Malaysia-China Bilateral Ties

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao arrived Malaysia in the afternoon of Wednesday 27 April and began his two-day official visit to Malaysia; with the expectation to push forward Malaysia and China's bilateral cooperation in economic and education, and to promote the friendly exchanges between the people of both countries, thus helping to create a new chapter in the Malaysia-China bilateral ties.
Malaysia established formal diplomatic ties with China 37 years ago. The mutual bilateral exchanges and visits between the government officials and people from both countries have since then maintained a steady growth. Over the years, both countries have also expanded bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, culture and education. Such development has allowed the relationship between Malaysia and China to become even more stable and robust and thus reaping mutually beneficial mutually advantageous results and gains.
Mutual Benefit, Gain
This is Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's second visit to Malaysia. During Wen's official visit to Malaysia, Wen will hold talk with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, respectively. He will also witness the signing of the Framework Agreement to Facilitate Mutual Recognition in Academic Higher Education Qualifications Between Malaysia and China. He will also witness the signing of an agreement to expand and deepen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, among others. The signing of these agreements has highlighted the fact that the Chinese Government has attached great importance to its bilateral ties with Malaysia.
Although Wen Jiabao has a very tight visiting schedule, Wen has nevertheless led a Chinese business enterprise delegation to Malaysia to engage dialogue with the Malaysian business enterprises to explore investment and trade cooperation opportunities with Malaysian counterparts in Malaysia. This economic and business enterprise dialogue held during Wen Jiabao's visit to Malaysia can play an important role in strengthening Chinese business enterprises' investment in Malaysia and in pushing forward Malaysia's economic development.
Since China's reforms and opening up have already gained outstanding results and its economic achievement has the tendency to overtake the United States and become the world's largest economy; the further advancement of Malaysia-China trade relationship to a higher level should allow both countries to reap win-win beneficial results. The people from both countries can also gain benefits through the economic growth of both nations.
Creating Business Opportunities
In addition to strengthening the bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and China through the visit of Wen Jiabao, the two countries can also strengthen cooperation in higher education, particularly in the mutual recognition of university degrees.

The bilateral cooperation in higher education can lead to the increase of student exchange volume between the students from both nations the cooperation in higher education can also avoid the loss of national talents, and thus create business opportunities in many sectors. Through mutual recognition of university degrees, Malaysia and China can take a further step in the strengthening of academic exchanges between the two countries.
Impact on Regional Stability
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit to Malaysia is an important event in the Malaysia-China diplomatic history. Wen Jiabao's visit to Malaysia can also bring positive impact on regional stability and regional development. Wen Jiabao's visit can also create new business and trade cooperation opportunities and promises to Malaysia and China. Malaysians at large hope that this round of Wen Jiabao's visit to Malaysia can bring more mutually beneficial good news to both Malaysia and China.

Committee Formed To Bring Black Money Back

Black money and corruption are two such issues that have jolted our public life and the polity badly. The two issues are linked with each other. Traders, politicians, senior bureaucrats, officials and the go between, earn huge sums of money by dubious means through corruption and bribery. To keep that money out of the sight of the Income Tax sleuths, they stash that black money in foreign banks. Such banks are usually located in Germany, Switzerland, Mauritius and other smaller countries and islands, where black money is stashed to avoid paying tax and to save themselves from punishment.

GFI Report
According to a report released recently by a US organization, Global Financial Integrity (GFI), $104 billion worth of black money had been deposited in foreign banks between 2000 and 2008. The report was captioned, 'Illicit Finance Flows from developing countries 2000-2009'. It means that since the situation did not improve after economic reforms, some influential and highly placed person became multimillionaires at a faster pace.
Jullian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, has disclosed in an interview recently, that there are names of some Indians in the list of those who have stashed their black money in Swiss Banks. He promised to publish the material soon. In an interview to a TV channel on Tuesday last, he appealed to the people in India not to lose heart because he would certainly reveal the names of those who have their accounts in Swiss Banks. He hinted that prior to revealing the names, he might seek the opinion of some expert agencies on it.
He also alleged that the Government of India is not adopting the same kind of aggressive stand as was adopted by Germany to get the names of Indians who have stashed black money there. He added that adopting a harsh stand to get the list of the account holder is all the more necessary for the Government of India because it is India, which is losing tax income more than Germany.

Double Taxation Deals
Earlier Jullian Assange had claimed that the documents regarding the account holders that had been handed over to him by Rudolph Elmer, contained names of individuals from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Asia. In short, it had names from almost all regions including traders, politicians, artists and those working in multinational companies and in corporate sector. He did not agree with the contention of the Indian Government that double taxation deals are proving a hindrance in bringing the black money back. Assange maintained that hiding the wealth is not at all related to double taxation and stashing black money in foreign banks is more damaging than corruption.
Meanwhile, on the direction issued by the Supreme Court that the government should form a special team to unearth black money, the government has informed the apex court that it intends to constitute a ten member committee to go into black money, terrorism, and drugs syndicate issues. The proposed committee is to be set up under the Secretary Revenue, which would also have senior officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, Intelligence Bureau and the Reserve Bank of India. Solicitor General Gopal Subramaniam said that the committee would start working immediately and the revenue secretary would submit a status report on the progress made by the committee, from time to time, to the Supreme Court.

Legal Action Taken
It may be recalled that the apex court bench comprising Justice B. Sudershan Reddi and Justice S.S. Najar had asked the federal government that in view of the general feeling that nothing worthwhile is being done by the government to bring the black money back, why should a special investigation team be constituted and why should not the names of those having accounts in foreign banks be revealed? Meanwhile, the government has received Rs.70 million from nine culprits who had stashed black money in the LGT Bank of Germany. The amount has been received not only by way of income tax but as fine too. Also, legal action has been initiated against six other culprits.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao Visits Malaysia

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao arrived in Kuala Lumpur 27 April to begin his two-day official visit. During his visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will hold talk with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, respectively. In addition, Wen Jiabao will witness the signing of the agreement on mutual recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of higher education and the signing of agreement to expand and deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will also visit University Malaya and hold dialogue with university students. He will also make widespread contact with Malaysians from different sectors.
Region's Stability and Development
This is Wen Jiabao's second visit to Malaysia in his capacity as the Chinese prime minister. His visit highlights the fact that the Chinese Government has attached great importance in wanting to build bilateral relations with Malaysia. Moreover, Prime Minister Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin have also visited Beijing in June 2009 and in April 2011, respectively. They also met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao during their respective visit to China. During these visits, both sides have, besides exchanged respective views on regional security, economic and trade relationship, our Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have also specifically stressed on the need for Malaysia and China to strengthen governmental and private sector mutual exchanges and visits. This has allowed the bilateral ties between Malaysia and China to continually be sustained and expanded based on such a good foundation. Both Malaysia and China are important and influential countries in this region. As such, the visit of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to Malaysia is not only an important event in the history of Malaysia-China bilateral relationship; Wen's visit to Malaysia will have a positive impact on the region's stability and development.
Malaysia and China have established diplomatic ties for 37 years. 37 years ago, under the joint effort taken by the later former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Razak, former Chairman Mao Zedong, and former Prime Minister Zhou Enlai, Malaysia and China achieved the common goal in the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries and thus paved a new milestone to bridge the historical bilateral exchanges since Zheng He (an ancient Chinese official) sailed through the West Pacific and visited Malaysia. Overall, during the past 37 years, the various official and non-governmental bilateral exchanges between Malaysia and China can be described as growing along a steady and sustainable path. Although the political and societal system between Malaysia and China is different; and although the point of view and traditional value between the two countries may not necessarily be the same, but such differences do not prevent the two countries from developing mutually beneficial and friendly ties based on the basic principle of peaceful coexistence.
Bilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation
Malaysia was the first country in this region to appoint and send economic and trade officials to visit Beijing after 1989. This indicates that in the formulation of China policy, our Malaysian government has put national interest as top priority and has fully considered the situation in this region objectively. When Prime Minister Najib Razak attended the World Chinese Economic Forum held in Kuala Lumpur in November last year, he commented that the peaceful emergence of China has made China becoming the world most important economic power; China is also one of the most important investment targets in the world community. At that Chinese Economic Forum, Najib has specially mentioned and encouraged Chinese Malaysians to serve as the friendly bridge between Malaysia and China so that Malaysia can benefit from the huge and vast China market.
As a matter of fact, the economic and trade exchange between Malaysia and China is an important factor in the overall bilateral ties between the two countries. Earlier, during the 70's, the trade volume between Malaysia and China was only between $200 million and $300 million. It was very insignificant. However, since China carried out reform and opening up, the bilateral economic and trade ties between Malaysia and China have gradually accelerated. By the end of 1996, the bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China has gone up beyond the $10 billion mark. In 2010, the bilateral trade volume has reached $74.2 billion. It was an increase of 43 percent as compared with 2009. With the implementation of ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement, more enterprises from China have come to invest in Malaysia. We can expect the bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China to reach the $100 billion mark very soon. China has accumulated a lot of valuable experience through its own economic development. China's economic development experience can benefit Malaysia's modernization and industrialization process. Today, Malaysia is making effort to accelerate its national goal towards achieving an advanced industrial nation status. What Malaysia can learn from China's economic development experience can continue to increase beyond our expectation.
Overall, Malaysia's investment environment is also improving. The potential of Malaysia's economic development and the potential of Malaysia's trade market are strong and solid. Many intellectuals from China have already pointed out such a trade potential in Malaysia.
In fact, foreign investment in Malaysia coming from China has shown an uprising trend in recent years. With the visit of Wen Jiabao to Malaysia this time, Wen's visit should be able to further increase the confidence and interest of the Malaysian and Chinese business and industrial sectors to mutually invest in each other's country. The bilateral trade ties between Malaysia and China will also usher new prospects in further development.
Working Toward Common Interest
More and more economists now acknowledge that China's reform and opening up has not only allowed China to achieve great economic accomplishment, but that if China continues to grow in accordance with the current pace, China will eventually surpass the United States and become the world's largest economy. At present time, not only China's investment trend along the coastal south China area has continued to grow, the multi-level progressive all-round opening up patterns in China's inner mainland, northeast, northwest and southwest regions are also shaping up. Such development has created good investment opportunity for Malaysia's business and industrial sectors to invest in China. In today's global environment, the rise of regional economic groupings has resulted in the restructuring of global economic map.
The political situation in the Middle East and North Africa has remained restive and while the economic slowdown in Europe and in the United States has led to some political instability, yet on the other hand, Asian region's political stability and economic growth has continued to thrive forward. Under such a situation, the further advancement in Malaysia-China relationship is not only very necessary for both the countries but also for the Asian region. The common interest between Malaysia and China is far greater than their differences. Even if Malaysia and China have any dispute, such dispute can totally find a comprehensive solution to resolve through seeking friendly consultation with each other.
10 Years in 21st century
As Malaysia and China look toward the second Ten Years in the 21st century, we trust the frequency of communication and exchanges between Malaysia and China will definitely be intensified in all aspects. We wish every success of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit to Malaysia in opening up a new chapter in the promotion of economic cooperation between Malaysia and China and in the promotion of friendly exchanges between the people of both countries.

Inauguration of Muslim Personal Law Board

To safeguard the Islamic Shariat (personal law) and problems confronting the Indian Muslim, the Muslim Personal Law Board (MPLB) was formed. It will be considered to be the exclusive representative of the rights of Muslims. The board did salutary work in safeguarding the rights of Muslims and is continuing to do so. This struggle of the board continues. A conference of the MPLB has just taken place in Hyderabad, with discussions of various issues confronting the community.

It has taken the important decision to file five appeals in the Supreme Court in connection with the Babri Mosque demolition. As far as the Allahabad High Court judgment is concerned, it will be suffice to state that to give any judgment on the basis of faith has set a bad precedent. If this trend continues, it will be a terrible blow to the secular character of the country.
Cases Against Muslims
Another important decision taken is that the board will fight all cases against Muslims. This decision should be lauded. The 1937 Shariat Application Act gives this freedom to Indian Muslims, to reach decisions about personal matters such as marriage, divorce, khula, family inheritance to reach judgment on the basis of personal law (Shariat). Although in a few cases such as the Shah Bano matter, the court clashed with the Shariat in its judgment.
MPLB head Maulana Rabea Nadvi has said most appropriately, that all courts from the lowest to the highest are bound to take all decisions in the light of the Shariat. He said that Shariat is a religious law, which will brook no change and will not be tolerated. When the laws made by the God Almighty cannot be changed by his Prophet, then what is the question of any lesser mortal interfering in it and bringing about any change?
Babri Masjid Demolition Case
Regarding the ownership and Babri Masjid demolition, the Maulana said the fight should continue. He said, "Despite being a minority we are bound to follow the laws of India and the rights given to us by the Constitution and we have full right to build places of worship and use them as such under religious freedom." Despite having all the documents regarding the Babri Masjid in their favor, the Allahabad High Court, in its wisdom, decided the case on the basis of faith and gave only one-third of the disputed land to Muslims. Then it is imperative for Muslims to contest the judgment in a court of law.
Uniform Civil Code in India
Now regarding the Dar-ul Qaza, it is obvious that all factional parties of the country want to destroy the Muslim identity. This means that if a Muslim wants to be a Muslim in name only, they are welcome to do so. But they have to have no connection with their religion and their law. These communal parties want to establish a Uniform Civil Code in India. Muslims, instead of turning to courts of law for their right, turn instead to the people of the country, then the issue will remain undecided, and this is the point that sticks in the throats of their enemies and makes their nights hell.
The board has also decided to challenge the legality of legitimizing homosexuality in India. The bad times the community is going through, one can only conclude that it is behaving with great patience. But along with it if an ordinary Muslim understands his responsibility as a Muslim, it will be a great step forward. In search of livelihood, Muslims, like others in the country is drifting like a stick, rudderless, losing its principals. The main reason for this is surrendering the rules of the religion. It is incumbent on the leaders that they guide the community regarding its rules and make sure that they are followed. Islam has not come into this world that it just floats with the tide. But it exists, so that it can show the world the correct path. It will be a tragedy if the youth ignore it.
Need of Hour
What is necessary is that the Muslim community revives its lost values. If this comes about then it will wake up to the moral values of a family and this will be the turning point when a Muslim will realize worldly success along with moral success. History is witness to the fact that a people who have lost their identity have been wiped out from the pages of history.

Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Cooperation: Scopes and Prospects

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's three-day visit to Dhaka, recently. The implementation of the MoUs could create a relationship of immense cooperation in different fields between the two countries.
MoUs Signed
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have signed MoUs on technical education, nurses training, culture, exchange in education and science, agriculture research, research of fisheries and livestock, and export promotion.
In addition, during the official meeting between President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the two leaders discussed cooperation in food security, shipping and curbing terrorism. In the exclusive talks, they stressed the need for working together in the regional and international forums. Sri Lanka has assured of extending support to Bangladesh vying for nonpermanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Over all, the Sri Lankan president's Bangladesh visit can be termed a great scope for developing Dhaka-Colombo bilateral relations. Both countries are still lagging far behind in optimum utilization of the scopes and prospects in the fields on which the MoUs have been signed.
Trade Development
In the fiscal year 2009-10, Bangladesh exported goods worth $23.7 million to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka at the same time exported goods worth $22.6 million to Bangladesh. In the first six months of the current fiscal, Bangladesh's exports were at $13.8 million, whereas Sri Lanka's exports stood at $12.8 million. Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith has said the volume of bilateral trade between Dhaka and Colombo is not satisfactory. The Sri Lankan finance minister has said that the trade volume was not mentionable.
But there have been immense prospects. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) presented those prospects before the Sri Lankan president during the luncheon arranged in his honor on 19 April. The FBCCI has urged the Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to invest in the infrastructure, agro-industry, power and energy sectors of Bangladesh. FBCCI President A.K. Azad has placed proposals for joint venture investment in coconut oil industry, textiles, hide, shoe making, engineering, and food processing industries. The organization also has called for forming a joint economic council to enhance bilateral trade and investment. It may be mentioned here that Sri Lanka invested $70 million in Bangladesh from 1971 to 2010.
The dim picture of trading between the two countries could be brightened with a successful implementation of the proposals adopted during the visit of Sri Lankan president. The two countries have agreed to undertake various measures in this regard, including removing nontariff barriers and brining diversity in export items.
Cooperation in Other Sectors
In addition, the peoples of both countries could reap immense benefits by utilizing the huge scopes and prospects in cooperation in the fields of technical education, nurses training, culture, exchange in education and science, agriculture research and research on fisheries and livestock. There should not have any dearth in active initiatives from our side in this regard.

Success in Space and Poverty on Earth

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) crossed another milestone in space research. Its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) set two satellites into space on 20 April. With this, Indian scientists, since the country's independence, have achieved great success in space exploration apart from other achievements. But there remains one field where it has failed dismally and that is removing poverty in the country. All countries that have failed in this most important field, their other achievements have come to naught and become meaningless.
In the eyes of the world, India is a rapidly growing economic power. Planning Commission chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia is in nobody's doubt. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who appointed him to the post, also points out that there is no shortage of his capabilities. He has always been praised. But now the Supreme Court has raised objection to his policy, and it cannot be considered inappropriate.
Hiding Real Picture
Ahluwalia tried to remove the stain of poverty by hiding the truth which was often laid at India's door. He considered those earning Rs.13 per day income in rural areas to be living above poverty line. This was his attempt to remove the stigma of poverty. To do this, he shelved the UN criteria for assessing poverty. His announcement helped in getting down the difficulties of the union government because, according to this standard, below the poverty line is reduced to 36 percent.
The Supreme Court, however, did not think much of Ahluwalia's attempt of reducing poverty and the court could not resist asking him what was behind his scheme which is reducing hundreds of thousands of people in this country to dire poverty. Then what is the meaning of hiding this truth and painting a rosy picture of the country? Instead, what the government should have done is to wipe out the black mark of poverty from the face of the country. Such rhetoric is not going to benefit any.
It seems strange that Ahluwalia had to listen to the truth from the Supreme Court. No benefit is going to come by doing gymnastic with figures and the Supreme Court ultimately ask Ahluwalia what was the reason for such optimistic predictions when the country is going through such a phase. What is the hidden reason for such optimistic predictions? It is a pity that Ahluwalia had to listen to such talk from the court. In the past also, he has been against the growing subsidies to farmers. What seems appropriate is that he seems more interested in eliminating farmers than poverty and fulfilling the basic needs of people. This is not the first time that the Supreme Court has raised its voice against poverty. It has raised its voice several times. Before this, the Supreme Court insisted that the rapidly rotting grain should be distributed free among people.
Antipoverty Programs
What happens is that the government has seriously thought about its policies but has not as seriously implemented them. Because of corruption the money that is allotted has not reached its rightful targets. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has acknowledged this failure himself that corruption is a very big challenge and a hindrance to progress.
Poor states have benefited from the antipoverty programs but what to do about the money that gets siphoned off on the way. There seems to be no care about it. When high officials themselves siphon off large amounts then what is the government going to do with the empty treasury.
Shortage of Food Grain
It is strange that there is no shortage of food grain in the country but still people are starving. Many states have informed the union government that there is no shortage of grain and have requested it to distribute it properly. The real reason is poor distribution. Increase in poverty is causing brigandage. Indians are out on the streets looking for employment. The court remarks are enough to remind the public. Our policies should be made on the basis of humanity. There is no denying that owing to wrong policies the poor are getting poorer and the country is facing t he challenge of poverty. All talk of progress sounds hollow.

Democracy and Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an ancient and historical country facing a number of problems. This country has always chased others or it has faced invasion by others. This country has spent most of its time in dominance or wars. It has seen very few good days. The courageous people of this country have never given in to any foreigners on their soil. Afghans can never accept presence of foreigners and aliens on their soil.

Although other forces of the world provide every kind of support under the pretext of population welfare and development, the Afghans still prefer their independence and sovereignty. This nation loves independence and sovereignty. It has Ghazni that has beautiful forests, rich natural resources, vast green meadows, and various mineral deposits. Its dry farming lands also produce crops and fruits.
Islamic Spirit and Temperament
The courageous people of this country have always been victimized through wars. However, it is such a nation that is used to sustaining loss but its temperament is courageous. The dear and courageous nation of this country possesses a great Islamic spirit. Whatsoever problems and difficulties this nation faces, it remains patient by relying on God. Nevertheless, it cannot tolerate any foreigners in the country. It is the Islamic and national culture of this nation.
The ideological Afghans have shown great courage whenever it came across any resistance. It is the principle of this nation that if the head of government or king is to surrender, he never surrenders to the foreigners or their organizations. He fights against the foreigners in every town, village, tribe, and home until they collapse and find their way to their own home and village. How can democracy not face problems in this country?
Meaning and Background
Democracy is a Latin word that is combination of two words demos and kratos. In Latin, demos means people and kratos means power. Democracy means power of people. Democracy means authority. It is said that Greece is a country of very ancient and historical governments. That is why political terminology, names, and titles have been taken from Latin language. It is said that Greece has remained a country with absolute monarchy in the past where king had the absolute authority. Decisions about war, governance, justice, and grants were taken exclusively by the king.
The people became fed up with that system and started protests against it. After a long prevalence of protests and rallies by people, the Greek regime was compelled to pass a resolution for change of system. The Greek regime decided that the royal system would be replaced by government that is democracy. It was decided that Greek administration would be established according to its people's wishes and it would be run by their representatives. Similarly, it was decided that the resolution would be converted into a law and national covenant. Every citizen would respect the law that would have supremacy over all. Law would be equally binding on everybody. An environment for respectable living of people would be ensured and they would receive equal rights.
Favorable Environment
After 770 years of monarchy in Greece, democracy and government were established. Later in 1212, democracy also reached the United Kingdom during the regime of King John. In this way, after 400 years of civil war, the United Kingdom also established democracy in 1815. Later, democracy reached Switzerland also. In this country, there was favorable environment for democracy as its people had no national ideology.
Political awareness of people was very high and they recognized democracy very soon. In this way, when democracy reached the United States it was applied very soon as the United States was a country made through federation of various states. It is worth mentioning that democracy got more growth in the United States and ten more clauses were added to its design. It is worth mentioning that, in Asia, democracy reached Iran in 1906 but it could not be implemented because of environmental constraints. In the same way, the thought of democracy reached India later but it was implemented very well there. It is worth mentioning that democracy is progressing in India very well for the past 60 years.
Bringing Parliamentary System
The holy religion of Islam has been sent by God as a perfect system. The system of Islam serves as a law in every sphere of life. Rights of every citizen are protected in Islam. Everybody has equal rights according to the holy religion of Islam; for example rights of husband and wife, parents, customers, shopkeepers, traders, teachers, students, officials and officers, judicial and security officials are clearly shown in Islam.
The Islamic system possesses institutes for head of the state, deputies, advisers, parliament, courts, and many other organizations. Islam possesses every such system and it does not require any of the other worldly systems. If there is any deficiency in Islamic world, that is our ignorance. We do not have knowledge or we are ignorant of Islam; or else we deny Islam or we do not want its implementation. Another issue is that non-Muslim countries are trying to promote democracy in the Islamic world. If the purpose of democracy is to bring a parliamentary system and public government then it is good. The enlightening religion of Islam also focuses on this. If democracy means equal rights for all then according to Islam all people are equal before law.
In Afghanistan, all tribes and clans have equal rights. It should not be forgotten that according to law every person's rights are known, not like an unknown collection where right and wrong are indistinguishable. If we establish a system other than Islam, we would decide about right and wrong and we would include in law what we like and exclude or amend what we do not like. Nevertheless, the holy religion of Islam has come not only for the guidance of an individual but also for the guidance of the entire humanity and all rights are clear and equal for all.
Recognition and Implementation
The country needs a government to implement the religion. A true Muslim always follows the leader who respects Islam, brings peace, teaches his followers the knowledge and culture of Islam, and paves the way for recognition and implementation of Islam. In case every government manages justice, then no one can ask the tribes of Shikri, Barakzai, and Karokhel that Islam is not the right religion and that we need democracy.
The supporters of democracy are facing some financial constraints and have greed for achieving some status. The devil is not letting them work for the hereafter. Afghan Muslims are suffering because of the enmity among them because of their ignorance, rivalry, and improper education. They oppress their women and deprive them of their rights. By doing this, other opponents and ignorant people have started their armed struggle against Islam.
Knowledge and Wisdom
If Afghan Muslims act on the framework of the holy religion of Islam in their internal relations and also in family, husband and wife, brother and sister, father and daughter, and other relations, you will see that even one percent of people would not be found preferring any other regime over Islam. Because of ignorance about Islam, both sides are in opposition to each other and considering other reforms; and consequently, the name of Islam is being pointed out.
In fact, democracy is not what some people expect as hilarity, obscenity, and nudity like the West. Such kind of democracy has neither any legal worth nor it can make any government. Obscenity and nudity are such devilish forces that cause human senses not to work for a limited time and they ruin the discipline and affairs of life. Similarly, obscenity and nudity cause demise of knowledge and wisdom and trigger illiteracy.
The people wish for all of this because of the blasphemous constraints and this is rejected in the Islamic as well as the worldly law. Afghanistan is a country, with a few leaders, where illiteracy is high, ethnicity has its roots, language is honored, and minority and majority have existence. Eighty-two percent of the country's population is rural and only 18 percent are urban citizens. Almost all of its people are farmers and nomads possessing livestock. A young class of people in Afghanistan is officials who live in cities. Every class of people honors its history, culture, and regional traditions. They live according to their culture and everybody's course of life and character are obvious. They know how to continue their life.
Nobody wonders that what he or she would be doing next day. It is better that everybody knows his or her future responsibilities; life seems transparent, and everybody is continuing it in his own way and according to his own traditions. Elders, ulema, chieftains, and spirituality are respectable in this community and they have authority and influence. They are considered the leaders and protectors of the majority of people. They are cherished by special as well as common people. How can democracy be implemented in such a country where power remains with mullah (religious scholar), chieftain, syed (descendant of the Prophet Mohammad), and mujaddid (according to the popular Muslim tradition, a person who appears at turn of every century of the Islamic calendar to revive Islam, remove from it any extraneous elements and restore it to its pristine purity). If, in such circumstances, someone desires implementation of democracy, a situation would arise where a daughter would be hugging other man in the presence of her father; or a wife would be hugging a non-mahram (stranger) in presence of her husband. Because of these obscenities, mosques would become vacant; or God forbid, they would be locked. None of these actions is possible in Afghanistan.
Assessment
Therefore, on the aforementioned grounds, the recent world laws do not correspond to democracy because democracy is a political form of government. These actions are, in fact, because of enmity with Islam and Afghan; moreover, it is a struggle to bring obscenity in Afghanistan and God willing, none of these undesirable wishes would come true. The majority of Afghans would become united against this struggle to stop its realization. If anybody wanted to realize these wishes, Afghans would take him to grave along with them.

Threat to Modi's Fort in Gujarat

Democracy is such a field in which even a tallest person has his limits. People are wise enough to decide. Rulers are changed as per the people's aspirations. By spending huge amounts, leaders enhance their heights. One such person is Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi who tries to become an icon by using the media, though his greatest achievement is the carnage of Muslims in 2002, killing 2,000 people. Even today, Gujarat's land is not permissible for Muslims but Modi erected his palace on their corpses.
Right from day one, Modi had decided to annihilate Muslims, divide them from Hindus, and by creating aversions, rule the state. He got the success through their game plan and in every election he plays this trick. Since aversions is not in the DNA of the Indian people, this formula will, therefore, not work for long.
Communalism Trick Failed
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangh Parivar had used the pretext of the Babri Mosque to come to power for once but subsequently people got sensible to understand their play and thus showed them the door. Since Modi knows that this trick of communalism is not longer lasting, he is now shifting toward development. To achieve this aim, Modi has been organizing conclaves by inviting nonresident Indians (Gujaratis) to invest in Gujarat. Whereas the truth is truth and it prevails.
People have now recognized Modi's real face and have hatred toward him. The proof is Modi's defeat in the recent Gandhinagar municipality elections, in which the BJP got 15 seats against 18 of the Congress party. This is a sensitive and worrisome matter for Modi as this area is of BJP leader L.K. Advani, from where he has been winning for the past 18 years. To capture the Gandhinagar municipality, Modi left no stone unturned.
Fight for Secularism
On 13 April, Modi and Advani organized a big congregation at the Town Hall. After capturing this, the Congress party has occupied two out of eight municipalities of the state. On this defeat, Modi and his henchmen are experiencing the fits of anxiety and are amazed to what happened and how? This puzzle was solved by a former officer, Prem Shankar Bhatt, member of Nagrik Parishad. He says that most of the voters in Gandhinagar are government servants, who implement government schemes. As Modi lied to a great extent about false schemes and these voters being in government knew the truth, hence they voted against him.
Modi could not have continued for long had the Congress party been firm on its ideology. He played a communal card and the Congress party became the 'B' team of the BJP. Modi is a transgressor. If the Congress party resolved to fight for secularism, equality, fraternity, and human values, then this flame will one day become a storm and will demolish the fort of Modi and Advani.

Saudi Arabia's Intervention in Bahrain

King Shah Fahad of the richest country of Muslim world, Saudi Arabia, and the server of Harmein Shareefen (sacred house) has joined the group of countries known for their political and military aggression; the ring leader of this group is the United States. It is a well known fact about Saudi Arabia that like Israel is the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia is a bastard child of the United States. Saudi Arabia has never opposed US persecutions. Not to talk about raising voice against morbid US policies of intervention in Palestine and Iraq, it rather supports US despots and provided its land for making their military basis. That is why when the Saudi Army entered Bahrain to repress the protestors, the United States praised this action and to deceive the world, termed the military entrance non-military entrance.
Real Causes of Concern
The pro-Muanmmar Gaddafi Army is killing its countrymen; in Yemen, dictators with the help of Arab despots are repressing the protestors and in Bahrain, the alliance under the patronage of Saudi Arabia, is carrying out carnage of Bahrain's people to protect Israel and despots.
The United States looks for its interests everywhere. The United States supports its stooges until the time the public does not revolt against them. The United States supported Shah of Iran until there were no revolts and supported Saudi Arabia for providing the Holy land to establish, unholy, and repulsive US bases. During the Iraq invasion, the United States used these bases. According to the analytical report of the Guardian, Bahrain and Yemen are the real causes of concern for Saudi Arabia.
In Yemen, Shiites are in majority, same as in Bahrain. Thirty percent population of oil-rich district consists of Shiites, who are committed to do away something. Its proof is the recent firing, killing five Shi'ite protestors.
Activating Religious Machinery
Saudi Arabia always used religion as a shield. The entire world knows its aversion and hatred against Shi'ites. Bahrain and Yemen are Shiite-dominated and Iran's influence over there is quite obvious. This is the real worry of Saudi Arabia. To deal with this situation, the Saudi Government has activated its religious machinery. All the imams of Wahabi and Ahle-Hadees mosques have been sounded to spread propaganda that if Shiites became powerful, they will get hold of the sacred house. Instructions have been given by the Saudi Government to actuate Muslims around the world against Shiites and ensuring Muslims that the Saudi Government is the Islamic government, the opposition of which is un-Islamic.
Western analysts say Saudi Arabia will leave no stone unturned in repressing the revolts of Yemen and Bahrain. Military action by Arab had been prognosticated, which has come true. On contrary, it is anticipated that Saudi Arabia's wrong action will throw it in such a quagmire that coming out of which will not be easier for it.
The history of revolution witness that revolutions do not die, they simply subside for the time being. This action of Saudi Arabia will invite enmity of the people of the two countries and revolutionaries will in turn begin their activities in Saudi Arabia also, where the land is fertile for such activities.
US Motive and Interests
In addition to 30 percent Shiite population, Al-Qa'ida is also present there. The question is that one despot is repressing the other despot just because of the old enmity of Saudi Wahabis against Shiites. Under the patronage of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Council has always protected the so-called US democracy, in response to which the United States has been pronouncing the Arab despots as justified. One of the biggest US interest is the interest of Israel. The motive of stopping Bahrain's protests is to protect Israel.

The Shiite democratic establishment of Yemen and Bahrain will mean death for Israel. Iran and Hezbollah have announced their opposition to Israel and no Shiite state can remain away from Iran. Shiites are more deadly to Israel than Palestinian crusaders. The United States opposes nuclear Iran as t he same would be a danger to Israel, hence the United States is engaged in false propaganda that nuclear Iran will be a Shiite nuclear bomb against Arabs and Saudi Arabia is the US partner in this malicious propaganda.

People's Sentiments Over Jaitapur Issue

It seems a strange state of affairs that a Federal Minister Jairam Ramesh says, "To make a reality of the Jaitapur power plant we will have to take into confidence the people of that area." Meanwhile, the police firing, as is their wont, is giving a blow to that confidence. The question that arises is, why do police go berserk at the slightest provocation? Is there just one chapter in the police manual that teaches crowd management?

People's Sentiments

The Maharashtra Government is ordering a probe into the firing of that incident at Jaitapur, but does not consider a probe into the police firing. Is it not strange that Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil always favors police incident and does not take into consideration people's sentiments?

There is no denying the fact that the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) try and make as much political capital from these incidents as possible. But the state government is no less than them in such matters. Why is it giving these parties to take advantage of such issues and play it up as far as possible in its own inimitable style by jumping into the fray so that it is gasping for breath and gets one more chance to revive and get a life? Just what is the reason that a democratic government is sitting immobilized and instead of giving the problem in hand some cool thinking and look for a solution to it, it resorts to police firing, fanning the flames?

Studying Plant

What should have been done is that the government, keeping people's feelings in mind, should have stopped the Jaitapur plant and in this duration made a new feasibility report of the plant's validity. But it is a pity that this did not take place. Ramesh has definitely spoken about studying the plant from the very beginning again, but along with it he talked about many other progressive projects for the country. This goes to show that he is adamant to go ahead with the plant, which he has mentioned to the public at many occasions.

The biggest reason for the people against the Jaitapur nuclear plant is the disaster that has taken place in Japan's Fukishama plant and its aftermath, which has got the whole world worried and not only people in India. If all problems of the world are looked at from human viewpoint, the first issue that should be studied is people's sentiments.

Islam and Extremism: An Overview

Islam is the universal religion of peace, humanity, and welfare of the mankind. In fact, Islam is not a religion of mere formalities and performance of a set of general or traditional rituals. Rather Islam is an eternal and universal religion and the only recognized and selected religion by Allah. It has clearly mentioned in the holy Quran that 'Surely, Islam is the only recognized religion and acceptable life-process (Sura Al-Imran, Verse 19 of the Quran).

Welfare of Mankind

The religion that is approved by Allah, selected by Allah, and respected by Allah cannot be a religion for destruction of evil purposes. It cannot be against the welfare of mankind. Similarly, it cannot be the source of terrorism or extremism. It is not a one-sided version, or an exaggerated statement, or any whimsical or emotional expression. Neither is it a communal feeling. Rather it is definitely a biggest truth and realistic utterances. This is the reason for which being a non-Muslim Guru Dutta Sing, Bar-at-Law (Lahore) was circumstanced to say: 'On principle, Islam is not in favor of war. Moreover, in consideration of manpower and military might, Muslims were never in a position to play the role of an aggressor. They were never in offensive but always played the defensive role.

So, it is a mere laughing matter if somebody wants to put aspersion on Islam as an attacker and warmonger for grabbing others' land in the name of the Prophet Mohammad or Allah. It was not possible for a wise and intelligent man like the Prophet Mohammad to even think of making a big nation like the Arab hostile against Muslim that was a very tiny entity in the Arab world. Under the then prevailing circumstances during the Prophet's era, Islam was a very tiny, unarmed and helpless community in the Arab world.'

Oppressions and Repression

However, there is a saying that when the back of any person dashed with the wall behind, he has no option but to jump forward. In that case it has become indispensable to take up arms in hand for the sake of self-existence and survival. Right to self-defense is a recognized human right. There is a limit of oppression, repression, and annihilation in this world. It is not a sign of gentility or decency if some one remains silent if that limit is crossed or violated. This is rather sign of cowardice and weakness. Heat of fire not only makes water hot but at the same time the flame of fire also makes other heated. The conditions of Muslims were also like that water. Muslims had to undergo inhuman and barbaric tortures in the hands of non-Muslim Arabs for their offence of embracing Islam.

The atrocities, tortures, and cruelty the Arab Muslim experienced for mere accepting the religion of Islam were unprecedented in the world history. In the world history, there is no such instance for believers of any other religions other than Muslims who had to suffer such severe magnitude of tortures by their fellow countrymen only for accepting religion. Rather the patience, and sacrifices made by Muslims in the face of grave oppressions and repression of the cruel Qurayish dynasty was also unprecedented in the world history.

Under such a situation when oppression and repression of the Qurayish dynasty exceeded all limits and the weaker Muslims had attained minimum strength, they picked up arms for mere self-defense. History is the best witness that Muslims under the dynamic commending of the Prophet Mohammad demonstrated highest restrained and patience in the armed clashes against their adversaries. The main objectives of military operations of the Prophet Mohammad were for self-defense and establishing religion of Allah.

Allegiance to Allah

Narrating the tales of conquering Mecca by Mohammad, Barrister Guru Dutta Singh said: 'There is no smile of victory in the lips of the Prophet -- there is only sublime sparkles of forgiveness throughout his face. Tears were rolling down his cheeks -- those drops of tears were dedicated to Almighty Allah as a sign of gratefulness.' Guru Dutta went on saying, 'There are many things to learn from Prophet for those who burst into wild laughter after wining a war, or who feels wild pleasures by torturing the defeated enemies after an armed conflict.' Barrister Dutta says: 'Those of you who have just defeated your adversaries in a war appear before the Prophet, the conqueror of Mecca and ask him why there is a war, take lesion how you should behave with your defeated foes. In addition, ask the Prophet how you will enjoy your victory -- do not pride over your victory; rather express your total allegiance to Allah who has given you power and might to win the battle. Only in that case there will be no aspersion on the mankind and human civilization; only then such victory might be of glory and pride for the victors.'

Islam has come to this world to establish peace, equality, and justice and not for patronizing unjust, corruption, wrong doings, unrest, terrorism, extremism, and other vices. The softness of heart, kindness, fellow feelings and sympathy to all human beings in the character of the Prophet Mohammad has been written in the letters of gold in the pages of history of human civilization. Nobody could ever deny this truth or make any slightest controversy over it.

Personal Magnanimity and Richness of Heart

The personal magnanimity and richness of heart of the Prophet Mohammad could be found in the statements and observations of some non-Muslim sages of the world. Noted British historian Gibbon said: 'Although the Prophet Mohammad attained highest level of spiritual power, he could easily forgive even his biggest enemy. The woman who poured poison in his food, the Prophet Mohammad also forgave her. The women who pulled out the liver of the Prophet Mohammad's grand father and chew it for retaliation, the Prophet Mohammad also pardoned her. The man who was the cause of death of one of his relatives (daughter) was also exonerated by the Prophet Mohammad. Even the Prophet Mohammad forgot and forgave those religious opponents who tortured his followers and disciples and made their lives hales. There is no second instance in the world history of such personal magnanimity and forgiveness that were demonstrated by the Prophet Mohammad toward his defeated enemies in the battle fields.'

Islam always teaches his believers to be gentle, police, honest, and magnanimous -- it never teaches anybody to be terrorists or extremists. There is no scope to be terrorists or extremist by any one if the country is run under Islamic command. Rather, Islam has closed the door of terrorism and extremism once for all under Shari'ah. Nonetheless, Islam has closed the doors of all illegal and immoral activities. Islam is a celestial religion; here there is no scope for any kind of fascism or cruelty. Here one comment made by world famous scholar Dr Gustavo William is very pertinent. He said: 'The Prophet Mohammad has enunciated holy laws and judicial systems instead of blood sucking policy and rules of tyrants. He was such a person who propagated universal laws. He was such a person who made comfortable the hellish lives of the slaves. He was such a person who showed the poor, orphans and widows sublime ray of affection, love and fondness. He used to demonstrate fatherly affection to the downtrodden people.'

World famous non-Muslim scholar Stanley Lane Poole said when the Prophet Mohammad used to send troops in any war field; he gave some instructions and inspirations: 'Go ahead in the name of Allah, have confidence on Allah creator and do not kill any aged persons, women or children who have no ability to take part in war. Do not misappropriate wealth and resources that you collect in the war fields. You rather preserve those and deposit it to the national exchequer. Do not lock in any internecine feuds or quarrel with each others. Be sympathetic to each others and try to love and adorn the creations of Allah.'

Famous Indian Pundit Achariya Profullah Chanda Roy said: ' In this world Islam is the best administrative system that attaches highest importance on democratic norms and values. Islam had succeeded to bring people right from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Sea under the same umbrella with amity and harmony among people of all faiths. Through flourishing liberal policy, Islam rose at the peak of advancement and development by tying people with a same rope.'

A very prestigious book entitled the Islam and Prophet Mohammad was jointly written by Sree Nagendra Nath Bandopaddya and Dr M. Zahurul Haque. The book was published by Makhdumi Library of Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1934. In the preamble of this book, Profullah Chandra Roy wrote: 'Islam is a religion of pace, not a religion of vandalism or muscle power. The Prophet Mohammad took birth only to establish peace in this trouble-torn world.' This truth was established in this book with sufficient documents and arguments.

True Picture of Islam

It is not possible to glorify Islam and its believers by merely such one or two books. An epic or a world almanac can be written on the qualities and good sides of Islam and its true followers. But this is not our objectives. We want to convey to the world community only one message about Islam. We want to unveil the true picture of Islam and Muslims before the international community.

Needless to say that the comments made by the non-Muslim pundits, scholars, historian, and research activists about Islam, the religion of peace are enough to give befitting replies to the critics of Islam. But it is exceptional in case of those who can see bright sun lights in the deep darkness of midnight. There is a universal saying that there are some exceptions in everything of this world. In Islam also there may be some thing exceptional. But exception is always an exception -- it is not an example ever.

Communalism and Narrowness

The holy Quran, Hadith, and observations of non-Muslim scholars have sufficiently proved that there can be no relations of Islam with extremism. Nonetheless, Islam has the strongest position than any other religion of the world against terrorism and extremism. Rather it is the Islam religion, which can give protection against all forms of extremism, terrorism, arson, genocide, and all other forms of destructive designs.

So, raising over all debates sand controversies we can tell it boldly that Islam has no slightest relations with extremism. Islam is the most liberal religion in this world. There is no room for communalism and narrowness in Islam. Sooner this realization came to our minds better it would be for the entire mankind.

Bangladesh Burning in 3 Islamic Issues

Bangladesh has become fiercely on three Islamic issues. Under the plea of unilateral education policy for the country, eight subjects were made compulsory up to Grade VIII in the recently launched National Education Policy. This policy was also passed by the Jaitya Sangsad (parliament). As per provisions of the approved policy, these eight subjects are also compulsory for the students of Islamic seminaries, including the Quomi and Alia madrasahs.

For inclusion of the Quran and other Islamic subjects in the curriculum of different madrasahs permissions have to be taken from the government through appropriate authorities. It means sons and daughters of Muslim families who want to receive Islamic education or read the Quran and Hadith in madrasah have to be dependent on the mercy or kindness of the official authorities. It is totally disgraceful for Muslims. It is a move to show disrespect to the holy Quran and Hadith. It is nothing but an audacious move of the government. It is a long drawn ploy to make the country devoid of Islamic education, so to say devoid of madrasahs. It is a great conspiracy to make the nation devoid of the Quran and "iman" (faith). So, for logical reason the Islam-loving people of the country could not accept this anti-religion education policy. Nonetheless, people of this country will never except such audacious policy that would make the country devoid of Islamic education, or in other words devoid of education based on the Quran and Hadith.

Banning Issuance of Fatwa

When the ulema were in a way to find out a negotiated settlement with the government of the education policy, Islam got another blow from the high court that issued a judgment snatching away the lawful and religious rights of the ulema over issuance of fatwa. This verdict has added fuel to fire as the country's ulema are already agitated over a number of anti-Islamic moves of the incumbent government.

The high court verdict banning issuance of fatwa came on the Islamic forces of the country at a speed much more than that of the 2001 tsunami. It has rocked the entire ulema community in such a way that no force will be able to cool down such agitations and commotions. It would rather be strengthened and intensified and might turn into thunder bolt of anger. No government authority should have any power to snatch away the rights of performing religious rituals as per everyone's religious faiths and believes. There is no power in this world that could touch the core of people's inherent right to religion. But this government has already hurt the religious faith, belief, and sentiment of the God-fearing people. The government is out to play with people's fundamental rights.

Commotion and Dissatisfaction

Again, when the commotion and dissatisfaction of the entire Islam-loving people rose at its peak over the anti-Quran education policy and anti-Islam high court verdict on fatwa, the government again, has jumped from pan to fire by enunciating a complete anti-Islamic women development policy. Naturally, the entire country has assumed a fiercely look. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, even the prime minister herself is advocating that there is nothing as such anti-Quran and anti-Islam clauses in the proposed women development policy. At the same time like before they are categorically declaring that they would not promulgate any laws in the country contrary to Islam or the Quran or Sunna.

However, such hallow assurances or tall talks could not appease the agitated Muslims of the country. To them such assurances not to enact any anti-Islamic laws are considered by people mere political slogans and tricks to befool the common people. The country's ulema are considering such announcement of the government as strategy to subside the public commotion. However, the ulema community has also cast doubts about the prudence and ability of the grand combine government to understand the inner essence of religion and the real dictations and teachings of the Quran and Hadith. They said that the statements and observations so far made by ministers and other government hierarchy on such burning issues had only demonstrated their lack of knowledge and idiotic way of thinking.

Integrated Movements Needed

So, there is no scope for the ulema community to be soften toward the government unless full assurances could be obtained from the authority on noninclusion of any anti-Islamic or anti-Quran provisions in the women development policy and the national education policy. In addition, there must be clear explanation and assurances from the government that ulema's right to issue fatwa would remain unaffected under any circumstances. Rather, all Islam-loving people, Islamic-political parties, various organizations of the ulema community should come at a common platform and launch integrated movements at least on these three minimum issues.

The ongoing movements should be made more vigorous and violent until full implementation of the demands raised by the country's ulema. It is the history of our nation that no movements of the ulema went in vain. Many imprudent and rash decisions of the government were withdrawn in the past following strong movements and agitations of the Islam-loving people of the country.

Manmohan Singh's Foreign Visit

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had detailed discussions with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev during his foreign visit, and many agreements were signed between India and Kazakhstan.

The prime minister's tour started with China, where members of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) met at a summit held at the Chinese coastal city of Sanya. An important decision reached at the BRICS conference was that these countries would use their own currencies for making grants and settling debts among themselves, and continue to use US dollar for international trade. The faster their economies rise further, the sooner they would manage to get rid of the use of Dollar, and the better it will be for them.

Encouraging Point

Toward the end of the BRICS Summit, Manmohan Singh met Chinese President Hu Jintao. This must be considered a very important meeting, where the issue of separate visas to Kashmiris was discussed. Jintao did not give any definite assurances to Manmohan Singh. It may be recalled that China started issuing visa on a separate piece of paper to Kashmiris. An encouraging point in this regard was that China issued visas to Kashmiri journalists accompanying the prime minister on their passports itself. Because the prime minister's trip was under the aegis of BRICS Summit, there was no expectation of discussion of any bilateral issues.

Many agreements were reached between the countries during the prime minister's visit to Kazakhstan. This will definitely be considered to be very far reaching. The basis of improvement in relations had already been reached during Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's India visit in 2009. The most important of these agreements was the civil nuclear energy agreement, under which Kazakhstan will supply 2,100 tons of uranium to India to keep active two nuclear reactors in the country. It was to keep these reactors active that the India-US nuclear agreement had been reached. Supply of uranium from Kazakhstan will be considered to be a relief for India. Apart from other issues, maintenance of the reactors has been included in this agreement.

After the recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan, dangerous consequences of such a disaster have emerged. All nuclear capable countries have heard the alarm bells. Despite the progress in the nuclear field, if humanity wants to escape from a nuclear holocaust, it will have to take firm steps in this regard. The prime minister has offered to set up a technology center in Ursus University in Kazakhstan. India is progressing rapidly in the IT field. It can be said that the prime minister's Kazakhstan visit has been successful.

India's Position in World

India has had deep and long relations with the former Soviet Union. The USSR valued relations with India. After the Soviet Union's disintegration, many independent countries emerged from this area, and it has been to our advantage to have good relations with these democracies. But if we examine these countries closely, we will find that they are still attached to the Soviet Union in some way or the other. That is why we have good relations with former Soviet republics. This has proved to be to our advantage.

With the advent of "globalization," the entire world has become one large village. This has also led to alterations in international relations to some extent. India is carving out a place for itself on the global economic stage as a rising power. Leaning toward China is a dangerous trend, which has been mentioned before. Any country's position in this world is dependent on its economic clout. There can be no two opinions that eternal vigilance is called for in guarding our interests.

Thailand-Cambodia Conflicts

Reports of Japan's earthquakes and Tsunami as well as the southern flooding that have dominated media coverage may have made Thais temporarily forget the Thailand and Cambodia conflicts. The border conflicts between the two countries however continue to make headlines. Last week, the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting ended without any progress or solutions to end the border dispute.

The first JBC meeting since the military clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border in February was held in a lackluster atmosphere. It was a 'purely bilateral' negotiation as required by Thailand. Indonesia, in its capacity as current chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), only played a facilitator's role, providing the meeting venue and facilities for both countries. The meeting did not discuss any contentious issues that could bring about tensions.

Permanent Cease-Fire

This JBC meeting was held with much efforts from Indonesia as current ASEAN chairman after it has been assigned by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to get Thailand and Cambodia to enter a negotiation to establish a permanent cease-fire and to have Indonesian observers be stationed to monitor a cease-fire at the time that Thailand lacks unity and is marred by political infighting.

The Thai Government must face Cambodia which has unity over the border dispute while it is still struggling in conflicts with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Even the Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry have shown differing views and stance. The military, which is tasked with responsibilities in the General Border Committee (GBC), insists it will not attend the GBC meeting if it is held in the third country and not in Thailand or Cambodia.

The fact that Parliament has not approved the previous JBC minutes makes it difficult for the government to enter negotiations with Cambodia and this also shows the lack of solidarity between the government and Parliament. The lack of unity has also led to the government's failure to help two Thais detained in Cambodia. One side believes the country should respect the Cambodian court decision and should either appeal or seek Royal pardon, and on the other, rejects the court ruling and threatened to bring the case to the world court.

Resolving Ongoing Dispute

The case of the two Thais should serve as a lesson for every party to realize that to solve the Cambodian dispute Thailand must have unity and walk the same path. Thais could trip over each other by walking a different path. The government should organize meetings to listen to opinions from different groups and find the common ground that is the country's stance and not that of any particular group.

The Thailand and Cambodian conflict is no longer just a conflict between the two countries because the UNSC and ASEAN have now become involved in certain way. We must empathize with Indonesia because not only that it is current ASEAN chairman but also a great friend of our country. We must show the world community that we respect the UN resolution.

ASEAN+3 Agrees To Form AMRO

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)+3 countries have agreed to form financial surveillance institution, ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). The forming of the institution is an effort to minimize the dependency on the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The new institution which starts to operate on 1 May 2011 needs initial fund of US$ 120 billion. In the future, AMRO fund is hoped to be larger with the support from China, Japan, and South Korea which also join in the ASEAN+3 cooperation forum.

The new institution will be based on Singapore and lead by Japan and China. During the ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM) in Nusa Dua, Bali, Executive Director of Fiscal Policy Agency of the Ministry of Finance, Bambang PS Brodjonegoro, said: 'We hope that there will be additional members. Therefore, it will enlarge the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) scheme. AMRO and CMIM strengthen each other. If AMRO gets stronger, CMIM also gets larger. The nations believe that CMIM can be a mechanism to maintain economic stability in Southeast Asia.'

Monitor Financial Development

According to Brodjonegoro, the agreement was a result of deputy finance ministers meeting. The institution functions as first defense if ASEAN+3 members face financial problem before involving IMF.

In the long run, AMRO will monitor financial development, especially ASEAN members. Next, this institution will give early warning if one of the members is in a condition in need of support. AMRO will issue a recommendation after receiving request from the nation in need.'

Brodjonegoro explained that there are three pillars which must be built so that financial defense of a nation can survive from pressure of global money market speculative action, which could weaken the currency exchange rate. First, regional surveillance or monitoring effort and financial risk calculation in Asia. Second, Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) or exchange of foreign reserves between two nations. Thirdly, development of the financial sector.

Indonesia is currently developing one pillar, which is BSA agreement as much as $18 billion involving China as much as $ 4 billion, Japan as much as $12 billion, and South Korea as much as $2 billion.

Considering AMRO's initial capital is only US$ 120 billion, this institution can only help in a certain scale according to the CMIM scheme. If the scale of the problem is considered too big, the IMF involvement is needed. AMRO is like a first line of defense for Southeast Asia.'

Foreign Reserves Depletion

Brodjonegoro explained that the size of the case depends on each nation. In a foreign reserves depletion, for example, the size for Indonesia is different than smaller ASEAN member. A US$ 1 billion foreign reserves depletion might not affect in Indonesia, but it might have a large impact in another nation.

In facing the possibility of financial pressure, Indonesia can request for additional emergency fund as much as $31.68 billion consisting of $18 billion from the BSA and $13.68 from ASEAN+3. The emergency fund will strengthen Indonesia's foreign reserves which is currently $102 billion. Elsewhere, Deputy Governor of Central Bank (BI) Hartadi Agus Sarwono, explained that Indonesia will use its foreign reserves according to the need, including to prevent capital outflow. The BI must prepare itself considering the swiftly capital inflow to ASEAN, including Indonesia. However, he hopes that the government also prepares budget allocation as backup.

Infrastructure Fund

In the previous meeting, ASEAN finance ministers have agreed to form a special new institution to support infrastructure development (infrastructure fund). The institution which will be formed in September 2011 will involve Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In the meeting, they will finalized the concept of infrastructure fund. This institution is scheduled to be formed in September 2011. Brodjonegoro said: 'There are still several technical factors to be discussed.'

So far, infrastructure fund has collected fund about US$ 450 to 480 million. In supporting this institution, Indonesia has allocated budget as much as US$ 120 million, while Malaysia as much as $150 million, and ADB about $480 million. He said: 'This is still initial capital, but addition is still open.'

This year, Indonesia is the chairman of ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM). Indonesia also has three opportunities. First, chairmanship position is a mandate and also Indonesia's opportunity to increase its role in ASEAN region. Moreover, chairmanship position is an opportunity to execute a larger regional role, such as ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, ASEAN+6, and East Asia Summit. Thirdly, the success of holding ASEAN meeting in Indonesia will give a positive impact as a media of promotion and imaging. This success will show that Indonesia is a conducive, safe, and has potential of cooperation opportunity in economy, finance, politics, social, culture, and investment.

AFMM is an annual ASEAN finance ministers' summit, which is held in the first week of April and held by each ASEAN member. In this meeting, there are also bilateral and multilateral meetings between the members. The Ministry of Finance will form cooperation including stock market development, customs, and infrastructure funding.

Catastrophic Bond

In the meeting, ASEAN members started to plan a new scheme insurance or natural disaster relief fund by issuing catastrophic bond. There are two options, which can be implemented: strengthening existing catastrophic insurance or issuing catastrophic bond. It is just the initial observation.

The catastrophic bond buyer must pay the premium just like insurance. Therefore, the collected fund becomes stronger due to involvement of other nations. The target of forming will be as soon as possible. Hopefully, it could form it this year. However, next year is the most realistic target. In the long-run, ASEAN will form a special company to issue catastrophic bond. The company can be private or state-owned. This company issues the bond, while the nations are the buyers. The money must be reinvested because it will be idle.

Achievements of CAFTA

After 10 years of relentless efforts, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) was finally established on 1 January 2010. CAFTA is not only the very first free trade area established by China with other countries, but also the largest free trade area in the world. The establishment of the CAFTA marks the beginning of a zero-tariff era for a region formed by China and the 10 ASEAN member states, with a total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $6,000 billion and a total trade value of $4,500 billion.

As is well known, all strong countries will tend to become hegemonic. The development of China has certainly triggered fear and worries of some countries and this may affect the development in China and ASEAN. In fact, these worries are unnecessary. China has always practiced a good neighbor diplomatic policy while ASEAN has always been a good neighbor, good friend and good partner of China. Over the years, China and ASEAN have continuously deepened and expanded their cooperation in politics, economy, social culture, and other areas. They have been supporting each other and collaborating closely with each other in international affairs.

China wishes to strengthen its friendly cooperation with ASEAN member states to realize common development and prosperity and to expand the communications and cooperation in international and regional affairs. China is in support of the integration of ASEAN member states and supports ASEAN to continue its dominant role in the development of the East Asian cooperation. China is willing to promote the East Asian cooperation proactively. In the issue of South China Sea, China is willing to set aside dispute for joint development to make the South China Sea a "sea of friendship and cooperation" between China and ASEAN. China will also fulfill its pledge on peaceful emergence through mutual benefiting cooperation.

National Security

ASEAN is a neighbor of China. Strategically, ASEAN is a region related to China's national security. For ASEAN, China is another option in addition to Europe, the United States and Japan. China and ASEAN currently have extensive cooperation in many areas and dimensions. It is a successful relationship between neighboring countries. China and ASEAN will continue to expand and deepen their cooperation as they develop increasingly closer ties. China and ASEAN have had effective cooperation on matters such as anti-narcotics trafficking, counter terrorism, safety at sea, combating against smuggling and cross border crimes, preventing diseases from spreading and environmental protection.

Following the establishment of the CAFTA, China and ASEAN have opened up their service, trade and investment markets. The economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN has entered into a brand new stage of development. One of the objectives of the CAFTA is to create a new industry chain by opening up the markets to each other in order to improve the capability of the CAFTA and enhance the competitiveness of major CAFTA products in the international market. This requires timely coordination and reasonable division of work between both sides based on the ever developing and changing situation, so that the goal of achieving mutual benefiting and win-win results could be realized.

China's Trade and Investment in ASEAN

Since the implementation of the CAFTA in 2010, from January to July 2010, China's trade with ASEAN soared 49.6 percent to $161 billion. Out of this total, China's exports and imports with ASEAN rose 43.2 percent and 56.1 percent to $76.73 billion and $84.27 billion respectively.

China's investment in ASEAN has also increased rapidly. In the first half of this year, China's new non-financial direct investment in ASEAN soared 125.7 percent to $1.22 billion. The 10 ASEAN countries have become the destinations of Chinese tourists. Both China and ASEAN have become each others' major source countries of tourists. The year of 2005 recorded 6,594,200 mutual visits between China and ASEAN. The figures soared after the establishment of the CAFTA. There will be more than 10 million mutual visits between China and ASEAN and this will make a substantial contribution to the promotion of bilateral economic and cultural exchanges.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The ASEAN Plus Three youth exchange program has been launched in China. China has trained more than 6,000 professional talents for ASEAN countries. China and ASEAN help each other train professional talents and work together to promote technological exchanges and sharing among East Asian countries. There is a tremendous space for educational and cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN. China will further its cooperation with ASEAN countries in mutual recognition of academic qualifications and expanding bilateral student exchange by increasing the numbers of students studying overseas.

All in all, we see numerous advantages and no disadvantages in the establishment of the CAFTA. As long as all countries abide by their pledges and act in accordance with the agreement on dispute resolution mechanisms between China and ASEAN, both China and ASEAN will see a rapid economic development and realization of the goal of joint development. This will be a new chapter of excellence in the history of East Asia.

New Bangladesh Women Development Policy 2011

The Bangladesh Government has approved the "Women Development Policy 2011" with a provision of equal rights for women and men to inherited property. If it put into action, a drastic change will take place in the existing practice of inheritance in the light of the stance of the holy Quran.

It is known from the published reports of newspapers that for the interest of economic empowerment of women this policy has included almost all issues of the policy of 1997, including the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) charter of the United Nations. This policy has utterly included the issue of "inherited" instead of the previous "immovable-movable property."

Salient Features

The draft policy approved by the cabinet includes the declaration to ensure the "equal rights of men and women" in family, society, and work places. The policy has also ensured women's full control on their earned property, credit, land, inheritance, and market management. Moreover, it has also said about ensuring 33 percent representation of women in various political organizations in phases and about initiatives of direct election upgrading the reserved quota of women in parliament to 33 percent. According to the policy, all discrimination against women and contradictory provisions against the CEDAW charter would be abolished. Moreover, there has fresh pledge for enacting new laws to ensure equality between men and women.

It is true that the women in our society are being a prey of discrimination and being deprived form their rights in many ways. For this condition influential groups of our society blame religions specially Islam instead of finding the main reasons and remedies behind these. But the formulators of the women development policy have tactfully avoided implementing the main part of the Islamic system where women are being awarded a glorious place.

Protest Against Decision

Just after the declaration of this draft policy, top Islamic scholars vehemently protested it. They have started their protest with statement, speech, and demonstration. But the Grand Alliance government led by the Awami League ignoring their opinions campaigned relentlessly that there is nothing against The Quran in this policy. To protest the government's stance on this issue a dawn to dusk hartal (closure strike) was observed on 4 April across the country called by Mufti Fazlul Haq Amini, leader of the Islami Oikko Jote. In favor of the hartal demonstrations were taken place across the country on the day before the hartal. Without any kind of instigation police attacked a rally in Jessore.

The police shot and killed a hafiz (one who memorizes the entire Quran by heart) when he fell down in sewerage after a chase by them. On the day of hartal police and government-supported armed cadres attacked the ulema during the picketing and about hundred ulema were injured. About two hundred protesters were apprehended by the police. Hartal is a universally accepted democratic right for movement.

Ignoring Opinions of Oppositions

Opposition parties call for a closure strike to show their public support when an autocratic ruler runs a country by ignoring the opinions of oppositions. Through the reflection of public opinion government and opposition can realize about their positions. But the autocratic force always ignores the democratic movement by dint of their power, although that cannot be possible at the end of the day. The history teaches us that every dictator always falls down to people's power.

We believe that a democratic government should not behave like a dictator. Democratic values cannot evolve through this behavior. The people have achieved the independence and democracy through supreme sacrifice. They will protect their achievements by all possible means, if needed they will sacrifice more. But they will not move away. Therefore, we think that the government should rule the country showing respect to democratic norms and values.

BRICS Summit

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit is being held at a time when there is great upheaval in several Islamic countries. The heads of the organization have assembled in China's Sanya City. Hints of a cease-fire between Israel and the HAMAS on the Palestine issue are being thrown.

India is striving to improve its relations with its neighbor, Pakistan, through the cricket diplomacy. India also appears to be desirous of holding talks with China on all major issues, including the border dispute. India also appears to be desirous of mutual cooperation between the countries.

Aim and Objective

The aim of the BRICS is to enhance cooperation among member countries and working together at the international forums. Clearly, it is an opportunity for India to improve and strengthen its relations with China and strive to get their disputes resolved.

The summit is being held on 14 and 15 April. Recently, while relations between India and China have largely improved, some issues have become intense. The report of the infiltration of the Chinese soldiers, for instance, in Arunachal Pradesh, Chinese activities in some areas in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and the issuance of stapled visas to residents of Jammu and Kashmir by China. All these led to escalation of tension between them. Yet, the leadership of the two countries judiciously did not let their relations deteriorate. In fact, India-China relations are imperative not only for the two countries alone, but for the progress of the entire Asia and the world peace at large.

Importance of BRICS Countries

The importance of the BRICS countries is no less either. Some member countries in the organization are among the fast emerging economies in the world. At the same time, the world has come to realize that to bring an end to the unipolar world and to maintain the power balance, the importance of Russia cannot be ignored. Countries such as China and Brazil not only want to maintain close relations with the United States, but with Russia as well. At the same time, despite recent closeness between India and the United States, there is the need to reiterate and rejuvenate old friendship and traditional relations with Russia as well.

Ever since its independence, South Africa has made progress in several fields of human endeavors. Its trade relations with the BRICS and other countries deserved to be lauded. In short, the summit assumes greater importance in the world spectrum. If the member countries succeed in reaching some concrete decisions during the two-day deliberations, it would be of immense benefit to the region for US industrial development.

West Asia and Other Issues

The trade and economic relations and then development and discussions on the situation in West Asia and other countries are on the agenda of the BRICS. The inclusion of the situation in West Asia can be termed a positive indication that going by the fact that the United Nations, which has turned into a puppet in the US hands, cannot be expected to play any major role to play in the West Asia and check the intervention of the US and its allies in these countries.

The United Nations also cannot be expected to find an amicable and just solution to the Palestine issue. Under the circumstances, it devolves around the organizations like BRICS, that they evince keen interest in getting international issues resolved but also present the US and its allies to implement their game plan in West Asia and prevent them from fishing in troubled waters in the Arab world.

At the same time, the economic issues being faced by the United States have also cast their shadows on several Asian countries. If the BRICS succeeds in extending and strengthening economic and trade relations among them, it would help in emancipating Asia and the rest of the world for the impact of the economic crisis and help in accelerating industrial development. One should hope that the BRICS summit would be able to give a new identity to the organization at the international level.

Ban on Wearing Veils, Headscarves in France

In France, the law disallowing Muslim women to wear veils or headscarves came into effect on 11 April. The police are enforcing the ban and during checking they will confiscate the veils and scarves. Women wearing veils or headscarves would be questioned and they could also be taken to the police stations. Those resisting would be arrested and sent behind the bars or expelled from the country. On the first day, several women were fined $200 each, while 60 women were also detained.

Since long, the French Government has been adopting a callous posture against the use of veils or headscarves by Muslim women. There was already a ban in place on the wearing of headscarves by female students in the schools and now wearing full face veils at public places has been declared a criminal act.

Dignity of Women

The truth, however, remains that the headscarf or veil enhances the dignity of women. The question remains what negative effect it will leave on the French society if any woman wears a veil or scarf. Christian nuns also dress in the same manner in addition to non-Muslim women also put on the same kind of dress in harsh winter weather. The world today has become a global village and within no time any news travels from one part of the world to the other. In such a scenario, there is a dire need of religious harmony rather than paving the way for clash of civilizations.

Generate Strong Reaction

If the French Government ridiculed the Muslim women in such a manner, it will generate a strong reaction at the public level in the Islamic countries. It would be better if the French Government abolishes this ridiculous anti-Muslim women law, else, the French women living in the Islamic countries could be forced to wear the Islamic dress instead of their traditional ones.

India Must Remain Alert in Maintaining Relations With China

Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has told Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and member of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament), Tarun Vijai, that the government is keeping a watchful eye on the Chinese activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and in this connection has established contact with the Chinese Government. Krishna said: 'We fully realise our responsibilities.'

The Chinese Government has claimed that their activities in Gilgit-Baltistan are in connection with projects that their experts have taken up from the Pakistani Government. Addressing an army seminar, the Commander in Chief of the Indian Army said, on the Line of Actual Control is a worrying development from the army's viewpoint. He said that it would be very easy to mobilize the Army for the enemy on this road. Also it will be easy for them to keep an eye on Indian activities.

The US media have also expressed their apprehensions that the Chinese Army has established its bases over there. In a distance of less than a mile, the Chinese have put up spy cameras, so that they can keep an eye on the Indian border. China has made claims to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and at the same time extends apparent friendship. Despite it, China does not hesitate with its highhandedness.

Trade Ties and Border Dispute

India has based its foreign policy on friendly relations with all its neighbors. This is very important for peace and domestic progress. For India's good relations with China, this is doubly important, for China has become a tremendous world power in economic and military terms. This can also be seen from the fact that the Chinese currency yen is at par with the US dollar, and in the near future, if the yen overtakes the dollar it will not be a big surprise in the world markets.

India also has made a place for itself in the world markets. Setting aside political differences, India has given emphasis to trade relations and extended help to China. Trade relations continue to grow between the countries. Along with this, the India-China border and PoK, Chinese activities are a cause for worry. The Indian Government will have to take a serious view of the matter.

Along with attempts at improving relations with China, India will have to remain vigilant on the border with China. Because of negligence the incidents of 1962 should not be repeated. Incidents of the past are sufficient proof of the fact that under the influence of "Panchsheel" (five principles of peaceful coexistence) the slogan of Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai (Indians and Chinese are brothers), the Chinese stabbed Indians in the back, which left India helpless and all alone in the India-China war. Because of India's support for socialism, all Western powers had not extended their support for India. Without going into the details of this humiliating incident, one can say that the country had to pay a big price for its negligence.

Protective Infrastructure War

Despite India's efforts to restore cordial relations, China attitude remains the same. China started giving separate visas to Kashmiris who wanted to visit China. Despite India's insistent protests that Kashmir is an inseparable part of India, the separate visa can only be termed mischievous. On one hand, China is interested in increasing trade relations with India, and on the other, it has made it easy to access the border between the countries and is busy building roads for that purpose.

India is also sending a message to China that it is not negligent toward the border as it were during the 1962 India-China. This is the reason India will have to pay a protective infrastructure war. India also is a nuclear power.

Demand of Situation

What is the demand of the situation is that India should strive for complete self-reliance. It should be fully armed with tanks and warplanes, regardless from where they have to be got. At the same time its foreign policy should be planned in such a way that it supports its defence preparedness. Its foreign policy should be planned in such a way that it supports defence preparedness. Instead of its foreign policy being anti-China, it should be in harmony with it.

With a neighbor like China, which has usurped a large portion of India's border region, it should not be ignored for the purpose of trade. To be careful in relations with China is the most important and needed move.