Global Fight Against Terror Suffers Because of US Attitude

The treat given by an Al-Qa'ida member to blow up a US plane proves that the dangerous possibility of terrorist attacks is still threatening the country despite all efforts. This incident further exposes the US failure to curb terrorism within its territory even though it is leading the international campaign against terrorism.
Suitable Opportunity
It is true that there has been no major attack in the United States after the 9/11 incident. Yet, it cannot be denied that terrorists are looking for a suitable opportunity. They even try to strike occasionally. It is also clear now that terrorist organizations have started raising a terrorist army within the country itself. Apart from the United Kingdom and the United States, many terrorists who have been traced in the Western countries were brought up in these countries. Some of them have even undergone higher education. Only recently five US citizens of Pakistan origin were arrested near Lahore. They had come to receive training on terrorism.
The young man of Nigerian origin who was arrested for trying to blow up a Delta Airlines plane of the United States had received education in Britain. He is also connected with Al-Qa'ida. It is, therefore, quite evident that notwithstanding all restrictions imposed from time to time, terrorist organizations have managed to attract Muslim youths to the so-called crusade.
Frustrating Terrorist Ambitions
The United States cannot rest content just by claiming that it has succeeded in frustrating terrorist ambitions on its soil. In other parts of the world terrorism is spreading rather than being restricted. Barack Obama was expected to reconsider the US strategy on terrorism on assuming office. But this hope was soon belied. Barring a few positive statements the US administration is more or less following its old policy on terrorism.
There are enough reasons to believe that it is only assuring the protection of its own interests as far as the campaign launched by it against terrorism and described as "international", is concerned. As a result, minimum coordination among the different countries participating in this campaign is lacking.
Missing Target
This lacuna has made the task of terrorists earlier. Any big mistake can be made in such circumstances. It was by sheer luck that the terrorist of Nigerian origin Omar Farooq Abdul Multalat was seized just in time. He had managed to enter the United States in spite of being on its list of suspects. It is also a fact that Indian intelligence agencies have not been given the necessary information on David Headley who is believed to have been involved in the 26 November 2008, Mumbai attacks. India is even being made to wait for a sample of its voice. In this situation, how can it be assumed that the United Sates is actually willing to join other countries to fight terrorism?

Growing Problems in Pakistan: Will the Country Recover?

The uninterrupted provision of basic amenities of life to people has always been the foremost duty of a responsible government of any country.
How far the Pakistani Government has been successful in fulfilling this obligation, can be well gauged from the faces of the poor masses. Power outages had already made the life difficult for the people in scorching heat and now the petrol shortage has created another crisis for them. According to reports, most of the filling stations in several big and small cities of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir), right from Karachi to Lahore and Muzaffarabad have been either closed or long queues of vehicles can be seen there because of acute shortage of gas, and people are scuffling for a few liters of gas. Instead of controlling the situation, the administration, is acting like a silent spectator. Taking advantage of this state of affairs, the profiteers have started selling gas in black and they are charging up to 200 rupees (Pre) per liter.
Hike in Prices of Essential Commodities
This situation has badly affected the public transport on one hand while on the other, most of taxi and rickshaw drivers are being rendered unemployed. If this situation persists for long, transportation of vegetables, fruits and other edible items would be blocked, which would further add to the price spiral which has already affected the common folk, and the prices of essential commodities will go out of people's reach.
Shortage of petrol is not the first issue which the people have witnessed in about three and half years of the incumbent government in office. The government has already imposed up to five days off for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) a week. Gas outages, which have been witnessed in winter in the past, have now become a daily routine even in summer season. During diesel shortage, the government instead of overcoming its shortage, had started closing trains.
Power, gas, petrol, and diesel, etc., are important sources of energy, and the standards of development of the United States, Japan, Germany, and other industrialized countries are determined on the basis of how much energy per head is being used. No curtailment is allowed in this ratio at any cost.
Energy Crisis
Pakistan has always been confronted with energy crisis because of incompetence of successive governments. That is why the country could not make strides in development. Billions of rupees were wasted in efforts for the acquisition of rental power. Talks are also underway for purchase of 70 MW power from Iran, whereas India has also offered to sell its power.
The Pakistani people can meet their needs by availing these offers, but lack of decisionmaking power appears to be the main impediment in this regard. There exist vast prospects of hydel power generation in the country, which are not being utilized under one pretext or the other. The Karachi Electric Supply Corporation had the capacity to produce enough power to meet needs of the city, but it could not produce the required power because of mismanagement and undue interference by influential people. After futile experiments spreading over decades, the corporation was disinvested, but even then the issue could not be resolved and Karachi remains plunged into darkness, today.
Instead of enhancing power generation, the government is increasing its tariff, which has sky rocketed during the past three years. Petrol and gas can also be imported from Iran, but the government is reluctant to do so because of the US pressure. Central Asian Republics particularly Tajikistan also want to provide gas and power to Pakistan, but the government is not ready to accept any such offer. The government could not convince its big organizations to clear the dues of service providers in time, and this situation adds to problems with every passing day and ultimately the people have to face the consequences.
For instance, refineries refine the oil and later, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) distributes the commodity. In order to run the refineries, it is necessary that the PSO pays their dues in time, otherwise, it would affect the oil supply. Similarly, there are many other organizations whose production and distribution depend on each other. The government does not control the payment issues. That is why, the supply line does not remain in tact and the shortage of an item crops up. It further increases the prices of items of daily use and overburdens the common man. Contrary to the government's claims, the people are at present faced with serious problems. Price hike, security situation, and unemployment have made their lives difficult.
According to the figures released by federal statistics division, sugar registered an increase of 152 percent, meat 88 percent, wheat 46 percent, milk 86 percent, and pulses 122 percent during the past three years. The number of people living below the poverty line which was 28.4 percent in 2008, rose to 41.2 percent in 2011. It reveals that the number of poor has risen from 47.5 million to 72.5 million during the last three and a half years. These are the people who do not know whether they would be to get the second time meal or not. Those deciding their fate while sitting in their air-conditioned offices do not know about the difficulties poor workers in factories, shops, and other places have to face during power shutdowns.
The people do not want the government to go. Instead of removal of the government, they want resolution of their problems, but if the government continued to entangle them in the marsh of such problems, the day is not far off when the people will take to streets for the solution of their basic problems. If God forbid, this happened, bloodletting will be witnessed on the roads and a bloody revolution will take place.
Tough Time Ahead
The common people will, therefore, once again appeal to the government to focus on its obligations and prove by its performance that it has the capability to run the country and lead the nation. For this purpose, instead of perpetuating its rule, the government will have to resolve basic problems of people. The rulers must not ignore the real problems under the garb of political stunt of taking along all stakeholders. You rulers have come to power with the majority vote of the people. Irrespective of whether someone supports you or not, you must focus your attention on steering the nation out of the present challenges in accordance with the mandate the people have given to you. Your real responsibility is not to take all the stakeholders along, but to resolve problems of the people as per your manifesto. And your performance during the past three years cannot be regarded as satisfactory in any sense.

Disclosure of Tamil Homeland Myth

International pressure exerted on the Sri Lankan Government seems to be of no small measure when focusing on the issues regarding the alleged human rights violations leveled against the country. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has proposed that a special three-member committee should be appointed to investigate into the said violations of human rights and war crimes allegedly committed by the Sri Lanka Army. Subsequent to this, the US State Department also submitted report on human rights violations said to be committed by the Sri Lankan Government.
These two issues cannot be easily and lightly discarded. Although the Sri Lankan Government protested against these measures, it is has still not understood the next turn of affairs. When Sri Lanka was frequently accused of abusing human rights, the government raises another question instead of producing an answer. It is why the United Nations, which was never, concerned about the human rights violations of the United States Army in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel and also in some middle-eastern countries, is now overtly concerned about probing into 'supposed' human rights violations committed by the Sri Lanka Army. When the United States question about rights violations in Sri Lanka, the government in turn asks why the US State Department does not speaks about crimes committed against ordinary civilians when the US Army launch attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq.
Solutions to Challenges
After ending Prabhakaran's terrorism, the solutions to challenges faced by Sri Lanka lies within the counter charges of the government based on the same issue. To maintain cordial international relations, four vital points are identified in political science.
1. To reach conscientious through discussions.
2. Offering grants.
3. Imposing embargoes.
4. Stabilizing domination.
United States and other 'powerful' countries apply all four measures at different stages towards poor and less affluent countries. The way in which the United States intervened in Iraq could be quoted as a clear example. The US intervened initially in Iraq with an accusing finger. The UN intervened to investigate nuclear 'arms factory' in Iraq consequent to US allegations. However, Iraq permitted the UN monitors to carryout their inspections under a 'controlled' situation. Then the US and the UN claimed that Iraq abandoned on its own accord the opportunity of coming to an agreement through negotiations. Subsequently, economic embargoes were imposed on Iraq and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces invaded the country. Thereby Iraq was subjected to two international strategies, i.e., imposing embargoes and stabilizing domination.
The entire world today accepts the fact that there were no nuclear arms in Iraq. Had Iraq being able to convince initially by settling the issue through discussion then it would not have paved the way for the NATO forces to invade the country.
Eradicating Islam Fundamentalism
However, a question arises here if Iraq had convinced the international community that they did not possess nuclear arms, would the NATO forces have invaded Iraq? The world at large is aware that the motive of the western camp led by the United States in projecting Iraq's possession of nuclear arms, was only an excuse to invade the land and not for any other purpose. However, the US gave a clear persuading theory internationally to justify their move, namely the US opinion on Islam fundamentalism. The United States successfully convinced the global community that their stance is eradicating Islam fundamentalism from the face of the earth. If any questions are raised on US attacking Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, the response should be based on this standpoint. It was due to the US adopting such a policy on Islam terrorism that a leading Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan was questioned at the US airport on his entry to the country, because his name was Khan.
Sri Lanka too should resort to US course of action when facing the present challenging situation. It should essentially not follow the mistake committed by Iraq under similar circumstances. In the struggle by Tamil communalists projecting the image of a Tamil Eelam state, the defeated faction was the combat arm of the movement. Although Western pressure was exerted on the government during its fight against these combatants or in other words Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Mahinda Rajapakse government was prudent enough to use good judgment on the face of such pressure. A state policy was in place which gave the military, authority to intensify its war strategies, which ultimately defeated the LTTE. The plan was well formulated and western and global powers could not directly intervene in the operations. The stance of the government was, "A terrorist must be answered in his own language." Although the global powers nurtured the LTTE as their pet in the Indian Ocean region, conspired to salvage them, they could not find room to directly intervene in the government machinery. This was the Sri Lankan policy projected internationally, regarding eradication of the LTTE in the country. This is equal to US's policy projected globally, regarding Islam extremists.
Eradicating Terrorism
The same positive approach Sri Lanka pursued in eradicating terrorism should be shown in dealings with the accusations emitted by the West. At present, although the LTTE terrorism or the armed Tamil extremists are extinct, Tamil communalism is actively evident. Tamil communalists led by Rudrakumaran, domiciled in the US, are now attempting to establish an Eelam state in exile. The Global Tamil Forum which met in Britain hopes to establish Eelam (a separate state) in Sri Lanka by adopting various other measures other than terrorism. Sri Lanka is now facing this challenge. Here again the country should resort to its policy adopted when it defeated the LTTE. The country was able to crush the LTTE, by placing the eradication of terrorism as a government policy and bringing to world to its senses. It did not directly yield to any international pressure. If the Mahinda Rajapakse government did not adopt this steady and unwavering attitude towards the LTTE, it would never have been possible to defeat the outfit. A clear example is the tenure of Chandrika Kumaratunga's regime. During this period, the Sri Lankan Government's policy only showed the global community, the foolishness of its agenda by launching military operations and on the other hand talking of peace. Sri Lanka projected to the world that its policy is launching limited military offensives is a necessity prior to commencement of negotiations. Accordingly, the offensives were launched not to defeat terrorism but to hold discussions with the terrorists, in order to form a separate state or in other words a federal administration. If the same policy was adopted by the Rajapakse government, Prabhakaran would still be among the living.
In this instance, the government should take an example from its own strategy followed to annihilate the LTTE. The demand for an Eelam or separate state by Tamil communalists is based on the myth of Tamil homeland concept. Even Nelam Tiruchelvam identified the Tamil aspirations of Tamils from the platform of the so-called Tamil homeland. The government should respond to the pressures exerted by Eelamists and Western governments by disclosing to the world, by destroying the myth of the Tamil homeland. When this is accomplished, the global community or the West would be in the same situation which it faced at the time when the Rajapakse government forged ahead with the war to defeat terrorism. This is where Iraq failed. If Iraq too openly put forward to the international community a clear-cut policy regarding nuclear arms then the NATO Forces would not have been able to invade Iraq.
Homeland Concept
Sri Lanka should now forge ahead to defeat the present covert moves of the Tamil Eelamists, by taking this as an example. The Sri Lanka Government should adopt as a policy that a historical Tamil homeland concept is a mere myth. The fight against the Eelam concept should commence from this point to preserve the unitary and sovereign status of the country. This would definitely put a check on the wild outburst of Eelamists and other international forces who try to pressurize Sri Lanka.
If the international community is convinced that Tamil Homeland is nothing but a fiction then they would not have further dealings with these Eelamists. This has to be done to bring the Western colonialists to their senses.

Iraq, Afghan Wars Put Cracks in US Society

Fighting at several fronts simultaneously always results in what the Western, particularly US, forces are suffering these days. While trying to overawe the world with their power, the US policy makers forget that if the victims of wars are humans on one hand; on the other, those who kill are also humans in the end.
Conspiracies and Controversies
How strong the killer can be mentally and how brutal he can be, is evidently manifest from the US wars and conspiracies in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions of the world. He who kills also has a heart under his ribs. He sees youths, aged ones and specially women soaked in blood with the burst of bullets from his own gun.
At such occasions the victim is recoiling for his life and the enemy cannot do anything for him despite wanting to. Then, when a solitary moment invades the killer and he falls into speech with himself, his conscience riddles him with numberless questions. He finds excuses for what he has done but his conscience, rejecting all these excuses one after the other, renders him answerless and hounds him day and night. Consequently, he has no other option but to kill himself or to kill the one who forced him to do so.
That is why things are happening in the US Army which had never been expected. For instance, last year, 128 US soldiers committed suicide and we hear that this number is expected to rise this year. In addition to the suicides, we have also had the incident of Fort Hood, military base in Texas. In this incident, Major Nidal Malik suddenly opened fire and killed his 12 colleagues, injuring several others. After this incident, President Obama had to lower the US flag in mourning.
Fears and Psychological Problems
According to the available information, Major Nidal was a Palestinian; however, he was born and bred in the United States. Contrary to the wishes of his parents, he joined US Army. He was a psychiatrist in the Army. He specially treated the soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. The soldiers returning from war are victim to different fears and psychological problems. It is said that he was also being harassed because he was of Palestinian origin. This time around, the decision had been taken to send him to Iraq; however, he did not want to go there. We cannot rule out the possibility that he was horrified by the likely scenes of the killing of the Muslims before his very eyes or at the hands of the foreign troops, as he was a Muslim.
According to his cousin, Nadir Hasan, Nidal had also been trying to get rid of the Army; he had also acquired the services of military attorney and was willing to return the entire salaries he had received during his service. Responding to question by Fox News, K Billy Jason, senator from Texas, expressed the view: "It is not that Nidal was fed up with the Army's service. I think, his appointed in the war-hit areas had horrified him." However, rejecting this view, Nadir Hasan told CNN that it was not so at all. He also told that Nidal had never been a violent person.
Suicides and Incidents of Violence
Several commanders of the US Army admit that fact that the suicides and incidents of violence in the Army are a result of the stress and revulsion which the more than one appointments of the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are engendering. General Peter W Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the US Army, calls this Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which has spread through the soldiers, as a wound from the war. This disease is a painful mixture of anxiety and revulsion. He has requested his commanders to take this matter seriously and not to taunt any soldier who may be victim to this disease for being weak.
It is to be noted here that, after 2008, the percentage of PTSD and psychological shock among the US troops present in Iraq and Afghanistan has reached 58 percent. These statistics have been released by the US Army itself. According to these statistics, 30 percent military men are those who may not be complete victims to PTSD but they do bear sings of this disease.
Expressing concern over the rising number of victims of this disease, Admiral Michael Mullen, too, admits that Pentagon is considering different ways to deal with this problem. Michael Mullen has said last week that several soldiers, who are victim to this or a similar disorder, either do not go to their doctors or keep their symptoms secret, as they fear that if this secret is divulged, their careers will be affected. He assured them that this disorder is temporary and they can get rid of it or can minimize its effects with instant treatment.
The relatives of the soldiers sent on these wars have become another problem for the US Administration. Very often they glow with rage; particularly, their wives take it out on the officers of their husbands for sending them to war as many as six times. Even when they are here, they are forced to take constant training, they complain. They are not given as much time as they could talk us.
The ex-military men of the United States are also extremely concerned over this matter. They say that because of the irregularities of Iraq war after 2007, the Army is on the verge of disintegrating; however, the military commanders say that they have started to relieve the soldiers' mental stress, as they are now allowed opportunities to give more time to their homes.
The Afghan war is in its ninth year now; while, considering the condition of the US Army in Iraq, the question of the US image has divided its society. Very likely, these wars had affected Major Nidal Malik mentally.
Colonel Terry Lee, a colleague of Nidal, told Fox News that Nidal had been anxious over US Army's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. He had hoped that President Obama will stop these wars and withdraw the forces; however, when his hope was reduced to disappointment, he grew more anxious and frustrated. He further said that Nidal would never hide his ideas about these wars.
Media and Psychological Tactics
When we look at this situation, it becomes obvious that it is not the rest of the world alone that believes that the United States has no excuse for these wars, but the majority of the American society and the US troops, who have been made fuel for these wars, too, believe the same. They are being forced into hell against their will. As regards forcing wars on both these countries, the heads of the United States and the United Kingdom have tried to build a wall on the foundation of lies. They had believed that using their media and psychological tactics they will lend credibility to this wall.
However, this idea of theirs is turning out to be a mere illusion. These wars have not only put cracks in the American society but have also reduced its Army to a crowd of psychiatric patients. It is about time that the US policy makers and President Obama took popular decisions.

Malaysia-China Bilateral Cooperation

Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Liu Jian pointed out that although Malaysia and China have signed a bilateral agreement on higher education cooperation, there were some unresolved issues between the two. These unresolved issues included the mutual recognition of each other's university degrees and academic qualifications. He added that on this issue, China has no problem. China has maintained a positive attitude toward higher education cooperation with Malaysia and hoped that Malaysia could recognize the Chinese universities discussed in a full-fledge manner.
During the media gathering and lunch hosted by Ambassador Liu Jian at his official residence, the Chinese envoy said it was not easy for Malaysia and China to engage in higher education cooperation. However, having a signed agreement could allow both countries to adjust the agreed upon principle and direction to work through it gradually. He said the positive meaning of the signed bilateral agreement on higher education should not be underestimated.
Hopes To Resolve Differences in Stages
Ambassador Liu Jian hoped that on bilateral higher education cooperation issue, both countries could engage more dialogues and exchanges so that the pending problems on higher education issue could be resolved in stages. He hoped that eventually both nations could turn the black and white agreement into action plan.
He added that there were few thousand Malaysian students pursuing higher degrees in China but on the other hand, the number of Chinese students pursuing higher degrees in Malaysian universities was not many. This was because the Chinese students were concerned that their qualifications were not recognized by the Malaysian university authority. This issue has become an obstacle for both countries to pursue higher education cooperation
"The question of how soon the bilateral higher education cooperation agreement can be materialized will depend on the special effort taken by both countries to work doubly hard on resolving the differences. The education authority from both nations should have more contact and more discussion on this bilateral higher education issue because it is an important issue."
Peaceful Negation To Settle Island Territorial Dispute
As for the territorial dispute over the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands in South China Sea), Ambassador Liu Jean pointed out that China has always advocated the use of peaceful negotiation and consultation method to resolve the maritime territorial conflicts. This would avoid affecting the broader relationship between China and relevant countries, including Malaysia.
He said that China and Malaysia have reached consensus not to take unilateral action to resolve the territorial dispute on these islands besides using negotiation method. He added that such measure could avoid the maritime territorial issue to turn more complicated than necessary.
Important Message at CPPCC/NPC Session
Ambassador Liu Jian also pointed out to the local media who attended the media lunch hosted by him of the four important messages sent out by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to the local and international media at the press conference held at the end of China's People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and NPC (National People's Congress) joint session.
He said the most important point of Wen's message was that China would continue to take effective measure to continue coping with global financial crisis to ensure China's economy could continue to grow within this year. Ambassador Liu Jian believed that the assurance of a balanced growth of China's economy would not only benefit China, but also the region and the world. A balanced economic growth in China would also help to further speed up global economic recovery.
At the media dialogue held at the Chinese Ambassador's official residence, Ambassador Liu Jian said China's economy in 2009 has achieved better performance than expected. Such achievement amid global financial crisis was not easy to attain. However, it has also indicated that the strategy and policy taken by China to curb global financial crisis was workable.
"This year, the international financial still consists of many uncertain factors. China will also face with similar problems. Nevertheless, China has already taken effective measure to prepare for it. We will do our best to coordinate economic growth with domestic development and economic restructuring, including the handling of inflation, people's livelihood and social justice issue."
Ambassador Liu Jian said the second message of Premier Wen Jiabao at that press conference was that since the global economic situation in 2009 was unstable, China would continue to take a serious and responsible attitude and work with the international community together to jointly resolve the world's major economic and political issues. China would work with the international community to build a new international economic and political order.
He said that the third message of Premier Wen Jiabao was that although the process of modernization would take China a long period to achieve it, but China would continue to insist to take its own path to move along an open and reformed path.
"Although China's economic development has grown faster than the region. China remains a developing country. The development of China at district areas was uneven. Besides, China has a huge population. There is income disparity in China. The economic base of China remains weak. It will take a lot strength and long period of time for China to fulfill its modernization goal."
Ambassador Liu Jian pointed out that Premier Wen Jaibao's fourth message for the media was that in the future, China would continue to insist carrying out its independent and peaceful emergent diplomatic policy.
"The approach we want to take is peaceful emergence. We want to create opportunities to work with other nations through cooperation. We want to take the win-win path to gain mutual benefit. Such development is very important in the development of China-Malaysia bilateral relationship. As Premier Wen Jiabao said, even when China became strong and developed, China would not want to call itself a superpower. Such assurance will never change. China's emergence would not pose any threat to other country. China would instead bring new benefit to the international society."
Transform Free Trade Area Pressure
Ambassador Liu Jian said that since the official launch of ASEAN-China Free Trade Area on 1 January 2010, some Chinese enterprises, especially the agricultural product businesses have also felt the free trade pressure. He said he could understand that some ASEAN countries and some industries would also feel the free trade pressure. However, he felt such trade pressure was normal.
"For some ASEAN countries and some industries that make similar products as to what Chinese manufacturers produce to have fear and competition pressure is normal. However we should look at the overall situation. When trade pressure appears, the industries should push themselves forward and try to improve their competitiveness and improve productivity structure."
Ambassador Liu Jian believed that after going through a period of adjustment and interaction, these industries could eventually overcome their trade pressure.
Central Bank Monetary Agreement Mutually Beneficial
Ambassador Liu Jian said that in 2009, the central bank of Malaysia and China signed a bilateral monetary agreement that carried a total value of M$ 40 billion ringgit.
Ambassador Liu Jian hoped that the central banks or financial institutions of both nations could further cooperate along this area to create a more favorable environment for bilateral trade.
As for the development of Malaysia-China relationship, he said that the bilateral development between the two countries has set off a new upsurge in more friendly bilateral ties since 2009. He said the good relationship between Malaysia and China was because the national leaders from both countries have attained great importance to it. Besides, the response of the local media and active participation of the local community have contributed to it. At this juncture, Ambassador Liu Jain thanked the Malaysia media for their long-term interest and support for the friendship between Malaysia and China.
Recently, was the year we witnessed speedy bilateral development between the two countries. Malaysia and China made good use of the opportunity of the 35th anniversary celebration of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties to realize mutual visits by top national leaders of the two countries. It was during that year that both countries had signed many cooperation agreements to cooperate with each other.
Cooperation in Economic, Trade, Culture and Education
Ambassador Liu Jian said Malaysia and China have deepened cooperation in economics, trade, culture, education cooperation. Despite global financial crisis in 2009, the bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China has reached an impressive US$52 billion. For the first time, Malaysia said China become Malaysia's largest import country. As for cultural and humanity exchange, especially in tourism field, he said in 2009, as many as 30 million Chinese nationals have traveled abroad but only 1 million of them visited Malaysia. .As such there was room for both countries to develop deeper tourism cooperation.
He also said that China planned to push the exchange of visits and bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and China's political parties, cabinet ministers and parliamentarians to higher level in order to bring more real mutual benefits and for Malaysia-China bilateral ties to attain yet another new milestone.
Chinese Businesses Must Understand Investment Environment in Malaysia. (Sub-heading)
On Chinese investment in Malaysia, Ambassador Liu Jian hoped that the businesses and enterprises in China would not lose confidence to invest in Malaysia because of certain technical problems. He said the biggest problem faced by Chinese investors in Malaysia was the difference in national conditions, difference in national cultural background and large gap between the two countries' legal systems. He hoped that the Malaysian Chinese Chamber of Commerce and local businesses could help the Chinese businesses understand the investment environment in Malaysia objectively, accurately and comprehensively
Mutual Adjustment To Find Win-Win Solution
It is normal for Chinese companies to Malaysia to find incompatible environment or holding different trade opinions. After going through a period of adjustment they should be able to adapt to each other's trade practice. In addition, both parties should also promote more dialogue, exchange and mutual adjustment to find acceptable solution.
Ambassador Liu Jian said that all along, Malaysian investors in China have outnumbered the Chinese investors in Malaysia. However, the new trend now is for more and more Chinese investors wanting to invest overseas. He pointed out that in 2009, China's investment in Malaysia has increased many folds. The total Chinese investment in Malaysia reached $18 million in 2009. The total cumulated investment volume of Chinese in Malaysia was $3.9 billion.
In fact, it is only in recent years that the Chinese enterprises begin to invest in Malaysia. Most of the people I have come into contacts with feel that there is a great development opportunity for Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia.

Bangladesh Fast Moving Toward Great Disaster

Bangladesh is moving toward great disaster. On one hand, startling activities of the Awami League government has begun in the name of amending the constitution, and on the other the apex court is being made the judicial sister concern of the Awami League in cold-blood through well-drawn out plan. Such irregular incidents are being taken place in the apex court because of the order of the Awami government from the remote-controlled that have not been seen in the local and foreign judiciary in recent times. A person who was the president of Gopalganj unit of the Awami League for 18 years has been appointed the judge to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. His name is Shamsul Huda. As he is very close to the Awami League, therefore, Shamsul Huda has been appointed to the Appellate Division superseding 51 judges of the high court. In the same way, a judge of the high court named Mamtaj Uddin has been appointed to the Appellate Division superseding 47 judges.

According to the experienced, there is no precedence of such blatant suppression in the seven countries under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The incident of violating seniority in appointing chief justice has been identified as the black stain of infamy. Before that A.B.M. Khairul Haque had been appointed the chief justice superseding two senior judges of the Appellate Division. Shah Mohammad Naimur Rahman and justice M.A. Matin were seniors to him. Feeling shame and humiliation Abdul Matin went on a long vacation and took the retirement while on leave. After the violation of seniority Shah Mohammad Naimur Rahman was the seniormost judge in the Appellate Division. Educated and concerned people thought that although the Awami League was not fair to him in the first turn, Sheikh Hasina would straight up her injustice and unfairness in the second turn. But after the retirement of Khairul Haque, Mozammel Hossain has been appointed the chief justice superseding Naimur Rahman again. In protest of this acute injustice and unfairness justice Naimur Rahman has resigned. This resignation protesting the violation of seniority in the apex court is unprecedented in the subcontinent.
Let God Save Judiciary
This is not said by the Weekly Sonar Bangla. This prayer has been uttered by Advocate Khandakar Mahbub Hossain, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association. He also said: "Justice Khairul Haque has murdered the judiciary in cold-blood". A huge anarchy has consumed the Supreme Court. Pro-Awami attorney general and pro-Awami minor part of the Bar Association have given reception to the two newly appointed judges superseding 51 and 47 judges. Thirty-five judges of the Hugh Court abstained from joining that reception. Chairs in the front row were vacant as they did not join. One of the senior justices Nazrul Islam was standing in the back row. Then, chief justice Khairul Haque requested him to sit-in the front row but he did not keep that request. With courtesy he said: "My Lord, Please forgive me." Such incident is also unprecedented in the high court or Supreme Court.
Elected Bar Association wanted to hold reception for the outgoing chief justice Khairul Haque. But M. Khairul Haque did not go to their reception. Then, the Bar Association held the "gayebana (offered in absence of anyone according to Islamic traditions) reception" in his absence. In giving speech in this gayebana reception Bar Association president Advocate Khandakar Mahbub Hossain said after taking the responsibility as the chief justice you have represented the Awami League in the last seven months. Justice Haque has destroyed the judiciary. At the same time he is saying good-bye putting the country in great disaster by destroying the constitution. We pray that the God save the judiciary from your destructive activities. Terming the chief justice ABM Khairul Haque as a cunning man of cold-blood president of the bar association also said the chief justice is a very gentle and kind man. At the same time he is cunning. Like killing people in cold-blood he has murdered the judiciary. Khandakar Mahbub Hossain said after the assumption of power by the Awami League not a single institution is out of politicization. The Appellate Division is also made the part of the Awami League. Being appointed as the guardian of the judiciary the chief justice Khairul Haque had represented the Awami League in his full tenure. After issuing verdict against the government in a bench of the high court he has written the nasty part of politicization by stripping off the power of that bench. Taken decisions in the executive council of the Awami League are being implemented through the Appellate Division. Taking the advantage of annulment of the Fifth Amendment Article 96 of the constitution has been reinstated. As a result, the judiciary has come under the government. The judiciary has faced the massive problem. For these reasons you have to seek forgiveness to the nation.
Judiciary and Administration Are on Verge of Ruining
Noted lawyer of Bangladesh Dr Kamal Hossain directly complained that the judiciary and administration are at the verge of ruining due to excessive politicization. People are not getting justice in the apex court. Daughter of Dr Kamal Hossain, Barrister Sarah Hossain, in a talk show of the television said that she is unable to understand why verdicts to some political cases are being given selectively. It is seen that in every verdict one side is getting satisfied while the other side is getting discontented. Indirectly indicating to Justice Khairul Haque Barrister Sarah Hossain said the way he is giving one-sided verdicts against the political cases, it seems he has not thought where he is pushing the country.
Double Standard in Declaring Verdict in Political Cases
Khairul Haque has declared verdicts to three outstandingly vital political lawsuits. These three lawsuits are: Fifth Amendment to the constitution, Seventh Amendment, and 13th Amendment. All three amendments are being annulled. If the amendments were annulled on the legal aspect fully then those would be discussed from different point of view. But, in fact, it is seen that in each of the three lawsuits the verdicts are given in such a way that in all the three verdicts it is the Awami League that becomes the benefactor unexpectedly and hugely. Although firmness has been shown externally on the question of legal aspect, if these three verdicts are reviewed then it is seen that Khairul Haque has left enough space for Awami League for maneuvering in all the verdicts. The main theme of the annulment of Fifth Amendment was that martial law is illegitimate and unconstitutional. When it was said that the Fifth Amendment was given approval by the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) by necessary margin according to the constitution then counter logic was given that that election of Jatiya Sangsad was held under the martial law. Therefore the second Jatiya Sangsad election held in 1979 is illegitimate and the formed Jatiya Sangsad through illegitimate election is also illegitimate. For that reason, that Jatiya Sangsad has no legal right to approve. But for General Ershad that Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, i.e., Khairul Haque has practiced a mysterious silence. Third Jatiya Sangsad election was held on 7 May 1986 and that election was also held under the martial law of Ershad. Then Ershad became the president through another election under the martial law on October 1986. Both parties Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League boycotted that election. Silence has been maintained in the final verdict of the Seventh Amendment regarding the legitimacy of the Jatiya Sangsad election held in 1986 and the president election held in the same year. If the Jatiya Sangsad election held under Zia in 1979 is illegitimate then both the Jatiya Sangsad election and president election held in the Ershad period are illegitimate and unlawful. But Khairul Haque bypassed that issue. Is it for this reason that Ershad is the coalition partner of the Awami League government?
Prof Asif Nazrul of Law of University of Dhaka raised a vital question in a talk show aired on Bangla vision at midnight on of 16 May on the basis of constitution and Jatiya Sangsad. He said that all political questions could not be weighed against the standard of law. Existing reality is needed to be taken into consideration as well. There is no system in the constitution called martial law. Based on this logic if several governments and parliaments become illegitimate then the election of 1970 is also become illegitimate. Because that election was held during the martial law of General Yahya Khan and under the Legal Framework Order promulgated by Gen Yahya Khan as the chief martial law administrator. The election of 1970 was held under the martial law. The main responsibilities of those who became the members of the then National Council wining in that election were to frame the constitution of Pakistan. At that time Bangladesh has not become independent. Therefore, their job was not to frame the constitution of Bangladesh. Asif Nazrul said these are all legal statements. But the hard reality is that Bangladesh has become independent through armed struggle. Therefore that legal version of law is not applicable to Bangladesh.
Political Face of Khairul Haque Is Revealing
For obvious reasons questions have been surfaced that if the deeds under the Fifth Amendment are declared null and void against the logic that the Fifth Amendment is the outcome of martial law then why did not Khairul Haque declare the Fourth Amendment, i.e., BKSAL system (Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League -- a political platform launched in 1975 amalgamating all the political parties) as illegitimate? Khairul Haque called the named of president Zia in the verdict of annulling the Fifth Amendment. But he did utter a single word against the massive autocratic step like BKSAL. In replying question regarding this he said the scope of his trial was 15 August 1975 to 9 April 1979. No period before or after that. If that is the case, would he provide reply that his main theme of consideration was whether the Moon Cinema Hall was to be returned to its owner or not. But he talked off the subject. That means, in returning the cinema hall he declared all rules, including Mostaque, Sayem, and Zia. He saved Ershad tactfully in annulling the Seventh Amendment and in annulling the 13th Amendment, i.e., caretaker government he has ensured its existence for another two terms. BNP leader M.K. Anwar and Moudud Ahmed have said for sure that none has made so much harm to the judicial system along with country that Khairul Haque did. This loss is not to be fulfilled easily.

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2012

The United Nations has warned that the world is on the brink of another recession, projecting that global economic growth will slow down further in 2012 and even emerging powerhouses like India and China, which led the recovery last time, will get bogged down.
The UN “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2012” report has cut the global growth forecast for next year to 2.6 per cent from 4 per cent in 2010.
It has called 2012 a "make-or-break" year for the global economy, which will face a "muddle-through" scenario and continue to grow at a slow pace.
"Following two years of anaemic and uneven recovery from the global financial crisis, the world economy is teetering on the brink of another major downturn," the UN report said, warning that "the risks for a double-dip recession have heightened".
The report said the failure of policymakers, especially those in Europe and the United States, to address the jobs crisis, prevent sovereign debt distress and escalation of financial sector fragility poses the most acute risk for the global economy in 2012-13.
GDP Growth
Growth in developing countries like India and China, which had stoked the engine of the world economy so far, will also slow down to 5.6 per cent in 2012 from 7.5 per cent in 2010
"Developing countries are expected to be further affected by the economic woes in developed countries through trade and financial channels," the report said. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in China and India is expected to "remain robust, but to decelerate," it said.
India's economy is expected to expand by between 7.7 per cent and 7.9 per cent in 2012-13, down from 9.0 per cent in 2010. In China, growth slowed from 10.4 per cent in 2010 to 9.3 per cent in 2011 and is projected to slow further to below 9 per cent in 2012-13.
Notably, the United Nations has revised its 2012 prediction downward for every major country. It projected 1.3 per cent growth for the US (down 0.7 per cent from its last forecast), 1.5 per cent for Japan (down 1.3 per cent), 0.5 per cent for the 27-nation European Union (down 0.8 per cent) and 8.7 per cent for China (down 0.2 per cent).
Persistent Weaknesses
The report stated that a serious, renewed global downturn is looming because of persistent weaknesses in major developed economies on account of problems left unresolved in the aftermath of the recession of 2008-2009. It said that most developed country governments have indiscriminately switched from fiscal stimulus to premature austerity measures. This has further weakened global aggregate demand, already nurtured by persistent high unemployment.
Financial and Commodity Markets
Additionally, the economic woes in Europe and the US are exacerbating volatility in international financial and commodity markets and slowing growth in developing countries. All of these weaknesses are present and reinforce each other, but a further worsening of one of them could set off a vicious circle leading to severe financial turmoil and a renewed global recession for 2012-13.
The report outlines several policy directions that could avoid a double-dip recession, including the optimal design of fiscal policies to stimulate more direct job creation and investment in infrastructure, energy efficiency and sustainable energy supply, stronger financial safety nets, better coordination between fiscal and monetary policies, as well as providing sufficient support to developing countries for addressing the fallout from the crisis.

Corporate Governance in India: Aims and Objectives

Corporate governance, in plain terms, refers to the rules, processes, or laws by which businesses are operated, regulated, and controlled. The term can refer to internal factors defined by the officers, stockholders or constitution of a corporation, as well as to external forces such as consumer groups, clients, and government regulations.
However, an enforced corporate governance provides a structure that, at least in theory, works for the benefit of everyone concerned by ensuring that the enterprise adheres to accepted ethical standards and best practices as well as to formal laws. To that end, organizations have been formed at the regional, national, and global levels.
In recent times, corporate governance has received increased attention because of high-profile scandals involving abuse of corporate power and, in some cases, alleged criminal activity by corporate officers. An integral part of an effective corporate governance regime includes provisions for civil or criminal prosecution of individuals who conduct unethical or illegal acts in the name of the enterprise.
Aims and Objectives
It is said that good corporate governance helps an organization achieve several objectives and some of the more important ones include:
• Developing appropriate strategies that result in the achievement of stakeholder objectives
• Attracting, motivating and retaining talent
• Creating a secure and prosperous operating environment and improving operational performance
• Managing and mitigating risk and protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation.
Some aspects covered in the poll include:
• Corporate governance regulations in India
• Corporate governance concerns in India and role of independent directors and audit committees in
addressing these concerns
• Board practices, board oversight of risk management and the importance given to integrity and ethical
values
• Practices that are fundamental to improved corporate governance.
In comparison with developed countries that impose stringent penal and criminal consequences for poor corporate governance, penalty levels in India are considered to be inadequate to enforce good governance. 71 percent of the respondents considered penalty levels to discipline poor and unethical governance to be low. 22 percent of the respondents were either undecided or did not know if the penalty levels are low.
Enforcing Clause 49
In recent years, more and more Indian companies have been raising capital overseas by getting themselves listed on international stock exchanges. These efforts have been accompanied by the Indian government's drive to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Both factors have gone hand in hand with the realization that if Indian companies want more access to global capital markets, they will need to make their operations and financial results more transparent. In other words, they will need to improve their standards of corporate governance.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which regulates India's stock markets, took a major step in this direction a year ago. It asked Indian firms above a certain size to implement Clause 49, a regulation that strengthens the role of independent directors serving on corporate boards. Have these steps made a difference to corporate governance in Indian firms?
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept through which organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact their activities have on customers, suppliers, employees, communities and the environment. This responsibility goes beyond compliance with regulations and is about organizations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life for employees as well as for the local community and society at large.47 percent of the respondents believe that CSR is not high on the agenda of Indian companies. Thirty percent of the respondents were undecided on this aspect.
Integrity and Ethical Values
Indian companies have been focusing on code of conduct and whistle blower mechanism as a fundamental of good governance. Respondents were asked if similar importance was given to integrity and ethical values. Majority of the respondents say that although Indian companies give similar importance to integrity and ethical values, significant scope exists to enhance integrity and ethical values within the organization and the eco-system.
Effectiveness of Corporate Governance
Monitoring the effectiveness of corporate governance practices is also a key concept emerging in India. We asked respondents who should monitor the effectiveness of corporate governance practices. Forty-seven percent of the respondents believe that effectiveness of corporate governance should be monitored by way of corporate governance audits carried out by corporate governance specialists. Twenty-six percent of the respondents believe that it should be monitored by the boards themselves through self-assessment tools. Fifteen percent of the respondents believe that the monitoring should be by way of investors / minority shareholder groups having access to full information and another 12 percent believed that the monitoring should be through rating agencies.
Factors To Improve Corporate Governance
• 85 percent of the respondents think that the remuneration of Chief Executive
Officers (CEO) should be significantly linked to company performance
• Most respondents believe that while steps at introducing the code of conduct
and whistle blower policy have been introduced, there exists a significant need
to enhance integrity and ethical values in the larger eco-system
• 72 percent of the respondents believe it is necessary for an independent and
transparent process to evaluate performance of board members
• Two-thirds believe that exclusive sessions of independent directors are essential
• 47 percent feel that the effectiveness of corporate governance should be
monitored through audits by corporate governance specialists.

Government’s Initiatives
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has proposed the New Companies Bill 2008 which aims to improve corporate governance by vesting greater powers in shareholders. These have been balanced by greater emphasis on self-regulation, minimization of regulatory approvals and increased and more transparent disclosures. 53 percent of the respondents believe that the new Companies Act might have a limited or insignificant impact in addressing contemporary corporate governance issues in India. 28 percent of the respondents believe that its impact is likely to be positive. The remaining 19 percent were undecided.
In October 2011, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs said it was in favor of introducing a corporate governance index that would offer rankings to companies adopting governance standards. The index would offer rankings for corporate houses adopting governance standards.
The Ministry was keen to introduce a corporate governance policy to take forward the government's efforts towards better governance in companies. It had been worked out and the competition law would be revisited and amendments would be introduced soon.
Supreme Court’s Verdict
In May 2011, the Supreme Court has given a very fair judgment, with far-reaching implications both for the government and India Inc., in the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) vs RNRL gas pricing case. It has established unequivocally that the production sharing contract between the government and RIL overrides any private memorandum of understanding arrived at between two individuals. In short, it refused to give sanctity to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two Ambani brothers. This principle had to be established in the interest of corporate governance or it would have created havoc in the corporate world with promoters of public limited, quoted companies coming together and signing MoUs without a care for the shareholders and other stake holders in the company. Till today the shareholders have not okayed the MoU entered into between Mukesh and Anil Ambani when they divided between themselves the empire created by their father, Dhirubhai Ambani.The second important aspect of the judgment is that the natural resources of a country belong to the government and the government has the right to price it and prioritize the beneficiaries. While it is a well known fact, even internationally, that natural resources belong to the government, the government as a monopoly has the sacred responsibility to put the interest of the nation before everything else when deciding on its use and sale price. This is where the judgment has implications that go beyond the Ambani brothers. The petroleum minister has expressed his happiness that the apex court has upheld his contention that the gas in this case belongs to the government and RIL is only a contractor who can market the product. But it will be the government that will decide at what price it should market it, and to whom it should market it. This is a double-edged sword.

Health, Development and Human Rights in India

The improvement in the indices of health and development for India has been incredible. Yet for millions hunger is routine and the loss of their livelihoods not newsworthy. While medical services impact the health of individuals, the factors associated with longevity of populations are social and economic.
Education and sponsorship which determine access to work contribute to occupational inequality, which, in turn, leads to socioeconomic outcomes. These sequences operate as a cycle of relative socioeconomic privilege and deprivation transmitting inequalities from one generation to the text.
In fact, health and economic development are dynamically interlinked. Low-income countries have poor healthcare facilities. On the other hand, a high proportion of the population with ill health breeds poverty as these societies lack the basic tools such as medicine, fertilizer, credit, etc., to move out of deprivation through development.
However, the relationship between economic development and income inequality takes the form of an inverted U-turn. Income inequality increases during the early phase of development when the main mechanism of growth is the increase in physical capitals and the fact that resources are allocated to those who save and invest. During later stages of development, this inequality reduces on account of mass education, rural-to-urban and agriculture-to-industry migration and also due to social policies of Governments of mature economies which invest in human capital. The income inequality during the early phase, in fact, exacerbates poverty.
However, rising inequality will eventually put pressure on the Government to rectify the situation using the high incomes attained in the later stages of development. The disparities, as is currently happening in India, tend to split society.
Vulnerability to Ill-Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) has argued that health and human rights are inextricably linked. Violation of human rights can have serious health consequences. Vulnerability to ill-health can be reduced by taking steps to protect such rights (rights to healthy education, housing and freedom from discrimination). It argues that we need to apply a human rights-based approach to health care.
Nevertheless, human rights largely remain the concern of specialist lawyers in the country. In recent years, however, there is increased recognition in the public health community that human rights provide a useful framework for ensuring the conditions in which people can be healthy.
Improvement in health care has been an important part in the overall strategy for socioeconomic development over the planning period. Significant demographic changes and epidemiology shifts have occurred but the health scenario in India is still at crossroads with a wide gap between demand and supply of health services. Some measures of success have been achieved on the communities diseases especially in the case of tuberculosis and leprosy in the case of vector borne diseases, concerted efforts are being made both the Central and State Government under the program while under AIDS, the major strategy has been to build up infrastructure and go in for targeted interventions.
As far as development is concerned, the vibrant economy is a reflection of success of India’s middle and upper classes. They form the engine which is driving the country’s development and evoke the image of a shining India. The hope is that the growth of the economy will also uplift the poor, albeit in a trickle-down effect. While poverty based on headcount has reduced, deprivation, defined as the disparity between base and mean consumption, is increasing in the country.

Model for Human Rights
In the present situation, human rights have attained a new meaning—an accepted phenomenon now. But the irony is that everything encompassed by the motion of human rights is subject of controversy.
India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN in 1948, just a year after the country attained Independence. It signified the new republic’s resolve to follow the path of democracy, which would ensure human rights to its citizens, despite doubts expressed by leading statesmen of developed democracies about the success of such an experiment in India.
India’s venture was unique in many respects. Democracy was adopted in many countries after completing the phase of industrialization with the launching of the first Five-Year Plan in 1951, and soon after held a general election, on the basis of adult franchise.
Many advanced western nations introduced women suffrage and voting rights to all citizens much after the India did. India has the most diversity in the world—religious, linguistic and racial—united under a democratic set-up.
Yet, threats to individual freedom are formidable. Religious intolerance, caste tensions, regional chauvinism, terror threats, detentions without trial, poverty amidst plenty, crime against women, custodial deaths, corruption in public life and attendant evils constantly violate human rights.
The promise that India had initially showed in the field of human rights and the type of democratic institutions it has evolved, has won it international recognition. For these reasons, it was elected a member of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, which had replaced the Commission on Human Rights in June 2006 by securing 173 out of 191 votes of the UN General Assembly, the maximum number of votes.
The rights of the poor can never compete against the might of the rich. The huge toll on the underprivileged during the initial stages of development needs to be factored into the country’s economic planning. Macroeconomic policies which protect sectors of the economy which are not able to face the sudden opening up of markets and a phased and carefully planned changeover.
The promotion of the healthcare, social and economic right of the poor is the most important human rights struggle of our times. We should think about human rights in the context of India’s public health. It needs to be realized that a higher standard of human rights is in the best national interest. India need not search for a model elsewhere. It should aspire to be a model for others.

Pakistan Faces Chaotic Situation

At present, Pakistan is facing such a chaotic situation that no other Islamic country has faced such crisis. There is not a single but numerous problems, which are of grave concern to 160 million Muslims. There is not a single but so many reasons behind it, and not a single party, person, or group can reform it. However, the government can establish peace in the country. All people are suffering from the economic recession. Undoubtedly, provincial, national, and religious problems have made people worried. No other Islamic country is confronting both of these kinds of issues.
All military dictators have had to eventually face not only armed insurgencies but also large scale democratic movements. The reason behind this has little to do with Pakistanis being great admirers of democracy, because constant military interventions thwarting the evolution of the democratic process has not exactly produced a democratic polity. The main reason why military regimes have had to face intense political opposition in a not-very-democratic Pakistan is that Pakistan (unlike its monolithic military) is an extremely diverse entity with numerous ethnicities, Muslim sects and religions.
It has constantly waged brutal battles against Baloch nationalists (1960-62; 1973-77; 2003-); mercilessly wiped out whole villages with the help of tanks in the interior of Sindh (1983 MRD Movement); ran circles around MQM activists in Karachi (1992), and, of course, has been accused of engineering a genocide of Bengalis in the former East Pakistan in 1971.
Deepening Internal Conflict
The Pakistan Army remains in control of some key national policies such as nuclear weapons, Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and its hardware procurement. Over the years, it has also developed huge corporate interests and organizational autonomy. It does not allow its democratically elected government to interfere with them.
After every election and taking over the government, the political leaders and even the judiciary, scared of the Pakistani Army brass, tend to suck up to them. Even when Pakistan Army commits military and non military blunders, they have tried to cover and shield its leaders and image, never making anyone accountable. But whenever they have tried to assert or encroach upon Pakistan Army’s interests, they act clumsily and hand over the initiative to the Army on a platter. This has been repeated several times in Pakistan’s recent history.
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani tonight appeared to reach out to the army but the powerful Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is reported to have adopted a tough stance and wants withdrawal of his statements critical of the military.
With Kayani by his side, Gilani has said that all state institutions will be allowed to play their role, remarks seen as an attempt to resolve the tense stand-off between the civilian government and the military.
Gilani's seemingly conciliatory remarks came on a day when Kayani met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency, in the midst of a tense stand-off between the military and the government over a move purportedly on behalf of Zardari seeking US help to avert an army coup.
Court’s Order to Gilani
Gilani’s continuance in office appeared to be in doubt after the Supreme Court has summoned him to appear in person on January 19 on contempt charges for failure to implement court order on reopening of a money-laundering case against President Asif Ali Zardari in a Swiss court.
The apex court’s order came hours before the Pakistan National Assembly adopted a pro-democracy resolution moved by ruling PPP-led coalition, which could act as a cosmetic booster for the embattled civilian government which is engaged in a tussle with both the powerful army and the influential judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif, who claims that he was not aware of General Pervez Musharraf’s Kargil plan and action, accompanied Musharraf to Pakistan’s Northern Areas to pacify local Baltis whose family members had been killed in Kargil action and whose dead bodies, Pakistan Army refused to accept from us. He defended Musharraf in public and accompanied him to several military stations.
Later, he tried to get rid of Musharraf in the clumsiest way possible. When Musharraf was returning from an official visit to Sri Lanka, he would not allow his plane to land at Karachi Airport and appointed a new Army Chief who was quite junior and unpopular with the establishment. The result: nine years of Army rule under Musharraf and the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif going to jail and then to exile.
Yousuf Raza Gilani, when appointed Prime Minister, went to call on the Army Chief General Kayani, instead of asking him to visit his office. He tried to place the ISI under civilian control but within 24 hours, he gave in to Kayani’s refusal. He gave Kayani an unheard of three years extension in office and two years extension to Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief General Shuja Pasha.
The ISI’s involvement in toppling civil governments, rigging elections, autonomous handling of foreign relations, vigilantism, picking up people and making them disappear is well known in Pakistan. Shuja Nawaz, in his book ‘Crossed Swords’, writes of a sworn affidavit filed by the Pakistani defense secretary in a High Court stating that ‘his ministry had no operational control over the two rogue agencies-ISI and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)-and, therefore, was unable to enforce the court’s orders on either agency in matters relating to detentions’.
International Pressure

In fact, since the United States has started interference to achieve it heinous designs in the region, particularly in the Middle East, it has used Pakistan for its own interests. It has started interfering in the internal affairs of the country, and aired different kinds of evils. Resultantly, a Muslim has started coloring his hands with blood of another Muslim.
The only solution to this problem is that the US intervention should be stopped and Pakistan should develop good relations with neighbor countries of India, Afghanistan, Iran and China. Only then Pakistan will get rid of all these issues. At present, not only Pakistan but India, Afghanistan and Iran are also at the verge of terrorism and the United States wants to attack Iran. By carrying out this attack, it wants to fan the fire of sectarianism in Pakistan. The Pakistani Government and people should do nothing but to be united. Steps should be taken to curb these challenges.
Economic and Political Interests
The Pakistani Government's relations with Afghanistan are improving but not to great extent. The ways of communication have also been paved through trade agreements. We must say here that Afghanistan is in dire need of support from Pakistan, as both countries have common economic and political interests and are the need for each other. These needs can be fulfilled only when interference from the United States and other countries, having vested interests, is curbed. Then, there will be no danger of the US involvement in Iran.

Chinese Prime Minister Visits Nepal

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao paid a visit to Nepal on January 14. Wen’s trip was conducted in complete secrecy and under heavy security lockdown with police and paramilitary forces deployed in strengths in and around the capital. The security forces had as a precautionary measure detained large number of Tibetan refugees apparently to bar them from holding demonstration. The trip has proven a milestone in the development of friendly ties between the two neighboring nations
Aid To Kathmandu
During his stay, China offered $135 million in aid to Nepal to beef up its infrastructure and security during a brief surprise visit by the Chinese prime minister.
Holding hectic parleys with Nepalese counterpart Baburam Bhattarai, President Ram Baran Yadav, Maoist chief Prachanda and leaders of other parties, Wen inked as many as eight agreements amid a virtual media blackout.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Wen's trip was conducted in complete secrecy and under a security lockdown with police and paramilitary forces deployed in and around the capital. The security forces had, as a precautionary measure, detained a large number of Tibetan refugees.The delegation-level talks headed by Bhattarai and Wen were held in a cordial atmosphere and the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation.Under a series of agreements, Beijing agreed to provide massive assistance for a number of

India-Israel Cooperation: Krishna’s Visit to Tel Aviv

India and Israel have vowed to upgrade their relations in all fields amid the emphasis by External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on working out a joint strategy to "checkmate" the scourge of terrorism affecting both the countries. Krishna’s visit to Israel assumes significance because the last such trip took place in July 2000 when the then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh traveled here.
The two countries signed an Extradition Treaty and a pact on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners as Krishna wound up his two-day visit here, first by an Indian Foreign Minister in over a decade.
During his stay, Krishna met the top leadership including President Simon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu besides holding elaborate talks with his counterpart Avigdor Lieberman.
Landmark Visit
Krishna’s visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories earlier this week was a landmark one. In this India displayed, for the first time, open even-handedness, compromising neither its core interests nor core beliefs. In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the external affairs minister candidly laid down the significance of India-Israel relations, speaking without hesitation of the reasons why cooperation with Israel was necessary. He stressed agriculture: this country has in recent years counted on Israeli aid in technologies and techniques relating to dryland farming. But mention must be made of the defense equipment and technologies that we get from Israel, which are vitally needed on our borders. The unmanned aerial vehicles and night-fighting equipment of Israeli make have vastly improved India’s management of the border regions with Pakistan and enhanced our capabilities to neutralize infiltration by terrorist groups. It was, therefore, natural for Krishna to mention anti-terrorism cooperation. In recent years, Israel has emerged as a significant source of military hardware alongside Russia and some Western countries.
Tel Aviv’s Support for New Delhi’s UN Seat
Krishna was received with warmth in Ramallah, headquarters of the Palestinian Authority, after his talks in the Israeli capital, indicating the importance the Palestinians attach to India’s unflinching political support for their cause of “an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state”, to quote from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech at the UN General Assembly in September, where India made a strong pitch for granting Palestine UN membership in the face of opposition from the United States and its Western allies.

Friendship with both Israel and the Palestinians is not a zero-sum game — one cannot be at the cost of the other, although certain constituencies here continue to adopt such a shortsighted approach. This was underlined without blushing during Krishna’s recent sojourn. If it is important for various reasons to do business with Israel, it is no less necessary to uphold the principle of Palestinian rights and make efforts to give it practical shape.

New Great Game and Afghanistan

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

Bangladesh Banking Sector Heading Toward Disastrous Situation

Severe liquidity or cash crisis is going on in the banking sector. Banks have become beleaguered to get rid of this liquidity crisis. As immediate solution to crises, banks are increasing their interest rates on deposits. Some are maintaining their with each passing day expenditures after borrowing from the call money market (for inter-bank transaction) at a high rate. In addition, some of the banks are borrowing from Bangladesh Bank through repos (Repurchase Agreements) after pledging the liquid assets like treasury bills and bonds. Their deposit management cost is increasing as they are collecting deposits at a high rate. Some of them are increasing their lending rate to cope up with this additional cost. As the interest rate on bank financing is rising, the cost of investment of the entrepreneurs is also increasing. As a result cost of production is rising. The entrepreneurs are avoiding bank financing as their cost of production is increasing. According to the bank analysts, the situation in the banking sector is not good at all. They have apprehended that if the current situation is not handled properly, the banking sector will face collapse in the future.
Increase of Interest Rate
However, the businessmen have become worried with the increase of the interest rate. They are saying that their cost of doing business is going up with the increment of the borrowing rate of bank financing. As a result the production cost is getting increased. In this situation, the commodity price is getting out of the reach of the mass people. The businessmen are apprehending that the inflation will increase further in the future. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) -- the supreme organization of the business community -- has urged intervention of the Bangladesh Bank on reducing the higher interest rate, keeping the service charges within the tolerable level, and revising the interest rates for the financing in the productive sector.
In this regard, a group of businessmen led by A.K. Azad, chairman of this supreme organization of business community recently had a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiar Rahman. The businessmen discussed the overall condition of the trade and commerce of the nation with the Governor in a two-hour-long meeting.
Financing in Productive Sector
FBCCI Chairman A.K. Azad said that after the lending cap on the financing in the productive sector was removed on 9 March the banks were almost competing with each other in increasing the lending rate. Even before 9 March, the maximum lending rate for the business loan was 13 percent; whereas after 9 March the lending rate of 15 to 18 percent is being imposed on the businesses. Some of the banks have taken it to even 20 percent. Because of this, the cost of business is increasing. The FBCCI chairman believes that this will further ignite the inflation. The investment will not grow. No new employment will be generated. As a result the rate of unemployment will rise further. Under such condition, he expected that the central bank will take initiatives to determine the interest rate that will be beneficial to the economy.
Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nazrul Huda has said that the businessmen have requested to redetermine the maximum lending rate. The Bangladesh Bank has informed the businessmen that there is no scope for redetermination of the interest rate. Moreover, the central bank cannot take such measure in the market economy. However, the banks will be requested to keep the interest rate to a tolerable level.
However, the interest rate on bank financing is continuously increasing. Bankers are not paying heed to the protests of the businessmen. Thirty of the local and international banks have increased their lending rate in this April. Among them, some of the banks have increased their interest rate by three to thee and half percent. In April 2011, the rate of interest in business loans has been 18 percent; whereas in March it was imposed maximum at a rate of 13 percent. Among the 30 private commercial banks 26 have increased their rate of interest in the current month. Among the other four there is a specialized bank and three foreign banks.
Businessmen have expressed their grievance at the interest rate increment of so many banks at a time. As per their opinion, the commodity price has already increased due to the rise of fuel price in the international market.
Fund Management of Banks
However, the fund management of the banks are facing cataclysm because of cash crisis. The total liabilities of some of the banks are not matching up with their total assets. As a result bank is losing their capability for settlement of claims including returning the deposits of the depositors.
As per central bank's guideline, in any particular month, the difference between the total assets of the bank and their claims to be settled must not be greater than 20 percent of their total asset. For example, suppose a bank in a particular month will have to pay off 100 takas (Tk), including earlier committed credit, returning the money of the depositors in the maturity of their deposits, and settlement of import payments. However, in that month, the total earning of the bank from adjustment of credit, proceeds from the maturity of treasury bills and bonds, income from different commissions, and income from the deposits has been Tk 80. So, the difference between the asset and liability would be Tk 20.
This is somewhat acceptable as per the asset liability management guideline of the central bank. Bank may adjust the deficit of Tk 20 from the call money market (the inter-bank market for funds) or through repos from the Bangladesh Bank. But if this difference becomes more than 20 percent, there is possibility of many sorts of hazards for the bank. For example, the captioned bank may face severe liquidity crisis. As a result, the bank loses its capability to settle any of its claims. The bank cannot meet the condition for keeping the mandatory cash reserve with the central bank Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). The Statutory Liquidity Reserve (SLR) becomes deficient. To resolve the crisis, the banks borrow from the market at a very high rate. In addition, they also collect short term deposits at a very high rate. As a result the fund management cost of that bank increases the consequences into collapse of the overall system of the bank.
One of the high officials of the central bank said that as per the fund management of the banks, a bank has to estimate the probable liabilities in a month. Along with that the amount of total inward deposits at that particular month is also to be estimated. The fund management system of a bank is maintained on this basis.
However, many of the scheduled banks are not following this guideline in the recent time. They are incurring greater amount of expenditures not conforming to their income. As a result different bank are getting excessively dependant on the Bangladesh Bank and the call money market. Many banks are not being able to maintain their day to day expenditures.
An industrialist claiming anonymity informed that at the time of encashment of large amount of check, some banks are not paying within a day. After partially paying they are requesting to come in the next day.
For getting out of this crisis, some of the banks are borrowing from the call money market. Again they are rushing toward the Bangladesh Bank . Every day, they are borrowing more than Tk 90 billion as repo (borrowing for short-term) and under special liquidity support. In some days Bangladesh Bank is even lending Tk 100 billion.
Condition in Banking Sector
Bankers believe that the Bangladesh Bank is entirely responsible for such condition in the banking sector. As per their opinion, in the past seven months of 2010 Bangladesh Bank increased the CRR -- The banks' mandatory rate of reserve to the central bank twice. Because of this, approximately Tk 40 billion came to the central bank from the banks. As a result liquidity crisis began in the banking sector. As a result, in the first month of this year the rate of interest in the call money market climbed up to 170 percent that is recorded as the highest until now.
Dr Saleh Uddin Ahmed, former governor of the Bangladesh Bank, said that the initiative of the central bank to increase CRR was not proper and was not a timely step. He said that the reason was that in December, the banks adjust their entire year's transaction. In this time, they normally disbursed less amount of credit and collected greater amount of deposits, he stated. As a result, their balance sheet remained in good shape, he said. But as CRR rate was increased at that particular time, banks had to keep their deposited money with the central bank on mandatory basis, he stated. He said that the result had been as it was predicted. According to the analysts, the central bank has to take responsible decisions for getting rid of this situation occurred in the banking sector. Otherwise they are anticipating that the crisis in the banking sector will have a negative impact on the overall economy.

International Politics and Bin Laden Chapter

Former Al-Qaida Chief Osama Bin Laden chapter in the international politics had come to an end in May 2011. Bin Laden is now dead. He is now part of history. Many painful stories and incidents of deaths are involved with this history. He had given a new interpretation of the religion of Islam. His interpretation was controversial and it cannot be said Muslims across the world had accepted the version. But it is fact that he produced hundreds of "jihadists" in the Muslim world. These jihadists were ready to embrace "martyrdom" in the name of Islam. Bin Laden wanted to revert to the ancient course of Islam. The "Wahabi" doctrine has this ancient course. Some people prefer identifying the course as the 'Salafi' ideology. The Saudi Royal family is the follower of this ideology.
One Saudi Islamic pundit, Mohammad Bin Abad Al Wahab, is the exponent of this ideology. He was born in 1703. Once the founder of Saudi Royal family, Ibne Saud, was attracted by this philosophy. The family is still following the ideology. It is being told that Saudi Arabia is promoting this doctrine. The Wahabi doctrine gives highest importance to jihad. The followers of Wahabi ideology do not believe in worshipping pir (spiritual leader), mazar (grave), holding milad (a kind of meeting to glorify the Prophet Mohammad), visiting grave, shirk and bidat. Bin Laden used to believe that Islam could be established in the world through jihad.
Significance of Islam
Islam is a religion of peace. Islam has spread to various countries of the world. But in nowhere it expanded through terrorism. The people, who come to our region of the world thousands of years back for preaching Islam, did not resorted to terror activities. They had preached the messages of peace and choose to stay here because of love for the land.
However, for preaching which Islam Bin Laden had stepped into the field? He had inspired hundreds of youths to take part in "jihadist" activities. Bin Laden was an owner of billion of dollars. He spent the money for terror activities. He had developed a big network in the Arab world from Iraq to Algeria. Al-Qaida has a strong base in Yemen. Bin Laden had given birth to the organization named -- Al-Qaida. Allegation has been raised that Al-Qaida was involved with the destruction of World Trade Center on 11 September 2001. Since then the name of Bin Laden has spread to everywhere in the world. He became the "No 1 terrorist of the world." The United States had been on the hunt of Bin Laden since 11 September. After long 10 years he was detected in the Abbottabad City of Pakistan.
Bin Laden has undoubtedly committed crimes. He could be hanged in trials. It would have been normal, if he was tried. But the United States has given rise to many questions by killing Bin Laden. A dead Bin Laden has emerged a more risky man for the United States. Rather the killing of Bin Laden will enhance his popularity. But the question that has assumed prominence to me is that whether this role of the United States would create a big threat to the developing world? The Muslim world is gripped with agitation. One type of hegemony has been created in the name of globalization. In this regard some Islamic pundits (for example Sayyid Qutb of Egypt) think Islam is the solution.
Palestinian Problem
A leader like Bin Laden gives the call for jihad when the Palestinian problem is not solved year after year. The Israeli commandoes kill the Palestinian leaders. And no trails are being held for the killings. It is true that this so called jihad did not get massive support in the Muslim world. But at the same time it is natural that some sorts of agitations and hatred are simmering in the Muslim world as the innocent people are being killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The United States had conducted aggression against Afghanistan on the plea that the Taliban gave shelter to Bin Laden. The US forces have been in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2011. US President Barack Obama also won Nobel Prize for peace. But his hands are tainted with blood. He had a given a promise that the US soldiers will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by 2011. Now the deadline has been extended to 2014. But security experts believe the United States has a big interest in Afghanistan. They will have stay in this country. The Central Asia is abundant with huge energy resources, gas and oil. The US companies have huge investment here. The United States does not want other powers (particularly China and Russia) have a share of these resources.
The energy resources of Central Asia will be controlled from Afghanistan. For this reason this "Islamic militancy" has been born to Tajikistan or Uzbekistan. This militancy is also a threat to the security of the Central Asia. The Asiaism of NATO will centre round this region. As a result, there is a remote possibility of withdrawing force from Afghanistan. In case of Iraq it was told that the country had Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). It had been further told the WMD was posing threat to the security of the region. Under this pretext the United States captured Iraq in 2003. We all know the next stories. The WMD was not found in Iraq. But Saddam Hussein was hanged. Iraq was destroyed. Some US companies are reconstructing Iraq by selling the oil resources of that country. The United States is now searching the path of military intervention in Libya in the name of humanitarian intervention. The oil of Libya is the target of the United States. Libya is the gateway to North Africa. The control of Libya will mean controlling the North African countries having huge resource. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was established with this target.
Terrorism in the name of Islam is acceptable. This is not Islam also. But it equally not acceptable to attack any independent country or violating its sovereignty in the name of suppressing terrorism. This role of the US is the violation of the Clause 4 ( 1) and 4( 4) of the UN Charter that deal with "sovereignty" and "territorial integrity." The United States has involved itself with terror activities in the name of curbing terrorism. The concept of "preemptive strike" that US President Bush had used and Obama now using will not at all help America to galvanize its image. History says the United States is committing such incidents time and again.
Violation of International Law
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague in 1986 ruled that the United States violated the international law by using force illegally in Nicaragua and providing help to Contra guerrillas (fighting the leftist government of that country at that time). The United States did not accept the verdict of the international court. But the UN secretary general in a resolution adopted by 94-2 votes had urged the United States to accept the verdict international court. The United States and Israel voted against the resolution.
In the death of Bin Laden a new chapter has been ushered in. It is to be observed what impact this 'death' creates in the Muslim world. But the Obama administration has more responsibility at this moment to enhance the US image in the Muslim world. President Obama's Cairo address had created a prospect in this regard. But a little progress has so far been achieved. Smaller Islamic militant groups like Al-Qaida have been born to a quite good number of Islamic countries. These groups have much influence in the countries like Algeria, Mauritania, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. The Islamic militants in Somalia directly or indirectly control the state power. The organization named Al Sadarb has introduced Shari'ah in the area controlled by them.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Salafist Group of Preaching and Combat had called for suicide bombing and worldwide jihad. The AQIM is active in the entire Maghreb region. The responsibility of the Obama administration at this moment is taking initiatives for bringing these militant groups in the mainstream of the society.
Moreover, it is very urgent to start "dialogue" with the militants in Afghanistan.
Existence of Mullah Omar
After Bin Laden, Mullah Omar is the target of the United States. The existence of Mullah Omar could not be found anywhere in Afghanistan in the long last 10 years of hectic searching. The solution to the Afghan problem will not be possible without initiating dialog with the Taliban. However, the Taliban movement and Al-Qaida are not the same. There are differences between the two.
Al-Qaida had given a call for jihad across the world, but the Taliban wanted to establish Islamic rule only in Afghanistan. It is very urgent for President Obama to withdraw soldiers from Afghanistan. The responsibility of the US President has further increased. The problem could not be solved by engraving the body of Bin Laden in the Arabian Sea from the US warship-Karl Vinson, patrolling in that sea. Obama himself will have to take the initiatives to earn confidence of the Muslim world. The death of Bin Laden has given birth to this possibility. President Obama has ensured his victory in the 2012 US President election by killing Bin Laden. Nobody has doubt about this. But various complexities have been created in the Muslim world, Pakistan-US relations and India-Pakistan relations. The complexities will increase regional tension. These will also create tension in the world politics. And the same will be the main obstacle in the way of establishing peace in the world.