Saudi women get in the driver’s seat With changes under way within the kingdom, it looks likely that female motorists will finally return to the roads <!–Topsy–> Fahad Faruqui guardian.co.uk Saudi Arabian women may be allowed to start driving soon. Photograph: Hassan Ammar/AFP The issue of women driving in Saudi Arabia resurfaced recently with a headline in the Saudi-run Elaph website predicting they will be allowed to drive within two months. Such predictions have appeared in the past without being fulfilled – much to the dismay of many women who would like to drive their own cars. But with recent … Continue reading Letting loose women on Saudi roads!

BNP leaflet to black Christian voters branded ‘obscene’ Far-right party mails 24,000 ‘black’ electors in Barking and Dagenham urging them to vote against ‘unchristian’ Labour Sam Jones and Matthew Taylor guardian.co.uk Nick Griffin, leader of the British National party, poses for photographers in the Barking and Dagenham constituency. Photograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA A BNP leaflet designed to woo the black Christian vote in Barking and Dagenham has been branded “obscene” by one of its recipients. The targeted leaflet, which accuses Labour of undermining Christian values and promoting “ungodly lifestyles”, was sent to 24,000 people in the borough. It features a picture … Continue reading BNP seeking House Niggers – apply to Nick.Griffin@bnp.org.uk!

Calling on Super Sahib Posted by Murtaza Ali Jafri I will always love Superman: he fights for peace, justice, and the American (err… Pakistani?) way. I think he embodies all that we wish for in today’s corruption- and violence-ridden world. He is that rare individual who is unflappably decent (severe lack of grey moral areas), courageous (well not really, given that next to nothing can hurt him), and unstoppably awesome (like an earthquake, tsunami, or other national disaster). But given the wave of anti-Americanism sweeping Pakistan, I think it’s time we coined a realistic desi Superman. What would he be … Continue reading What would a Pakistani Superhero be called?

Berlin looks at superheroes’ Jewish roots dawn.com People walk past a Superman figure by German artist Marcus Wittmers displayed in front of Berlin’s Jewish Museum, to advertise the museum’s current exhibition “Heroes, Freaks and Super rabbis — the Jewish Colour of Comics”. The exhibition, which runs from April 30 to August 8, 2010, looks at 45 of the most successful comic artists, overwhelmingly children of European Jewish families who had emigrated to New York. – Photo by AFP. Culture Next Batman film to swoop into theaters in 2012 Next Batman film to swoop into theaters in 2012 BERLIN: If Superman … Continue reading Germans – All superheroes are Jews!

Fear grips Pakistani-Americans By Anwar Iqbal dawn.com FBI investigators remove evidence from the former home of Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad on Sheridan Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut, May 4, 2010. Shahzad admitted to trying to detonate a bomb in New York’s busy Times Square and receiving bomb-making training in a known Taliban and al-Qaeda stronghold in Pakistan, US prosecutors said. — Reuters Pakistan Faisal Shahzad: ‘modern boy’ from liberal Pakistani village NY BOMB SUSPECT Faisal Shahzad: ‘modern boy’ from liberal Pakistani village WASHINGTON: A Pakistani-American girl, only 12, refused to go to school on Tuesday, saying she fears other students will ask … Continue reading The US media also needs to show that many American Pakistanis are against these fanatics

Faisal Shahzad: ‘modern boy’ from liberal Pakistani village dawn.com A policeman sits in the rear of a pick-up as a donkey and cart pass in front of the locked residence of Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad in Peshawar on May 5, 2010, after his arrest in New York for an attempted car bombing at Times Square. — AFP International Fear grips Pakistani-Americans DREADING BACKLASH Fear grips Pakistani-Americans MOHIB BANDA, Pakistan: In his home village in Pakistan, shocked residents remember Faisal Shahzad as a modern father of two from a good family who showed no hatred of America or sympathy with radical Islam. … Continue reading Faisal Shahzad radicalised in the United States?

Taliban seek comeback in Swat dawn.com While military assaults in the northwest near the Afghan border have clearly hurt the Taliban, militants have a knack of melting away when the heat is on, only to pop up in other spots. — Photo by AP Pakistan Pakistan doubts Taliban Times Square claim Pakistan doubts Taliban Times Square claim MINGORA: Taliban militants are pushing to make a comeback in Pakistan’s Swat Valley a year after being routed there, challenging government assertions that several army offensives have broken the al-Qaeda-backed movement. Although Swat officials vow to keep Taliban militants away, heightened security measures … Continue reading Why are there still Political Mullahs in Swat?

VIEW: Americans against American policies —Ishrat Saleem When the US indulges in military adventures abroad, it is not free of reaction at home. People within the US have been influenced by an increasing appreciation of what their country represents to the outside world Despite boasting a highly sophisticated security apparatus, the US continues to be haunted by the spectre of terrorist attacks on its soil. Today, an attack within the US without the involvement of Americans looks like a farfetched idea. In spite of having within their grasp the ‘American dream’ of a better, richer and happier life, that has … Continue reading Americans against American policies

WASHINGTON DIARY: Stave off a military intervention —Dr Manzur Ejaz If some circles of the Pakistani intelligentsia believe that a new military government can reverse the country’s devastating trends, they are sadly mistaken. The military, as an institution, is not structured to run a complex state and if they try again, the outcome will be even more disastrous The US’s promises of assistance, passage of the18th Amendment, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and many other high sounding claims have not delivered much to the common citizen. Police brutality and violence against women and the poor are continuing unabated despite … Continue reading Would a military government be better for Pakistan?