Building a peaceful future Plans for a mixed Arab and Jewish neighbourhood in Jerusalem could be a step towards eradicating decades of hostility Seth Freedman guardian.co.uk For all that Jerusalem is perpetually mired in clashes between rival groups of Arab and Jewish residents, there appears to be a glimmer of hope. Plans were announced recently for a fully integrated mixed neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city, in a move which could herald a change in the way Jews and Arabs coexist in the Holy City. Elsewhere in Israel, many communities have embraced the idea of mixed living – such … Continue reading Plans for a mixed Arab and Jewish neighbourhood in Jerusalem could be a step towards eradicating decades of hostility

Malaysian politics return to the dock Once again, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is in court on suspiciously timed charges of sodomy Mark Tran guardian.co.uk It does not take a cynic to question the timing of Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial, the second that Malaysia’s opposition leader has had to endure. Human rights groups raised serious concerns about the trial even before it started. Amnesty International echoed Anwar’s accusation that the sodomy charges were politically motivated, as well as questioning the possibility of a fair trial. According to Amnesty, the prosecution’s refusal to deliver evidence to the defence at the pre-trial stage … Continue reading Once again, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is in court on suspiciously timed charges of sodomy

Let Sikh pupils wear ceremonial daggers, judge says Britain’s first Asian judge Sir Mota Singh says Sikhs should not be banned from wearing kirpans to school or work Adam Gabbatt guardian.co.uk The comments by Sir Mota Singh (c) follow several cases of Sikhs being banned from wearing the daggers and other religious artefacts in schools. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Rex Features Britain’s first Asian judge has called for Sikhs to be allowed to wear their ceremonial daggers to school. The comments by Sir Mota Singh QC, come after a number of cases of Sikhs being banned from wearing the daggers – known … Continue reading Britain’s first Asian judge Sir Mota Singh says Sikhs should not be banned from wearing kirpans to school or work

Labour has tainted the civil service Cherished traditions of impartiality and public service have come under attack. Tories would show more respect for civil servants Francis Maude guardian.co.uk In 1854, the Northcote-Trevelyan report set a pattern for our permanent civil service: politically impartial public servants dedicated to implementing the programme of the elected government. This system is one of the jewels in our constitution and is admired throughout the world for the way in which it serves the elected government of the day. The values of political impartiality, advancement on merit and the public service ethos should be as cherished … Continue reading Cherished traditions of impartiality and public service have come under attack in the UK

In a picture take on January 24, 2010 Kenyan fishermen bring in their catch at the coastal town of Mombasa, after a fishing exepedition. — AFP MOMBASA, Kenya: Somalia’s fearsome pirates don’t have many friends among the Indian Ocean’s seafaring community. But Kenya’s fleet of modest Swahili fishermen think the region’s most-wanted are a godsend. The sight of two fishing boats emerging from the horizon and bobbing towards the shore stirs a real commotion in Aziz Suleiman’s ramshackle observation spot in the Kenyan port of Mombasa. The fishermen in his iron-roofed shelter indented in the coral cliff say they have … Continue reading Somali pirates: Why are they heroes of Kenyan fishermen?

“We don’t have sophisticated weapons like the Americans with tanks and aeroplanes, but we have Islamic zeal,” said a Taliban commander. – File photo LASHKAR GAH: Taliban militants are digging in ahead of a major Nato operation in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. “The Taliban are not going to leave Marjah. We have seen them preparing themselves. They are bringing in people and weapons. We know there is going to be a big fight,” said Abdul Manan, a man from Marjah. “The Taliban are very active in Marjah. They are planting mines there and in the surrounding areas,” said villager … Continue reading Taliban getting ready for major fight

By Ahmad Hayat Our population is projected to rise to 335 million by 2050. We must change our ways before it is too late. — Photo by APP In July 2012 the world’s population will reach the seven billion mark, which means a jump of one billion since 1999. In stark contrast, it took 123 years for the global population to rise from one to two billion between 1804 and 1927. The three billion figure was touched only 33 years later, by 1960. Since then growth has picked up more pace with a billion being added to the population every … Continue reading Pakistan should use family planning and birth control to stabilise its population

Jawed Naqvi Activists of India’s ruling Congress party shout slogans and burn an effigy of Bal Thackeray during a protest in Kolkata.—Reuters Last week in Mumbai, Congress scion Rahul Gandhi met a group of students to share his frustration with India’s politicians. “I am here because I don’t like what our political system looks like,” he declared. Fine sentiments. The students applauded him heartily.Then he did what most politicians he detests love to do. He indulged in crass tokenism. The media, true to its form, applauded him as a hero. They gave colourful headlines to stories of how Rahul Gandhi … Continue reading What Fascism? Climb into a commuter train

A challenging doctrine By Javed Hussain Cold Start will be a portent of escalation, and inevitably a disaster for Pakistan and India. — Photo by APP On Dec 13, 2001, five gunmen attacked the Indian parliament building. An hour later, 12 people including the gunmen were dead. In the days that followed, India blamed the militant groups based in Pakistan for the attack. On Dec 18, 2001, the Indian government ordered the commencement of Operation Parakaram (Operation Victory), the largest mobilisation of Indian forces since 1971. It appeared that war was inevitable. Yet, after a 10-month standoff, Operation Parakaram was … Continue reading The next war between India and Pakistan will be both countries last war!

How to… seduce a man By Sam Roddick With Valentine’s Day looming, many of us are turning to thoughts of romance. Sam Roddick, founder of Coco de Mer lingerie boutique, offers her insight into the secrets of the seductress – for those seeking a new liaison and for women who’d like to reignite the passion in a long-term relationship. Very Valentines: A new partner or sturdy other half, here’s how to make him feel special KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLIRTATION AND SEDUCTION Flirtation is simply about making the other party feel like a million dollars: it’s a way of making … Continue reading Hey ladies come on this is how to… seduce a man 😉