By Syed Saleem Shahzad ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s military headquarters has decided in principle to mount a military operation in the North Waziristan tribal area before the start of the Taliban’s summer offensive in Afghanistan next year. The decision has been taken at a point that Washington has dropped any idea of dialogue with the Taliban, preferring to rely solely on brute force – a sudden shift in policy that Pakistan refers to as changing horses in midstream. At the same time, Pakistan’s political leadership refuses to take ownership of the North Waziristan operation, leaving the armed forces alone to decide on … Continue reading Pakistan stares into a valley of death

By Jerrold Kessel and Pierre Klochendler JERUSALEM – Embarrassing, damaging or actually helpful? Israeli reactions to the explosive WikiLeaks revelations run the full gamut. After a worried prelude to the disclosures of the diplomatic to-and-fro between Israel and its greatest ally the United States, and fears that the leaks would expose US antagonism to the Israeli leadership’s character and policies, there was an audible sigh of relief when the leaks finally came out overnight Sunday. “There is no disparity between the public discourse between us and Washington, and the mutual understanding of each other’s positions,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters, not … Continue reading Leaks strengthen Netanyahu’s hand

10- Dahi al Ali Designer with his own line called Kalima. 9- Samar Al Moqren A controversial novelist and opinion writer. 8- Shiekh Mohamed Al Arefe Although I might not agree with him, there's no denying that this sheikh is handsome and charismatic. 7- Raja Al Sanea So fresh-faced and young, no one could have ever expected that she could have produced the book Girls of Riyadh that was initially banned within Saudi Arabia. 6- Yaser Al qahtani Fam … Read More via Saudiwoman's Weblog Continue reading Ten most beautiful Saudis (via Saudiwoman’s Weblog)

I never do or teach yoga to music. But one morning I scrolled through my iTunes library for something suitable. I chose Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Eve and Other Stories. (It was October.) My favorite track is "Christmas/ Sarajevo 12/24," their take on "Carol of the Bells." Half listening in the midst of my asana practice, I found myself drifting down nostalgia lane… to high school band. In the first clarinet row, I sat beside my cousi … Read More via Yoga Spy Continue reading The trouble with mixing yoga and music: Part I (via Yoga Spy)

Brilliant and heartfelt blog – must share Today, November 11, 2010 is Veterans Day. Today is the day we are to remember those who have served and protected our freedom. Our right to live, thrive, and even protest (To all you protester's). First and foremost , to all who are currently serving, or all that have served our country in any one of the many branches of United States military service I want to extend the largest and warmest thank you to you and your dedication to our freedom and … Read More via Words from Skrach Continue reading To all who currently serve and or have served our country, this is for you. (via Words from Skrach)

Rank Name Organization Age 1 Hu Jintao President People’s Republic of China 67 2 Barack Obama President United States of America 49 3 Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud King Saudi Arabia 86 4 Vladimir Putin Prime Minister Russia 58 5 Pope Benedict XVI Pope Roman Catholic Church 83 6 Angela Merkel Chancellor Germany 56 7 David Cameron Prime Minister United Kingdom 44 8 Ben Bernanke Chairman Federal Reserve 56 9 Sonia Gandhi President Indian National Congress 63 10 Bill Gates Co-Chair Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 55 11 Zhou Xiaochuan Governor People’s Bank of China 62 12 Dmitry Medvedev … Continue reading Forbes ‘POWER’ list! (These are YOUR LEADERS and responsible for YOUR FUTURE!)

Labour minister broke election law: re-run ordered Two High Court judges today ordered a re-run of this year’s General Election campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth after ruling that Labour’s Phil Woolas knowingly made false statements about an opponent. Martin Beckford and Peter Hutchison Mr Woolas was accused of fighting a ‘dirty and dishonest’ campaign full of ‘lies, smears and totally false allegations’ Photo: GETTY The former immigration minister broke electoral law with what had been described as a “toxic” dirty tricks campaign against the Liberal Democrat candidate Elywn Watkins. His election win in May has now been declared void. Mr … Continue reading Phil Woolas bashed Muslims to win election – re-run ordered

Artificial Ape Man: How Technology Created Humans Archaeologist and anthropologist Timothy Taylor explains how a long-vanished artefact explains human evolution and led to “survival of the weakest.” You begin your book The Artificial Ape by claiming that Darwin was wrong. In what way? Darwin is one of my heroes, but I believe he was wrong in seeing human evolution as a result of the same processes that account for other evolution in the biological world – especially when it comes to the size of our cranium. Darwin had to put large cranial size down to sexual selection, arguing that women found brainy … Continue reading Darwin was wrong?