International Events – Pakistan Independence Day

August 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Happy Independence Day on August 14, 2010 to Pakistan!

Pakistan celebrated its 63rd anniversary since partition from India and the nation has been confronted with humongous challenges until now.

The recent flooding has taken a toll on the population and the victims’ frustration is directed at the authorities engaged in rescue operation.

The United States assistance and the generous contributions from people around the world are significant in saving lives.

Pakistan is also politically and economically undermined by the various terror networks wreaking havoc within and outside the country.

More than six decades into independence and Pakistan is deprived of a vibrant democracy predominantly due to the liaison maintained by the key officials in the Pakistan military along with ISI, the intelligence agency with the militants and radical groups like Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani networks, the underworld don viz. Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and the likes.

Why is Pakistan so tolerant and providing refuge to these criminal elements despite their notoriety are the legitimate concerns in the international community?

One would presume that the substantial U.S. military and financial aid to Pakistan to clamp down on terrorism should have eliminated terror from the nuclear nation.

Instead, the terror organizations prominently the Al-Qaida, Taliban, the Haqqani and Lashkar-e-Taiba have transformed Pakistan into a terror haven killing more Pakistanis, their fellow Muslims in the endless explosions across the country.

Besides, them instigating violence in neighboring Kashmir and consistently plotting against the United States as well as other democracies around the world.

How can they possibly justify these actions in the name of Almighty God, the Allah and the Holy Quran that forbids any harm to the living in any shape or form?

Can these individuals be regarded Muslims considering their indiscriminate violence towards fellow human beings particularly their own Muslim brothers and sisters, whether in the United States, India, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, or for that matter the incessant bombings that are occurring in Pakistan?

It’s no secret that the certain Pakistani military and ISI members ‘aiding and abetting has emboldened the terror networks and enabled them to freely operate in the nuclear armed nation.

What is the solution to this radicalization and how can it be addressed effectively?

Arms embargo in addition to freezing bank accounts facilitating terror activities within Pakistan is paramount in ensuring global security.

The Pakistani educated youth and the middle class have a responsibility to take control of their nation.

For, it’s their future that is being squandered by the unscrupulous sources in the national defense and intelligence agency.

Pakistan has enough military power to have contained if not eradicated terror, considering the successful military coups against democratic governments since its birth.

Then, why the combined forces of Pakistan and U.S. military are having difficulty demolishing the medieval terror infrastructure in the twenty first century is mind boggling.

As a result, the Pakistani citizens and the U.S. taxpayers are forced to bear the brunt in human casualties and the economic aspect.

How long should these war games continue and at what cost?

These are the questions to be raised by the people of Pakistan and the United States.

Human lives are expended on both sides with no end in sight to the war on terror.

Throughout history, the people have demonstrated the will and courage to stand up to the forces stalling human progress.

Evidently, they have triumphed from time and time again.

Therefore, Pakistan’s public complacency to the decadent status quo from the myriad sources dominance is the problem and could be easily resolved through solidarity by identifying the ‘bad apples,’ and replacing them with those dedicated in renewing Pakistan’s image as a friendly neighbor, viable economic partner and a true ally in the global war on terror.

There is an opportunity for a new chapter in the twenty first century provided the people initiate the peaceful beginning.

‘Change,’ cannot be brought upon by mere hope, it has to be delivered through action.

Best Wishes to the people of Pakistan in achieving peace, progress and prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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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

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Human Tragedy

July 19, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Condolences to the families mourning the loss of life from different tragic events.

The recent train crash in West Bengal, India with reportedly 61 people dead in the accident is regrettable.

In other incidents, terrorism taking toll on human life is the norm in certain parts of the world.

The bomb blasts in July 2010 alone has claimed many innocent lives –

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran…in July 2010 is worthy of condemnation as often the civilians are the victims in the terror related violence.

Freedom along with social and economic opportunities would substantially deter the terror recruitment among the desolate youth population hired for committing horrendous crime against their fellow humans.

Evidently, the citizens in these regions unanimously favor the divestments from prolonged wars towards social and economic development.

Peaceful resolutions focused on economic progress would enormously benefit everyone involved in the global terrorism era.

Terror networks successfully engage the impoverished segment of the population under the pretext of improving their life and the lack of education among the terror recruits is a huge advantage to them.

Accordingly, the militants and the terror organizations regularly attack schools and the educational institutions to deprive the youth from proper education.

Investments in drones, bombs and sophisticated artillery thus far might have eliminated the crucial targets. However, terrorism never dissipates despite the relentless military intervention due to the underlying hindrances in human existence.

Besides participation in the governance through democratic process, the overwhelming majority in these nations seek basic requirements such as clean drinking water, healthy environment to live in modest conditions enabled by agriculture and industrial growth .

Unless these issues are addressed effectively which is not possible by a dysfunctional government, the terror networks will continue to exist as a parallel governing authority holding the people hostage to their violent agenda.

Empowering people with necessary economic and human rights is the best alternative to the military options that are increasingly alienating the local population from the Western interests.

Perhaps, the nations combating terrorism could consolidate their resources and aim to alleviate the suffering through peaceful means.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Celebrating Fourth of July – Independence Day

July 4, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

July 4th is a glorious occasion for all Americans. On this day, the native and the naturalized citizens come together to cherish the individual freedom that still remains a far-fetched dream for many around the world.

Independence Day is an opportunity to commemorate the nation’s birthday. It honors the founding fathers’ wisdom, resolve and vision for the country they pledged to serve not only during their lifetime, but also beyond the foreseeable future.

“All are created equal and born to be free,” – the natural law has been discarded by human race since evolution and the dominance of some over others is exercised as an “entitlement.”

Liberty is an inalienable right of every life on earth. Yet, freedom is seized from the weak and forced to pay a price through sacrifice and prolonged struggle to regain the fundamental right.

For the unfortunate, the oppression continues without a ray of hope in the lifelong battle that spans over generations.

The minority that controls the majority justify their actions through various interpretations, despite the evidence proving otherwise.

The complacency to the territorial annexation, occupying lands for economic benefits and denying equality to fellow human beings has promoted injustice against the vulnerable population resigned to the reality as the destiny.

Throughout history, human behavior is consistent in the invasion, occupation, persecution and annihilation in the extreme events. From Stone Age to Digital Era, the pattern is maintained with the variation in imperialism evolved into totalitarianism.

United States and other nations’ contribution in restoring sovereignty during the twentieth century world wars is significant and saved humanity from tyranny.

Subsequently, such involvements have yielded unsavory results due to the mission lacking in clarity and purpose.

The courageous troops in harm’s way diligently serve the nation to protect the freedom rejoiced by the people on this Independence Day. They are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Human suffering is brought upon by excess greed for wealth and power. It has led to perpetual warfare with serious economic and political ramifications.

Regardless of the tremendous human progress, peace is not an overwhelming choice in resolving disputes.

Aggression and violence precedes diplomacy and peaceful measures indicating the lack of patience.

Defense spending consuming the major proportion of the budget is given priority and the society’s economic needs rejected on the ‘national debt’ criteria.

United States was envied for being the model democracy and lately the civil liberties has been compromised under “FISA and Patriot Act,” with wiretapping, monitoring private communication, NSA warrantless surveillance…rendering freedom a privilege at the authority’s discretion.

Global security is threatened by terror. Terrorism is a revenge for the bad elements.

Sadly, the groups are emboldened by the failed policies of the corrupt political powers depriving the local population from the economic and political freedom to live and thrive in their domain.

Terror recruitments would decline sharply, if the people in the impoverished regions have access to necessities such as clean drinking water, health and education, agriculture and industrial growth at the least.

Instead, the economic and political powers have maximized military intervention with minimal or zero investments in the social and economic development, transforming the environment into a war zone for a decade and longer from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Freedom is the natural gift for the living.

History is testimony to the fact that none shall ever remain in eternal foreign rule.

The declaration of independence by the United States on July 4, 1776 followed by several other nations exemplifies the inevitable success to the oppressed.

Happy Fourth of July!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Supreme Court Nominee – Solicitor General Elena Kagan

July 1, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to confirm the Supreme Court Nominee – Solicitor General Elena Kagan is in process.

Solicitor General Elena Kagan upon confirmation would succeed the retired Supreme Court Justice, John Paul Stevens to the United States Supreme Court.

Notably, the appointment would strengthen the female representation to one-third on the current bench.

While it still remains a minority. it’s a significant social progress made in recent years to the highest court on land.

President Barack Obama’s commitment in this respect is praiseworthy.

Since the hearing commencement, the Solicitor General Elena Kagan has responded patiently and diligently to most if not all of the issues raised by the distinguished panel.

The Solicitor General’s disposition conforms to the previous appointees for similar position.

Therefore, it’s not unprecedented in the Senate confirmation hearing.

Although, departure from such tradition would benefit public confidence in the potential lifetime appointee entrusted with judicial duty on life and death matter.

The Senate members posed many important issues to ascertain the nominee’s position. Some were politically motivated and the majority relevant to the cause.

Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s background and credentials has been under scrutiny from the early introduction to until now.

The Supreme Court nominee is profiled for better understanding and in some instances caricatured to place the aspirant in spotlight depending on the critics’ “ethical” standard.

Solicitor General Elena Kagan stellar academic and career achievements have rightfully earned the recognition leading up to the Supreme Court nomination.

The buzz about the nominee from the beginning was her lack of experience in the capacity as a ‘Judge,’ despite the precedence set by the Supreme Court predecessors, the latest being the former Justice William Rehnquist nominated by the Republican President Ronald Reagan.

During the Senate hearing, the nominee, Elena Kagan had to address diverse issues ranging from:

The executive power, Congressional deference, corporate influence, political activism – a common attribute towards the democratic nominee by the opposition, past incidents linked to,

The military recruitment on college campus including clarification on personal statements and memos to determine adaptability to the existing judicial view.

Solicitor General Elena Kagan maintained throughout the session that she would strictly adhere to the Constitutional law and not attempt to interpret it differently for political or any other reason.

Further, the Solicitor General elaborated on personal humility and pledged to respect the precedential settings on historic hearings notwithstanding the Supreme Court recent ruling safeguarding the second amendment.

In addition, some Senate members sought assurance from the nominee on the denial of Habeas Corpus to detained terror suspects apprehended from civil or combat environment.

The nominee in agreement with “battlefield law, including indefinite detention without a trial, could apply outside of traditional battlefields.”

International law was extensively discussed against the Constitutional law to establish the nominee’s priority pertaining to the academic period as the “Dean at Harvard Law School.”

In other controversial social issues such as abortion, gay military personnel and the “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” policy, the Solicitor General confirmed the published views.

Protecting women’s health and highlighting the drawbacks from depriving the gay members to serve the nation on equal basis.

However, in the related subjects the nominee Elena Kagan reportedly stated the following:

Source: Wikipedia.org – Elena Kagan

“ 1. From 1995 to 1999, Kagan served as President Bill Clinton’s Associate White House Counsel and Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council.

While serving in that position, Kagan co-authored a May 13, 1997 memo to the President urging him to support a ban on late-term abortions stating that, “We recommend that you endorse the Daschle amendment in order to sustain your credibility on HR 1122 and prevent Congress from overriding your veto.”

2. In 1996, she wrote an article in the University of Chicago Law Review entitled, “Private Speech, Public Purpose:

The Role of Governmental Motive in First Amendment Doctrine.” Kagan argued that government has the right, even considering the First Amendment, to restrict free speech, when the government believes the speech is “harmful”, as long as the restriction is done with good intentions.

3. During her solicitor general confirmation hearing, she said that “there is no federal constitutional right to same-sex marriage.”

Also during her solicitor general confirmation, Kagan was asked about the Defense of Marriage Act, under which states don’t have to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. She said she would defend the act.”

In due fairness to the nominee’s statements, the approach to defend the constitution is a primary judicial responsibility.

At the same time, if exercising empathy in the decision-making is characterized as ‘social activism,’ then similar considerations to the authorities in the executive and legislative branches not barring the corporations exceed the judicial power granted within the confines of the law.

Unfortunately, it’s a growing trend hindering justice particularly on ethical misconduct in the democratic system.

Again, the Solicitor General perceptions on the basic human rights – women’s health, freedom of expression superseding the second amendment in the Bill of Rights, and gay rights is lacking in candor consequentially the clarity on the fundamental law that –

“All are created equal and hence qualify for the equal application of law.”

Social injustice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender discrimination, economic status…are explicitly prevalent given the human progress in other tangible fields.

The political, economic and religious institutions intrusion in justice has the ‘average’ human life hanging in balance with the hope that justice is served by taking into account,

Obedience to the law as well as the facts and evidences authenticated by the conscionable action to be impartial.

Solicitor General Elena Kagan is regarded for her intellect, consensus building, hard work and thoughtfulness, the valuable assets that would not only contribute to the enriched Supreme Court representation, but also empower the nation’s highest court with additional perspective.

If confirmed, Solicitor General Elena Kagan would have the opportunity to be a superb Supreme Court Justice.

Best Wishes to the Solicitor General Elena Kagan in all her endeavors.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Ethics, Featured, United States | Leave a Comment 

Remembering Senator Robert Byrd – Democrat Senator, West Virginia

June 28, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Today, the United States Senate and the nation lost a longest serving Senator and the member in congressional history.

Senator Robert Carlyle Byrd, a Democrat from the state of West Virginia, political career span from January 2, 1959 – June 28, 2010.

Reflecting on the record, the Senator had previously struggled to keep pace with the social developments in the society.

Nevertheless, towards the end there appears to be some reconciliation with the erroneous decisions the Senator had made during his term in office.

No human being is infallible. Those who recognize the missed opportunities to contribute to positive changes and later do it right are honorable.

For the recent contributions benefiting all forms of life represents the core value, a confirmation of the fact that it’s never too late to act for greater good.

Senator Byrd has served the West Virginia constituents well. Otherwise it would have not been possible to hold the historic position in the Senate.

The democrats and other Congress members reminisced their time with the Senator from West Virginia.

Senator Robert Byrd’s unprecedented public service to the citizens in West Virginia and across the nation remembered with respect and gratitude.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, United States | 1 Comment 

Worst Industrial Catastrophe – Union Carbide / Dow Chemicals and Bhopal Victims of India

June 12, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

On June 7, 2010, the verdict on the worst industrial gas leak in 1984, Bhopal, India was delivered by the state’s local court.

According to the several reports:

The ruling convicted the seven officials in senior management along with the employees of the former Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL), the then subsidiary of the Union Carbide, USA with CEO Warren Anderson at that time.

Conviction included two years jail sentence and Rupees 100,000($2,100, €1,800) in fine.

Understandably, the judgment aroused sentiments among the victims’ devastated families and the survivors.

The NGO’s and other organizations representing the victims welcomed the much awaited process brought to national and international attention after pursuing the legal course for more than twenty five years.

However, they expressed huge disappointment in the limited sentencing and the exemption to the then Parent Company, Union Carbide CEO Warren Anderson.

India’s request for the CEO’s extradition to face trial was rejected in June 2004 by the United States.

Mr. Warren Anderson was the CEO of Union Carbide U.S.A during the industrial disaster in 1984 and served the corporation until 1986.

Subsequently, Union Carbide in their statement delineated themselves from the gross industrial negligence that claimed scores of lives and continue to affect more, the living and the yet to be born evidenced in the birth defects as well as other illnesses diagnosed thus far.

Union Carbide U.S.A transferred all liabilities pertaining to Bhopal incident over to its then fully owned subsidiary Union Carbide India Limited, while accepting the revenues and profits from the offshore operation. Effectively reflected in the multinational corporation CEO’s income, stock options and bonuses.

Moreover, the facts supporting the systemic operational facility discrimination between the U.S site and the Bhopal plant was disregarded in the entire proceedings.

Source: Wikipedia.org titled Warren Anderson (Chairman)

“Greenpeace asserts that as the Union Carbide CEO, Anderson knew about a 1982 safety audit of the Bhopal plant, which identified 30 major hazards and that they were not fixed in Bhopal but were fixed at the company’s identical plant in the US.

Union Carbide asserts that the Bhopal plant addressed all of the identified issues well before the December 1984 gas leak and that none of them had anything to do with the disaster.

Greenpeace claims that neglecting these hazards in Bhopal caused the explosion.

Others, such as the former police chief Swaraj Puri, who was injured in the Bhopal disaster, asserts that Mr. Anderson must have known about the danger of the plant because an employee had died there a year before the disaster.”

Statistics on the human tragedy from this major industrial catastrophe are as follows:

Source: Indian Supreme Court, Madhya Pradesh government, Indian Council of Medical Research

Initial deaths – more than 3,000 – official toll

Unofficial initial toll: 7,000-8,000

Total deaths to date: over 15,000

Number affected: Nearly 600,000

Compensation: Union Carbide pays $470m in 1989

Unfortunately, for the survivors and the victims’ families, the issue is not restricted to the selective indictment or the mild sentencing on a monumental management failure;

It’s rather an uphill battle to investigate the matter because of the high profile corporate and political power implicated in the horrific crime, especially with more information presented through visual content in the Indian media that confirms,

The “most wanted” CEO, Warren Anderson escorted in an Indian state government vehicle for safe departure from the Indian shores upon being released on bail after his arrest in December 7, 1984.

Mr. Anderson noted as the “chief defendant” in the trial from the beginning was excluded in the recent hearing outcome.

Per Wikipedia.org:

Later, “the arrest warrant issued on July 31, 2009 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Prakash Mohan Tiwari, Bhopal, India rendered ineffective due to the U.S. declining the extradition treaty, citing a lack of evidence.”

It bears resemblance to the 9/11 tragedy when the terror mastermind, Osama Bin Laden’s family were reportedly allowed secure passage from the United States in 2001.

The dangers of politics and prejudice playing dominant role in the judicial system, often deprives the innocent from obtaining justice even in the democratic society.

Such obstruction of justice through political influence and camouflage from the top bottom makes a mockery of the judicial system in a democracy.

It’s increasingly prevalent in the trials that could potentially expose the authorities in bad light.

No political system is an exception to the concept.

Besides, the news corps media being the primary voice for democracy have a journalistic responsibility to decipher the intricacies behind the funds exchange between Union Carbide USA and the Indian government that received the disclosed $470 million compensation with or without any stipulation.

Although, the monetary compensation is not proportionate to the suffering and damages sustained by the victims,

It’s still important to ascertain the amount actually received (if any) by the affected individuals in the prolonged dispute and address the status quo adequately.

Setting the political priorities aside, the dire situation beckons the Indian and the U.S. entities to view the Bhopal victims’ plight as a humanitarian calamity and exemplify requiring transnational corporations to adhere to universal environmental and ethical standards in the globalization era.

Justice denied to the innocent is Justice betrayed. For actions and decisions by all are judged accordingly.

Bhopal victims deserve better considering the long ordeal endured by them.

Providing medical assistance, toxin free living conditions with continuous monitoring to eliminate the persisting health hazards are the minimal needs for survival.

Enforcing strict industrial safety codes and regulations would protect workers from serious occupational injuries.

In addition, imposing liability on the corporations regardless of statehood for human and environmental harm is necessary to prevent negligence and evading financial obligation.

Whether it is Bhopal, India or the Gulf Coast in the United States, the communities pay the price in the deadly chemical release and oil gusher.

Perhaps, the bilateral solution to the problem rests with the Indian and U.S authorities to do right by shifting the burden of proof from the victims to those connected to the horrendous casualty in the Bhopal gas explosion.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Humanitarian | Leave a Comment 

The Freedom Flotilla Crisis – Exacerbating Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

June 2, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Israel is in spotlight for the recent intervention of the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara originally scheduled to deliver humanitarian aid directly to the beleaguered Palestinian population in Gaza.

According to the worldwide reports, the Israeli Navy commandos stormed the ‘Freedom Flotilla,’ that was carrying humanitarian essentials like medical supplies, equipments, children’s toys other than cement and building materials on board to help the Gazans rebuild the enclave that has been under siege in the ongoing Israeli Palestinian conflict.

As a result, per IBA – Israel Broadcast Authority at least 15 international activists on the Turkish cruise liner have died and several including around seven Israeli soldiers are wounded from the skirmish,

That prompted the U.N. Security Council to convene an emergency session to express concern and regrets over the loss of lives in the clash between the Israeli forces and the Pro-Palestinian activists.

Israel’s blockade on Gaza subsequent to the 2008 Gaza invasion is claimed by Israel as a territorial trade embargo to weaken the Palestinian authority, Hamas and prohibit conventional weapons importation into Gaza from Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria.

While Israel has adopted these measures to deter the possible arms shipment from its adversaries in the region, the joint display by Israel and its strongest ally, U.S. on October 22, 2009,

Titled –“Juniper Cobra 2009 – Reports stated that:

“U.S. and Israel conducted massive missile defense drills to create the world’s most sophisticated anti-missile umbrella to protect the Jewish State,”

Further, it emphasized that:

“Unlike past Juniper Cobras, this one will employ the widest spectrum of missile defense assets yet, including the US’s Aegis BMD ships, Patriot PAC-3 batteries, THAAD batteries, the mobile X-Band radar currently stationed in the Negev, and Israel’s own Arrow 2 batteries. Interoperability between allied systems is the main goal.”

United States does have a small military garrison at a strategic radar, X-band, stationed in Israel’s southern Negev desert.

“The Israel Defense Force can defend Israel alone,” Gavish said. “But it is good to know that U.S. capabilities are available.”

Despite the unflinching U.S. military aid to Israel and its nuclear capability, the Israeli policies against the Palestinian population under the “national security,” pretext in the Gaza war and,

Now in the Freedom flotilla raid is characteristic of the twentieth century Imperialism promoted into the twenty first century – through illegal invasion, occupation, oppression, persecution and denial of basic human rights in the modern civilization.

Israel’s persisting provocative actions in this instant along with Jewish settlements expansion in Palestinian territories, refusal to comply with international humanitarian law including the Geneva Convention violation as detailed in the “Goldstone Report,” are responsible for Israel’s self-inflicted insecurity.

Ironically, not long ago, Israel found an ally in Hamas when they both were implicated in the ‘Goldstone report,’ much to the frustration and disappointment of the West Bank authority – Fatah leader and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in their successful attempt to evade the potential trial for war crimes by the offenders in the international court of justice.

Thus, proving that “politics finds strange partners.”

It’s apparent that the innocent civilians in Palestine and Israel were victims in the Gaza war with the perpetrators on both sides forging alliance to prevent prosecution in the U.N. sponsored investigation.

The independent investigation in the Freedom flotilla deaths and the Goldstone report on Gaza war deserve to be honored and executed.

Nevertheless, the Palestinian plight in the past six decades and their struggle for an independent state is nearing end due to the increased international awareness and solidarity to liberate Palestine from Israel.

Israel is at the crossroads amid widespread global disdain for the systemic abuse of power against Palestinians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the hard line Likud Party coalition partners advocating anti-democratic doctrine fail to recognize the mirage in the occupied land.

History is testimony to the fact that colonization eventually leads to emancipation.

Israeli check posts, blockades, military aggression, settlements has consumed the moderate and the conservative powers’ time and resources leaving Israel in self-bondage without truly experiencing the independent statehood granted in 1948.

Israel is perceived to exist in the shadow of the staunch supporter, the United States, in spite of the great many attributes within not optimized to attain peace and harmony with the fellow human beings – the Palestinians.

Rather than adopting the ‘Live and let Live,’ maxim, the prolonged annexation of boundaries from 1967 to until now has generated acrimony, bloodshed and perennial border disputes among Israel and Arab neighbors.

By enduring the generational loss in the quest for freedom that has sadly remained a fantasy among the young and the old on the Palestinian side and similarly the Israeli side deprived of normal existence from the fear of being attacked, the two-fold tragedy has a simple solution.

Signing the Israel and Palestinian Peace Treaty as outlined on several occasions.

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 for the independent state.

3. The policy restricting Palestinians the right to return to Israel would conversely apply to the Jewish settlers and Israeli citizens on the Palestinian land. Similar reciprocation applies to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s insistence to call Israel the ‘Jewish’ state.

Therefore, it’s very important to weigh the pros and cons of the harsh terms and conditions being imposed by the powerful against the powerless to avoid the inevitable backlash from such extemporaneous demands.

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. Free flow of Economic and Humanitarian aid to Palestine for reconstruction purpose, to commence effective immediately without Israeli authority intrusion.

6. Evidently, the International community seeks equal support from the United States and other economic powers to both Israel and Palestine to reflect fairness in the deal.

Finally, it’s imperative and incumbent on the U.S., the U.N.,the EU and the Arab league to be honest brokers in implementing the Peace Treaty to restore credibility in resolving international problems.

Palestinians and Israelis 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,

Future is determined by the present as time and tide waits for none.

The burden lies more on Israel as the occupying power in setting the corner stone for peaceful resolution in the age-old conflict.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Euro Crisis and Impact on Global Financial Markets

May 27, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

It originated in Iceland with the pervasive subprime mortgage factor and similarly affected other economies like Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain, referenced as PIGS.

Although, every nation in this category share the contaminated ‘derivative’ traded internationally, the lack of deficit control with the national budget exceeding the GDP growth also contributed to the meltdown and subsequently reflected in the poor credit rating.

More prominently, Greece identified with:

“Goldman Sachs between the years 1998-2009 has been reported to systematically helped the Greek government to mask its national true debt facts.

In September 2009 though, Goldman Sachs among others, created a special Credit Default Swap (CDS) index for the cover of high-risk national debt of Greece. This led the interest-rates of Greek national bonds to a very high level, leading the Greek economy very close to bankruptcy in March 2010.”

The culmination of internal and external mismanagement primarily led the Mediterranean economy to the brink of collapse seeking bailout from the European Central Bank (ECB), EU and IMF.

European Union was challenged with a predicament in the Greece bailout to either ignore the problem or address it to avert the contagion in Europe.

Since Greece is an EU member using the reserve currency euro in the 16 of the 27 states representing the eurozone, the former alternative would have had serious ramifications.

Besides, the euro being the second most traded currency in the world after the U.S. dollar; it has multifaceted impact on the financial markets dealing with high volume trading especially in the futures exchange.

The industrialized and emerging economies are in a bind with the euro value reduction, due to the competitiveness expansion in export trade. For example, the export oriented Germany is at a competitive edge with the United States, Japan and China irrespective of Germany specializing in high end industrial and heavy machinery equipments.

Hence, the euro crisis upside is the European nations gaining export affordability.

Accordingly, the emerging economy and the major U.S. creditor China is concerned about the potential split in global market share and availing the opportunity to reject the U.S. request for currency (renminbi) value adjustment, which has been set below the market determination despite China’s extraordinary trade surplus.

China’s currency, renminbi (RMB) or yuan (CNY) has been withheld from floating as the international currency in the foreign exchange market to protect the status quo.

At the same time, the positive aspect of the dollar appreciation is omitted in the evaluation and that being the foreign investments in U.S. dollars particularly the Treasury bills held by China is strengthened in value and guarantee long term security in futures contract.

Financial stability measures adopted by EU, IMF and ECB with approximately one trillion dollars of which a conditional rescue loan worth $110 billion to Greece is approved to reverse the negatives in the financial markets reacting to the euro downslide from the unsustainable government debts and deficit level.

Had the eurozone requirement on its union members to keep deficits below 3 percent of GDP maintained, Greece and other struggling economies need not have been subject to harsh austerity strategies that has resulted in protest among the mainstream population in Greece and Ireland.

Regardless, the current global financial crisis calls for wasteful expenditure elimination and the national budget review to direct investments in high value returns.

Appropriate actions involving tax hikes and spending cuts are necessary to balance the budget.

However, spending cuts targeting the fundamental programs inevitably generating revenues through productive workforce and consumers is counteractive.

Restoring essential programs and services for the job creation and preservation, youth education, citizens’ health care, social security, safe and clean environment nurture healthy and middle class society to ease the burden on the top 1% or 10% wealthy taxpayers in different economies.

Most importantly, the defense budget consuming a significant proportion of taxpayer revenue in the prolonged wars could be divested to peaceful and profitable opportunities benefiting the citizens at the domestic and international front.

The ideal solution for the European Commission and the monetary union to avoid rising deficits in Europe without compromising the member states’ sovereignty in their national fiscal policy decisions would be to establish an independent, non-partisan committee by the states to examine the individual spending and tax plan, rather than the centralized monitoring or the neighboring authority verifying it.

Further, the constitutional amendment by Germany to contain the deficit to 0.35 percent of GDP by 2016 provided the higher deficit not attributed to GDP decline is a trendsetter in curbing the economic crisis.

In concurrence with the economic experts’ advice – The ECB expediting the credit approval on government bonds used as collateral upon qualifying the self-regulated constitutional limit on deficits is prudent in deterring broad speculative lending activities.

Alongside, the EU sweeping financial reform with tough standards against the hedge fund managers including the two proposals by German Parliament:

Global financial transaction tax and Financial activity tax focused on CEO’s Personal Income & Bonuses are effective steps with the exception of the global financial transaction tax because it is eventually transferred to the end-consumer and may not be a viable option for all participants.

Nevertheless, international agreement on financial regulation by G-20 and other nations is crucial in order to emerge from the existing crisis and prevent the future economic recession.

The systemic risk in the multi trillion dollars ‘derivatives,’ that caused the financial debacle in Europe, Middle East (Dubai), North America, Asia and elsewhere demands stringent policies and independent investigations on fraudulent ventures.

The financial overhaul passed by the U.S. Senate last week has been under scrutiny by analysts with mixed response and elaborated in the article titled:

“New Financial rules might not prevent next crisis – Associated Press, Sun May 23rd. 2010 at 3.55 PM EDT. Reported by Jacobs from New York and contributed by AP writer Jim Drinkard.”

Unequivocally, closing the loopholes as detailed in the cited article and other reports is paramount to establish a financial system free of K street influence.

The apparent revolving-door relationship between Wall Street and Capitol Hill in which employees and consultants have moved in and out of high level US Government positions, with the prevalent conflict of interest is a hindrance to any legislation.

Only the electorates with the voting power in a democracy can remove the persisting obstacles by rejecting the special interest representatives in politics against meaningful legislation.

People as the consumers, taxpayers and voters are the ultimate force in achieving the progress for common good.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Business | Leave a Comment 

Iraq’s Election Results Favor Secular Government by leader Ayad Allawi

May 23, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

On May 16, 2010, Iraq’s electoral commission affirmation of a Sunni backed bloc led by the secular, Shiite leader, Ayad Allawi victory over the former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is a clear public mandate in the democratic election held on March 7, 2010.

Further, the election commission ruled out the voter fraud charges by the Shiite leader and the Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki after recount in the districts suspected of the alleged inaccuracy.

Hence, the new government with the Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to resume power in office is the electorates’ final decision in the prolonged electoral process that has contributed to sectarian violence due to partisanship sought by the homogenous Shiite party under the then Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The political standoff by the previous administration refusing to accept the democratic will has claimed many innocent lives of the Shiites and Sunni population through militants’ orchestrated bombings and explosions until now.

People of Iraq deserve peace and normal existence in a secular society.

The new government representing the diverse political factions in the coalition is the electorates’ choice and the sooner the government is formed, the better for national security.

Any unnecessary delay would exacerbate the situation exploited currently by the militants and the terror network affiliated to Al-Qaida.

Besides, it would allow the timely U.S. troop withdrawal per agreement between the two nations.

And,

Save the United States from the economic liability attributed to the alarming national deficit since the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Unified Iraq is the strength to overcome the prevalent political and social discord.

The people of Iraq could reach out to one another in recognition of the millions of lives lost on all sides and lead their country towards political stability, economic and social progress to benefit all.

Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s inclusive rather than exclusive coalition government is promising.

Perhaps, it could deliver the desirable outcome in liberating Iraq from cyclical violence.

Good Luck! And Best Wishes to the Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and the people of Iraq in their solidarity pledged to nation building.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

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