New Great Game and Afghanistan

The United Kingdom and Russia were vying for capturing the Central Asia during the 19th century. The United Kingdom was approaching from the Indian side, whereas the Russians were heading toward India while capturing Central Asia. Unfortunately, the Afghan soil was the center of this great game and Pashtuns were its fuel at that time. Both countries were using Afghanistan as a buffer state and playing this game from the Afghanistan soil. The tenure of this classical great game started with Russia-Prussia war in 1813 and ended on Anglo-Russian Convention in 1907. A British intelligence officer, Arthur Konolly had given this title to a geopolitical and strategic war and he had named the entire Central Asia the Great Chessboard. Rudyard Kipling later on gave this great game an unmatched fame and a romantic status in his novel the KIM.
War of Capturing Resources
This new great game is a war of capturing resources, particularly oil, its supply routes, pipelines and mineral resources more than just occupying territories. Another fundamental difference between the two is that the United Kingdom and Russia were the major players in the old great game, whereas Iran played a side role from time to time along with them; whereas, in the new game, a large number of regional and international powers are involved and the fuel are again the Pashtuns and to an extent Pakistanis. The players in this war include, in addition to the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its allies, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Tajikistan of Central Asia, population of which is even less than 2,000,000.
This war is becoming the most expensive war of all times. Only the United States spent $130 billion in 2010 ($4 billion for social sector, and that too, with a number of conditions because of which the entire amount could not be released) (Parenthesis as published). This expenditure earlier amounted to $50 billion to $65 billion. The expenditure incurred by other countries is in addition to this. With regard to life losses, too, this war is becoming unbearable for the United States and its allies. The number of casualties and injured troops is increasing with each passing day. So far, more than 3,000 US and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) troops have died, whereas number of injured troops stands close to 8,000. However, according to independent sources, number of casualties and wounded troops could exceed these estimates because the Americans and ISAF sources are trying to fudge the numbers due to public reaction.
As far as the Afghans are concerned, they -- according to famous poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz -- consider their flesh and blood part of the soil so it became food of the soil (means the body went back to its origin). Majority of the troops, who have returned to their home countries, are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Their treatment, including physical ailments, will cost approximately $650 million. On returning home, these troops assume strange behavior. Some limit themselves within their homes; and some join those Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which help people in Afghanistan and Iraq.
According to the US Anti-Suicide report, approximately 100 out of these returnees commit suicide every year, whereas, approximately 200 are prevented from committing suicide. Different countries want to have a stake in these countries because of their natural resources and strategic importance.
Natural Resources and Strategic Importance
Let us have a look at the natural resources and strategic importance of this region. The oil experts say huge quantity of oil is present under the Caspian Sea. In addition, the world's largest natural gas reserves are present in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. According to survey, conducted during the erstwhile Soviet Union times, 73 million tons coal, 100 billion barrel oil (it appears to be somewhat incorrect) (parenthesis as published) and 5 trillion cubic ft natural gas is present in Afghanistan.
In addition to this, the American National Geological Society conducted another survey in 2007 but released its report in 2010, which says that huge reserves of copper, gold, cobalt and raw iron, which value at $1 trillion, are present on the Afghan side of the Durand Line. The nature's distribution does not observe the geographic limits, set by human beings. It means that there could be huge reserves on the other side of the border, too (means, on Pakistani side). The Pentagon has compared and declared the Lithium reserves here at par with Saudi Arabia's oil reserves. In modern life, Lithium assumes the same importance as the oil, because no battery can be manufactured without Lithium. It is abundantly used in manufacturing several products.
China has initiated a $3 billion project in ionic copper mines, situated in Lugar Province of Afghanistan. It means the Pakistan-Afghanistan Pashtun belt is important as a transit route and it is also full of natural resources.
To benefit from these resources, the United States had first planned to lay a pipeline from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, and then to India and the Arabian Sea. The US firm, Unocal, Bredas of Argentine, and a Saudi company were competing to get the contract for this project. The US firm, Unocal had already spent lot of money on conducting feasibility study and had also arranged funding from international institutions, but the Taliban awarded contract to Bredas, which stunned the United States. Approximately four months before the 9/11 attacks, the US delegation informed every one and particularly Pakistan, during an international conference in Bonn that the Taliban had now become unbearable. And their government will be toppled by the end of the year.
The CIA initiated contacts with Ahmed Shah Masood; otherwise, ZalmayKhalilzad, while representing the US Government, had expressed support to the Taliban in his article, published in The New York Times only two days before this contact (with Ahmed Shah Masood by the CIA was established). In this article, Zalmay had also reprimanded the European countries for banning women veil. The write had suggested the European governments that they should not impose their culture on Afghans, as observing veil is a centuries old Afghan tradition.
The 9/11 attacks provided them (the United States and allies) a golden opportunity and they invaded Afghanistan, which unleashed a new process of destruction and devastation, because the war (in Afghanistan, allusion to Russian invasion of Afghanistan) had, in fact, started 20 years ago before the 9/11 attacks.
Cultural and Religious Influence
From a strategic importance point of view, four historic areas surround this region. Wild tribes, be they in the form of Scythians, White Huns or Mughals, have always marched from the northern plains, Steppe; and finally, Russia's march through Central Asia toward warm waters and Afghanistan and then expansion of Chinese empire from south to the east; and arrival of Indian cultural and religious influence from northwest side.Afghanistan is situated in the southwest of the Middle East region and Wakhan corridor is also situated here, borders of which, touch Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) in the south, Tajikistan in the north and China in the east. During 10-year erstwhile Soviet Union war, this was under their occupation; and the United States is also staying here. Iran is also situated in the same area; and Gwadar Port, which is placed as a modern port right at the edge of Asian Gulf, is situated on its eastern side.

New Geopolitical Equation in Asia

After the dramatic announcement of killing of Osama Bin Laden, a big change in the geopolitics of Asia has become evident centering the dilemma in the relations between Pakistan and the United States. Through this incident, signals are being received regarding a visible role of China and a shrink in the influence of the United States in this region as a split has been created in the relationship between Pakistan and the United States. The plummeting in the Washington-Islamabad relations first came to the limelight through the arrest of a US contractor Raymond Davis, who is known as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) spy, for his involvement in the killings of two Pakistani citizens. After languishing for three months in prison, Raymond Davis was freed in March with the payment of blood money.
Since then, it was being thought that the US pressure on Pakistan would be mounted. Exactly this happened. Subsequently, the United States claimed that their commandoes have killed Bin Laden in a raid. Pakistan has described the raid as a blow to its sovereignty. However, the United States has brought an allegation against Pakistani intelligence agency for providing shelter to Bin Laden. Though a number of questions have surfaced centering this raid -- whether Bin Laden was really killed in the attack or he was killed much earlier or anybody else was killed in the name of Bin Laden.
War on Terror
Centering this incident whatever it might be -- the actual Bib Laden killed or no -- Pakistan is trying to come out of the influence of the United States, a long time friend of that country. Within 15 days of the killing of Bin Laden, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani visited China. The Chinese leaders categorically announced that Pakistan has significant contribution to the war on terror. This country is also a victim of terrorism.
The Western countries must show their respect to the sovereignty of Pakistan. The Chinese leaders further announced that Beijing will consider any attack on Islamabad an attack against it and China will always stand beside Pakistan. This announcement from Beijing in the face of an intense pressure from the west was not only a matter of ease for Islamabad, but a clear indication that China support Pakistan at the time of difficulty.
Building Gwadar Port
Massive steps were taken to enhance military relations between China and Pakistan during this visit of Gilani. The area of cooperation also includes transfer of military technology side by side with military assistance. China has assured Pakistan of supplying more than 50 JF Thunder Aircraft within a shortest possible time. In addition, the two countries have reached an agreement on purchasing frigates for the navy and training on operating submarines. Seventy-five percent arms of Pakistani Armed Forces comes from China. Very soon 260 Chinese fighter planes will be added to the Pakistan Air Force. It is being though that Pakistan is going to be a member of Shanghai Cooperation from an observer at the behest of China. And this might add a new dimension to China-India relations in the coming days. During Gilani's visit to China this time, the most important military on the agenda was the proposal of setting up a naval base at Gwadar Seaport, built on assistance from Beijing.
China and India have long been involved in a race for expanding influence in the India Ocean. Comparatively India navy is now stronger in the India Ocean. It can be said India has its hegemony on the sea. An intensive relationship of cooperation of India navy with the US Navy has been added to this. China has to import its fuel oil from the Middle East through the narrow strata of Malacca under the India-US naval surveillance. During any adverse situation the India-US naval power may close down this supply route for China. Alternative sea routes are very essential for China. Beijing is going to be achieved this opportunity this time completely. Gwadar seaport has multifaceted military significance. Virtually this port will be the main center for China to maintain its influence in the southern seacoast of Asia. From there China will be able to maintain its surveillance on the Indian and US Naval Forces.
Gwadar Seaport is very close to the seacoast of Oman. The distance of the Persian Gulf from here is not so far. Before 1958, Gwadar was under Oman. Later, the area was handed over to Pakistan. In 1973, US President Richard Nixon visited Pakistan. During the visit, the then Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto requested Richard Nixon to help building a seaport at Gwadar. Bhutto proposed that Pakistan would ensure benefit of the US Navy from Gwadar if the port was built with assistance from his country. But Nixan did not make any response to that proposal.
Failing to get any support from the US for building the seaport at Gwadar, Pakistan did not abandon its plan in this regard. Later, they sought helps from China in this regard. The work on building the seaport began in 2002 with assistance from China. China invested $200million for construction of the seaport. The first phase of the construction of the port ended in 2006. Singapore Port Management Authority was given the responsibility of running the port. Now China will be given the responsibility of running the port from Singapore Port Authority. A decision has been taken to review soon the port management by Singapore Port Authority.
The work on establishing direct road and railway communications with China from Gwadar seaport has begun so that oil tankers could be transported to Chinese territory from the port. China began the expansion of road network on Karakoram Highway from Gilgit in Pakistan to Xinjinag province of China. In 2006, Islamabad and Beijing signed agreement to build a road from Kashgar in China to Abbottabad in Pakistan. The two countries took the decision of constructing an alternative land route in consideration that Karakoram Highway might be risky for bigger containers. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited China in July 2010. During his talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, a decision was taken to set up 3,000 km railway line from Kashgar to Gwadar.
Security experts believe China will use this port equally both for civil and military purposes. Chinese ships will not anchor at the port only, but its submarines use the same as a base. In a recent report by New Delhi-based Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis said this port is a threat to India. Gwadar Port is very close to Hormuz strata. During any adverse situation, Pakistan might impose restriction on this route. However, Beijing will be able to conduct a complete surveillance on Indo-US naval maneuverings in the Arab Sea and Persian Gulf.
Pressure From Western Countries
Both the United States and India are worried over this strategic and military cooperation between Pakistan and China. Many people think the conflict between the CIA and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is rooted in the relations between China and Pakistan. It seems that the US has toned down to Pakistan as Islamabad successfully played the China card in face of relentless pressure from the Western countries.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a surprised visit to Pakistan along with Admiral Mike Mullen, then chairman of the Joint US Chief of Staff. Hillary announced that the United States will continue its cooperation and the war on terror with Pakistan. So long the United States has been alleging that Bin Laden had been hiding inside Pakistan with helps from Pakistani intelligence officials. But during her visit to Islamabad, Hillary said she did not believe top Pakistani official knew about the hiding of Bin Laden in that country.
The US security adviser has already announced that Washington's assistance to Pakistan will not be stopped. The US concern has started unfolding at a time when Pakistan is set to go under the total influence of China.
Despite conducting drone attacks inside Pakistan to eliminate the Taliban militants, the United States has been holding talks with the Taliban at the mediation of Turkey. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) officials have already held meeting with mid ranking Taliban leaders. Recently, former NATO official and former foreign minister of Turkey Hiqmat Setin said that Turkey was going to hold high level talks with the Taliban soon.
It is being observed that the United States contact with the Taliban still exists. However, Pakistan has been made the target of the Taliban. Questions have now been raised from inside Pakistan about the motive behind the recent attack on Pakistani naval base in Karachi and destruction of two naval surveillance aircraft. Whether any special message is being given by this type of attack. It has become clear from the nature of the attack that the target of the raid was to hit the military strength of Pakistan. A section of the mass media in Pakistan has alleged that those who have been conducting this type of attack in Pakistan in the name of the Taliban have special links with the US and Indian intelligence agency.
Pakistan's Military Cooperation with China
However, India has already expressed concern over Pakistan's military cooperation with China. Following the claim of killing Bin Laden at Abbottabad by the US force, a hint was given from New Delhi that India might conduct similar attack on Pakistan. The reaction shown by Pakistan in response to that desire of New Delhi is another cause of concern for India. Pakistan made it clear that if India dared to conduct such raids Islamabad will limited scale nuclear weapon or tactical nuclear arms. It was not so long known that Pakistan has such sophisticate nuclear arsenals.
At the same time, India plunged into another diplomatic difficulty. India handed over a list of 50 terrorists residing in Pakistan to Islamabad authorities and demanded their extradition for trials. The following day reports were published in the Indian newspapers that two of the listed terrorists detained in Indian prisons. Indian wanted to mount pressure on Pakistan in line with the United States, but they himself got entangled in trouble. And as a result, the image of India was tarnished.
After the killing of Bin Laden, the competition launch between the United States and China for expanding influence centering Pakistan gives a signal of a new strategic equation of the Asian superpowers. Iran has also joined the race. Iran has already expressed its solidarity with the integrity of Pakistan. It is being thought that Pakistani military officials have been maintaining contacts with Iran.
Importance of Islamabad
Except China, Pakistan has taken initiative of enhancing cooperation with Russia. President Asif Ali Zardari had already visited Russia. He was given a rousing reception in Moscow. The new relations of China and Russia with Iran and Pakistan could turnout to be a big concern for the United States in future. This will make the position of US-led NATO force in Afghanistan weak, and also deal a blow to the US initiatives of establishing control over the energy resources in Central Asia. In addition, Russia, China is also enhancing its influence in the Central Asia. A cooperative relation between China and Pakistan will help Beijing to make another step forward in expanding its influence in this region. Because of road communication with Central Asia and port facilities, the importance of Pakistan has increased. Despite multifaceted pressure from United States and acts of sabotage inside the country, Pakistan is playing the cards of its good relations with China and Russia because of its geostrategic position. And this is the main weapon of Pakistan. Because of this it is very easy to criticize Pakistan, but difficult to avoid.

Countering Terrorism With Violence

On the next day after the US military killed the head of Al-Qaida, Osama Bin Laden, US President Barack Obama claimed that it was a beautiful day for the United States and the world will become safer following the death of Osama. This US military attack against Osama reminds us of the movie "Wag the Dog". In the movie, the US president was plagued by a sex scandal before the presidential election. His aide found a Hollywood director Stanley Motss to "produce" a fake news about a battle against international terrorists. With the help of the computer-generated virtual images, they successfully created the sufferings of the US troops and people and the victimized civilians.
Post-Osama Scenario
The righteous image of the US president in combating terrorism became so rightful, glorious and larger than life. Amid the wave the patriotism, they successfully diverted people's attention from the sex scandal and the US president won his second term.
Some opine that Osama's death will help raise Obama's popularity in his bid of seeking reelection. But we have our reservation about this view. If Al-Qaida fights back all out and launches a series of terrorist attacks around the United States after Osama's death. Obama and the Americans will be the biggest victims then. Undoubtedly, Obama's successful bid to kill Osama has catered the psychological needs of the US people who face the threat of terrorism. He has become a defender of the people and brought great relief to the terrified American people.
Nevertheless, there are still things for us to ponder over in the ensuing development of this incident. First of all, the terrorist attacks in the post-Osama era will become more frequent and more unpredictable. In the 1970s, the so-called terrorism was very much politics-oriented and was set against a background of the confrontation between the Eastern and Western blocks. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Palestinian terrorist groups in Middle East are examples of such movement. Though detestable, they had taken their actions based on the notion of national self-determination. For instance, the tragedy during the Munich Olympic Games. Amidst the strong condemnation from all over the international community, voices of their sympathizers were also heard. At least, most of the Third World countries sympathized them. At that time, it was not difficult to find learned and knowledgeable figures within terrorist groups. They were persistent in pursuing their ideals and had their own self-perceived righteous goals. They believed they were noble-minded fighters for ideals who were willing to sacrifice their own reputation or even their lives. Nevertheless, today, the terrorist activities have not only experienced changes in terms of quantity, but also quality. The size of their groups has shrunk while their righteous goals have also gone.
Hostility Against West
More specifically, the new terrorists in the post-Osama era will not limit themselves to hostility against the West and the confrontation of religious values; instead, it is more difficult to comprehend their conviction and to predict their actions. From a more superficial perspective, the potential factors leading to terrorism could be the unequal distribution of wealth, grudges against the West for controlling the international economy, and internal strife and conflicts between religious sects. Most people more or less have this kind of underlying frustration. But for some radical elements who harbor grave resentment and hatred, their jealousy and desire for vengeance are easily triggered by external factors. Therefore, it is not surprising to see them resorting to brutal actions against a government or certain class in the society and having no care for innocent lives, simply to vent their frustration. For this reason, to totally uproot the danger and threat of terrorism to the human society, the permanent solution is to eliminate the injustice in various political and economic aspects.
Second, there are many ways of dealing with terrorism. But we are afraid that the effect of countering Islamic terrorists with violence may be limited. After Osama was killed, some have posted messages that they will seek revenge to some radical forums on the Internet. This is an alert. At the same time, the US government has also issued a worldwide travel alert to its citizens. This shows that Whitehouse is also vigilant that Al-Qaida will fight back in full force. From the religious perspective of the followers of Islamic fundamentalism, an international terrorist attack is still deemed as a righteous Jihad dedicated to God. It is a battle between the justice and the evil. But from the perspective of the American value (represented by Obama), the Islamic world may symbolize close-mindedness, backwardness, mystery and evil. Hence, the theory of the clash of two civilizations. As the two sides insist on their beliefs and confront each other with terrorism and crackdown, it is probable that there will be more conflicts in the future. Judging from what we have witnessed in the past 10 years, it is indeed true that the more they try to counter terrorism, the more severe terrorism will get.
Third, Osama was bombed dead close to the Pakistan Military Academy but the United States had not informed Pakistan in advance. This may complicate the US-Pakistan relations and stir the sensitivity of the Islamic world. The Islamic world has kept silence on this incident so far, even Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which have been holding a mild stance, have not made any statement yet. Perhaps a collective anti-US movement is poising for take-off. Meanwhile, will the radical Iran and Syria provide supports to more terrorist activities in secret? In other words, will the United States' bid to counter violence with violence effectively crack down terrorism? Or, will it intensify the antagonism? This is probably an issue that Obama and the US public must address.

Global Financial Recession Affects Bangladesh's Exports

The country's export sector has been gripped afresh with recession. And as a result, the export orders in the country's main export earning sector -- the readymade garment (RMG) industry -- are declining. The orders in the past six months decreased by 20 to 25 percent. The growth in the RMG sector declined to 28 percent in July 2011 from 42 percent in June the same year. The export sector of Bangladesh has started experiencing a negative impact, as a fresh recession hit the RMG buyer countries, including those in the United States and Europe.
Exporters said buying orders in the knit and woven sectors have decreased. If the trend continues, it will turnout to be bad for the industry. Work in most of the RMG units at this moment has reduced by 50 percent. If the recession is a fact, the government will have to activate the announced taskforce right now.
Sector's Real Export
It has been learned that the RMG sector is the highest export earner of the country. In the knit sector of this industry, the export growth is 46.25 percent. The sector's real export has stood at $9.482 billion against the target of $7.131 billion. That means the real growth is 32.96 percent higher than the target. The growth in the oven sector has been increased by 40.23 percent. The sector exported items worth $8.432billion against the target of $6.614billion. The real export in the sector has been increased by 27.48 percent against the target.
This sector is not getting their exact export orders due to the gas and electricity crises. Bangladesh has lost a goon number of buyers as orders could not be supplied on due time. Many entrepreneurs had to supply the consignment by planes spending more money to contain the buyers.
Portion of Export Orders
In addition, recession in economy of the United States, Europe, Greece and Canada is pushing the coming days toward a crisis. By this time a considerable portion of export orders has gone to our neighboring country. Export to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan been declined. Among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, the exports to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka have decreased.
About the state of exports, former BKMEA (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association) President Mohammad Fazlul Haque said our orders have reduced in comparison with the normal time. He said the orders started declining from two months back, which is 20 percent less than the expectation. He said the US economy has a definite impact on all over the world. The Europe is undergoing recession. We are apprehending a crisis in the coming days. Our economy is experiencing unrest in the export order. Things will not be clear before two or three months onward. He said it will be very difficult to contain the growth that achieved in the last fiscal (2010-2011).
Overcoming Recession
For maintaining the growth, he suggested taking initiatives in the private sector. He said we have to diversify our import basket. We have been confined to some items. We have to come out of that. He said we are unable to produce more diversified items and this is our failure. He said helps from the government is necessary to enter new markets. The governments of our competitors are giving that.
Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Abdus Salam Murshedy said it is true that our export orders are declining. Not only in the RMG sector, there is a fall in overall export. He said we could overcome the recession in the fiscal 2010-2011. But a new recession is approaching us. Our buying countries are also gripped with recession. The economy of Europe, America, Greece, Portugal and Denmark has been suffering from recession. Their purchasing power is also decreasing due to the recession.
He said our readymade garment has 90 percent export market in Europe and America. He said the export in July 2011 reduced to 27 percent from 50 percent in June 2010. The export is likely to reduce further in the coming days. He said the overall export order has been reduced by 20 to 25 percent.
Country's Economy
Murshedy said our export is about taka 240 billion. He said it is urgent to form the taskforce suggested by the Prime Minister. The activities of the taskforce should begin soon. He said we will have to increase the ability in completion to contain the growth rate. He said initiatives will have to be taken for solution of the present electricity and gas crises. He said the diesel and furnace oil based industries will have to be given duty-free facilities. He said capacity of the Chittagong Seaport will have to be increased. Mongla Seaport will have to be built as an alternative port. He suggested reducing the high rate interest on bank loan. He said we have been failing to survive in the race with our competitive countries due to these reasons. He also stressed the need for ensuring political stability in the country. He expressed the apprehension that the country's economy might suffer a lot in the recession set to recur before the passage of one-year time.
About the present state of export, Faruk Hasan, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said that the orders in the export sector have been reducing for the last two months. Some of the RMG factories have already been closed down for lack of work orders. But the condition of sweater industry is good. The sweater industry has enough work. The recession is continuing in the cases of knitwear and oven garment orders. He said 50 percent work has reduced in factories of the said sectors. Faruk Hasan believes from August to October 2011 will be a very bad time. He said 50 percent of our export is going to Europe, 5 percent to Canada and 26 percent to the United States. We are taking preparations to fetch export markets in the neighboring countries. We will be able to increase our export to the neighboring countries by 10 percent in the next 5 years. The export decreased in July 2011 as against June 2010. The export stood at 28 percent in July 2011, which is higher than that of the previous year.
Foreign Exchange Reserve
Economist and Adviser to Former Caretaker Government Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam said reduction of order in our export sector is not an unusual phenomenon. He said the US economy suffers from considerable uncertainty. The governments could overcome the recession in the fiscal 2008-2009 through bailout packages. But they have no such a scope this time. He said the condition of economy in Greece, Portugal and Spain is not good. Under the above circumstances, he said, the reduction in export order is not an unusual event.
He said: “We have to see whether quantity or value is declining.” He said the growth in RMG export in the last year increased export by 15 percent. And the value was increased by 35 percent. He said more abnormal situations might be created in the coming days. Our remittance is declining. The foreign exchange reserve is on the wane. He said the price of oil in the Middle East will fall if the recession strikes. And as a result, this will leave a negative impact on the Bangladeshis working in the Middle East countries.

Civil Unrest, Rekindled Nationalism in Libya

The Libyan revolutionaries captured the country's capital Tripoli with a crushing force. Three sons of the Libyan tyrant Colonel Muammar Gaddafi who made up a last-ditch fight were seized one after another. Now the revolutionaries are stepping up their hunt for Gaddafi while taking over the control of Libya's economic lifelines. This indeed marks the death of "the era of Gaddafi". Although Gaddafi still tries hard to turn the tide, he has lost his control over the country. The name of Gaddafi may become obsolete soon.
Under the coordination of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Transitional National Council formed by the anti-Gaddafi alliance is now gradually taking over the ruling power. This has not only realigned the political forces in Libya, but has also added an uncertain variable to the new order of Middle East, which is yet to be established. This variable may be in the form of what predicted by the US State Secretary Hillary Clinton -- an Iraq-style civil unrest in Libya. But it could be in the form of the resurrection of nationalism in Middle Eastern tribes as well. The fanatic nationalism may replace the tyrant politics and start to expand its external influence again. Whichever scenario it is going to turn out, the situation in Libya worries the outsiders a lot.
What worries us the most now is the rekindled nationalism among the public in Middle East. The emergence of nationalism almost coincides with the collapse of the tyrant rule. Nationalism has timely filled in the blank in the people's hearts after the downfall of the tyrant politics. In countries used to be ruled by tyrants like Iraq, Tunisia, and Egypt, nationalism has helped the people found their new starting point. However, the over emphasis on nationalism may cause new commotion. Another concern is the anti-Gaddafi alliance because we could see the shadow of Gaddafi cast upon the alliance. Under this shadow, we do not see any candidate who can replace him at the moment yet. This is why many Western people have predicted that after the downfall of Gaddafi, Libya will plunge into an internal strife, which will be more sinister and destructive than that in Iraq. The hatred and violent confrontation between tribes may lead the country to a crisis of separation.
It is beyond doubt how the weapons of mass destruction and bio-chemical weapons possessed by Libya could influence the balance of powers in Middle East. Therefore, a pressing mission for the gulf countries now is to rebuild the "natural equilibrium" of Middle East. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have called on Gaddafi to hand over his power the soonest possible, so that the Transitional National Council led by Mahmoud Jibril can take over the administration temporarily. This is not only related to how fast Libya can be consolidated, this is also related to the establishment of the equilibrium in Middle East. If a political and economic alliance can be established and the different tribes in the country can agree and come out with a consistent diplomatic policy in the post-Gaddafi Libya, then it is possible that we will see a power balance between the Libyan alliance and other Arabic countries. If Libya is unable to establish such a political and economic alliance at the moment, then the country should develop some form of negotiation mechanism among the many tribes in the country to ensure the security in Libya itself, as well as in Middle East. This kind of arrangement of the power structure is rather similar to the equilibrium in Europe in the 19th century, but at the same time, this is indeed the direction of the development of our history today.
Disintegration in Arab World
In addition to diplomatic arrangement, the West should also find way to mitigate the shocks caused during the disintegration process in Iraq, Tunisia, and Egypt by tackling from the perspective of internal affairs. The West has hoped to see Middle East transit from tyrant politics. However, the changes have been too speedy for the West to handle. We have even observed the panic and confusion of the West as they are unable to be on top of these changes. Initially Russia opposed to the call of the United States and Europe that demanded Gaddafi to step down. But the country changed its mind in late July and called on Gaddafi to step down the soonest possible. This is an example of how some have failed to have a good command of the situation. This is why the West should get in touch with the revolutionaries as soon as possible to learn about their thoughts, to provide them the necessary aids, to appease the grudge among the tribes, and to prevent another civil war from breaking out.
Deterioration of Country’s Economy
The deterioration of the Libyan economy triggered the movement that eventually toppled the Gaddafi regime. However, the deteriorated economy would not get improved as an immediate result of the collapse of the tyrant politics or the rise of nationalism. What would the Libyan people do when they realize nationalism is not going to bring them warm winter?
Perhaps some would get frustrated; but it is more likely that some would advocate Fascist and nationalist dictatorship and attack the West for bringing the Libyan economy into trouble. They may impute the economic problems to the West and a series of civil wars may break out between tribes in support of Gaddafi and anti-Gaddafi tribes.
Role of International Community
Thus, what the whole international community should do today is to think of how to address the issue based on the fact of the power vacuum in Libya. For the West, the United States especially, the current pressing task is to understand and handle the changing state of affairs in Libya by employing a new framework. The new framework has to cover both the internal affairs and diplomatic fronts. In relation to internal affairs, they should establish communication channels with all tribes in Libya to be on top of the situation. At the same time, they should offer economic aids as soon as possible to help the Libyan people get through the coming severe winter and prevent Fascism or civil wars from breaking out.
Diplomatically, they should try to reestablish the equilibrium to prevent the expansion of the Arabic nationalism. For the entire international community, handling the changing state of affairs in Libya is like managing an international crisis. It is the greatest challenge to the political wisdom and resolution of the Western world as to whether or not they can handle this crisis in an appropriate manner and whether or not they can prevent the predicted disaster.

Ever-Increasing Israeli Aggression

Notwithstanding the pressure exerted by the United States on Israel to be serious about resumption of peace dialogue and to refrain from doing anything that may ignite the situation in the Middle East, the truth is that the Zionist US child has gone completely out of control, and all such US suggestions fall on deaf ears. This makes it abundantly clear that the United States, which promised to teach a lesson to Iraq and Afghanistan, cannot muster courage enough to adopt the same kind of stringent attitude to discipline Israel.
Impact of US Financial Crisis
During this current period in US history, when it is facing the worst ever financial crisis, President Barack Obama finds it extremely difficult to take any harsh stand against Israel because Israel's significance and importance has multiplied manifold for the United States as the US economy is largely in the hands of Zionists.
Because of this reason, despite apparent US pressure for a peace dialogue, Israel has not only announced to construct 277 dwelling units in the West Bank area to continue with its expansionist designs, it has carried out bombings on Gaza to make the situation there explosive. The Israeli Government has defended its action in Gaza by maintaining that the bombing was a reaction to the rocket attack on Israel from Gaza. Yet, is it justified to target innocent children? Can carrying out bombing on a mosque be termed a reaction? In fact, the purpose behind such action is nothing less than injuring and killing Palestinian Muslims who are observing fast and saying prayers during this month of Ramadan.
The attack by Israeli Army on Gaza was no reaction of any kind. Instead, it was clear aggression. There are reports that a civilian was killed and several others were injured in this attack. The bombing testifies that Israel wants go gain mileage during this month of Ramadan when the resistance by Palestinian Mujahidin [crusaders] has come down, and there are not many protests against Israel. The aim of the bombings is only to terrorize Palestinians.
Not only has Israel taken to terrorism through its army in Gaza, the Zionist government, by making an announcement to construct new Jewish houses in West Bank, has sought to escalate tension. It has announced to construct 277 dwelling units in West Bank. This implies that its plan and design to expand its occupation of Palestinian areas continues unabated, disregarding pressure from the international community.
Growing Pressure on Isreal
It is pertinent to mention that Israel is under immense pressure to initiate serious measures to solve the Palestine issue, and to avoid making provocative announcement of construction of new Jewish settlements in occupied areas. As a matter of fact, such Israeli announcements are simply meant to derail the peace dialogue. The Palestinian Authority is considered to be pro-United States.
The Authority has also made it clear that no peace dialogues are possible and are meaningless until Israel stops work of construction of new Jewish settlements in occupied areas. Even the United States, maybe on the face of it only, continues to criticize such Israeli announcements. The United States has termed the Israeli announcement extremely disturbing. The United States maintained it might have an adverse impact on attempts to resume the peace dialogue between Israel and Palestine. The United States has asserted that it has approached Israel on the issue to explain the US stand on the issue.
Construction of New Houses in West Bank
To what extent the United States manages to satisfy Israel, and whether Israel stops construction of new houses in West Bank is a matter of conjecture. What appears to be certain is that Israel has never been interested in holding peace talks, nor does it have any inclination to it now. Even if it adopts a somewhat flexible attitude, only apparently, the main purpose behind it would be to lessen international pressure.
In short, because of Israeli aggression, the threat of escalation of tension and the situation becoming explosive is looming large over the Middle East. It is a matter of grief and sorrow that neighboring Islamic countries, as is their wont, are not prepared to adopt any hard stand against Israeli aggression.

Are Pakistan, Iran Next US Targets?

Possibly Pakistan is going to be the next battle ground of the United States. It is not surprising at all, especially if we take into considerations the war mongering attitudes of the US leaderships and provocative design of the Zionist Israel. In September 2001, Colin Powell called on then Pakistani President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf to take part in the US-sponsored war against international terrorism. But moving one step forward, Powell's assistant Richard Armitage warned Musharraf of severe consequences if Islamabad does not comply with US request. He warned Musharraf that if he remains away from taking part in the war, Pakistan would be sent to the 'stone age' by bombing indiscriminately. Musharraf finally enlisted the name of his country to the list of participants to the war against terrorism under the US leadership only to save Pakistan and considering the world situation created following 9/11 terrorists' attacks.
US-Led War on Terror
In the last one decade, the Pakistani military rulers provided uninterrupted support and soldiery to fulfill its commitment given to the US authorities. However, Pakistan need not had to face the terrible destructions like that of Afghanistan. Still then, more than 35,000 Pakistani citizens had to sacrifice their lives in the so-called US-led war on terror. Pakistani economy has reached at the verge of ruinations. But despite taken all kinds of risks to fulfill the wishes of the United States and making all kinds of sacrifices, Pakistan could do a little to change its fate. Rather Pakistan is fast heading to face the situation that had to undergo by Afghanistan and Iraq. US cancelled US$ 800 million aid to Pakistan raising allegations, as per Colin Powell version, of annexing support and patronization to terrorists and extremists by the Islamabad administration. Powell openly brought allegations that members of Pakistani army were directly collaborating and assisting with the extremists forces. The signal is very clear. The necessary of hobnobbing between the US and Pakistani troops has ended by now. Pakistan is going to embrace the same fate that was exactly happened in cases of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Political observes viewed that Washington has made it crystal clear that it has no need to keep amity with Islamabad through arresting Golam Nabi Paik, leader of the Kashmiri-American Council who also worked as lobbyist in favor of Pakistan with the United States on Kashmir issue. Washington so long has been waiting to create some pleas to impose war against Pakistan that is the only Muslim state possessing nuclear weapons.
The total episode of unearthing hide out of Usama Bin Ladin near the Military Academy of Pakistan and his subsequent killing by the US troops was a mere ploy to establish logic behind launching military drives against Pakistan. With the killing of Usama Bin Ladin, the US military operations in this region would come to close -- this notion of Pakistan and Afghanistan is totally wrong. The war is not going to be ended here. The United States is going to expand the war to other directions.
Pakistan-ISI Nexus
Pakistan gave unconditional support to the United States for more than half a century during the cold war era. But Washington never liked to evaluate Pakistan under any other conditions excepting attaining its own interest. Washington administration remained busy for the last few months in criticizing Islamabad. Along with US administration, the entire US media remained engaged in spreading propagandas to the effect that Pakistani army and the Pakistani intelligence agencies had close link with Afghan Taliban and Al-Qa'ida terrorists' operatives. The US media, to establish such fallacy, published so many 'proven facts and documents' which all were false, motivated, concocted and purposeful. However, Mike Mullen alleged that the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan killed journalist Salim Shehzad for exposing the amity and hobnobbing between the ISI operatives and the Taliban extremists.
The link between the Pakistani ISI and the Afghan Taliban was established long before the 9/11 incidents under the mediation of the United States to fight back Soviet occupation forces from the Afghan soil. The hobnobbing between the ISI and Taliban had started since then. Nobody but the United States knows this very well. It has been observing right at this moment that the United States and its Western allies are not only busy to erase out such relations between the ISI and the Taliban as well as the past reality from not only their won memoirs but also from the chronicles of everyone under the consideration of different undeclared purposes.
Afghan-Iraq War
The United States is seen very active and enthusiastic to start its new voyages. So, they have decided to wind up their $4 trillion Afghan-Iraq war to start new military offensive against Pakistan. Observers and analysts believe, in the new move of the United States and its western allies, Pakistan perhaps would be the first victim. The next target would be the oil-rich Iran.
For along time Pakistan and Iran have become the eyesores of the United States and its allies for giving a clarion call to the Muslim world for a united Arab-Muslim resistance against US imperialists and the Israeli Zionists. Nonetheless, for quite a long time the lust of the United States has fallen on the precious and endless oil-resources of Iran. Interpretative reporter Moor Hurst in his long report warned that the United States was eagerly waiting to create suitable ploys to jump upon the costly oil resources of Iran. Hurst said the crusaders of US President George W Bush and the Zionist cadres of Israel were waiting to put Iran in their traps at a suitable moment.
US-Israel Joint Drive
The United States has already encircled Iran by deploying troops alongside westerns region of Iraq and northern region of Afghanistan. In addition, there are huge war preparations of the United States in the Gulf region. Now question is that what role the Arab countries of the Middle East would play in the face of the US-Israel joint drive to suppress the independent and sovereign entity of Pakistan and annex the fuel and energy-rich regions of Iran?
Observes believe taking united actions by the Arab nations would be the only and best solution. The Arab countries and Pakistan should take lesions from Afghanistan and Iraq before the time going out of their reach.

Malaysia's External Trade Balance

According to the import and export statistics of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, in April this year, Malaysia's exports grew by 11.1 percent to 57.8 billion Malaysian ringgit ($19.6 billion) whereas the imports grew by 9.4 percent to 46.8 billion ringgit ($15.9 billion). The imports and exports were similar in May -- the exports grew by 5.4 percent to 55.1 billion ringgit ($18.7 billion) while the imports increased by 5.6 percent to 46.6 billion ringgit ($15.8 billion). In May, Malaysia's trade with China and Japan rose by 10 percent and 16 percent respectively. These figures reflect the changes in Malaysia's external trade relations and release some noteworthy alerts.
This obvious change in trade could be deemed as a result of the change from the previous ‘one triangular trade relationship’ to the current ‘two triangular trade relationships,’ in which China, Japan, and Thailand play the key roles. In the past, the government emphasized on the development of processing and export industries. Primarily, it involved importing machines and raw materials from other countries and utilizing the relatively skilled yet cheap labor force to process and manufacture products to be exported to countries like China, Singapore, Japan, the United States, and Thailand. Therefore, Malaysia's trade relations with these countries had turned from trade deficit in earlier years to trade surplus and the trade surplus had increased year by year. At the same time, our trade deficit against certain countries had also increased year after year.
World Investment Report
In recent years, driven by the free trade agreements and strong pressure from relevant countries to open up our market, Malaysia's trade surplus has seen some decrease. Yet, the triangular trade relationship remains. The new triangular trade relationship is the result of Malaysia's external investment in other countries, coupled with the increase of exports of machine equipments and components in the recent five years. According to the world investment report 2011 released recently by the United Nations Trade and Development Agency, the foreign direct investment to Malaysia soared 536 percent to 27.3 billion ringgit ($9.3 billion) in 2010, constituting the highest record in the history. Meanwhile, Malaysia has relied on Japan for the supply of key raw materials needed for the exports of machine equipments and components. Thus, Malaysia's trade deficit against Japan has been increasing year by year. Consequently, the issue of trade deficit against Japan has not shown any sign of improvement or solution; instead, it has deteriorated year after year.
On the surface, the changes of export markets and the expansion of exports caused by the overseas investment have maintained the growth of Malaysia's exports (the first five months of this year saw an increase of 8 percent despite the worsening external environment). This has enabled Malaysia to maintain a reasonable economic growth and led to the major changes in Malaysia's trade balance with its major trade partners. This is a normal structural adjustment. However, if we study more in-depth, we will realize that there are indeed some worrying issues in the current process of Malaysia's trade and economic development.
Export-Oriented Economy
The first issue is about the capability to maintain our overseas investment. Some officials have been talking about ‘all-round development’ lately and advocating investment in places like China, West Asia, and Middle East. However, a country's capability of overseas investment is subject to its international balance of payments. A county will only be capable to invest overseas if it enjoys massive international trade surplus for consecutive years. When its international balance of payments turns from surplus to deficit, the country's capability of overseas investment will decline substantially, or even b e eliminated altogether. Prior to the Asian financial crisis, Malaysia had enjoyed increasing surplus in the international balance of payments almost every year and the overseas investment had naturally flourished.
During the crisis and even the early stage of the recovery, the surplus in Malaysia's international balance of payments dropped drastically and even came to the verge of deficit. As a result, Malaysia's capability to invest overseas is no longer as strong as that in the years before the crisis. Therefore, a very important issue now is about how to maintain the development of our export-oriented economy.
Overseas Investment
The second issue is concerning the subsequent growth of the export of components derived from overseas investment. The export of components derived from overseas investment has constituted the major part of the growth of Malaysia's exports in recent few years. However, China has become the main destination of Malaysia's overseas investment. We must not overlook the capability of China-made components replacing imported components in the country itself. This is especially so considering the fact that Malaysia's investment in China has shifted from coastal areas to inland areas.
To save the cost of transportation, of course it is more convenient to use locally-produced components. Thus, it will be not surprising if Malaysian enterprises in China choose China-made components over those imported from Malaysia. This will lead to a shrink in the export of components derived from Malaysia's overseas investment. Should this happen, after some time, the growth of Malaysia's export will be retarded and another huge change may be seen in the value of Malaysia's trade balance against other countries.
Increasing Trade Deficit
The third issue is the issue of the development of key raw materials. Malaysia's industries have indeed seen substantial development in the past. However, the experience of the two triangular trade relations tell us that Malaysia has relied on China and Japan for key raw materials, both in processing-type export and investment-type export. Thus, the growth of exports to countries other than China will always come together with the increase of trade deficit against China and Japan. The fundamental issue here is that Malaysia is not able to develop key raw material industry on our own yet. The government and the industrial sector have to get Malaysia out of this nightmare by planning and developing relevant key raw material industries so that Malaysia's economy could grow normally.
The changes in Malaysia's external trade balance indeed show us negative signs in the long-term development of industries in this country.

Suppression of Dissent in Vietnam

A number of terms are used to describe the modern age, such as 'the age of information,' 'the age of globalization,' 'the age of scientific and technological revolution,' or 'the age of the knowledge economy,' and sometimes it is even called 'the flat world.'

Whatever the term, however, and whatever opinion it is based on, it cannot be denied that our present world is still a community of countries and nations with various ideologies, historical traditions, cultures, political systems, and national institutions. At the same time, there is competition and conflict among countries in the form of hot wars, cold wars, weaponless wars, and 'color revolutions,' as well as political upheavals like the ones taking place in the Middle East and North Africa called 'jasmine revolutions.' The people who take an objective and wise view can understand that such contradictions, conflicts, and wars among countries are for their own spiritual and material interests rather than for the common values of democracy and human rights.

Democracy and Human Rights

According to experts in political science and law, there are more than 190 countries in the world with a variety of systems - democratic republic, monarchy, constitutional monarchy, republican presidential, parliamentary republic and religious state (Vatican). Each country has national rights in which no one, not even the United Nations, can intervene to choose its ideology -- capitalism or socialism, the political system -- multi-party or one party, an economic model -- liberalism or socialist market economy, nor may make decisions regarding its natural resources and assets.

All countries, either developed or developing, either in the West or in the East, have spiritual symbols reflecting their political systems and national institution, for example the royal families in the United Kingdom, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Thailand, and religious dignitaries, especially in Muslim countries. Political regimes and these symbols that have been established over time are respected by the people and protected by constitution and law.

In Vietnam, the Democratic Republic and the current Socialist Republic were born from the revolution led by the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh to regain national independence and to remove the hundreds of years of the colonial feudal regime. The current system is protected and strengthened by the blood and toil of the whole nation in the wars against the most atrocious empires of the century. It is the result of more than a half century of struggle and sacrifice and is reflected in the constitutions. The constitution of 1992 is not only the basis of law but also the spiritual values of the nation.

National Interest and Dignity

It is a shame that there are a few people in our society who have an incorrect awareness of human and civil rights. They want their personal rights to be absolute, but ignore the interests of the community, the country, and the nation. Whenever their personal rights and interests are violated, they become disturbed and may even resort to violence. As for the national interest and dignity, it is no different from the proverbs 'everybody's business is nobody's business' or 'too many cooks spoil the broth.' Some people waste their breath libeling and despising the socialist regime.

Taking advantage of Article 19 on freedom of speech in the International Convention on Political and Civil Rights of 1966, some people think that they have rights to propagandize their personal opinions which are actually libel and defamation against the socialist system and national institutions. With regard to the State of Vietnam, they have said that 'the legislative and legal systems and the executive are mere tools of the Communist Party,' and 'Article Four of the Vietnamese Constitution is unreasonable and should be removed.' They even call Vietnamese legal system 'a monstrosity'...!

International Conventions

People who have studied the international conventions on human rights all know that Article 19 in the aforementioned convention allows member countries the right to statutory restrictions in order to:

(i) Respect the honor and rights of other people;

(ii) Defend the national security and public order, public health, and morality.'

As for the rights with reference to freedom of ideology, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press, Vietnamese law has the following regulations: Article 88 of the Penal Code of 1999 about 'the crime of propaganda against the state of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

People who have committed one of the following acts against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam shall be sentenced to between three and twelve years of imprisonment:

(i) propagating, distorting and/or defaming the people's administration;

(ii) Propagating psychological warfare and spreading fabricated news in order to foment confusion among people;

(iii) Making, storing and/or circulating documents and/or cultural products with contents against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

1. In the case of committing serious crimes, the offenders shall be sentenced to between ten and twenty years of imprisonment.

Article 13 of the National Security Law states as follows:

2. Organize, incite, forcibly control, and direct opposition against the people's administration and to abolish the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.'

Article 14 regulates the public security mission as follows:

1. Defend the political system and the state of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

2. Defend ideological security and culture and the legal rights and interests of agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 10 of the Press Law, regulates 'items that are not allowed in the press':

1. Must not incite the people against the state of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

2. Must not report false news, distort, slander or violate honor and human dignity.

The aforementioned regulations in Vietnamese law are not contrary to international law.

As for the relationship between international law and national law, international conventions on human rights include not only absolute rights but also restricted rights, including the freedom of speech, which are flexible enough for countries to apply in their particular situations. International law on human rights is not direct legal regulations imposed on countries and nations. This is due to the simple fact that the world is not one country and the United Nations is not the central government and countries are not local governments. Similarly in the legal field, national law is not a village custom, but it is the national will. International law for member states is actually treaties which are applicable when that country joins and then approves those treaties. Respect for national independence and sovereignty has always been the leading principle of the United Nations.

Development and Improvement

We do not deny that our society has a lot of serious problems, which need to be solved, same as other countries, such as the gap between the rich and the poor, bureaucracy, corruption, and the degradation of morality and lifestyle of some officials and state employees. Civil rights are violated here and there. However, the solutions to those problems must be based on political principles, the correct ideology, and the principle of the law-governed state rather than on the propaganda of personal opinions which is used to slander and despise the social system.

Vietnamese democracy is still on the path of development and improvement, and it is not the job for 'brave democracy and human rights activists' nor does it mean downloading the politics of the West as someone said. It is the mission of the entire political system and the people.The national independence and sovereignty associated with the socialist system are the highest value for our nation. To defend the constitutional principle, including Article Four of the Constitution of 1992 on the leadership of the State and the Communist Party of Vietnam, means not only to protect the results of the revolution but also to respect the national dignity.

Unrest in Libya

Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution and Egypt's White Revolution have absolutely reached the Middle East and North Africa. In Algeria, Kuwait, Morocco, and Yemen, myriad of demonstrators have drawn on roads and are sloganeering against the ruling government. The voice of protests is heard more in Libya and Bahrain. Suddenly, the six-day-old revolution of Libya has spread throughout the country, starting from the city of Benghazi.

Elimination of Last Renegade
Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif ul- Islam Gaddafi has resolved to crush the revolution with might. In an inciting harangue, Saif announced his resolve to fight until elimination of the last renegade. According to unconfirmed reports, bombs are being hurled from air on demonstrators in Tripoli. Muammar Gaddafi has fled the country, troops are consolidating in specific governmental buildings, and the Libyan parliament has been burned to ashes, while senior public servants and diplomats are resigning under protests of crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.

The demonstrators are further enraged after Saif's inciting speech and are combating against riot police in the capital's Green Square. More than 220 people have been killed, and thousands others injured. The government has declared complete blackout in the entire country, and even websites have been blocked. In Bahrain also, protests are at large, although the king has agreed to negotiate with demonstrators, but the youth wing is in no mood to talk. They simply want to dethrone him and restore democracy.

Future Prospects
The ouster of rulers in Tunisia and Egypt has paved way for easing out of other rulers. Egypt's success appears to have wiped out all distinctions of tribes and sects, and each one of them unanimously wants to establish democracy. All people are demanding their right to life and dignity.

Under these circumstances, all rulers of the Middle East must not falter of not reading the inscriptions written boldly on walls, and must set right their directions. Otherwise, their bases will be shaken. Whosoever will try to resist will face defeat.

Middle East Developments After Egyptian Revolution

Call it sheer coincidence or an act of providence that dictatorship in Egypt fell on the very same day when the Islamic Revolution had succeeded in Iran. When the Islamic Revolution knocked at the doors of Iran on 11 February 1979, it was, according to the Hijri (Islamic) calendar, the 13th day of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal of 1399. Exactly on 11 February, people's revolution knocked at Egypt, the largest Islamic country by population in the region. Call it a coincidence or a miracle that when Egyptian people received redemption from the unholy rule of Hosni Mubarak, it was the 8th of Rabiul Awwal there.

Emergence of Significant Change
In this holy month of the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, emergence of such a significant change is an occasion for great joy indeed. Certainly, for the sake of His beloved, Allah bestowed independence on Egyptian people, who had continued to be oppressed for centuries. There is yet another coincidence. On 11 February 1949, the prominent revolutionary of Egypt, Hasan ul Bana was shot and martyred. It may be recalled that it was Hasan ul Bana who had founded the Ikhwan ul Muslimeen (Islamic Brotherhood) movement in Egypt. On the eve of his 62nd death anniversary, the celebrations and "God is great" slogans, recalling the sacrifice of that great leader, bore fruit and Islamists who had been targeted and oppressed in Egypt, they received emancipation.

Now, no government in Egypt can be formed by ignoring and sidelining the Ikhwanul Muslimeen. It is also a well known fact that should Ikhwanul Muslimeen form the government, Israel would not be in a position to carry out its oppression and tyranny against the people of Palestine, as it had been indulging in with the tacit support of the Egyptian government. In short, the sun of independence that has risen at Tahrir Square, its light would reach even in the darkest alleys and tunnels, through which food articles and other essential commodities were being supplied to the poor and oppressed people of Ghaza, that too without the knowledge of their government.

It is the first time in the history of Arabian countries when the people without resorting to any kind of arms and weapons, removed a powerful president with their sheer grit and determination. It was the same powerful president who was carved out of the stone of Israel and given a huge stature. The most significant aspect of his resignation is that the United States was under constant pressure from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates rulers to extend support to Hosni Mubarak and to save him from being dismissed, because such a situation would have an impact on all countries in the region. Yet, one doesn't know why the United States paid no heed to its allies.

US Interests in Region
It was, perhaps, due to the reason that the United States might have realized that should it strongly oppose the people's revolution in Egypt, like it did in the case of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, its interests may suffer in the same way as they did in Iran. The United States adopted such a positive attitude in the case of Egypt that those who love justice began to ponder whether the United States has taken a decision to snap links with Arab countries and to cripple them. Or by sacrificing Hosni Mubarak, the United States is endeavoring to safeguard its own interests in the region.

There is a common feeling that the United States wants that notwithstanding the stepping down by Hosni Mubarak, his successor must by all means be a US agent. It also is certain that the army, which played an extremely positive and an impartial role during the Egyptian revolution, will never let any anti-US power to assume power in Egypt. It was because of this consideration that the United States continued to enact the drama of supporting the people in Egypt so that they may not get infused with the same kind of hatred against the United States as that in the case of the people of Iran, which continues to hurt even after thirty two years of the Islamic Revolution.

After Mubarak stepped down, Vice President Omar Suleiman has taken over the power and he has called upon people to vacate streets now, and return home. He has also appealed that people should cooperate with the interim government. At Tahrir Square, people continued to celebrate their independence throughout the night on Saturday. It appeared that entire Egypt has converged into Cairo. The people were greatly enthusiastic in merry making. It is a matter of conjecture as to what kind of a treatment would the people get during the next a few days. Will it be that after the departure of one despot, another tyrant and oppressor has taken over the reins of the government?

Undemocratic Government
Omar Suleiman is said to be very close to Israeli rulers. He also happens to be one of the most liked Egyptian by the United States. It may become clear during the next couple of days whether the path gets paved for holding independent elections in Egypt or another undemocratic government gets installed by including the army to share power. In fact, there is nothing impossible in this region. It is because the interest of Israel, the most powerful country in the region, is linked with Egypt. It would never like to see the installation of a government in its neighborhood, which may have good relations with the HAMAS, Hezbollah and Iran. Yet, all its planning cannot fructify till the time the very same enthusiasm and the very same sentiments continue to be harbored by the people with which they have crippled the most important puppet of Western imperialism.

The war of independence fought in the Tahrir Square has not only brought about a revolution in Egypt alone, but has made dictators who had turned entire Middle East into a death trap, to sit up and burn midnight oil. All of them are now pondering and contemplating as how to suppress and stifle the rising voices for democracy.

US Veto on Jewish Settlement Resolution

The United States has vetoed the resolution in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in which the construction of Jewish settlements in occupied areas by Israel were termed unauthorized. It is pertinent to note that Israel continues to build unauthorized Jewish settlements ever since 1967 in occupied areas. It has also been constantly rejecting all appeals and international pressure in this regard.

It is also noteworthy that soon after Barack Obama took over as US President, the United States continued to pretend that it was striving to get the Middle East issue resolved but it turned out to be a mere ploy. It was under this ploy that the peace dialogue between the Palestine Authority and Israel was resumed. The entire world is aware of what progress this dialogue made, of what extent Israel was made to accept the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian state, and what change Israel has made in its stance on the construction of Jewish settlements in occupied areas.

Wrath and Indignation
As far as unauthorized Jewish settlement is concerned, Israel had held up the work for some time just prior to resumption of peace talks. But just before the commencement of talks, it announced that it would go ahead with construction work. At this, the United States has expressed great wrath and indignation. It had given the impression that the construction of these unauthorized colonies may also adversely affect US-Israel relations. During the same time, the US vice president, who was on a visit to the Middle East, adopted a hard attitude against Israel and astonished it. Later, however, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, by way of appeasing Israel as usual, said that relations between the United States and Israel would in no way be affected. Both the United States and Europe chide Israel just for the sake of it.

The United States had also adopted the stance on justification of these colonies that their construction is wrong and also illegal. Yet, one can easily comprehend the duality in the US stand that while the US leadership talks about Palestinians' rights, endorses and supports peace talks, pretends to prevent Israel from construction of illegal colonies, and enacts the drama of exerting pressure in this regard, when the resolution to declare Jewish colonies as illegal was moved in the UNSC, the very same United States vetoed it.

Suspension of Peace Talks
The resolution declares that Jewish settlements constructed after 1967 are illegal. Of the 15 members on the UNSC, 14 voted in its favor and demanded that Israel should forthwith stop construction of these colonies, but vetoing the proposal, the United States came out with a ridiculous argument that it would be adversely affect the peace talks.

The US argument is untenable and has no justification, as it is the issue of these unauthorized colonies that is actually hampering the peace talks the most. The Palestine Authority has suspended peace talks on the plea that Israel continues to construct new colonies in occupied areas. The Palestine Authority is considered to be pro-United States, and both the United States and Israel have intentionally kept the representative organization of Palestine, HAMAS, out of the peace process. Despite it, not only has Palestine suspended the peace talks with Israel, but has also expressed great frustration that the United States has vetoed the resolution in the UNSC. It has categorically asserted that this would damage the cause of peace.

Pro-Israel US Stance
It is clear from the attitude that Palestine has adopted on the argument put up by the United States that the US stand indirectly favors Israel's stand in respect of these colonies, and that it goes to prove the pro-Israel US stance. It is a different issue that to hoodwink the world, the United States even now maintains that it is strongly against construction of Jewish settlements in occupied areas.

Undoubtedly, the fresh US initiative has proved yet again that the United Nations has turned into an institution kept hostage by the United States, and the United Nations has failed to fulfill its responsibilities.

Malaysia's New National Defense Policy

Malaysian Defense Minister Ahmed Zahid Hamidi said that the Ministry of Defense would review the newly launched National Defense Policy in 2012. He said that the Defense Ministry would follow through the existing national defense policies and review them progressively in order to attain defense policy objectives that have been formulated.

National Defense Policy Covers Four Main Tasks
He said that currently the National Defense Policy covers four main tasks:

First: To educate citizens "all-citizen national defense" concept that combines the power of the government, NGOs, private sector, and people in a total effort to defense the country.

Second: To enhance and develop the capacity of the Armed Forces, while making effort to increase citizens' awareness of this national defense concept and a sense of patriotism.

Third: To cooperate with regional countries and to establish closer military diplomacy with them. Malaysia must consolidate bilateral defense cooperation with countries, which have already established strategic partnership ties with Malaysia.

Fourth: To set up a defense policy committee to oversee the task of defense policy formulation progress and to review the current National Defense Policy in 2012.

In delivering his address at the official launch of the National Defense Policy held on 9 November, Minister Ahmed Zahid stressed on the importance for the nation to develop a defense awareness mindset. He said that even if Malaysia processed top-notch weaponries, if Malaysia failed to develop a defense prevention awareness mind-set all the best weapon equipment would be of no use to the defense ministry.

He added: "I have visited a Middle East country in 1987. This Middle East country processed the most advanced military aircrafts. However, when internal war occurred in that country, the bed room of the national leader of this country was invaded by the rival army. It was only four hours after the attack on the national leader's residence that its most advanced fighter aircraft took off to defense the country."

Malaysia To Enhance Power of Modern Warfare
In addition to Defense Minister Ahmed Zahid, other officials who attended the launch of the National Defense Policy included Datuk Ismail Ahmed, secretary general of the Ministry of Defense, and General Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin, chief of the Armed Forces Staff.

Ahmed Zahid said that the main task of National Defense Policy must definitely be on achieving the goal to promote the modernization of the Armed Forces and to improve armed forces' combat capability. This was because the challenges of today's armed forces did not come from the traditional battlefield. On the contrary, the challenge of today's armed forces came from non-traditional emergency incidents such as on how to tackle and fight against the Somali pirates or how to carry out rescue missions to overcome natural disasters, and so on.

Minister Ahmed Zahid also pointed out the fact that Malaysia was located at the center of Southeast Asia. Malaysia's security would easily be affected by troubles or unrest that happened within this Southeast Asian region. As such every year, the Ministry of Defense would allocate $10million to establish a world food distribution and planning hub at the Subang Air Force Base, so that Malaysia could assume the responsibility as a regional disaster emergency relief center to distribute foods and goods to disaster victims.

China-Taiwan Issue To Be Resolved Peacefully

The newly released National Defense Policy points out that as long as the Taiwan Strait issue cannot be resolved completely, cross-straits tension can affect the stability of the Southeast Asian region. Malaysia hopes that mainland China and the Taiwan authorities can continue to make effort in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict between them.

The National Defense Policy also states that no country in the 21st century can be immune from external conflict. The Policy says that in addition to issues relating to traditional national defense, countries also have to face the unlimited and borderless violence and crime.

US Remains Strongest Country in Asia Pacific Region
The National Defense Policy also states that to Malaysia, although China, Japan and the United States are the three major actors in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States remains the strongest country that can exert influence in the Southeast Asian region. As such, the bilateral defense cooperation ties between Malaysia and the United States is a measure that can protect Malaysia's security and economic growth.

The National Defense Policy says that through engaging intimate cooperation relations with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, and Singapore, the United States has indirectly enhanced the defense capability of countries surrounding the Southeast Asian region.
As far as China is concerned, the National Defense Policy says that, although holds the view that China does not consider ASEAN as a threat, however, China is also unwilling to see unstable situation developing in countries in the ASEAN region.

China is actively emerging as an economically and militarily strong power. China can play a balancing role in this region. This country (China) and Japan have very different defense operation mode. Malaysia must pay attention to the role that the economically strong Japan can play to stabilize the Southeast Asian region.

So far as Russia is concerned, although there are still many internal problems awaiting Russia to resolve, the National Defense Policy believes that Russia is now actively developing and increasingly its active role in the international community. The National Defense Policy believes that Russia is also one of the key nations that can affect the stability in the Southeast Asian region.

Resolving Nansha Islands Sovereignty Dispute Through Friendly Consultation
The new Malaysian National Defense Policy also points out that as it stands now; the sovereignty dispute among some countries over the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands) is still unresolved. In the South China Sea, the Sulawesi Sea, Malacca Strait, and in other international waterway, Malaysia still has territorial disputes with neighboring countries. Among them the sovereignty disputes over the Nansha islands have involved Brunei, China, the Philippines Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Fortunately, in November 2002, China and ASEAN have signed the "Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" that stressed the need for all countries involved in the maritime sovereignty dispute along South China Sea to resolve the pending disputes through friendly consultations and peaceful negotiations.

The National Defense Policy also states that as for territorial controversies in the South China Sea, Sulawesi Sea, Straits of Malacca, Malaysia will resolve any such disputes or conflicts through diplomatic channel. Malaysia will act in accordance with the spirit of ASEAN.

Political Instability To Threaten Racial Harmony
The National Defense Policy further points out that Malaysia's domestic political situation is full of uncertain factors. It says that political instability in the country can pose threat to social issues and to inter-ethnic harmony.

The National Defense Policy feels that, although the government has signed the "Hat Yai Agreement" with the Malaysian Communist Party in 1989, although there is no major and serious security problem in the country, the government authority cannot feel complacent and relax over internal security issues. Malaysia must guard against the widening racial divide in today's political climate.

However, some politicians have continued to play with unbridled incitement to stir up sensitive issues to the degree of causing threat to the general public and affecting racial harmony and peace to the society.

The National Defense Policy points out that coupled with the above mentioned factors, the security situation in Malaysia can even turn worse if some NGOs seize the opportunity to stir up trouble.

Moreover, this newly launched the National Defense Policy also mentions the need for Malaysia to face the huge immigrant population seriously and squarely. This is because regardless whether the immigrants are legal or illegal, they will all exert a certain degree of influence on the Malaysian society.

According to the immigration records, Malaysia has 1.85 million foreign workers. Malaysia has become one of the top 10 countries in the world that depend heavily on foreign work force to grow.

The National Defense Policy points out that having a massive foreign worker community can bring threats, crimes, diseases, and cultural conflicts to the Malaysian society.

New US National Security Strategy

US President Barack Obama's new National Security Strategy released recently has officially placed a 'full stop' to his predecessor's, George W. Bush's unilateralism. The focus of 'destroying the old and building the new' in Obama's 52-page doctrine on security strategy is Washington's awareness of the value of global cooperation. The United States new security strategy affirmed that it has placed foreign relations to be the focus of foreign affair policy, emphasizing on the search for consensus or 'commitment to dialogue'.

Objections From International Community
Many people would not forget, in 2001, President Bush released the US's national security strategy with the policy of 'striking preemptively', asserted the right to attack with force against any country and terrorist organizations which may be considered a threat to the United States. Implementing this strategy, the US blatantly attacked Iraq in spite of objections from the international community. Needless to say, the damage for Iraq was severe, and for the US, the Iraq war was a disaster. Sinking into increasingly unilateral policies, the United States must receive even more painful implications.

Bogged down in the so-called global war on terror, economic recession, apprehension of bomb plots, all of these show that the United States, doesn't matter how powerful it is, still shows its own deadly 'Achilles' Heels', which it cannot single handedly solve all global problems in its own way. The absurdity is in the fact that it is weakened by the chase for its own shadow. The preemptive striking policy and the freedom to act in the past is not only ineffective, but also overshadowing the US image.

Obama administration's new security strategy emphasized that the United States cannot act alone in this world, and pledged to form a 'new international order'. Learning valuable lessons from its predecessor Bush in the last eight years, the United States is forced to officially acknowledge the multi-polar new world order that is forming, with the rise of more powerful countries such as China, Russia and India. More than ever, the United States understands that, without the active and continuous multilateral cooperation, it would be very difficult to solve issues which are considered crucial for the United States and the world.

The US Government and even the people of the United States understand that, without change, the United States will surely lose its superpower status. Without change, it is a certainty that the US benefits in strategic regions will be wobbly. Better late than never, Washington is frantically adjusting to restore its influence and power.

Praises India, Condemns Pakistan
Obama's National Security Strategy provides a striking contrast between how the US views India and Pakistan -- the former as a rising global power and the latter as the epicentre of global terrorism.

The document says the US and India are building a strategic partnership that is underpinned by shared interests and shared values as the world's two largest democracies and the close contacts between its people.

The document heaps praise on India. 'India’s responsible advancement serves as a positive example for developing nations, and provides an opportunity for increased economic, scientific, environmental, and security partnership,' it says and adds, 'Working together through our Strategic Dialogue and high-level visits, we seek a broad-based relationship in which India contributes to global counterterrorism efforts, nonproliferation, and helps promote poverty-reduction, education, health, and sustainable agriculture.'

Pressure on North Korea
In reality, the United States has changed in its relations with allies and the world in the past two years. From the assembling of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces for Afghanistan, seeking support to put pressure on North Korea, lifting up its relations with Russia, repairing its relations with Europe, to the promotion of peace negotiations in the Middle East and the extensive consultation regarding the route to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan.

This clearly demonstrated the United States' old conservative idea of its transcendence and placing itself on a higher plane than the rest of the world, is gradually discarded.

World in New Order
Perhaps Obama has finished with unilateralism, or does the US want to renounce its status as the 'imposer of the game'? 'Obama's Doctrine' stressed the necessity for the United States to create a world order based on diplomatic persuasion and military strength. This shows that the US's new security strategy has not changed its fundamental goals. The United States continues to maintain its powerful military forces, with an ability and operation range beyond the rest of the world.

Alhough it has abandoned the concept of 'war on terror,' the United States did not hide its intention to interfere with 'rival countries' such as Iran and North Korea. This is synonymous with the fact that the United States is not and has never abandoned the ambition to 'lead' the world in the 'new order'. Thus, in spite of putting on new 'coats', the US goals for security strategy have not changed. Unilateralism was the official joint statement. However, the United States changes in strategy were to accommodate the new position to achieve a completely old goal.

Brazil, Turkey Emerge New Diplomatic Powers

By persuading Iran to ship 1,200 kilograms of low enriched uranium out of the country and receive in return high enriched uranium for use in a reactor in Iran, Turkey and Brazil made a meaningful diplomatic achievement by outwitting the efforts of Western powers which are more akin to intimidation and have an undertone of a war threat.

Nuclear Issue
Reaching a solution through negotiation to overcome the deadlock of the issue of Iran's nuclear program is for the interest of regional and global security.

We should praise Brazil and Turkey, two non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for their diplomatic wisdom that they managed to convince Iran to negotiate on the nuclear issue and agree to move away the uranium.

Unfortunately this issue has not won respect or compliment from the Western media, which consider it as too late since the US and Israel have had their strategy in place to attack Iran in the process of imposing more stringent sanctions on Iran.

The President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will step down this year after holding the post for two terms has successfully led his country towards the status of a big power via this proactive diplomatic approach.

In fact, prior to this, when there was a serious tension between Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia in 2008, Lula intervened as a neutral mediator crossing the boundaries of political ideology in Latin American countries.

Palestine-Israel Issue
In the endeavor to win a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Lula is also aware that his country should be seen as playing the role of problem solver rather than a symbolic role to show its strengths in terms of economic growth and military power.

He has also made the effort to help resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine through high-profile diplomatic mission in March this year as a neutral party.

In addition, Lula already gained a status on a par with Middle East Quartet and he proposed a friendly soccer match between the Brazilian national team and the Palestinian-Israeli mixed team. The Quartet is formed by the United States, Russia, the European Union (EU) and UN and involved in mediating the peace process between Palestine and Israel.

Although Turkey is not a developing country growing like Brazil, it is also emerging as a respectful power in Middle East.

Ankara also became the mediator in the negotiation process of Israel-Syria conflict to resolve the old settlements issue between the two countries. Turkey also played a role in easing the tension between Hamas and Fatah. Turkey is in a better position than Egypt to play a diplomatic role in resolving the Palestine-Israel issue.

It seems Brazil and Turkey are portraying themselves as the new actors in international relations particularly in diplomatic efforts.

Resolving Deadlock
Amazingly, within a short period, Brazil and Turkey have successfully resolved the deadlock, which the West, UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had been working on for a long time. More surprisingly, Iran which had been recalcitrant and insistent to enrich the uranium within the country had changed its position because of the persuasion of Brazil and Turkey.

US Unveils New National Security Doctrine

The United States has unveiled a new national security doctrine that would join diplomatic engagement and economic discipline with military power to bolster America's standing in the world. Striking a contrast to the George W. Bush-era emphasis on going it alone, US President Barack Obama's strategy called for expanding partnerships beyond traditional US allies to rising powers like China and India in order to share the international burden.

Economy and Record Deficits
Faced with a struggling economy and record deficits, the administration also acknowledged that boosting economic growth and getting the US fiscal house in order must be core national security priorities. 'At the center of our efforts is a commitment to renew our economy, which serves as the wellspring of the US power,' the wide-ranging policy statement said.

Obama's first official declaration of national security goals, because of be released in full, pointedly omitted predecessor Bush's policy of pre-emptive war that alienated some US allies.

Laying out a vision for keeping the United States safe as it fights wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the document formalized Obama's intent to emphasize multilateral diplomacy over military might as he tries to reshape the world order. The administration even reiterated Obama's determination to try to engage with 'hostile nations,' but warned Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) it possessed 'multiple means' to isolate them if they ignored international norms.

The National Security Strategy, required by law of every president, is often a dry reaffirmation of existing positions but is considered important because it can influence budgets and legislation and is closely watched internationally.

Obama, who took office faced with the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, took a clearer stand than any of his predecessors in drawing the link between the US economic health at home and its stature overseas. 'We must renew the foundation of the US strength,' the document said, asserting that the sustained economic growth hinges on putting the country on a 'fiscally sustainable path' and also urging reduced dependence on foreign oil sources.

Lacking UN Authorization
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States' fiscal problems presented a long-term threat to its diplomatic clout. She said: 'We cannot sustain this level of deficit financing and debt without losing our influence, without being constrained about the tough decisions we have to make,' she said in a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington.'

Bush used his first policy statement in 2002 to stake out the right to unilateral and pre-emptive military action against countries and terrorist groups deemed threats to the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Obama's plan implicitly distanced his administration from what became known as the Bush Doctrine and underpinned the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, which lacked UN authorization.

While renewing previous presidents' commitment to preserve US conventional military superiority, the doctrine laid out put an official stamp on Obama's break from what Bush's critics called 'cowboy diplomacy.' 'We need to be clear-eyed about the strengths and shortcomings of international institutions,' the document said. But it said Washington did not have the option to 'walk away.'

'Instead, we must focus the US engagement on strengthening international institutions and galvanizing the collective action that can serve common interests such as combating violent extremism, stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials, achieving balanced and sustainable economic growth, and forging cooperative solutions to the threat of climate change.'

Nuclear Standoffs
Obama's insistence the United States cannot act alone in the world was also a message to cur rent and emerging powers. Obama already has been widely credited with improving the tone of US foreign policy but still is struggling with two unfinished wars, nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea and sluggish Middle East peace efforts.

Critics say some of his efforts at diplomatic outreach show US weakness, and they question whether he jeopardizes the US interests by relying too heavily on 'soft power.'

Curbing Home-Grown Terrorism
Obama's strategy repeated his goal to 'disrupt, dismantle, and defeat' Al-Qa'ida but insisted that in the process the United States must uphold and promote human rights. It also rejected torture as a tool of US national security.

Obama has reached out to the Muslim world, where the US image under Bush was hurt by the Iraq war, the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal and his use of phrases like 'war on terror' and 'Islamo-fascism.'

Curbing the threat of 'home-grown' terrorism was also listed as a top priority. This comes in the aftermath of the failed Christmas Day bombing of a US airliner and the botched Times Square car bombing attempt earlier this month.