distorted portrayal of Iran's achievements and his tacit questioning of the highest religious authority, that is a prerequisite for candidacy in today's Iran, aforementioned? Mr. Mousavi may be right about some voter irregularities but to remain steadfast on his wild claim on June 12, before the vote count had began, that he is the "definite winner," leaves a lot to be desired.
In conclusion, a more prudent politician would try to utilize the millions of votes cast on his behalf into bargaining chips for influence and even policy input in the next administration, instead of wearing the hat of a martyristic hero and thus basking in the glow of regime-bashing, a regime that has done much to empower the ordinary Iranians and enhance Iran's power in the international arena.
Source: Middle East Online
In the current post-election turmoil, when the reformist challenger to Ahmadinejad has petitioned the relevant authorities to void the presidential elections results and hold new elections, it is easy, too easy, to jump to conclusions about who is right or wrong in Iran today, as if Mousavi and the other reformist candidate Mehdi Karrubi, have the final say on the fraudulent nature of the elections results, hotly contested in the streets of Tehran and a number of other Iranian cities today.
The western media has adopted at face value Mousavi's allegation of rigged elections and the stream of images from Iran, showing the defiant mostly young Iranians battling the riot police, etc., has showered us with the tendency to dismiss any suggestion that the Mousavi camp bear some blame for what has transpired in Iran, that is, a major political crisis. Here is one plausible explanation:
Initially, the ruling elite had no intention of any "election engineering" and, in fact, lowered its guards by allowing a fiercely competitive race that galvanized the public attention through the TV debates, unfettered campaigns, etc. but then as we got closer and closer to the June 12 appointed hour, it became patently obvious that the reformist camp was pushing the envelope to new, and from the vantage point of system coherence, intolerable heights that, in turn, required a stern reaction.
With respect to Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi, who is today appealing to the spiritual leader and pledging loyalty to the principle of rule of jurisprudence, velayat-e faghih, it is noteworthy that throughout the campaign Mousavi showed no deference whatsoever to the leader and, in fact, crossed the red line when he showed his secularist true colour in his speech at Tehran University, which can be seen on youtube, where he explicitly called on the clergy to not get involved in politics and maintain their independence from government.
During his long absence, Iran has been much transformed and, per the words of a University political scientist, a "regional power house under the leadership of ayatollah Khamenei" has emerged that, perhaps, Mr. Mousavi has no keen knowledge of, in light of his vitriolitic attacks on the regime's foreign policies, calling Iran's foreign policy a "disaster."
Ayatollah Khamenei was quick to respond to Mousavi's mostly unfounded criticism, by issuing a statement that questioned the views that claim Iran has been "isolated." Ahmhadinejad himself aptly rebuffed Mousavi in their TV debate, when he pointed at the 60 world leaders who have visited Iran during his term, adding that 118 nations of the Non-Aligned Movement have been supporting Iran.
That is true, and sadly neither Mousavi nor Karrubi ever showed any understanding of the country's dynamic foreign policy, e.g., the fact that Iran today is at the forefront of the NAM movement and its regional power and influence has substantially increased. Instead of constantly trashing Iran's foreign achievements, a fair opposition candidate would have praised the positive while criticising the negative and, yet, there was a conspicuous lack of balance in Mousavi's assessments of Iran's foreign policy performance.
Nor was Mousavi consistent all the time. Case in point, while in his Farsi speeches he criticised Ahmadinejad's hitherto unanswered letter to Obama, in his latest interview with an Arabic satellite channel, he sang a different tune by referring to the letter as a sign of Iran's proactive diplomacy. Also, he would defend Iran's program without ever giving Ahmadinejad any credit for the strides that Iran has taken in its nuclear program in the past four years. "We had three centrifuges when I came in and we have over 7000 now," Ahmadinejad pointed out during the debate, to Mousavi's oblivious ears.
How did a man known previously as an unreconstructed leftist, who is still so enamored of planned economy, with no ties whatsoever to the Second Khordad reformist movement end up at the helms of this movement and, now, with his great refusal to accept the elections' verdict without showing much evidence of voter fraud, has thrown that movement in a crisis of survival? That is surely a question for future historians to ponder, for at the moment with passions running high in Iran, Mousavi is simply viewed as a symbol of resistance to religious tyranny.
But what about the tyranny of simplistic and distorted portrayal of Iran's achievements and his tacit questioning of the highest religious authority, that is a prerequisite for candidacy in today's Iran, aforementioned? Mr. Mousavi may be right about some voter irregularities but to remain steadfast on his wild claim on June 12, before the vote count had began, that he is the "definite winner," leaves a lot to be desired.
In conclusion, a more prudent politician would try to utilize the millions of votes cast on his behalf into bargaining chips for influence and even policy input in the next administration, instead of wearing the hat of a martyristic hero and thus basking in the glow of regime-bashing, a regime that has done much to empower the ordinary Iranians and enhance Iran's power in the international arena.
Source: Middle East Online
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Saturday 13 June 2009
Syrian League Final - Al Karamah - Again!
I have been following the Syrian football league this season extensively, and it has been quite the amazing for certain clubs, and a huge disappointment for others. Al Karamah (Homs) the league champions for the past 3 years were struggling in the first half of the season and just managed to finish the first half in the mid-table region. On the other hand Al Ittihad of Aleppo (or Al Ahly), were one of the strongest contenders battling through out the first half of the season until they topped the league above Al Jaish (Damascus) and Al Majd (Damascus).
The Second half of the season took a different turn. Al Ittihad remained top of the league for the entire time, while Al Karamah finally rediscovered their game and their goal touch, climbing slowly up the ranks of the league, beating Al-Ittihad 1-0. In the final 10 games of the league (which is technically the second half of the season minus three games since the league is only 14 clubs) Al Karamah managed to win 8 games, draw 1 and lost 1, while Al Ittihad won 4, drew 2 and lost 4.
By the end of the season Al Karamah managed to amass equal points to that of Al-Ittihad, 52 points each with Al Ittihad on top on goal difference. However, this is not how the Syrian League works. If two teams end up with equal points at the end of the season they play one more decisive game to determine the winner of the league. That game was played yesterday. A poll on the Syrian National News Agency (SANA) showed that most people though Al Ittihad were going to win the game and so on the 21st minute a penalty was given to Al Ittihad which Otobong Ene Ede, the Cameroonian National converted with ease past Mosab Balhous, the Karamah Goalkeeper. Everything seemed to be going as predicted until Mohammad Al Hamwi scored an equalizer in the 71st minute, rounding a defender from the right side of the penalty area and taking a shot which deflected off an Ittihad defender sending the goalkeeper in a completely wrong direction.
A killer typical goal by Al Karamah then came in the 95th minute of extra time (Al Karamah made it a habit of scoring late goals). A cross from the right side was headed back into the 6 yard box where Eyad Mando was left unmarked. Having all the time and ease to place the ball in the top right hand corner of the goal sending Al Kramah fans into ruptures.
By that Al Karamah ended an amazing season for themselves, while Al Ittihad will be left wondering where did it all go wrong.
It was good to see teams from Damascus up there again, Al Jaish playing really well so was Al Majd. Terrible to see Al Wahda unable to compete since I am a Wi7dawee... next season maybe ? haha..
The Second half of the season took a different turn. Al Ittihad remained top of the league for the entire time, while Al Karamah finally rediscovered their game and their goal touch, climbing slowly up the ranks of the league, beating Al-Ittihad 1-0. In the final 10 games of the league (which is technically the second half of the season minus three games since the league is only 14 clubs) Al Karamah managed to win 8 games, draw 1 and lost 1, while Al Ittihad won 4, drew 2 and lost 4.
By the end of the season Al Karamah managed to amass equal points to that of Al-Ittihad, 52 points each with Al Ittihad on top on goal difference. However, this is not how the Syrian League works. If two teams end up with equal points at the end of the season they play one more decisive game to determine the winner of the league. That game was played yesterday. A poll on the Syrian National News Agency (SANA) showed that most people though Al Ittihad were going to win the game and so on the 21st minute a penalty was given to Al Ittihad which Otobong Ene Ede, the Cameroonian National converted with ease past Mosab Balhous, the Karamah Goalkeeper. Everything seemed to be going as predicted until Mohammad Al Hamwi scored an equalizer in the 71st minute, rounding a defender from the right side of the penalty area and taking a shot which deflected off an Ittihad defender sending the goalkeeper in a completely wrong direction.
A killer typical goal by Al Karamah then came in the 95th minute of extra time (Al Karamah made it a habit of scoring late goals). A cross from the right side was headed back into the 6 yard box where Eyad Mando was left unmarked. Having all the time and ease to place the ball in the top right hand corner of the goal sending Al Kramah fans into ruptures.
By that Al Karamah ended an amazing season for themselves, while Al Ittihad will be left wondering where did it all go wrong.
It was good to see teams from Damascus up there again, Al Jaish playing really well so was Al Majd. Terrible to see Al Wahda unable to compete since I am a Wi7dawee... next season maybe ? haha..
Monday 8 June 2009
Loving the Muslim World..
It was really interesting to listen to Obama’s speech the other day in Cairo in which he addressed the Muslim world trying to reconcile the differences and apologizing for the wrong doings (at least some of the wrong doings) that the United States committed against the Muslims in different parts of the world. Probably the most surprising aspect of the speech was that Obama admitted to the fact that the CIA was behind the coupe that lead to the overthrow of a democratically elected prime minister of Iran at the time and placing the Shah as the ruler of the country. I have to admit that the people attending the speech at the American University of Cairo were really reactive and applauded Obama excessively; it was funny that whenever Israel or the Jews were mentioned no one clapped however.
There are those that view the new American administrations role as one that is seeking to mend the American relations with different countries and especially Muslim majority countries. Yet to many this is just a different strategy for similar objectives, ones that I have earlier discussed. The long term objectives of the United States have not changed since the end of the Second World War, and there is no indication of them changing, there may be a change in the method and approach of how to achieve the objectives and aims as seen when ever there was a change in the American Administration, but the end result was always the same.
The following is an excerpt from the book “Confessions of An Economic Hit Man” written by John Perkins, the part describes one of the conversations John Perkins had while he was conducting an assignment he had in Indonesia:
“The beautiful English major laughed at this. “Because that’s the plan. Vietnam is just a holding action,” one of the men interjected, “like Holland was for the Nazi’s. A stepping-stone.”
“The real target,” the woman continued, “is the Muslim world.”
I could not let this go unanswered. “Surely,” I protested,” you can’t believe that the United States is anti-Islamic.”
“Oh no?” she asked. “Since when? You need to read one of your own historians – a Brit named ToynBee. Back in the fifties he predicted that the real war in the next century would not be between Communists and capitalists, but between Christians and Muslims.”
“Arnold Toynbee said that?” I was stunned.
“Yes. Read Civilization on Trial and the World and the West.”
“But why should there be such animosity between Muslims and Christians?” I asked.
Looks were exchanged around the table. The appeared to find it hard to believe that I could ask such a foolish question.
“Because” she said slowly, as though addressing someone slow-witted or hard hearing, “the West – especially its leader, the U.S. – is determined to take control of all the world, to become the greatest empire in history. It has already gotten very close to succeeding. The Soviet Union currently stands in its way. But the soviets will not endure. Toynbee could see that. They have no religion, no faith, no substance behind their ideology. History demonstrates that faith – soul, a belief in higher powers – is essential. We Muslims have it. We have it more than anyone else in the world, even more than the Christians. So we wait. We grow strong.”… “
There are those that view the new American administrations role as one that is seeking to mend the American relations with different countries and especially Muslim majority countries. Yet to many this is just a different strategy for similar objectives, ones that I have earlier discussed. The long term objectives of the United States have not changed since the end of the Second World War, and there is no indication of them changing, there may be a change in the method and approach of how to achieve the objectives and aims as seen when ever there was a change in the American Administration, but the end result was always the same.
The following is an excerpt from the book “Confessions of An Economic Hit Man” written by John Perkins, the part describes one of the conversations John Perkins had while he was conducting an assignment he had in Indonesia:
“The beautiful English major laughed at this. “Because that’s the plan. Vietnam is just a holding action,” one of the men interjected, “like Holland was for the Nazi’s. A stepping-stone.”
“The real target,” the woman continued, “is the Muslim world.”
I could not let this go unanswered. “Surely,” I protested,” you can’t believe that the United States is anti-Islamic.”
“Oh no?” she asked. “Since when? You need to read one of your own historians – a Brit named ToynBee. Back in the fifties he predicted that the real war in the next century would not be between Communists and capitalists, but between Christians and Muslims.”
“Arnold Toynbee said that?” I was stunned.
“Yes. Read Civilization on Trial and the World and the West.”
“But why should there be such animosity between Muslims and Christians?” I asked.
Looks were exchanged around the table. The appeared to find it hard to believe that I could ask such a foolish question.
“Because” she said slowly, as though addressing someone slow-witted or hard hearing, “the West – especially its leader, the U.S. – is determined to take control of all the world, to become the greatest empire in history. It has already gotten very close to succeeding. The Soviet Union currently stands in its way. But the soviets will not endure. Toynbee could see that. They have no religion, no faith, no substance behind their ideology. History demonstrates that faith – soul, a belief in higher powers – is essential. We Muslims have it. We have it more than anyone else in the world, even more than the Christians. So we wait. We grow strong.”… “
Wednesday 3 June 2009
Something Worth Watching - Reality TV Show
'Stars of Science', the previously unseen Pan-Arab innovation contest on TV initiated by Qatar Foundation, kicked off, yesterday, with a highly-anticipated first prime-time episode, available to millions of Arab homes.
In a fast-pace and vibrant rhythm, the audience has been transported to Doha, Tunis, Alexandria and Beirut, where 100 hopeful applicants, shortlisted among 5600 applications, tried to impress and convince the jury with their projects of innovation.
Only 16 of them, from 11 countries, were selected and gained access to the ultra-modern Doha workshop, build within Qatar Science and Technology Park, where the competition will continue.
This episode was also the occasion to discover more about the candidates, their projects (see thereafter), personalities and aspirations, as well as the three jurors, Dr. Sadeg Fares, William Sawaya and Dr. Mona Zaki.
Engineer Dr. Sadeg Fares, with over 500 patents in his name, expressed his support for the candidates, saying that their projects will 'aid in developing the Arab world in the fields of science and technology.'
Renowned designer William Sawaya expressed his endorsement of Stars of Science, saying that it 'challenges Arabs to pursue technological excellence.'
Dr. Mona Zaki, businesswomen and marketing consultant, advised the candidates to 'be optimistic and to have confidence in what they do.'
The 16 candidates distinguish themselves by their various profiles and backgrounds, while their projects, characterized by their great diversity, are a testimony of the vibrant inventiveness of the Arab youth:
- Wahiba Chair (26 y.o - Algeria) - a nutrition label-scanning device that can be uploaded to mobile phones, immediately telling the consumer whether a food item is good for them.
- Sarah Al Sammak (24 y.o - Bahrain) - 'Canito' , a product bringing together a garbage and recycle bin that will attract people to recycle their waste.
- Mohammed Hijazi (25 y.o - Egypt) - a physiotherapy equipment that will help patients with various disabilities in strengthening their injured limbs with minimal interference.
- Mazen Salah (31 y.o - Jordan) - a device that would keep cars cool through all seasons.
- Sager Fayez (28 y.o - Saudi Arabia) - a reading tool for the blind persons, where books can be scanned and read aloud, as well as translated.
- Bassam Jalgha (22 y.o - Lebanon) - an automatic tuner for string instruments.
- Yasser Ramil (21 y.o - Morocco) - a wireless mobile phone charger
- Imad Al Harithy (23 y.o - Oman) - a mind-controlled wheelchair
- Mohammed Khalaf (25 y.o - Palestine) - a vertical keyboard to make typing a more comfortable process.
- Ahmed Abou Salim (29 y.o - Palestine) - an oxygenated drink that will give the consumer energy and revitalize the body
- Hashem Al Sada (22 - Qatar) - a specific tent fitted with solar panels for electricity generation.
- Mohammed Orsod (26 - Sudan) - an oil testing device that allows to determine the quality of cooking oil.
- Hassan Deeb (22 - Syria) - a piece of equipment that can generate electricity from waves.
- Saber Ben Massoud (24 - Tunis) - Tyres which can be changed in a lesser amount of time.
- Taha Tissaoui (26 - Tunisia) - a device to transport injured patients safely
The show promotes a healthy competitive and team spirit, in that it focuses on a non-eliminatory voting process, where candidates whose projects are not chosen, will join the teams of their peers.
Each of the subsequent weekly episodes, broadcast on Fridays, will revolve around one of the specific challenges of the innovation contest:
- Episode 2: Engineering (June 5)
- Episode 3: Design (June 12)
- Episode 4: Business (June 19)
During the final episode, to be broadcast live from Aspire Sports Academy in Doha on June 26, and in which the two finalists will be given the opportunity to launch their product, viewers will vote by SMS and telephone to decide the winner of a $300,000 prize.
Starting from tomorrow, Sunday, May 31, the audience will also be able to follow the activities of the candidates and their inner impressions, in daily episodes of this original reality show, broadcast from Sundays to Thursdays.
To be part of this experience, viewers can tune in to one of the 17 channels broadcasting the program, through an unprecedented Pan-Arab partnership:
Qatar Television, ENTV (Algeria); Bahrain TV; Nile Cultural Channel (Egypt); Jordan TV; Saudi 1 (KSA); Kuwait TV; Future TV (Lebanon), Tele Liban (Lebanon); Mauritania TV; Al Aoula (Morocco); Oman TV; Sudan TV; Syria 1, Hannibal TV (Tunisia), Yemen TV and ANA.
From AMEinfo.com
In a fast-pace and vibrant rhythm, the audience has been transported to Doha, Tunis, Alexandria and Beirut, where 100 hopeful applicants, shortlisted among 5600 applications, tried to impress and convince the jury with their projects of innovation.
Only 16 of them, from 11 countries, were selected and gained access to the ultra-modern Doha workshop, build within Qatar Science and Technology Park, where the competition will continue.
This episode was also the occasion to discover more about the candidates, their projects (see thereafter), personalities and aspirations, as well as the three jurors, Dr. Sadeg Fares, William Sawaya and Dr. Mona Zaki.
Engineer Dr. Sadeg Fares, with over 500 patents in his name, expressed his support for the candidates, saying that their projects will 'aid in developing the Arab world in the fields of science and technology.'
Renowned designer William Sawaya expressed his endorsement of Stars of Science, saying that it 'challenges Arabs to pursue technological excellence.'
Dr. Mona Zaki, businesswomen and marketing consultant, advised the candidates to 'be optimistic and to have confidence in what they do.'
The 16 candidates distinguish themselves by their various profiles and backgrounds, while their projects, characterized by their great diversity, are a testimony of the vibrant inventiveness of the Arab youth:
- Wahiba Chair (26 y.o - Algeria) - a nutrition label-scanning device that can be uploaded to mobile phones, immediately telling the consumer whether a food item is good for them.
- Sarah Al Sammak (24 y.o - Bahrain) - 'Canito' , a product bringing together a garbage and recycle bin that will attract people to recycle their waste.
- Mohammed Hijazi (25 y.o - Egypt) - a physiotherapy equipment that will help patients with various disabilities in strengthening their injured limbs with minimal interference.
- Mazen Salah (31 y.o - Jordan) - a device that would keep cars cool through all seasons.
- Sager Fayez (28 y.o - Saudi Arabia) - a reading tool for the blind persons, where books can be scanned and read aloud, as well as translated.
- Bassam Jalgha (22 y.o - Lebanon) - an automatic tuner for string instruments.
- Yasser Ramil (21 y.o - Morocco) - a wireless mobile phone charger
- Imad Al Harithy (23 y.o - Oman) - a mind-controlled wheelchair
- Mohammed Khalaf (25 y.o - Palestine) - a vertical keyboard to make typing a more comfortable process.
- Ahmed Abou Salim (29 y.o - Palestine) - an oxygenated drink that will give the consumer energy and revitalize the body
- Hashem Al Sada (22 - Qatar) - a specific tent fitted with solar panels for electricity generation.
- Mohammed Orsod (26 - Sudan) - an oil testing device that allows to determine the quality of cooking oil.
- Hassan Deeb (22 - Syria) - a piece of equipment that can generate electricity from waves.
- Saber Ben Massoud (24 - Tunis) - Tyres which can be changed in a lesser amount of time.
- Taha Tissaoui (26 - Tunisia) - a device to transport injured patients safely
The show promotes a healthy competitive and team spirit, in that it focuses on a non-eliminatory voting process, where candidates whose projects are not chosen, will join the teams of their peers.
Each of the subsequent weekly episodes, broadcast on Fridays, will revolve around one of the specific challenges of the innovation contest:
- Episode 2: Engineering (June 5)
- Episode 3: Design (June 12)
- Episode 4: Business (June 19)
During the final episode, to be broadcast live from Aspire Sports Academy in Doha on June 26, and in which the two finalists will be given the opportunity to launch their product, viewers will vote by SMS and telephone to decide the winner of a $300,000 prize.
Starting from tomorrow, Sunday, May 31, the audience will also be able to follow the activities of the candidates and their inner impressions, in daily episodes of this original reality show, broadcast from Sundays to Thursdays.
To be part of this experience, viewers can tune in to one of the 17 channels broadcasting the program, through an unprecedented Pan-Arab partnership:
Qatar Television, ENTV (Algeria); Bahrain TV; Nile Cultural Channel (Egypt); Jordan TV; Saudi 1 (KSA); Kuwait TV; Future TV (Lebanon), Tele Liban (Lebanon); Mauritania TV; Al Aoula (Morocco); Oman TV; Sudan TV; Syria 1, Hannibal TV (Tunisia), Yemen TV and ANA.
From AMEinfo.com
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