Monday, June 30, 2003
It's been over a year since I started on this weblog, in fact I believe I created it on the 6th of June'2002 and my introductory post was on the 11th. Of course I really didn't get into the weblog spirit of things until much later and rereading a few of my earlier posts is quite a revelation since they are so radically different to my writing style now. At any rate I think that the experiences formed over the past year have been sufficient in order to induce a more comprehensive outlook than before. In a way this post inaugarates a new year for this weblog which hopefully will continue along the original intent of this weblog, "A site dedicated to the elucidation of the truth!".
Sunday, June 29, 2003
I've returned from Italy and will now continue to post to the weblog. I would like to apologise if my posts seem somewhat detached from current events since my time in Italy has shielded me from teh current events in the world, which granted haven't seemed quite alot with Dennis Thatcher's death, the gay scandal rocking the Anglican Church and some hooey over Iraq.
Italy was fantastic and I visited Tuscany, Rome and Milan. What is unique about Italy is that despite being a nation since the beginning of civilisation it has failed to cohere as an individual state until 1861, when it was united by the House of Savoy reigning over the Kingdom of Sardinia. Therefore each of the regions of Italy had an extremely individual character and distinct capital cities, which flourished extensively from royal patronage. Thus Milan has the stunning Ricardo Di Milano (known as the Duomo, Italian for Cathedral, which blends in the Baroque and a variety of different architectural styles with an underlying Gothic theme, a tribute to the Duke of Milan's inital insistence to look to North Western European architecture rather than hark back to the traditional Italian mold), which overlooks it's most prominent square, whilst Florence of Tuscany blooms like a rose in a vibrant garden. But alone among cities it is Rome who is peerless in her beauty by virtue of being the capital of a nation, civilisation, and a religion and all roads do lead to Rome.
Indeed after regarding the opulent and magnificent churches that line Italia I myself have been considering a conversion to Catholicism, just to partake in such a rich legacy. I plan to discuss Italy with more depth and detail in future posts however unfortunately it seems that the Muse Calliope has deserted me and I have no real inducement to write a particularly long post. However what I find inspiring in Italy is that the Renaissance, which defines the architectural landscape, and the Roman past seems to be have overwhelming replaced by a firmly Catholic one. However the distinct impression one gets in Italy is that it is the Roman Catholic Church which has preserved those aspects of the Roman past (when I attended the pope's mass it was entirely in Latin), albeit it's inital role in the demise of the pagan institutions of the Roman Empire, and sustains it's legacies in very tangible ways (in the Duomo di San Giovanni, which is a brilliant cathedral in the south-eastern corner of the city, the sculptures of Christ and his apostles are firmly in the Greco-Roman style). The Renaissance was brilliant in that whilst it stimulated the Italian people's knowledge and understanding of their ancient Roman & Greek heritage, it did so within the prism of a firmly Christian framework and therefore stimulated Christendom itself. Indeed in Catholic churches the invocations of Christ as the host and the Virgin Mary has a decidely Roman paganistic feel to it and my understanding of the Sistine Chapel was that of a Greek temple. Perhaps one day Muslim philosophers will consciously cultivate the tradition of looking to the pre-Islamic past, as they once did, and contemporary non-Islamic present to widen their study of Islam and further their civilisation as it was done in the Renaissance.
Side Note
Intriguing obsevation, Rome and Greece were both centres of ancient civilisations and in turn stimulated the two great schisms of Christianity (Protestanism in the great scheme of things is not so much a sect but a negation of certain Catholic Christian concepts such as apostolic succession), Orthodox and Catholicism.
Italy was fantastic and I visited Tuscany, Rome and Milan. What is unique about Italy is that despite being a nation since the beginning of civilisation it has failed to cohere as an individual state until 1861, when it was united by the House of Savoy reigning over the Kingdom of Sardinia. Therefore each of the regions of Italy had an extremely individual character and distinct capital cities, which flourished extensively from royal patronage. Thus Milan has the stunning Ricardo Di Milano (known as the Duomo, Italian for Cathedral, which blends in the Baroque and a variety of different architectural styles with an underlying Gothic theme, a tribute to the Duke of Milan's inital insistence to look to North Western European architecture rather than hark back to the traditional Italian mold), which overlooks it's most prominent square, whilst Florence of Tuscany blooms like a rose in a vibrant garden. But alone among cities it is Rome who is peerless in her beauty by virtue of being the capital of a nation, civilisation, and a religion and all roads do lead to Rome.
Indeed after regarding the opulent and magnificent churches that line Italia I myself have been considering a conversion to Catholicism, just to partake in such a rich legacy. I plan to discuss Italy with more depth and detail in future posts however unfortunately it seems that the Muse Calliope has deserted me and I have no real inducement to write a particularly long post. However what I find inspiring in Italy is that the Renaissance, which defines the architectural landscape, and the Roman past seems to be have overwhelming replaced by a firmly Catholic one. However the distinct impression one gets in Italy is that it is the Roman Catholic Church which has preserved those aspects of the Roman past (when I attended the pope's mass it was entirely in Latin), albeit it's inital role in the demise of the pagan institutions of the Roman Empire, and sustains it's legacies in very tangible ways (in the Duomo di San Giovanni, which is a brilliant cathedral in the south-eastern corner of the city, the sculptures of Christ and his apostles are firmly in the Greco-Roman style). The Renaissance was brilliant in that whilst it stimulated the Italian people's knowledge and understanding of their ancient Roman & Greek heritage, it did so within the prism of a firmly Christian framework and therefore stimulated Christendom itself. Indeed in Catholic churches the invocations of Christ as the host and the Virgin Mary has a decidely Roman paganistic feel to it and my understanding of the Sistine Chapel was that of a Greek temple. Perhaps one day Muslim philosophers will consciously cultivate the tradition of looking to the pre-Islamic past, as they once did, and contemporary non-Islamic present to widen their study of Islam and further their civilisation as it was done in the Renaissance.
Side Note
Intriguing obsevation, Rome and Greece were both centres of ancient civilisations and in turn stimulated the two great schisms of Christianity (Protestanism in the great scheme of things is not so much a sect but a negation of certain Catholic Christian concepts such as apostolic succession), Orthodox and Catholicism.
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Tommorow I'll be going to Lucca, Tuscany in Italy and I'll begin my ten day tour of Italian provinces. In my schedule I have Lucca, Rome and Milan to cover and it's my first time to this region. I've been hearing pretty bad things about Milan, in that it's quite boring, and I would like to know whether apart from the catherdal is there anything worthwhile in the city to see?
Thursday, June 12, 2003
"The clerical regime is nearing its end!" the demonstrators chanted. "Vigilantes commit crimes, the leader supports them."
The cry of the Iran's revolutionaries (or is counter revolutionaries?). However whilst I wish the protesters well, especially those who agitate for better conditions, I doubt that they will have deep political ramifications for the regime. Iran is a political morass and it is quite absurd to think that students alone could a depose a clerical regime, whose tentacles extend everywhere in Iran.
Iran an ancient and proud land with a cultural sophistication unmatched perhaps only by the French has imparted a deep legacy to the region with her artists being the arbitrers of dignity, elegance and fine manners whilst her sublime language enriching the tongues to the east. Adding to her uniqueness among nations she evolved from the ancient mode of autarchy to modernity through the guidance medieval clerics. As Janus, the Roman god of doorways epitomised the fundamental duality defining existence so too is Iran characterised by the subtle gradation of ancient, modern and medieval.
Iran will remain fascinating in the years to come for it is buffered by the glory of a pre-Islamic imperial past, complemented by a deep Muslim present, and driven forward by the promising of an alluring Western future. Perhaps this is a paen to Iran but it is her infinite complexity and sublime nature that has stirred outsiders, from analysts to webloggers and mere onlookers such as the great historian Herodotous, to cast their gaze over this land and be drawn to it.
A Saudi survival strategy
Mai Yamani (I wonder if she is related to the former Saudi oil minister Yamani) has written a brilliant article on the success of the Saudi royal family. She in particular discusses that the tribal and kin alliances of the Saudi royals (no doubt extensive considering there are over 22000 of them) must be supplanted by a more effective form of cooperation which will take into account the distinct regional systems of Saudi Arabia. She describes them with sufficient ease and knowledge, which makes for enjoyable reading.
Intriguingly Saudi Arabia is an interesting example of the imploding tensions of artificial states, with moderate Muslims of Hijaz marginalised by the fanatics of the Nejd whereas the Shi'ites of Hasa (Hofuf) are repressed. Furthermore the regions of the south are part of greater Yemen and it seems that the royal family will have to evolve a sort of modus vivendi to keep the nation entact rather than merely bribe them with the oil, which at any rate rightfully belongs to the Shi'ites. Perhaps the gas projects in the Rub-e-Khalil (Empty Quarter) could provide a revenue stream that'll continue to subsidise the nation's detachment from reality.
It seems a monumental waste the the oil wealth undelrying Arabistan, or more particularly the Gulf Arab sheikhdoms, wasn't spread out for the development of Islamic civilisation. One could only imagine the immense growth of Karachi as a financial centre had it been a recipient to a fraction of the oil income the Saudis receive every year. Financial institutions and investments would burgeon and the region would be pushed into an exponentional frenzy of economic growth. Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, as one of the largest Muslim cities in the world could be vastly improved if it had received sufficient funding for infrastructure and Islamic unity, had it translated into effective cooperation, would have lifted the Muslims masses who raise their hands in supplication daily. It is a pity that Muslims writhe about the evil American-Zionist conspiracy to thwart Islamic development when it's palpable that they need only blame the sublimely ridiculous opulence and tragically wasted opportunities of a few Sheikhs who could see no more to life than wanton abandonment.
Monday, June 09, 2003
An excerpt from Tocqueville, arguably the greatest of the French political writers.
In England writers on the theory of government and those who actually governed co-operated with each other, the former setting forth their new theories, the latter amending or circumscribing these in the light of practical experience. In France, however, precept and practice were kept quit distinct and remained in the hands of two quite independent groups. One of these carried on the actual administration while the other set forth the abstract principles on which good government should, they said, be based; one took the routine measures appropriate to the needs of the moment, the other propounded general laws without a thought for their practical application; one group shaped the course of public affairs, the other that of public opinion.
The Treasury's assesment of Britain's future in the Euro has stirred interest in what was once a tired debate. Prime Minister Blair (Number 10) and Chancellor Brown (Number 11) are feuding furiously over the issue, with Brown a hardened Euro-skeptic (primarily because he's actually looking at the economics of it all) and Blair motivated by political reasons (his political aspirations is assume the presidency of Europe). However at the end of the day to sacrifice the pound for the Euro, when harmonisation clearly doesn't exist (four of the five economic tests failed within the five year period) and Britain an economic giant doesn't rank with its lagging counterparts such as France and Germany however has economic affinity with the booming European economies such as the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain. Britain lacks macro economic stability and flexibility to delegate interest policy to the powers that be in Brussels (well actually the European Central bank is in Frankfurt). Despite the euro strengthening especially against the dollar (where its hitting against new highs) it just doesn't seem feasible that Britain will join the Euro this decade if ever. Chancellor Brown's concillatory gesture in merely suggesting that Britain "wasn't ready yet" only blurs somewhat the impracticalities of the single currency. Of course I support his shift to long term fixed rate mortgages since it would reduce the volatility of the British property by making homeowners less exposed to changes in the base rate and also it could allow for more liquidity in the economy if these mortgages are securitised by the banks.
Wilhelm Nolling, director of the Bundesbank, firmly stated that it would be foolish for Brtiain to join the Euro and rebutted every europhile argument. The United Kingdom's competitive advantage and trade position vis-a-vis Europe is not affected by its entry in the Eurozone, after all America and the EU are one of the largest trading partners but there is no question of adoption of a single currency. At any rate as for the argument for greater British influence in the EU the fact that Germany, the largest economy, has to compromise with Netherlands and Spain means that national sovereignty is diluted more than anything by entry. Indeed he goes on to say that the EU was born for failure and though I wouldn't agree with such an extreme position I believe that a fundamental restructuring of the French and German economies must occur for the EU to be viable. Convergence in government policies and national realigment in every aspect of the currency is what will guarantee the effectiveness of the Euro. Cast a glance across the Atlantic towards the United States and despite its federal status its regional economies (said by Tom Friedman to be 5, which I believe is the East Coast, Mid-West, California, Deep South and Manhattan) are sufficiently flexible, in synch and conform to a federal legal standard thereby allowing for the formulation of a successful monetary policy.
In England writers on the theory of government and those who actually governed co-operated with each other, the former setting forth their new theories, the latter amending or circumscribing these in the light of practical experience. In France, however, precept and practice were kept quit distinct and remained in the hands of two quite independent groups. One of these carried on the actual administration while the other set forth the abstract principles on which good government should, they said, be based; one took the routine measures appropriate to the needs of the moment, the other propounded general laws without a thought for their practical application; one group shaped the course of public affairs, the other that of public opinion.
The Treasury's assesment of Britain's future in the Euro has stirred interest in what was once a tired debate. Prime Minister Blair (Number 10) and Chancellor Brown (Number 11) are feuding furiously over the issue, with Brown a hardened Euro-skeptic (primarily because he's actually looking at the economics of it all) and Blair motivated by political reasons (his political aspirations is assume the presidency of Europe). However at the end of the day to sacrifice the pound for the Euro, when harmonisation clearly doesn't exist (four of the five economic tests failed within the five year period) and Britain an economic giant doesn't rank with its lagging counterparts such as France and Germany however has economic affinity with the booming European economies such as the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain. Britain lacks macro economic stability and flexibility to delegate interest policy to the powers that be in Brussels (well actually the European Central bank is in Frankfurt). Despite the euro strengthening especially against the dollar (where its hitting against new highs) it just doesn't seem feasible that Britain will join the Euro this decade if ever. Chancellor Brown's concillatory gesture in merely suggesting that Britain "wasn't ready yet" only blurs somewhat the impracticalities of the single currency. Of course I support his shift to long term fixed rate mortgages since it would reduce the volatility of the British property by making homeowners less exposed to changes in the base rate and also it could allow for more liquidity in the economy if these mortgages are securitised by the banks.
Wilhelm Nolling, director of the Bundesbank, firmly stated that it would be foolish for Brtiain to join the Euro and rebutted every europhile argument. The United Kingdom's competitive advantage and trade position vis-a-vis Europe is not affected by its entry in the Eurozone, after all America and the EU are one of the largest trading partners but there is no question of adoption of a single currency. At any rate as for the argument for greater British influence in the EU the fact that Germany, the largest economy, has to compromise with Netherlands and Spain means that national sovereignty is diluted more than anything by entry. Indeed he goes on to say that the EU was born for failure and though I wouldn't agree with such an extreme position I believe that a fundamental restructuring of the French and German economies must occur for the EU to be viable. Convergence in government policies and national realigment in every aspect of the currency is what will guarantee the effectiveness of the Euro. Cast a glance across the Atlantic towards the United States and despite its federal status its regional economies (said by Tom Friedman to be 5, which I believe is the East Coast, Mid-West, California, Deep South and Manhattan) are sufficiently flexible, in synch and conform to a federal legal standard thereby allowing for the formulation of a successful monetary policy.
Its seems that BAE systems, a British defence group is considering a trans-atlantic partner after rejecting a merger proposition from Thales, its French counterpart. As highlighted vividly by one of its corporate executives, "The company has to grow in the US. That is where the market is and the money is. It is where the research and technology really happens and where people have budgets."
The choice it seems lies between Boeing or Lockheed Martin however there are certain hurdles that inhibit Boeing-BAE partnertship. Boeing's £22bn valuation dwarfs BAE's value of £4.5bn implying that it would inevitably lead to a takeover. In addition there is the conflict since BAE owns 20% of Airbus, who is Boieng's arch-rival, and the regulatory authorities might have to intervene in any such partnership. Furthermore Lockheed Martin seems a logical fit since it already cooperates with BAE on the Joint Strike Fighter programme.
At any this is indicative of the general trend of the emergence of Anglo-American giants rivalling their neighbours over the English Channel. The American consumerist mass market is lucrative especially its macro-nature, where budgets and research programmes outspend rival by a considerable fator, whereas the British can synergise that by offering trans-atlantic partnership, global focus and perhaps even cheaper financing from the premier financial industry in the City district of London.
The convergence of the defence industries of the States and Britain is mirrored in virtually every aspect of statecraft giving rise to the belief that Britain's natural links lie with her former colonial English-speaking posessions rather than with her European neighbours, to whom she is wedded to because of an accident of geography. I remember reading an interesting statement by a British philosopher that in the current age when distance is dead the British are encouraged to seek links with geographical but a century ago when instantaneous communication and rapid transports were unknown the Brits sought to further links with farflung Antipodean territories such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
The choice it seems lies between Boeing or Lockheed Martin however there are certain hurdles that inhibit Boeing-BAE partnertship. Boeing's £22bn valuation dwarfs BAE's value of £4.5bn implying that it would inevitably lead to a takeover. In addition there is the conflict since BAE owns 20% of Airbus, who is Boieng's arch-rival, and the regulatory authorities might have to intervene in any such partnership. Furthermore Lockheed Martin seems a logical fit since it already cooperates with BAE on the Joint Strike Fighter programme.
At any this is indicative of the general trend of the emergence of Anglo-American giants rivalling their neighbours over the English Channel. The American consumerist mass market is lucrative especially its macro-nature, where budgets and research programmes outspend rival by a considerable fator, whereas the British can synergise that by offering trans-atlantic partnership, global focus and perhaps even cheaper financing from the premier financial industry in the City district of London.
The convergence of the defence industries of the States and Britain is mirrored in virtually every aspect of statecraft giving rise to the belief that Britain's natural links lie with her former colonial English-speaking posessions rather than with her European neighbours, to whom she is wedded to because of an accident of geography. I remember reading an interesting statement by a British philosopher that in the current age when distance is dead the British are encouraged to seek links with geographical but a century ago when instantaneous communication and rapid transports were unknown the Brits sought to further links with farflung Antipodean territories such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Dying candle flickers ever so briefly before being extinguished forever
By Iqbal Latif
War in Iraq as we have written in several articles over the past 6 months has changed the dynamics of the Islamic world. Within coming 24 - 36 months the changes would be so rapid that the waft of freedom will be universally felt.
Within the Islamic Arab communities the weakness of leadership and separation of leaders from populace that had led to the ‘myth of hatred’ is dead ultimately. The whole slogan of the street being against America, recent polls put 81% of Muslims against America, sensationalism aside the poor state of populace from Turkey to Pakistan all adds to frustration, the leadership needs to be pro-active and provider of basic amenities. Total nonsense of fanning hatred through perpetual jihad has resulted in misguided populations, the failed leaders across the board after seeing Baghdad fall have realised that freedom and course of peace is the only way, the road from Baghdad has opened many a eyes as we expected. If they continue this hatred against west the people like it for street expression but the real hated is the lack of freedom they resort to terror love because they cannot express their dissent.
They equally detest their policies, they can demonstrate against US presence in Iraq but in their heart of heart they accept the presence with a glee too, this ambivalence and general acceptance of US control in Iraq has led many in the Arab world think of their fate, there is no one who is going to cry for them!
The leadership options are now changed no point in holding US responsible for all evils within them they need to harness the evil fundamentalism and political extremism that will shake the foundation of their nations. The collection in Sharm Al Shiekh is natural corollary of the action and policies precipitated in the last two years post 911.
When oil wealth is being harnessed and the children of Basra have shoes on their feet then the revolution will traverse the lands of Islam. It is the ultimate coup de grace for the Islamic fundamentalist and their dying movement is just as when a dying candle flickers ever so briefly before being extinguished forever.
War in Iraq as we have written in several articles over the past 6 months has changed the dynamics of the Islamic world. Within coming 24 - 36 months the changes would be so rapid that the waft of freedom will be universally felt.
Within the Islamic Arab communities the weakness of leadership and separation of leaders from populace that had led to the ‘myth of hatred’ is dead ultimately. The whole slogan of the street being against America, recent polls put 81% of Muslims against America, sensationalism aside the poor state of populace from Turkey to Pakistan all adds to frustration, the leadership needs to be pro-active and provider of basic amenities. Total nonsense of fanning hatred through perpetual jihad has resulted in misguided populations, the failed leaders across the board after seeing Baghdad fall have realised that freedom and course of peace is the only way, the road from Baghdad has opened many a eyes as we expected. If they continue this hatred against west the people like it for street expression but the real hated is the lack of freedom they resort to terror love because they cannot express their dissent.
They equally detest their policies, they can demonstrate against US presence in Iraq but in their heart of heart they accept the presence with a glee too, this ambivalence and general acceptance of US control in Iraq has led many in the Arab world think of their fate, there is no one who is going to cry for them!
The leadership options are now changed no point in holding US responsible for all evils within them they need to harness the evil fundamentalism and political extremism that will shake the foundation of their nations. The collection in Sharm Al Shiekh is natural corollary of the action and policies precipitated in the last two years post 911.
When oil wealth is being harnessed and the children of Basra have shoes on their feet then the revolution will traverse the lands of Islam. It is the ultimate coup de grace for the Islamic fundamentalist and their dying movement is just as when a dying candle flickers ever so briefly before being extinguished forever.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Peace between Pakistan and Israel would be rather interesting considering these two states do have much in common after all their foundings are based on a secular ideology, which relies on religious notions.
By Zia Iqbal Shahid
BRUSSELS: Encouraged by Arab leaders support to the US-backed roadmap for Middle East peace, Israel has assured Islamabad of an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan if it decides to take a decision to recognise Israel.
As Egypt and Jordan are all set to re-send their ambassadors to Tel Aviv, Israel wants diplomatic recognition by other Islamic countries including Pakistan. In its core argument tabled to President Bush, Israeli administration has contended; "We recognise the state of Palestine, which has accorded recognition to Israel through the roadmap. Now the time has come that other Islamic countries including Pakistan accord recognition to us".
Talking to The News, Israel's ambassador, accredited to EU and also covering the NATO, Dr Oded Eran, said, "Pakistan is an important player and we understand its importance in the Islamic world. That is why there is no question of pursuing a hostile policy towards Pakistan".
Dr Oded Eran, known for his skill of negotiating with Islamic countries, categorically announced that Israel would not get involved or take sides in the dispute between India and Pakistan. "India recognises Israel, but our relations with India should not be misconstrued as hostile towards Pakistan or China," he said.
In view of the guarantee given by the government of Ariel Sharon to follow an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan, Western diplomats in Brussels indicate that Pakistan may consider taking a decision to accord recognition to Israel after President Pervez Musharraf's upcoming visit to Washington.
Buoyed by the glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East as a result of the recent acceptance of the roadmap by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), the US has decided to play a central role in giving impetus to the process of seeking formal diplomatic recognition for Israel by Islamic countries including Pakistan, Western diplomats in Brussels confirmed.
"Some Islamic countries are already engaged in closet discussions related to a possible quid pro quo for according recognition to Israel," a western diplomat said on condition of anonymity showing a report, which purports several Pakistani political leaders and businessmen having been in contact with Israel in a clandestine way.
"India has recognised Israel but we have no intention to get involved in the conflicts between India and Pakistan. We hope an important country such as Pakistan would understand our position as our differences can be resolved by talking to each other," Eran emphasized.
Asked whether Israel would be willing to provide defence equipment if Pakistan accords recognition, the envoy said, "We have a long way to walk. We want to have good relations with Islamic states and Pakistan is a very important country. When we start discussing the areas of cooperation only then we can think of such an area."
Answering a question about a possible give and take for Israel's recognition, the ambassador assured that Pakistan would benefit in the same way as other Islamic countries have benefited in strengthening their economies after according recognition to Israel. "Increased economic security is always a part of such initiatives," he added.
Asked to delineate the prospects of taking a joint stand by three de facto nuclear states -- India, Israel and Pakistan -- to demand de jure international status as nuclear states, Eran was quick to respond, "I will prefer not answering this question".
In response to yet another question he said, "The recognition of Israel is an important element of the roadmap, which denotes acceptance of Israel as a reality by the Muslim and Arab world".
"The roadmap envisages the possibility of a web of our relations in economic, infrastructure, trade and other areas. Only such relations can promote mutual understanding. This is the only way to benefit from the fruits of peace in the Middle East," he said.
Coup de grace! Israel seeks Pak recognition.The windfall from rejectionist fall in Iraq continues!!
By Zia Iqbal Shahid
BRUSSELS: Encouraged by Arab leaders support to the US-backed roadmap for Middle East peace, Israel has assured Islamabad of an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan if it decides to take a decision to recognise Israel.
As Egypt and Jordan are all set to re-send their ambassadors to Tel Aviv, Israel wants diplomatic recognition by other Islamic countries including Pakistan. In its core argument tabled to President Bush, Israeli administration has contended; "We recognise the state of Palestine, which has accorded recognition to Israel through the roadmap. Now the time has come that other Islamic countries including Pakistan accord recognition to us".
Talking to The News, Israel's ambassador, accredited to EU and also covering the NATO, Dr Oded Eran, said, "Pakistan is an important player and we understand its importance in the Islamic world. That is why there is no question of pursuing a hostile policy towards Pakistan".
Dr Oded Eran, known for his skill of negotiating with Islamic countries, categorically announced that Israel would not get involved or take sides in the dispute between India and Pakistan. "India recognises Israel, but our relations with India should not be misconstrued as hostile towards Pakistan or China," he said.
In view of the guarantee given by the government of Ariel Sharon to follow an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan, Western diplomats in Brussels indicate that Pakistan may consider taking a decision to accord recognition to Israel after President Pervez Musharraf's upcoming visit to Washington.
Buoyed by the glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East as a result of the recent acceptance of the roadmap by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA), the US has decided to play a central role in giving impetus to the process of seeking formal diplomatic recognition for Israel by Islamic countries including Pakistan, Western diplomats in Brussels confirmed.
"Some Islamic countries are already engaged in closet discussions related to a possible quid pro quo for according recognition to Israel," a western diplomat said on condition of anonymity showing a report, which purports several Pakistani political leaders and businessmen having been in contact with Israel in a clandestine way.
"India has recognised Israel but we have no intention to get involved in the conflicts between India and Pakistan. We hope an important country such as Pakistan would understand our position as our differences can be resolved by talking to each other," Eran emphasized.
Asked whether Israel would be willing to provide defence equipment if Pakistan accords recognition, the envoy said, "We have a long way to walk. We want to have good relations with Islamic states and Pakistan is a very important country. When we start discussing the areas of cooperation only then we can think of such an area."
Answering a question about a possible give and take for Israel's recognition, the ambassador assured that Pakistan would benefit in the same way as other Islamic countries have benefited in strengthening their economies after according recognition to Israel. "Increased economic security is always a part of such initiatives," he added.
Asked to delineate the prospects of taking a joint stand by three de facto nuclear states -- India, Israel and Pakistan -- to demand de jure international status as nuclear states, Eran was quick to respond, "I will prefer not answering this question".
In response to yet another question he said, "The recognition of Israel is an important element of the roadmap, which denotes acceptance of Israel as a reality by the Muslim and Arab world".
"The roadmap envisages the possibility of a web of our relations in economic, infrastructure, trade and other areas. Only such relations can promote mutual understanding. This is the only way to benefit from the fruits of peace in the Middle East," he said.
Web Fountain
The latest innovation by Andrew Tomkins, British scientist at IBM, is the web fountain (web graph structure). It is fundamentally a supercomputer that has the memory capacity to "read" virtually everything on the net-literally billions of pages. What's particularly interesting about it is that it can provide a continual analysis of the latest trends and patterns in the virtual world (and admittedly the world at large since with the democratisation and accessibility of the net it no longer exists independent of our daily lives, rather complements to a great degree). However there is the added fear in that by providing an organised pattern of data collection to the entire world wide web it inhibits the chaotic nature of the internet, which was widely appreciated for the anonymity it bestowed on those who used it. The internet in a lot of ways rather reminds me of Isaac Asimov's theories in his seminal piece, the Foundation, where his character Hari Seldon hypothesises that despite the chaotic and seemingly random interaction of human individuals and populations there remains fundamental deepseated trends, which allows for accurate forecasting and pyschoanalysis. It is a theory, which complemented by Jared Diamond's assertion that geo-climatic forces provide the deepest faultlines, which has had tremendous influence on my philosophical outlook. The webfountain is tremendously exciting in that not only is the potential of the internet harnessed by corporations, who'll be better able to respond to the opinions and fashions of the virtual world, however it will provide for future generations a comprehensive compendium of our present. By tracking cultural drifts and public opinion it will inevitably create a corporate and societal culture that will invariably be more responsive and accomodating to these tilts.
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
I have been pondering over Iraq for the past year and the difference between the Shi'ites of Iraq and that of neighbouring Iran is best described by a simple sentence. When the Shah tried to supress the Iranian clerics they organised a grassroot resistance that eventually toppled Imperial Iran (repeating a trait of Iranian clergy, who historical retreated to their impenetrable Shi'ite bastions when threatened by the Iranian imperial state) whereas the Iraqi Shi'ites were quiscient and able to tolerate the secular dictatorship of Saddam without offering temporal or theological resistance (the Shi'ite revolt was secular in nature). The Iranian clergy has the ability to organise and centralise to a degree that is quite unmatched whereas the Iraqi Shi'ites have schisms that are much deeper than those between Ayatollah Sistani and Nouri. Iranian Shi'ism has been hardened by centuries of independent existence from the state and have a network that is centuries old whereas in Iraq Shi'ite are wracked by ethnic strife complemented by distinct demographic circumstances(urban vs rural, isolated Marsh Arabs) that at times negates their majority status (parallels are to be found in Lebanon where the dominant Shi'ite majority is severely weakened by their strong emphasis on clan identity).
Monday, June 02, 2003
The latest National Geographic has a seminal piece on untouchability in India. It graphically describes the caste bound rural society of the hinterland provinces and the widespread discrimination that affect those who are beyond the pale of the Indian caste system. A sixth of the Indian population are considered untouchables (synonyms are achut, panchjaman, harijan, dalit) and are relegated to the menial tasks. According to the National Geographic not a day goes by when an Indian newspaper doesn't report an attack on untouchables who have the audacity to challenge their circumstances and fight for their rights. The higher castes (or twice born as believed in Hinduism) theologically rationalise this subjugation and have formed militias in states like Bihar to preserve the status quo. In traditional Hinduism the highest castes, such as the Brahmins, would not dare to dream to have physical contact with these castes they perceive as sub-human (there are cases where untouchables have been beated because their impure shadows hovered over a member of the Brahmin caste) and indeed in certain regions such as the Punjab (which has a more egalitarian spirit) the sign of acceptance has been when a Brahmin will accept a drink of water or candy treats from another caste.
I find that Hinduism as a belief system, whilst capable of the highest philosophical truths as evidenced by the Vedanta, has systematically locked Indian society into a caste oriented environment. A millennia of caste endogamy has served to crystallise the once fluidic interactions of Indian society and it is perhaps why Islam has had such a success in the Sub-continent. When a religious philosophies deigns a sixth of the population less than human beings (in fact treat cows better than them) then it is no surprise that it will lose these very adherents to other belief systems. Its emphasis (as well as Judaism) on ritual and hereditary purity means that it loses the ground to flexible religions as Islam and Christianity. Upon conversion to these universalistic religions prior identities dissolve away to be replaced by the communal membership in the Ummah. Hinduism and Judaism maybe undoubtedly more tolerant then these two religions (it is so much as acceptance rather indifference) however they lack the integrative spirit to cohere their societies together.
Pakistan, admittedly a wholly artificial state, has been able to assimilate 85% of its population into a Muslim Urdu-speaking identity that accepts the Arab invasions and the Mughals as its collective legacy whereas India is plagued by intercine Hindu-Hindu, Hindu-Muslim, Hindu-Christian (in the north eastern states) and Hindu-Sikh conflicts. At the end of the day whilst Pakistan is an authoritarian state there is a sense of unity that has been organically cultivated, assisted in no small part by rapid assimilation of the regional populations (Punjabis, Pathans, Shi'ites, Sindhis etc...) into the culture of the dominant elite who were refugees from Delhi. This is due to the fabric of Islam whereby ethnic, regional and sectarian divisions are ameliorated by membership of the Ummah. Islamic cultures may have numerous hindrances however the copiousness and flexibility of the Islamic faith has allowed it to have more interactive societies than either Israel or India. Particularistic faiths such as Judaism and Hinduism fail to establish a platform for a truly integrative society....
Ps:
An excellent read on Israel's inner dynamics would either be Tom Friedman's book (Beirut to Jerusalem) or the Pulitzer winning book "Arab & Jew".
I find that Hinduism as a belief system, whilst capable of the highest philosophical truths as evidenced by the Vedanta, has systematically locked Indian society into a caste oriented environment. A millennia of caste endogamy has served to crystallise the once fluidic interactions of Indian society and it is perhaps why Islam has had such a success in the Sub-continent. When a religious philosophies deigns a sixth of the population less than human beings (in fact treat cows better than them) then it is no surprise that it will lose these very adherents to other belief systems. Its emphasis (as well as Judaism) on ritual and hereditary purity means that it loses the ground to flexible religions as Islam and Christianity. Upon conversion to these universalistic religions prior identities dissolve away to be replaced by the communal membership in the Ummah. Hinduism and Judaism maybe undoubtedly more tolerant then these two religions (it is so much as acceptance rather indifference) however they lack the integrative spirit to cohere their societies together.
Pakistan, admittedly a wholly artificial state, has been able to assimilate 85% of its population into a Muslim Urdu-speaking identity that accepts the Arab invasions and the Mughals as its collective legacy whereas India is plagued by intercine Hindu-Hindu, Hindu-Muslim, Hindu-Christian (in the north eastern states) and Hindu-Sikh conflicts. At the end of the day whilst Pakistan is an authoritarian state there is a sense of unity that has been organically cultivated, assisted in no small part by rapid assimilation of the regional populations (Punjabis, Pathans, Shi'ites, Sindhis etc...) into the culture of the dominant elite who were refugees from Delhi. This is due to the fabric of Islam whereby ethnic, regional and sectarian divisions are ameliorated by membership of the Ummah. Islamic cultures may have numerous hindrances however the copiousness and flexibility of the Islamic faith has allowed it to have more interactive societies than either Israel or India. Particularistic faiths such as Judaism and Hinduism fail to establish a platform for a truly integrative society....
Ps:
An excellent read on Israel's inner dynamics would either be Tom Friedman's book (Beirut to Jerusalem) or the Pulitzer winning book "Arab & Jew".
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