Africa – War and Peace Prospects

August 26, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Rwandan Rebels Atrocity against Congolese Women

The Rwandan rebels reportedly gang raped 150 women and brutally attacked them during the weekend August 21-22, 2010, raid in the eastern Congo villages – the village of Ruvungi, in North Kivu Province.

According to the reports, the U.N. held the Democratic forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, F.D.I.R. responsible for the violent assault. The systemic abuse and terrorization is routinely carried out against the innocent civilians, especially the women in that region.

The F.D.I.R. is believed to be the Hutu rebels plundering the village communities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as ‘Zaire.’

Despite the regional violent past leading to the U.N. military base as peacekeepers within 20 miles from these villages, the U.N. officials’ ambivalence on the peacekeepers’ knowledge about the horrific crime and the lack of intervention in protecting the victims is a tactical flaw.

It defeats the purpose of peace mission if the repeat violence is undeterred and escalating with no end in sight to the sexual attacks against women.

Reflecting on the history in the Central and eastern African nations – Rwanda, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola – There are many commonalities from the origin to the status quo.

All of these nations have endured the unspeakable crime against humanity during foreign power dominance and in the late twentieth century.

Accordingly, the basis of such atrocity emanates from the deliberate division in these societies created and fomented in the course of spreading religion by Western missionaries and their colonizers in the nineteenth and twentieth century.

1. The Democratic Republic of Congo:

Colonial Power – Congo Free State by the Monarchy King Leopold II of Belgium and the Belgian Congo by Belgium until 1960.

First Congo war – December 1996 – As per the reports then – Laurent-Désiré Kabila, a self-declared communist led the rebel forces ADFLC (Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo) against the ruling government.

Civilian Deaths – 60,000 (That comprised disappearances, torture and killings).

Second Congo War also known as the Africa World war – declared the deadliest war since World War II
War Period – August 1998 – July 2003

Civilian Deaths during war and aftermath – 5.4 million

2. Rwanda: Colonial Power – Germany and then Belgium until 1962.

Rwandan Genocide – Civil War – 1994

Civilian Deaths in mere 100 days – around 800,000 (believed to be 20% of the total population)

3. Burundi: Colonial Power – Germany and later Belgium until 1962 but officially ended in August 2005.

Civil war Period – 1993 – 2005

Civilian Deaths – 300,000

4. Angola –

Colonial Power – Portugal until 1975 – Gained freedom after the war of independence.

Civil War – 1975 – 1991 between communist, anti-communist and the separatist militant groups.

“The Angolan Civil War was one of the largest, longest, and most prominent armed conflicts of the Cold War. Both the Soviet Union and the U.S. considered it critical to the global balance of power and to the outcome of the Cold War.”

The Angolan civil war resumed again in 1992 – 1994 and 1998 – 2002.

Civilian Deaths – 500,000 in the 27 year war that officially ended in 2002.

While, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola wars are related to the political upheavals with external intrusion within Africa and the global powers at that time.

Rwanda and Burundi have been dealing with clashes between the once peaceful Hutu population and the Tutsi tribes that co-existed including intermix marriages until the European colonial powers upon their colonization assigned the Tutsis the superior status based on physical appearance against the traditional Hutu peasants.

Since then, the perpetual violence predominantly between these two groups had been widespread with the 1994 massacre appropriately recognized as the ‘Rwandan genocide,’ that resulted in roughly 500,000 – 1,000,000 fatalities by the Hutu militiamen under apparent foreign influence against the Tutsis preceded by the reversal killings in the latter part of twentieth century.

Evidently, The Democratic Republic of Congo has its share of warfare and violence that continues until now. Among them, the distinctive Second Congo war August 1998 – July 2003, the Africa World War involving eight nations and 25 armed groups have caused the several million deaths not only in war, but an estimated 5.4 million documented to have died from disease and starvation by 2008.

Many have succumbed to preventable diseases and malnutrition with children being the major casualty.

The eastern part of Congo is considered the ethnic Hutu rebels stronghold for economic reasons with the spate of sexual violence callously carried out against the Congolese women.

Notably, these simultaneous civil wars occurred from 1992 to 2005 in the east and Central Africa with the world powers exacerbating the situation such as in Angola war and other times leaving the victims at the aggressors’ mercy not excluding military action made possible with the obvious arms supply to the warring factions.

Had peace been initiated or promoted vigorously the generational conflict heightened in the early 1990’s until 2008 could have potentially prevented the incredible loss of lives.

Unequivocally, the arms trade had flourished in the process rendering central and eastern African lives dispensable with history repeating itself in Darfur, Sudan.

On the bright side, Rwanda today is acknowledged as the vibrant and progressive nation with rapid economic growth, political stability highlighted with the national legislature represented by majority women.

That being the case, there is all the more reason for the Rwandan female legislators to condemn the violence by the Rwandan Hutu rebels against the Congolese women in the eastern Congo and exemplify their solidarity to the victims through strategic support in curbing the senseless act against the village communities in the neighboring eastern democratic republic of Congo.

“The rights of all are diminished when the rights of one are threatened. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” – By none other than the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King.Jr.

Africa – where life dawned on earth is owed by the rest of the world particularly those nations that have prospered from its abundant resources and subsequently benefited from the human capital in their respective domain.

It’s time for a new beginning in Africa long been mired with civil wars, corruption, disease, poverty and exploitation from within and foreign power.

Rwanda’s status as the developing nation is further enhanced in engendering peace with its neighbors by addressing the Rwandan Hutu rebels’ violence against the villagers in the eastern Congo.

African leaders across the continent could reshape the destiny by honoring the democratic rule in the politically vulnerable states and focus on providing economic opportunities for the people affected in the ceaseless conflicts.

It’s entirely in the hands of the leaders to restore Africa’s image as a resilient, resourceful and remarkable global partner in every aspect.

Wishing long lasting peace, progress and prosperity to the land of the sparkling jewel.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

http://youtu.be/wHduddO7ZaU

Emergency Aid to Pakistan Flood Victims

August 18, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Pakistan is experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis due to massive flooding, posing tremendous challenges for the government and the victims.

Although, the United States assistance has been substantial in the relief operation, it’s a global responsibility to help the people of Pakistan.

The onus is not on the United States alone, the international aid from all corners of the world is essential to rescue the estimated twenty million displaced population and the families who have lost their loved ones in the natural disaster.

There is an opportunity for all nations across the globe to come forward and extend their support through financial and other humanitarian resources.

Perhaps, The Kingdom of Brunei, Saudi Arabia, EU, the Middle East and developing nations including private donors from different parts of the world could share the financial burden with the United States and humanitarian organizations.

Pakistanis’ plight cannot be ignored as the internal or national problem. The culmination of natural catastrophe and economic conditions have increased the inevitable health risks apart from the potential threats in social, environmental, political and security fronts for the South Asian country.

In the holy month of Ramadan, the people of Pakistan are dealing with the natural calamity and struggling to overcome the enormous tragedy on their shores.

Please respond to Pakistani citizens’ “SOS,” with an outpouring compassion and generosity that is required more than ever.

People of Pakistan also urgently deserve the world society’s contribution in nation building and economic growth to emerge from the burgeoning status quo.

International Humanitarian Agencies such as International Red Cross, American Red Cross, Oxfam, Doctors without Borders including the United Nations’ Relief Organizations are standing by to accept your donations.

You could visit their websites to make any affordable payments.

Organizing concerts for the worthy cause could also expedite the fund raising possibilities in this regard.

Please reach out to the victims to minimize casualties and save precious lives.

Your kindness is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Tragic Events in Pakistan

August 1, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Pakistan has been hit with successive tragedies lately resulting in enormous loss of precious lives.

Earlier, there were significant fatalities from the air crash near Islamabad. While the people were grieving over the aviation mishap, the country is swept with massive flooding and more than 1500 people reportedly lost their lives.

The flooding is expected to worsen with thousands displaced and millions facing life disruptions due to power outages and transportation problems.

Pakistani government appears to have deployed its military for rescue operation. It’s challenging to deal with mass mobilization for any emergency crew. The Pakistani forces are apparently doing their best in saving lives.

In addition, the United States logistic support in this regard expedites the relief effort. The major concerns during natural disasters are the spread of diseases and the populace exodus to the safety zones.

Aid workers involved in minimizing casualties have a daunting task in reaching the victims because of the limited access and air lifting survivors often delays the progress.

It’s a horrendous humanitarian endeavor and the people of Pakistan are courageously enduring the aftermath despite the natural constraints in delivering the urgently required services.

United Nations are presumably engaged in providing the appropriate assistance that would not only alleviate the burden on the local governments but also maximize the restoration capabilities.

The people of Pakistan deserve global attention in the economic and social development sharing the status with numerous developing nations around the world.

As such Pakistan has been held hostage by the terror networks prompting ongoing military intervention and continuous violence through frequent suicide bombings render survival impossible for the peaceful majority within the country.

Any other incidents along with natural calamities exacerbate the situation especially for the millions at the demographic bottom experiencing critical economic condition.

The Pakistani government is faced with eliminating terrorism and rebuilding the country amid unpredictable catastrophes on its shores.

Pakistan is long overdue for a new beginning with peaceful existence now and in the future.

It’s imminent and the governing authorities could enable the onset sooner by prioritizing the citizens’ plight through divestments from excess military expenditure to economy, education and social structure.

In terms of the current crisis, consolidating the resources including the United States and UN contributions towards different humanitarian needs in the grim moment could perhaps yield the desirable outcome.

International Red Cross and other U.N. humanitarian programs might greatly impact the deteriorating environment in containing the rising death toll from the severe floods that has seemingly affected many provinces.

Please rush your affordable and generous donations to the International Red Cross and other recognized U.N. humanitarian agencies to help the people of Pakistan.

We offer our sincere condolences to the victims’ families mourning on the unfortunate events in the past week.

More importantly, there is hope for the struggling population braving the harsh realities as they are not forgotten in the commitment to end human suffering.

On that positive note, wishing strength and optimism to the people of Pakistan in overcoming the multitude difficulties at present.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Current Events

January 13, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Earthquake in Haiti

The Caribbean nation on the western hemisphere, Haiti, is hit with a massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. Natural disasters are generally devastating for any country, particularly the poorest nations.

Unfortunately, Haiti with reportedly 80 percent of the population below the poverty line will require more than financial aid.

President Obama’s action to provide military assistance in rescue operation combined with necessary humanitarian relief is praiseworthy.

Other nations including the Vatican should come forward and join the efforts with the United States in the financial contributions to help victims and their families experiencing the greatest tragedy.

I offer my sincere condolences to the victims’ families and hope for the Haitian population’s sufferings to end now and in the future.

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Vice President Joe Biden’s Personal Tragedy

I extend my condolences to the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden in the recent loss of his beloved mother, Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden. It’s never easy to bid farewell to the loved ones and more difficult with the members who leave a lasting impact in one’s life.

However, Mrs. Jean Finnegan Biden was blessed to have lived a long healthy life and participated in the swearing in ceremony of her son the then Senator, Joe Biden to the office of Vice Presidency of the United States.

I join the President and members of Congress in the somber moment and pray for Mrs. Jean Finnegan Biden’s soul to rest in peace.

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Guantanamo Guard’s Portrayal of Human Character

According to the BBC World news featured on January 12, 2009:

Reference: Video footage titled “GITMO Guard Reunites with Free…” featured below.

“Brandon Neely – A Guantanamo Bay Guard, 2002 had serious doubts about the unfair imprisonment of two inmates Shafiq Rasul and Ruhal Ahmed – 2002 -2004, and believed them to be innocent during their captivity in prison. So, he traveled to London to reconcile the error.”

Both inmates were released after being held without any trial due to the denial of Habeas Corpus, the tradition introduced during the Bush-Cheney era and continued until date. Shafiq Rasul and Ruhal Ahmed reportedly left for the United Kingdom, as they were British subjects.

Brandon Neely tormented by the task that involved torture and extreme brutality against the majority innocent captives, could not live with the guilt of having carried out the order as a security guard and apparently established contact with the exonerated inmates through the social networking site, Facebook.

Brandon Neely traveled all the way to London and apologized to the victims of the massive witch-hunt that is guided by the “indefinitely guilty,” law and branded “enemy combatant,” to evade the normally applicable Geneva Convention.

Brandon Neely is truly a hero and a human being of good moral character, not to mention a great ambassador of the United States. Shafiq Rasul and Ruhal Ahmed share the honor for their extraordinary courage and act of forgiveness.

Perhaps, the advocates of torture like water boarding and other inhumane tactics at the Guantanamo Bay, representing the tainted image of the United States along with the authorities contemplating on prolonging the infamous boot camp could pause and reflect on the cited thought-provoking incident.

History is testimony to the fact that violence begets violence and aptly described by the pioneer of peace, none other than Mahatma Gandhi,

“An eye for an eye will make the world go blind.”

It’s evident in the contemporary world. It’s never too late to change the course of action and submit to peace and non-violence.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

COP 15 – Copenhagen 2009 Tentative Accord

December 21, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

The two-week long climate summit evidently dissatisfied the scientific and the international community despite the arrival of the world leaders from around two hundred countries to discuss the climate change confronting humanity at the present time. Although, the international forum provided the platform to share the concerns among the delegates representing many nations, the entry prohibition to the civil society and other legitimate voices is undemocratic aside from being discriminatory towards the nexus organizations.

It appears the contentious issues demanding focus include the following:

First, the developing countries in Africa and island nations fear the catastrophic effects of not reaching a binding agreement in this meeting. It’s justified given the status quo already proved to be cataclysmic in the economic and ecological sense with Tsunamis, droughts, famine, and floods for the poorer nations. Similarly, the developed counterparts hit with other kind like the wildfires in Australia and the rapidly melting glaciers eroding the villages in the Swiss Alps such as Fiesch and Aletsch Glacier shrinking gradually and forcing residents to rely on prayer for salvation.

Industrialized nations competing with the emerging economic powers China and India should not circumvent the commitment on their part in the carbon emissions reduction, considering the multinational investments in these regions is yielding huge profits from the pollution at the expense of the local population. Australia for instance, is the major coal supplier to China and a formidable competitor to the Western bidders especially the United States in the uranium supply to India.

Elsewhere in South East Asia, the energy company Chevron Texaco has established strong ties with the military junta in Burma aka Myanmar regardless of the political standoff between the regime and the rest of the world in order to exploit the natural gas exploration in the oppressed nation.

The western nations cannot pretend to be the environmental force when they are being the polluting source on the planet. Based on the prevalent situations across the globe, it is appropriate for the developing nations to hold the industrialized countries responsible for the major proportion of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Western industrialization throughout the twentieth century and until date in the absence of rigid safety regulations and environmental standards not barring the industrial waste deposits both on and off shores has contributed to the challenge facing the global population. As a result, the economically disadvantaged segments in the society are imposed with perpetual air and noise pollution exacerbated by chemical exposure and poor sanitation causing enormous health hazards and life threatening diseases that eventually transform into a worldwide epidemic.

Whether it’s the Gulf Coast, the industrial towns in New Jersey and across U.S.A, or the overseas locations like Bhopal in India, Nigeria in Africa, Latin America and the island territories, the energy and other sectors’ culture dominate. Contamination through oil and gas leakage concurrently in the oceans and on land, release of toxic substances from the industrial waste blending with the river streams have become increasingly common taking toll on the human health, regional economy and the weather conditions.

Is it extreme for the victims to claim climate debt or reparation from the governments owned by these corporations?

Historically, the industrialized nations are indebted to the planet for wreaking havoc through nuclear retaliation in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and pursuit of non-nuclear yet environmentally devastating warfare until date by the military industrial complex.

From Vietnam to Iraq, Gaza and Afghanistan not excluding civil wars in Africa and Latin America, the damage to the natural elements particularly the air and water is unsustainable, rendering the resources in the existing war zones unsuitable for consumption.

Further, the use of landmines popular during the Vietnam era has produced substantial civilian casualties, the majority being children with prosthetic legs upon survival. Often, the landmines are found in the agricultural lands entirely wasted due to the hidden explosives buried beneath the earth contributing to the environmental degradation.

Recently, the global mine ban treaty was adopted by most nations except for India, China, Israel, Pakistan, Russia, Egypt, Finland, Poland, and the United States. It’s a travesty and reflects the lack of sensitivity by the non-signatories.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2009/nov/26/obama-landmine-ban-treaty.

“The US has announced that it won’t sign the global landmine ban treaty.

Yet on Tuesday, as Americans’ attentions were turning to the Thanksgiving holidays, a state department spokesman, Ian Kelly, quietly announced that the Obama administration would not sign the international antipersonnel landmine ban.

He also said that the Bush-era landmine policy, a regression from Bill Clinton’s position, “remains in effect.”

In terms of conventional warfare, it’s worth highlighting the presumptuous display of the deadliest arsenal used in the contemporary wars by the United States & NATO as well as the allies and the adversaries.

GBU-43/B / “Mother Of All Bombs” used in Iraq by the United States in 2004 with a caption ‘Shock and Awe.’

The White Phosphorus rain akin to the ‘radiation rain’ in Gaza by Israel in Dec 2008 and Jan 2009.

Russian military showdown against Georgia in the wake of 2008 South Ossetia invasion.

The continuous shelling from the military operation in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan generating endless explosions through suicide bombings by the insurgents, are catastrophic to the environment.

Certain syndicated columnist and the conservative anti-environmentalists continually debate global warming as a ‘myth’ and disdain the developing nations’ funding plea with the affluent ones for various preventive and operational strategies during disasters.

It’s not surprising as the groups have long denied the extreme weather conditions experienced by them at home and overseas. Their accusation against the so-called “third world” countries being dependent on industrialized nations’ charity to curb the burgeoning crisis is typical of them to isolate the global issue as the regional problem.

They conveniently ignore the fact that most multinational companies situated in Africa, Asia and Latin America have not only defaulted on their responsibility towards humanitarian laws but also frequently violated environmental regulations and gotten away without any or adequate compensations to the victims. Some examples already cited above.

Likewise, with respect to the environmental woes, the Boston Globe feminist columnist in a bizarre stance targeted the “third world” again stressing the need to address the population growth in those areas through education and contraceptive distribution to women.

Although, the population rate vary globally, the escalation in teenage pregnancies in the western nations in spite of the contraceptives and education availability along with the instances such as the “Octomom” misuse of science sensationalized for reasons other than social enigma deserve attention from the biased journalism.

As for the accord reached among the five nations, the United States, China, India, Brazil and South Africa, the long overdue recognition towards individual carbon reduction is significant. However, the United States acceptance at 17 per cent level signifies the refusal to apply itself on par with others especially when the U.S. is in equivalence with China as the largest polluter.

Additionally, the informal consensus on the verification and monitoring of the greenhouse gas emissions through reliable methods is a progressive measure. Nevertheless, it’s not credible unless the accord transformed into a binding agreement with effective consequences viz. the diplomatic censure and the economic sanctions irrespective of the hierarchical stature.

Regarding the immediate aid $10 billion for three years to the developing nations in coping with the climate change, it falls short of the requirement given the magnitude of the global dilemma. Synonymously, the conditional offer to raise $100 billion by 2020 is evasive of the reality confronting the vulnerable parts of the world like Africa, Latin America and the entire coastal regions.

When the United States could allocate $626 billion for wars supplemented by another $128 billion in the recently Congress approved massive $1.1 trillion federal budget, it’s incomprehensible to view the United States’ reluctance to contribute more and lead its allies towards active participation in the planet goals.

Obviously, there is an urgent need to shift priorities from the life destruction to the life protection policy. There is no time to squander with the precipitous decline of the earth disintegrating from the failure to act decisively by the leaderships in the pivotal moment at Copenhagen.

Containing the rise in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit was the aggravating factor for the attendees and the dispute is valid.

The scientific data upon careful study and review of the alarming sea level rising anywhere between 20 to 30 feet during the interglacial age portends the emergency in the current period accelerating in the range possibly reaching 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit in the not too distant future.

That’s why the island nations and the poorer countries’ request to aim for 1.5 degrees Celsius or less before 2050 absolutely conforms to the scientific evidence. Besides, it underscores the dangers involved in seeking the optimum temperature maintenance at 2 degrees Celsius by the industrialized nations.

Therefore, it’s incumbent on the nations responsible for global warming to come in terms with the actualities and respond to the genuine complexity endured by the poorer economies.

I concur with the environmental critics on one aspect that the forthcoming summits should be aimed at restricting carbon footprints by the dignitaries attending the meeting. Otherwise, it exemplifies the irony in the action and the notion.

It’s encouraging to note that India, South Africa and Brazil acknowledged as the important dealmakers in the climate climax while they are conspicuously avoided for permanent memberships in the U.N. Security Council to resolve other major international crises, suggesting the political convenience.

Finally, the universal reaction to the COP15 climate conference is, the accord is a refreshing change but it’s imperative to solidify the same into a formal treaty by all nations for a meaningful course of action. It must incorporate the vital demands based on the deteriorating habitat and the scientific proof urging the world leaders to expedite the implementation of the concrete environmental policy.

Meanwhile, the United States and others resting on the fence should ratify the Kyoto protocol due to expire in 2012 as their confirmation of the firm commitment to save the planet.

Where there is a will there is a way.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

COP15 – Copenhagen 2009

December 11, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

I welcome all nations attending the climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. It’s a symbolic recognition of the ‘greenhouse gases’ affecting humanity at the present time.

Since the nations across the globe have come together to arrive at a consensus in containing the burgeoning environmental crisis threatening life existence and sustenance on earth, it’s vital to display solidarity in dealing with the humanitarian challenge.

Prior to the conference, the anti-environmentalists coalesced to spread the propaganda against global warming through ambiguous data arousing skepticism in the public mind. Unfortunately, whenever there is opposition to a common cause benefiting humanity, the isolated views temporarily overshadow the reality. Therefore, it’s necessary for the world population to invade the fiction with facts during such meeting or any other time.

The polarizations are inevitable in a global discussion on the various problems contributing to the environmental deterioration. However, protecting the habitat is an individual responsibility as much as it is the collective goal. Having stated that, the industrialized nations being the major polluters through carbon emissions are seemingly resistant to solid financial investments and serious commitments urgently required to alleviate the planet degradation.

It doesn’t come as a surprise considering the priorities of waging war that is proved to exacerbate the ozone depletion in the atmosphere justified over imminent danger to the evolutionary process. The presumptuous policy is indicative of the folly and blissful ignorance.

Evidently, the United States is leading in this context with the ‘Cap and Trade’ legislation tossed in the back burner at the domestic front. Further, the defiance to requests on climate debt and reparation designed to assist the poorer nations experiencing the worst climate disasters in the form of famine, floods and unnatural hazards caused by the U.S. and multinational corporations’ industrial pollution dismay the victims.

In yet another respect, the U.S. ambivalence in ratifying the comprehensive Kyoto treaty extension, alternatively the formation of a similar agreement enforcing universal standard on carbon reduction constructively rather than destructively reflect the continuation of Bush-Cheney policy.

Nevertheless, the international community is presented with a unique opportunity at this forum to turn the tide by solemnly pledging to explore all options and exhaust the available means within reach to avert climate catastrophes. The timeframe set to achieve the targets should be in the near and not the distant future in acknowledgment of the apocalyptic-like events witnessed recently in the impoverished regions such as Africa, Latin America, The Pacific Islands and South Asia particularly the Philippines, Burma and Bangladesh.

Given the new revelation in the world stage with the powerful conglomerate determined to execute the ‘New World Order,’ through iron fist strategy otherwise the militia embodiment in direct violation of the national constitution,

It’s imperative for every citizen around the world to come together as the unified singular force representing the human race in resolving the enormous issues ranging from the environment to economic meltdown created, managed and manipulated by the oligarchs drumbeating the war message in preparation for the World War III.

I urge the global community to actively dissent military aggression and occupation in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere that is not only absorbing a significant proportion of the national GDP towards military expenditure but also depriving the nations from investments in environment, education, health care and long-term progress.

If democracy is slighted then the leadership is dangerously straying from the path of governance to dominance and the citizens obligatory to defend the constitution. Please don’t forget the powerful were once powerless. In a democracy or any form of government the real power lies with the mass, i.e. you. So, don’t let your voice be unheard. Think about our troops, the brave men and women being sent away and separated from their families around Christmas and Thanksgiving for years in search of an invisible Osama Bin Laden they have been looking for since October 2001.

Shifting focus on the climate change, the melting glaciers, the rising sea levels, the tsunami, the extreme weather patterns and the earthquakes are directly related to the precipitous decline of the ecosystem. In addition the imbalance is attributed to deforestation, overfishing, inadequate preservation of wilderness, wetlands and natural resources, offshore drilling for oil, and limited measures in energy conservation. As a result of these factors the endangered species are rising not barring the excessive toll on human beings.

More than a billion in the world population, the majority being children are battling with death from starvation. In the United States alone 49 million people reportedly went hungry in 2008 and sadly 1 million among them were children. It’s completely unacceptable for any nation and certainly for the affluent country that allocates disproportionate amount towards hypothetical warfare but fails to provide the citizens with basic necessities.

The United States must lead the world in regulating the environment contamination by the energy industry and other sectors. It could share the technology and innovative knowhow with the developing and under-developed nations in waste management.

Vigorous campaigning and incentives to recycle products along with the manufacturing of biodegradable and non-toxic items for consumer use is crucial. Consumption of organic produces against genetically modified food is lot cheaper for the poorer nations and the multinational corporations should be deterred from marketing chemical fertilizers that have harmed the agro-based economies drastically.

I admire the sincere dedication towards climate justice by a fellow Australian, the 24 year old Anna Keenan on hunger strike into the 35th day and currently awaiting outcome from the COP15 meeting. The world is proud of honorable citizens like Anna and look forward to seeing the fair minds in the leadership role, perhaps the future Prime Minister of Australia. Accordingly, Anna should end the hunger strike in order to continue the crusade in protecting the planet.

Likewise, there are great many activists relentlessly engaged in safeguarding the best gift to mankind, the beautiful earth, the habitat for all living species. We should not allow it to perish through the willful act of negligence.

I trust the COP15 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark will be a huge success with an international treaty in place for the global community to adhere to in terms of carbon reduction within the next two years. Energy solutions via natural sources are absolutely essential for independence from foreign oil and fossil fuels.

Above all, a genuine agreement on nuclear disarmament to eliminate the desire for nuclear energy by some nuclear free nations is paramount. It would eliminate the possibility for endless wars under the guise of establishing freedom and peace on foreign land.

Let’s cherish and celebrate Mother Nature. Save the planet and secure the future for all.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

The Mighty Deception – War and Politics

December 9, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

The West Point address delivered by President Barack Obama on the troops surge resonate the message from the former President George W. Bush then amassing support for troop expansion in Iraq. Therefore, it is no surprise and not hard to figure out the source providing the material.

Since invasion, Afghan war is presented as the war of ‘necessity’ against the Iraq war of ‘choice.’ Indisputably, on September 11, 2001 there were over three thousand lives mercilessly and willfully murdered through pre-meditated, callous act apparently by the terror organization Al-Qaida but seemingly masterminded by the alleged real terror, the Cabal wreaking havoc on the planet thus far.

What has not been acknowledged until date is the deliberate negligence of the forewarnings and intelligence reports raising red flag on the imminent threat in American soil prior to the September 11 attack with no one being brought to justice including Osama Bin Laden. Any trials that have been conducted up until now are focused on the terrorists carrying out the heinous crime without even considering probing the conspirators in the modus operandi signifying the entire show is nothing but a charade.

Let the world not forget that the White House under President George W. Bush personally ensured the safe departure of Osama Bin Laden’s immediate and extended family members upon the terror striking the WTC and other U.S. interests during 9/11. It’s well documented and available on the video.

Despite numerous testimonials and facts presented ‘in your face’ manner, the powerful entities reining in on democracy through mass media, columnists representing the ‘reputable’ news organizations and the legislative body continue to suppress the truth behind the worst atrocity ever to take place on this planet. Plainly spoken, the justice system hijacked presumably by the secret society, the illuminati.

In fact, what these spokespersons and the silent spectators do not realize is, masquerading sinister depicts complicity to the diabolicalness evidenced in the September 11 attack. Furthermore, the cynical majority against the concerned minority share the moral and ethical degradation of the criminal epicenter.

Regardless, justice will be served in the ‘Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,’ the United States, by bringing all the perpetrators responsible for the cold blooded murder of their own citizens and scores of other innocent lives in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The predecessors of this nation, President Dwight Eisenhower and President John F. Kennedy have courageously exposed the secret society activities and alerted the American public to come forward and challenge the unconstitutional dominance in all affairs particularly the perpetual warfare. Both Presidents have expressed their serious concerns against the undemocratic events clichéd in the past eight years with simultaneous wars, economic and energy crises eventually contributing to the unsustainable environmental disaster.

The operators’ strategy explicitly detailed by the various reliable sources viz. “the insiders,” is indeed an artful masterpiece. It’s based on creating a monumental catastrophe such as September 11,2001 followed by a reaction in the form of ‘Islamaphobia’ and solutions derived through waging endless wars in regions unconquerable leading to random imprisonments at Guantanamo Bay, Bagram and Abu Ghraib prisons,

Notwithstanding the abhorrent techniques such as water boarding, torture, extraordinary renditions, kidnapping of targeted civilians exclusively of Muslim descent from foreign locations as potential suspects, denial of Habeas corpus cited in the case U.S. vs. Sami Al Arian…

The Virginia federal prosecutor along with the U.S. Justice department under Atty. General John Ashcroft relentlessly pursued the South Florida University Professor Sam Al Arian, the Islamophobia victim after being acquitted by the jury on all twenty accounts clawed back into the vicious dragnet during the dark ages of the notorious Bush–Cheney administration.

The American professor is still a political prisoner having been subject to the draconian policies and the family put through a horrendous ordeal from the blatant discriminatory practices against the Muslim population to conceal the organizational vile activities in the name of democracy.

If the United States judicial system is based upon the constitution protecting every citizen whether native or naturalized, then the Professor Sam Al Arian deemed not guilty by the jury in the first trial should be acquitted of all politically motivated false charges including the deportation order and released immediately for reunion with his family.

Other extremes such as hiring private contractors like the infamous ‘Blackwater,’aka Xe Services LLC not only abusing our own service members especially the female personnel but also the civilian population in the occupied regions as noted in Iraq, Afghanistan and other war zones around the world.

In terms of constitutional breach against the citizens of the United States, the hyperbolic color-coded security threat constantly surfaced throughout the Bush-Cheney era and helped the administration win the second term in the national elections to pursue extended global terror.

The ‘war on terror’ enabled the establishment of the Patriot Act that led to the unlawful apprehension, humiliation and harassment of South East Asians and Middle Eastern travelers at the U.S. airports and most notably FISA, the illegal wiretapping otherwise eavesdropping on private citizens’ personal communications under the pretext of national security which essentially is the ‘Cabals’ insecurity.

Under the Obama administration, the Bush-Cheney Patriot Act is followed through to confirm the legitimacy of the tactically implemented ‘war on terror,’ in spite of the imminent ‘change’ promised on the campaign trail.

Unfortunately, again similar policy embraced now to prolong the military occupation in Afghanistan with a possibility to strike Iran under the exaggerated nuclear threat from the Islamic Republic incapable of producing the nuclear weapons required to challenge the nuclear-armed Israel and the strongest ally, the United States.

Given the pre-existing propaganda about “Iran positioned to attack Israel resulting in a nuclear holocaust anytime now,” the alarming information circulated to substantiate the devious plans behind the World War III.

It’s vital for the American and the international community to realize that Afghanistan is the preferred location for the military industrial complex, even though they reaffirmed the terror networks convergence in Pakistan. The reason being, the MIC true intention for the massive troop buildup is to utilize Afghanistan as the strategic base to launch attack against Iran that would conclusively pre-empt the World War III. Another factor is the MIC denied access by Iraq, the initial location selected as the launching base against another Islamic, poignantly the Shiite dominant Iran.

More dangerously, the war counsel represented by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Defense Secretary visibly promoting Afghan troops increase will soon exert pressure on the Obama administration and the Congress into participating in the brewing grand worldwide conflict.

Since the unveiling of the military industrial complex and the oligarchs ‘dubious scheme likely to be scorned by the ‘veteran’ pundits and experts in the respective fields,

I would like to remind the world that, prior to the swearing in of the Obama Presidency, the Vice President Joe Biden dropped the ball during the political fund raising event in Seattle, WA,on October 2008:

Biden to Supporters: “Gird Your Loins”, For the Next President …

“20 Oct 2008 … “Mark my words,” the Democratic vice presidential nominee warned at the …
Watch, we’re gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the
mettle of this guy. …. Vice president Joe Biden asks can humans be microchipped
. …. They are just waiting for chaos to bring order, their NWO. … Test
Obama’s mettle?”

Interestingly, some columnists laud the President’s leadership mettle for standing up against the anti-war democratic base rather than the supreme force dictating the world with a cleverly camouflaged stagecraft that is designed for profitable war games at the expense of death and destruction of countless innocent lives, case in evidence being the September 11, 2001.

How difficult is it to comprehend that it ‘s politically astute to represent the ‘Powerful’ than the ‘Powerless?’

Afghanistan mission is sometimes portrayed as nation building and other times a specific task to eliminate Al-Qaida about 100 or less members against the combined U.S., NATO & Afghan forces estimated around 150,000 possessing modern artillery, aerial raids via drones and every conceivable intelligence resources at their disposal. With Afghan Taliban, re-negotiation is claimed to be considered by letting them join the foreign troops in fighting against the rebels opposed to the corrupt Karzai government reinstated by none other than the illicit foreign power through intrusion.

To gain domestic support for the bizarre yet calculated war expedition, some journalists and certain media are being used for verbal and visual hypnosis to brainwash the American taxpayers footing the military extravaganza.

Nuclear threat is the new wave fear mongering to orchestrate aggressions in the vulnerable regions like the Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian sub-continent clearly mindful of the dire consequences from the nuclear confrontation. Pakistan developed into a terror haven by the architects of the global terrorism that serves the interest of the conglomerate to maneuver political upheavals in the Islamic nation with an overwhelming population in abject poverty.

Widespread terrorism is beneficial to perennial military incursion in the Islamic countries, the nerve center of the geopolitics. The successful hate campaign against Islam as the religion and the systemic abuse of the Muslim population in the wake of ‘global terror’ cannot be underestimated.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5346480.stm

Pope’s speech stirs Muslim anger

Muslim religious leaders have accused Pope Benedict XVI of quoting anti-Islamic remarks during a speech at a German university this week.

Questioning the concept of holy war, he quoted a 14th-Century Christian emperor who said Muhammad had brought the world only “evil and inhuman” things.”

Afghan War – Troop Surge in Comparison with Iraq War – Troop Increase

Another explanation provided in President Obama’s speech for the prolonged Afghan war was the distraction by the Iraq war in 2003 suggesting it diminished the progress made from 2001 to 2003. For the war proponents, the phenomenal casualties suffered by the Afghan civilians and the U.S./NATO combats deaths are a consequential warfare tragedy cowardly described by the former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as a ‘collateral damage.’

Simultaneously, the Iraq adventure launched through immense manipulation and contrived theories while ignoring the worldwide dissent proclaimed as a victory. When in reality, the Iraq war is still in progress with bombings and explosions taking place at the present time and the Iraqi parliament struggling to gain support to hold national elections in January and reportedly postponed to March 2010.

The Iraq war conducted in a Machiavellian approach has produced the world’s largest war widows, orphans and significant number of combat veterans wounded with both physiological and psychological damage, not to mention the tarnished image of the United States from the Guantanamo Bay, Bagram prison and Abu Ghraib images flashed around the world.

According to recent reports, Taliban is the shadow government easily undermining the beleaguered Karzai administration riddled with corruption charges from the beginning leaving the only option for the Afghan people – ‘Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.’ Hence, they are more inclined to accept the Taliban as the lesser of the two evils.

The illuminati agenda for the NWO progresses while Afghanistan regresses to the stone age under Taliban.

At the end of the day, if corruption is synonymous to Karzai government,

What do we call Washington?

In light of the hard core facts and evidences, it’s clear the cataclysmic terror attack on September 11,2001 ought to be investigated and the criminals regardless of hierarchy and affiliations brought to justice in due respect for the 9/11 victims and the innocent lives lost in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

During the Presidential campaign in 2008, the candidates from both parties laid out their precise plan to capture the world’s most wanted ‘Osama Bin Laden.’ Senator John McCain stated that

“I will follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell” ….

Perhaps, that fallacy is now the prophecy for the cohort behind the September 11, 2001 horror and the despicable humanitarian crime ever to be committed in the modern civilization. It would be a matter for the Supreme Court as the highest order and legal authority in the land of justice to preside over the judicial process to honor and safeguard the United States Constitution grossly violated since the dawn of the twenty first century.

This would be the real test for the legal guardians obligatory to the great nation, the United States founded on the fundamentally sacred principles that guarantees freedom, civil liberties and justice for all.

Please remember that silence and abstinence embolden injustice and violence.

The topic discussion will continue with special attention on the political aspect.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Israel Palestine Peace Treaty

November 14, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

The fate of the two states solution is hanging in balance and the peace process has once again come to a screeching halt. Initially, there appeared to be momentum on both sides until the controversial yet credible issues surfaced and ignored by the parties in default.

The contentious issues are –

Freezing Jewish settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem in its entirety.

Honoring the Gaza report compiled by the Head of the UN Fact Finding Mission, Justice Richard Goldstone, overwhelmingly approved by the U.N. Human Rights Council and the U.N. General Assembly recently.

However, the U.S. House of Representatives proactively rejected the international consensus with a majority vote and condemned the report as biased against Israel. In addition, the House of Congress seemingly solidified their support on this issue by urging the White House to follow suit.

The Congress initiative in this respect is extremely disappointing and unconstitutional as it does not represent the popular view. Furthermore, the humanitarians in Israel confirm that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal approach with the House members on this issue led to the sweeping vote suggesting the U.S. democracy is a puppet to Israeli Knesset.

Preceding these events, the White House reportedly pressured the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to abandon any action at the U.N.General Assembly pertaining to the Gaza war crimes. The Palestinian President’s compliance with the White House requirement had jeopardized his leadership as the head of the democratically elected government. Fearing backlash in the upcoming elections in January 2010, the PLO leader decided not to run for re-election creating confusion and opportunity for all in the fragmented Palestinian politics.

It’s important to shed light on the Goldstone report dismissal by the relevant authorities viz. Israel, the United States, Russia, China and others sharing the burden of disproportionate military engagement and activities in direct violation of the Geneva Convention. Essentially, the deliberate invalidation of the well-balanced and meticulous findings by the honorable justice, Richard Goldstone possessing the background semblance with Israel than Palestine merit hearing and appropriate action in the international court of law.

In the war crime investigations, the authorities in power particularly the permanent U.N. Security Council members are united in the vilification or exoneration of their adversaries and allies for self-absolution. In fact, the protocol renders the process redundant besides displaying the international court of justice as a judicial committee exclusively set up for the U.N. P5 Plus targeted nations against a universal mandate.

The status quo justify the urgency to expand the U.N. Security Council permanent membership enforceable only through the U.N. member nations’ concerted action. Alternatively, defiance by dishonoring the present U.N. Security Council proposals would produce the desired membership extension.

Since, both Israel and Hamas are implicated for the crimes against civilian population, the trial in the international court of law is mandatory and appropriate to begin a new chapter in the twenty first century. War related atrocities, genocides, ethnic cleansing is dominant in the contemporary era setting a dangerous precedence now and in the future. It further exemplifies that the privileged nations with powerful allies are above the law and exempt from heinous crimes against humanity under the guise of national security, a contrived political fallacy.

Other pertinent issue stalling the peace negotiations is the unacceptable acceleration of Jewish settlements in the West Bank claimed by the Israeli authorities as a ‘natural growth,’ neglecting the explicit assault on the intelligence of the international community. Jewish settlements in the clearly demarcated Palestinian territories i.e. the West Bank and East Jerusalem is by far the most explosive and a provocative political maneuver by Israel to prolong the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.

No matter, how the Jewish settlements representing the nuclear component in the peace strategy is circumvented, the civilian and armed forces’ indefinite establishment is an infringement on human rights and unequivocally qualifies as an invasion of a foreign land in the eyes of the universal law, if not the U.S. law.

Unless and until the Israeli government recognizes the abominable settlement activity with a unilateral commitment to cease occupation through complete withdrawal of settlers and the military base, the regional conflict will continue to fuel global terrorism predominantly affecting the nations complicit to the colonization.

Although, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet ministers visit to Washington seeking peace talks resumption is a refreshing change in the half a century old crisis, peace mediation premised on Israel’s terms and conditions is analogous to the test drive conducted on a one way street with a dead end.

Earlier this week, Europe commemorated the fall of Berlin Wall marking the twentieth anniversary, a historic moment for the people liberated from the iron fist rule under ‘Communism,’ that caused political oppression and economic depression. Accordingly, the occasion attracted the prominent political figures reminiscent of the post demolition.

Ironically, the world rejoiced the fall of the Berlin wall while being complacent to a similar wall constructed by Israel along the Jerusalem neighborhoods and the West Bank resurrecting the repressive environment.

Indeed, the modern democracies’ pride and prejudice shines through these celebrations.

Interestingly, Israel’s offer to contain the new settlement expansion with the on-going construction permits issued behind the scenes earned a compliment from the U.S. Secretary of State as ‘unprecedented’ gesture that also echoed the Israeli Prime Minister demanding the Palestinian side to refrain from pre-conditions in the peace discussion.

The bone of contention in the embattled Israeli-Palestinian dispute is the irrefutable Jewish settlements, the concrete wall and the systemic abuse of human rights denying freedom, dignity and respect to the Palestinian population correlative to the twentieth century holocaust, a dark age in human civilization.

Tolerating imperialism in the new millennium is nullifying democracy to human beings born to be free like other species in the animal kingdom.

On the Palestinian front, Hamas is benefiting from the political vacuum in Fatah governing the West Bank. The situation is likely to become the worst nightmare for Israel and the United States without Israel’s co-operation in the peace pact.

Given the limited resources and territories, the best hope for the Palestinian people is to unify and present a consolidated political, economic and social agenda through young leadership embracing democratic values, peace over terrorism strengthened by a strong vision and dynamic qualities to build the newly independent Palestine.

As for the core issues in the Israeli-Palestine Peace Treaty:

1. Complete withdrawal of Israeli settlers and the military base from all Palestinian territories including the occupied peripheral lands since 1967.

2. Palestine is to be internationally recognized as a sovereign nation with East Jerusalem as the Capital City for the independent state.

3. The policy depriving Palestinians the right to return to Israel would conversely apply to the Jewish settlers and Israeli citizens on the Palestinian land. Similar reciprocal apply to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence to identify Israel as the ‘Jewish’ state.

4. Palestinian and Arab nation’s reaffirmation of Israel as a sovereign nation in the Middle East along with a solemn oath to disavow violence in the form of suicide bombings, rocket firing and last but not the least any nuclear threats against Israel.

5. Economic aid to Palestine for reconstruction purpose.

6. United States and other economic powers pledge equal assistance to both Israel and Palestine to reflect fairness in the deal.

Finally, it’s imperative and incumbent on the United States to be an honest broker in implementing the Peace Treaty as stated above to restore credibility in resolving international problems.

Palestinian and Israeli children are entitled to a long lasting peace and a bright future. It’s time to set the differences aside and reconcile terms with reality that,

War has no winners whereas everyone is a winner in Peace.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Afghan Election Malady – The Resumption of the Puppet Government

November 2, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

“More of the same,” – the campaign slogan used in the 2008 U.S. Presidential election against the Republican candidate John McCain is adapted by the current U.S. administration in the endorsement of the corrupt Karzai government.

The incumbent President Hamid Karzai subsequent to being found guilty of massive voter fraud amid intense violence against the Afghani population during the first round of election on August 20, 2009, now hailed the victor following the challenger DR. Abdullah Abdullah’s withdrawal from the highly skeptical runoff election scheduled for November 7, 2009.

Afghan election chairman Azizullah Lodin, a staunch supporter of President Hamid Karzai, arrived at a decision against the will of the Afghan people enduring medieval era economic and social injustice under the Karzai governance since 2001.

The White House declared the election ‘historic’ and extended congratulatory message to their nominee, President Hamid Karzai, along with the ally Britain and the U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The irony is, the glorified election had no ‘democratic’ element whatsoever in the previous round or in the repeat election planned on November 7, 2009.

Moreover, the bizarre outcome proclaiming the extremely controversial and the most unpopular President Hamid Karzai – the winner, has the U.S. administration blessings to further destabilize Afghanistan for another four years.

DR. Abdullah’s action by dropping out of the runoff charade is appropriate. The contender’s concerns were legitimate and justified due to the Afghan election commission chairman’s overt bias to President Karzai and the lack of evidence or enthusiasm from the U.S. and allies to ensure free and fair elections.

The United States and the allies’ pre-disposition on this issue signifies their sworn allegiance to the military industrial complex agenda –

Continuation of Afghanistan’s carnage and destruction through Karzai government and the prolonged war on terror.

It is worth shedding light on the U.S and Western backed puppet government, President Hamid Karzai’s policies condemned by the humanitarians across the globe.

1. First, the fraudulent election on August 20, 2009 and refusal to comply with the request for the implicated election commission chairman, Azizullah Lodin’s replacement in the scheduled runoff event.

2. Legislation of the ‘non-consensual’ consummation against Afghan women – Appear to be “normal” for the U.S. administration, Britain and the United Nations’Authority in the overwhelming acknowledgment and legitimizing of the Karzai government to rule Afghanistan for an extended term.

3. Appointment of the cabinet members and judiciary committee vehemently opposed to women’s rights and other socio-economic progress.

4. Economic policy focused on narcotic trade to boost national GDP concocted with nepotism through the appointment of the family member (President Hamid Karzai’s Brother Ahmad Wali Karzai – New York Times Article titled “employee on CIA payroll”), for opium mass production.

5. Facilitating Taliban resurgence and conciliatory to the atrocities against the local population particularly the female children deprived of education through acid pouring and burning down girls schools – Again, the endorsers seemingly have no objection in this context as well.

6. Last but not the least and the poignant matter being –President Hamid Karzai’s absolute coherence and approval to the permanent military occupation in Afghanistan. For comprehensive details please refer to the blogpost titled “Afghan War, The Additional Troops request and the Election Analysis,” published on this website on September 29, 2009.

As per the recent development, the White House decision to pronounce the Afghan election debacle ‘historic’ and ‘lawful’ is reminiscent of the Bush-Cheney policy stating the Iraq war as “Mission Accomplished.”

The Global village was promised a newly enlightened U.S. foreign policy dedicated to immediate troops withdrawal, peace and diplomacy, honest brokering and recognition of human rights. Otherwise, a departure from the Bush-Cheney doctrine or Senator John McCain’s pledge to wage war for over hundred years.

Honoring the dishonorable characteristics of an Afghan government dismissed as the miserable failure by the people is the renewal of the U.S. foreign policy held responsible for the contemporary global terrorism threatening international peace and security.

United States pursuing the course of action for the purpose other than the humanitarian cause in Afghanistan and other Islamic regions is authenticating the political hypocrisy reflected in the U.S. foreign policy regardless of the administrations in the White House.

The Red States and the Blue States came together as the United States to vote for the believable and the realistic “Hope and Change” at home and around the world.

Hope cannot be a reality unless promises are delivered and Change is not possible without sincere commitment.

Democracy is meaningful when the government is credible and Afghanistan deserves better than the status quo forced upon them by the domineering political forces demonstrating humongous hubris with an inevitable downfall.

I urge the people of Afghanistan to validate the leadership that can guarantee political stability, economic opportunities, national security, social progress beginning with basic human rights and above all, freedom from the foreign occupation of Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, President Hamid Karzai’s government has been unsuccessful in every aspect and lost the vote of confidence among the Afghan people during the first term and now after the first round of elections. Similar sentiments are shared by the genuinely caring ‘A-political’ groups of the international community.

The people of Afghanistan can achieve their dreams provided they are discerning in the political fate written on their behalf by the foreign powers.

I wish the people of Afghanistan courage and wisdom to do what is best for them and their long occupied nation.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Afghan Election Quagmire

October 22, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

As detailed in the blogpost titled

‘U.S. Dilemma on Afghanistan’ published on the website

www.padminiarhant.com, September 1, 2009 – in the ‘International Politics’ category,

The flawed Afghan election results in favor of the current President Hamid Karzai appropriately rejected by the U.N. backed investigators with the runoff election scheduled for November 7, 2009.

Afghanistan heading for yet another election within two weeks is a tall order given the recent turmoil in the electoral process that led to the annulment of the results. Modern democracy is not devoid of voter fraud, corruption and unscrupulous tactics by the respective campaigns representing the political candidates.

However, the Afghan election is complex due to the extremism ranging from physical threats, ballots stuffing, violence that mars the democratic protocol and worsened now with the August election declared ‘flawed,’ by the United Nations panel and the other international authorities.

Again as suggested earlier in the cited blogposts –

Source: www.padminiarhant.com – International Politics

U.S. Dilemma on Afghanistan under the heading – ‘Political stalemate in the national election’ – September 1, 2009

Afghanistan War and Election – August 21, 2009

“In light of the above perspective, Afghanistan would be better off with a coalition government of the two contenders – President Hamid Karzai and DR. Abdullah Abdullah exchanging ideas, sharing the intellect and experience in a concerted effort to move the war torn nation forward to the twenty first century. In addition, the fractured society would benefit from the collective talent and experience of the consolidated government, besides maintaining checks and balances on the activities hindering the democratic functions.”

The prudent option for the incumbent President Hamid Karzai and the opponent DR. Abdullah Abdullah is to prioritize the national crisis demanding political stability, economic and social development, law and order…that would eventually steer the war ravaged Afghanistan towards a plausible democracy.

Considering the contentious political battle during the August election, both leaders share the burden of responsibility to alleviate the Afghan population suffering until now through a strong coalition. Moreover, the combined effort in addressing the great many challenges would expedite the birth of progressive and peaceful Afghanistan.

It’s absolutely important for both leaders with international stature to acknowledge the enormous anomalies in every aspect contributing to the status quo, not to mention the Afghanistan’s future dependent upon a solemn and a unified political structure dedicated to nation governance.

Needless to state that after a bitter political scuffle, it might be hard to swallow the pride and forge an alliance for a coalition government. Nevertheless, any leadership’s shining moment ascends when the common cause is recognized and the national interest upheld in sheer solidarity.

Afghanistan’s resources are scare at present and the runoff election is an additional economic and a political liability without a definite positive outcome. Further, the voter turnout is highly arbitrary and expected to be exacerbated by the approaching winter, Taliban interference and the prevalent U.S./NATO operations against the Al-Qaeda and Taliban forces along the borders. In addition, it’s also a huge drain on the international resources that could be made available in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Although, power sharing is never an easy option, the two leaders and their able representatives should abandon the political sentiments while embracing the deep sense of patriotism to rebuild the nation yearning for a breath of fresh air in the form of harmony, hard work and honest government.

DR. Abdullah Abdullah, having held the cabinet position as the Foreign Minister under President Karzai’s administration, is not a stranger to this recommended union. Whatever issues there are or might be, it’s best to resolve through direct dialogue and forthright communication without compromising diplomacy.

Both leaders possess the relevant experience and knowledge to execute the power sharing vital for enforcing the desperate national security.

President Hamid Karzai has held the office since December 7, 2004.

Therefore, in a democratic setting it would be appropriate for –

DR. Abdullah Abdullah to assume the title as the 13th President of Afghanistan,

With the incumbent President Karzai overseeing the administrative affairs as a Senior Aide and a Political Liaison in the new administration.

Worldwide, there are many opportunities available to serve the nation and humanity. One can make a difference in any capacity provided there is an earnest desire to promote goodness, peace and unity.

Often, selfless leaders without an official post in politics such as Mahatma Gandhi, DR. Martin Luther King Jr., in recent memory have left an indelible mark in their incredible service to mankind.

The people of Afghanistan deserve a break from the perpetual unrest, chaos and catastrophe. It entirely rests in the hands of the two leaders President Hamid Karzai and DR. Abdullah Abdullah to reconcile their differences, identify the commonalities essential to relieve the exhausted population and let democracy prevail from now onwards.

On that note, Best Wishes to the leaderships of DR. Abdullah Abdullah as the new President of Afghanistan alongside the leader Hamid Karzai for a successful democratic government and a peaceful, prosperous Afghanistan.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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