How Lee Kuan Yew Built a Modern Powerhouse

The Transformation of Singapore: How Lee Kuan Yew Built a Modern Powerhouse In 1965, Singapore faced an existential crisis. Expelled from Malaysia, this tiny island nation of just two million people had no army, no natural resources, no fresh water, and a population mired in slums. The prognosis was grim. Yet, under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore rose to become one of Asia’s greatest success stories—a testament to vision, determination, and strategic governance. A Nation in Crisis When Singapore gained its reluctant independence, the challenges were staggering. Cut off from Malaysia, the country faced threats to its survival … Continue reading How Lee Kuan Yew Built a Modern Powerhouse

Sun Tzu: Kamala Harris win or Donald Trump win?

Despite polling showing a slight Trump lead or a close race, the Kamala Harris campaign can adopt several strategies to maximize their chances at the presidency prize. Using strategies from The Art of War by Sun Tzu, the Trump campaign could counter the outlined tactics of the Harris campaign by applying core principles like adaptability, anticipation, and leveraging strengths to undermine or neutralize potential obstacles. Here’s how each strategy might align with Sun Tzu’s wisdom and be employed to maintain a competitive edge: Harris targets the Electoral College Over Popular Vote Trump counters Electoral College Manipulation: Focus on Key Battleground … Continue reading Sun Tzu: Kamala Harris win or Donald Trump win?

President Kamala Harris: A Turning Point in U.S. Foreign Policy

Let us assume a Kamala Harris win, her presidency could represent a significant turning point in U.S. history, with her administration signalling a decline in the American Republic’s global standing. We must draw parallels to the decline of past superpowers of the past like the Roman Republic, Harris’s leadership risks creating vulnerabilities similar to those that led to past imperial declines: internal divisions, overextended influence, and diminishing public trust. Rome’s initial strength lay in a stable civic framework and shared values for its citizens, its later expansion and ideological divides contributed to instability, weakening its power from within and enabling … Continue reading President Kamala Harris: A Turning Point in U.S. Foreign Policy

Shifting Muslim Vote in 2024: New Political Dynamics

The Muslim Voter: US Presidential Election 2024 and Beyond With the 2024 U.S. Presidential election nearing, a shift is emerging in what is commonly known as ‘The Muslim Vote’ – Muslim voting patterns, both in the United States of America and globally. Once a loyal bloc for Democrats, many American Muslims are reconsidering their political allegiances. The growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party, exacerbated by concerns over home and foreign interference, cultural alienation, and policy failures, has led many to explore alternatives—ranging from Green Party candidates to, support for the former US President Donald J Trump. This trend has also … Continue reading Shifting Muslim Vote in 2024: New Political Dynamics

Examples of Intelligent Non-Human Life on Earth

1. Primates Primates, particularly great apes such as chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans, exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities that parallel many human behaviours. 2. Cetaceans Dolphins and whales, collectively known as cetaceans, are known for their high intelligence and complex behaviours. 3. Corvids Birds from the corvid family, such as crows, ravens, and magpies, are known for their impressive cognitive abilities. 4. Cephalopods Cephalopods, such as octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, possess a unique form of intelligence that is quite different from that of vertebrates. Implications for Understanding Intelligence Studying intelligent non-human life on Earth helps us broaden our understanding of intelligence … Continue reading Examples of Intelligent Non-Human Life on Earth

The Underdevelopment of Muslim Majority Countries: A Historical Perspective

Muslim-majority countries have often fallen behind in terms of human development, science, and economy. In order to understand this phenomenon, it is crucial to explore the historical context of Islam’s dominance and its current situation. Prof. Ahmed Kuru’s books shed light on the topics of Islam authoritarianism, underdevelopment, and secularism in Muslim countries. Among Muslim-majority countries, Pakistan and Indonesia stand out as engaging hubs for intellectual discourse. This blog post delves into the reasons behind the underdevelopment of Muslim-majority countries and examines the counterarguments blaming Islam and European colonization. Blaming Islam and European Colonization There are two main counterarguments when … Continue reading The Underdevelopment of Muslim Majority Countries: A Historical Perspective

Is Mawlid Haraam?

Mawlid: A Time for Unity and Reflection The month of Rabīʿ al-Awwal as usual reignites the debate over celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid). This disagreement naturally leads to disunity within the Muslim community, as it becomes a core issue of contention. It is vital to remember that both proponents and opponents of Mawlid share a deep love for the Prophet and God and do not intend to transgress their rights. The disagreement lies in the means of expressing this love and not political posturing. Arguments for and against Mawlid Those who support Mawlid argue that it is a way to … Continue reading Is Mawlid Haraam?

Russian Spies in Mexico?

Mexico’s Unusual Diplomatic Boost to Russia Raises Questions By Mohammed Abbasi 23.09.2023 Mexico’s recent authorization of 37 new diplomats in the Russian Embassy in Mexico City, in addition to the existing 49, has raised eyebrows and concerns about the purpose behind this unusual move. While Western countries have been cracking down on Russian espionage in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Mexico appears to be swimming against the tide by increasing Russia’s diplomatic presence. Currently, Russia boasts the largest diplomatic contingent in Mexico City, surpassing even the American Embassy, which has 46 diplomats. This significant increase … Continue reading Russian Spies in Mexico?

10 UNESCO new World Heritage Sites out of

41 In 2023, UNESCO has added 41 new World Heritage Sites to its list, bringing the total to over 1,100 protected sites worldwide. These sites are considered of “Outstanding Universal Value” and hold special importance for people everywhere. Let’s take a look at some of the most stunning additions: Cultural Sites: 1. Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain, China: Nestled in the Jingmai Mountain, this landscape features ancient tea plantations and villages that have thrived for thousands of years. Subtropical monsoons provide the perfect conditions for tea cultivation, and indigenous communities uphold age-old traditions and ceremonies, believing that spirits … Continue reading 10 UNESCO new World Heritage Sites out of