Tag: democracy

Leave a comment

Frederick the Great

Mohammed Abbasi

Frederick II, the Great Frederick II, the Great (1712-86): King of Prussia. During his 40-year reign, Frederick II vastly increased Prussia’s wealth, doubled its size, recast it into a hub of culture and learning, and made it a great military power. Frederick was a sensitive and intelligent humanist who composed flute concertos, wrote poetry, and produced insightful essays. His series of histories, dealing primarily with affairs of state, would eventually fill 15 volumes. He became a close friend of the French philosopher Voltaire, François-Marie Arouet de, and as monarch would surround himself with artists, writers and musicians. He was host of the … Continue reading Frederick the Great

1 Comment

Tony Blair: A Dangerous Liability for All?

Mohammed Abbasi

Tony Blair: a liability in Britain and the Middle East? Disparaged by Palestinians and booed by Labour Party conference delegates, the former prime minister is losing his appeal. Tony Blair leaves The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre after giving evidence for the second time to the Iraq Inquiry in London in January, 2011 Photo: REUTERS By Peter Oborne It has been Tony Blair’s unhappiest week since he stepped down as prime minister more than four years ago. When Ed Miliband raised his name during his Labour Party conference speech on Tuesday, it was greeted by boos in the hall – while Miliband … Continue reading Tony Blair: A Dangerous Liability for All?

1 Comment

2012 – Justice Without Borders!

Mohammed Abbasi

Transnational Peoples Movements Form to Respond to Transnational Injustice by: Matthew Cappiello and Kevin Zeese, Truthout | Op-Ed An anti-government protester defaces a picture of Hosni Mubarak. (Photo:Antonello Mangano / Flickr) In an era where multinational corporations and linked international security networks exert increasing control over our daily lives, we have to fight their attempts to profit off our divided and balkanized communities by establishing independent connections with one another. Even though the United States has caused many horrible things around the world, there is still a powerful movement of people in this country that will stand up for justice … Continue reading 2012 – Justice Without Borders!

Leave a comment

Drone Sex?

Mohammed Abbasi

DISPATCHES FROM AMERICA Sex and the single drone By Tom Engelhardt In the world of weaponry, they are the sexiest things around. Others countries are desperate to have them. Almost anyone who writes about them becomes a groupie. Reporters exploring their onrushing future swoon at their potentially wondrous techno-talents. They are the pilotless drones, our grimly named Predators and Reapers. As Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, Leon Panetta called them “the only game in town”. As secretary of defense Robert Gates pushed hard to up their numbers and increase their funding drastically. The US Air Force is already training more … Continue reading Drone Sex?

Leave a comment

Is Karzai trapped?

Mohammed Abbasi

Karzai trapped in no-man’s land By M K Bhadrakumar Afghan President Hamid Karzai has made his first political move a week after the assassination of the head of the Afghan High Peace Council and former president, Burhanuddin Rabbani. Following a meeting in Kabul that included tribal elders, legislative chairmen, cabinet ministers, former mujahideen commanders and his two vice presidents, Karzai’s office issued a statement on Wednesday admitting that a question mark should be on the Taliban’s capacity to take independent decisions, implying they were merely a Pakistani proxy. The statement suggested that Karzai no more regards the Taliban as his … Continue reading Is Karzai trapped?

Leave a comment

Mongolia opens for business?

Mohammed Abbasi

Mongolia hands it to a cast of neighbors By Peter Lee ULAN BATOR – Before embarking for the United States, Mongolia’s President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj sat down with the Washington Post for a charm offensive, at least in terms that Mongolians understand: dispensing comparisons to Genghis Khan that they, at least deem flattering. Elbegdorj has lessons for USA from Mongolia’s past  As the leader of a diminished land that was once an invincible superpower, President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj has some advice for Americans fatigued by the burdens of global power: Remember Genghis Khan, and stick with your friends. “It is tough, but … Continue reading Mongolia opens for business?

1 Comment

“Divinity of Doubt”: An Agnostic Probes the God Question

Mohammed Abbasi

“Divinity of Doubt”: An Agnostic Probes the God Question by: Martha Sorren, Truthout | Book Review With books like “Helter Skelter” and “The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder” under his belt, author Vincent Bugliosi is no stranger to writing about controversial topics, and his first career as an attorney has influenced his writing voice and his writing method. “Divinity of Doubt: The God Question” is not a book about atheism. Bugliosi doesn’t have an interest in being an atheist, but rather takes the Clarence Darrow approach to belief in God and classifies himself as an agnostic. He quotes … Continue reading “Divinity of Doubt”: An Agnostic Probes the God Question

3 Comments

Deferred Dreams, Self-Destruction, and Suicide Bombings

Mohammed Abbasi

By Shaykh Hamza Yusuf There was a story in the New York Times a few days ago about how the “revolution” in Tunisia was sparked in December by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a 26-year-old, befuddled roadside green grocer. Like so many young Arabs, he was born poor and only dreamed of providing for his siblings and his mother. He had been to college, where he studied law, but had found no employment possibilities. So, given the basic dignity often found in people in places like Tunisia, he chose to humble himself and find a halal means to generate some … Continue reading Deferred Dreams, Self-Destruction, and Suicide Bombings

Leave a comment

THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH MUSLIMS SUPPORTS THE AWAKENING!

Mohammed Abbasi

“All God’s creatures are His family; and he is the most beloved of God who doeth most good to God’s creatures.” – Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) The Seal of The Prophets Egyptian people, in particular young people, are tired of a system that treats them as second class citizens in their own country and denies them their basic human rights, right to life, property, freedom of speech and self expression. The Association of British Muslims calls upon the Egyptian and other governments in the region, to evolve more representative national governments, place emphasis on ensuring and safeguarding the basic human rights of … Continue reading THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH MUSLIMS SUPPORTS THE AWAKENING!