Helen Thomas: Thrown to the wolves At a time of forgiveness, why is Helen Thomas still being ostracized? Danny Schechter Helen Thomas, who once occupied a front-row seat in the White House briefing room, has been completely ostracized due to some inelegantly-put remarks about Israel captured on film by provocateurs [EPA] In 1960, I was fixated on emulating the courageous media personalities of the times, from Edward R. Murrow to a distinctive figure I came to admire at presidential press conferences – a wire service reporter named Helen Thomas. In recent years, my faith in the power of dialogue in politics has … Continue reading At a time of forgiveness, why is Helen Thomas still being ostracized?

The rebirth of Arab activism How one young Tunisian is emerging as a symbol of disenfranchised and impoverished Arab youth. Lamis Andoni Mohammed Bouazizi’s attempted self-immolation set off protests by Tunisians [AFP] Mohamed Bou’aziz, the young Tunisian who set fire to himself on December 17, is emerging as a symbol of the wider plight of the millions of young Arabs who are struggling to improve their living conditions. Like many across the Arab world, Bou’aziz, who is now being treated for severe burns, discovered that a university degree was insufficient to secure decent employment. He turned to selling fruit for … Continue reading Rebirth of Arab activism

By Sudha Ramachandran BANGALORE – India’s hopes of setting up its first air base abroad seem to have been grounded. The Tajik government has announced that Russia is the only country in the race for use of the Ayni air base. “We are in talks over the Ayni airfield only with Russia,” Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi told a press conference in the capital, adding that “such talks are not being held with any other party”. Zarifi’s announcement brings to an end – at least for now – years of speculation over who will get to use the base. Located … Continue reading India air base grounded in Tajikistan

By Brian M Downing The ongoing insurgency in the Pashtun regions of Afghanistan rightly commands attention, but it obscures a critical second conflict in the country. Long-standing antagonism between the non-Pashtun peoples of the north and the Pashtun people of the south are heading toward fissure. Paradoxically, settlement of the insurgency, through negotiation or force of arms, could exacerbate this divide. Ethnic politics Afghanistan comprises a dozen or more sizable ethnic groups, the precise numbers and proportions of which are unclear and contested. Pashtun, Tajik, Uzbek, Hazara, Turkic, Baloch, and other groups differ on demographic matters; and the country’s geography … Continue reading The other conflict in Afghanistan

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)