Pakistan acid attack parents 'feared dishonour'
The parents feared their child would dishonour them so they thought infanticide was the solution? They have brought disgrace on their family and country. Pakistan needs to get a grip on a culture that somehow normalises this abhorrent behaviour. There is NO honour in murdering your child because their values are more enlightened than yours.
How pathetic the parents appear whining that neighbours talk about them. They should stand up for their child and disregard the ignorance of others. Their elder daughter shows so much more courage and honour than her parents can possibly comprehend.
Showing posts with label Foreign Affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foreign Affairs. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Too Little, Too Late
David Cameron: Safe passage for Syria's Assad acceptable
Britain always had the perfect rationale to cut a deal with Assad as his wife is British. Now we've tried and been rebuffed. Why wasn't a clear offer made to Assad at the start of the conflict? It became very clear from the outset that Russia and China were going to veto anything vaguely resembling military intervention. Sometimes life only offers unpalatable choices.
Assad vows to 'live and die' in Syria
The West's concerns of Islamist extremist involvement are now coming true.
Syria Islamist fighters in Aleppo reject new opposition
If Assad is to remain in Syria and well funded extremists are gaining in strength, then all efforts must be directed at bringing moderate opposition groups and Assad towards a compromise. If not the opposition and West could be facing a more extreme and oppressive State than the one they began with.
Syria crisis: Discord grows between Islamist and secular rebels
Although somewhat tarnished, I wonder whether his wife Asma might offer a more a palatable Head of State during a transition phase to a more democratic Syria?
Britain always had the perfect rationale to cut a deal with Assad as his wife is British. Now we've tried and been rebuffed. Why wasn't a clear offer made to Assad at the start of the conflict? It became very clear from the outset that Russia and China were going to veto anything vaguely resembling military intervention. Sometimes life only offers unpalatable choices.
Assad vows to 'live and die' in Syria
The West's concerns of Islamist extremist involvement are now coming true.
Syria Islamist fighters in Aleppo reject new opposition
If Assad is to remain in Syria and well funded extremists are gaining in strength, then all efforts must be directed at bringing moderate opposition groups and Assad towards a compromise. If not the opposition and West could be facing a more extreme and oppressive State than the one they began with.
Syria crisis: Discord grows between Islamist and secular rebels
Although somewhat tarnished, I wonder whether his wife Asma might offer a more a palatable Head of State during a transition phase to a more democratic Syria?
Monday, 2 May 2011
A Step Forward on the Path to Peace
Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead - Barack Obama
Osama Bin Laden is dead. His atrocities and willingness to fight to the death always made a violent end the most likely. Al-Qaeda's structure and ideology however mean his loss is likely to be more symbolic than substantive. What should provide more substantive hope for a peaceful world are two other recent developments in the Middle East which have a far greater potential to undermine Al-Qaeda.
Peoples in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Yemen have all stood up and demanded greater democracy and freedom. It is well understood that where there is disenfranchisement and deprivation that extreme ideologies find less resistance. A proliferation of democracy, freedom and hope will strike far greater fear in extremists than the loss of any leader.
The plight of the Palestinians has often been cited as a justification by extremist groups. It is therefore extremely welcome to see Fatah and Hamas have reached an agreement to work together. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a rather negative view on the development.
Netanyahu: Hamas-Fatah unity deal should worry all those who care about peace
Netanyahu must appreciate that a peace deal that doesn't involve all Palestinians is no deal at all. Clearly Hamas must disavow its stated aim of the destruction of Israel. It stands to reason this change is more likely working in partnership with the more moderate Fatah party. Peace in Northern Ireland was only possible when all groups were represented. Only when all sides have a stake in peace can it truly have a chance. Only when condemnation of atrocities is unequivocal from all sides can terrorism be defeated. Only when people of all sides say enough is enough will terrorists find their support crumble and their motivation questioned.
Egypt urges US to back Palestinian state declaration
The US has done the world a great service in the removal of Bin Laden but it needs to do all it can to support the evolving nascent democracies in the Middle East, whilst having the courage and determination to help bring about a settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
With the democratic changes happening in Israel's close neighbours the region must complete its transformation with a state for Palestinian people to fulfil their potential and live peacefully alongside Israel.
It is democracy and freedom that will bring greater moderation in the Middle East and ultimately greater peace and security across the globe.
Osama Bin Laden is dead. His atrocities and willingness to fight to the death always made a violent end the most likely. Al-Qaeda's structure and ideology however mean his loss is likely to be more symbolic than substantive. What should provide more substantive hope for a peaceful world are two other recent developments in the Middle East which have a far greater potential to undermine Al-Qaeda.
Peoples in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Yemen have all stood up and demanded greater democracy and freedom. It is well understood that where there is disenfranchisement and deprivation that extreme ideologies find less resistance. A proliferation of democracy, freedom and hope will strike far greater fear in extremists than the loss of any leader.
The plight of the Palestinians has often been cited as a justification by extremist groups. It is therefore extremely welcome to see Fatah and Hamas have reached an agreement to work together. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a rather negative view on the development.
Netanyahu: Hamas-Fatah unity deal should worry all those who care about peace
Netanyahu must appreciate that a peace deal that doesn't involve all Palestinians is no deal at all. Clearly Hamas must disavow its stated aim of the destruction of Israel. It stands to reason this change is more likely working in partnership with the more moderate Fatah party. Peace in Northern Ireland was only possible when all groups were represented. Only when all sides have a stake in peace can it truly have a chance. Only when condemnation of atrocities is unequivocal from all sides can terrorism be defeated. Only when people of all sides say enough is enough will terrorists find their support crumble and their motivation questioned.
Egypt urges US to back Palestinian state declaration
The US has done the world a great service in the removal of Bin Laden but it needs to do all it can to support the evolving nascent democracies in the Middle East, whilst having the courage and determination to help bring about a settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
With the democratic changes happening in Israel's close neighbours the region must complete its transformation with a state for Palestinian people to fulfil their potential and live peacefully alongside Israel.
It is democracy and freedom that will bring greater moderation in the Middle East and ultimately greater peace and security across the globe.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Loyalty Law Lunacy
Israeli Arabs defiant on 'loyalty laws' plan
This is the kind of madness we've come to expect from Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. You cannot deal with the loss and pain felt by thousands by suppressing their right to mark it. Nor can you expect loyalty at the end of a stick. Pride in the State of Israel will come when it is seen to be doing the right thing by Arabs in Israel and the Occupied Territories alike. Only when there is a final agreement that gives fairness, justice and equality, regardless of race or religion, can they expect a change of mindset. This is a worrying sign that the right wing lead Israeli government is doing precisely what you'd expect from them. Let us hope President Obama will remind the Israeli government of the important role free speech plays in Western values.
US “Role Model” to Muslims: Obama
This is the kind of madness we've come to expect from Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. You cannot deal with the loss and pain felt by thousands by suppressing their right to mark it. Nor can you expect loyalty at the end of a stick. Pride in the State of Israel will come when it is seen to be doing the right thing by Arabs in Israel and the Occupied Territories alike. Only when there is a final agreement that gives fairness, justice and equality, regardless of race or religion, can they expect a change of mindset. This is a worrying sign that the right wing lead Israeli government is doing precisely what you'd expect from them. Let us hope President Obama will remind the Israeli government of the important role free speech plays in Western values.
US “Role Model” to Muslims: Obama
Saturday, 30 May 2009
No more settlements, no exception
Putting the squeeze on Israel's settlements
America's firm statement on settlement activity is long overdue. It remains to be seen what difference this will make on the ground. It would carry far greater weight if it came with possibility of the withdrawal of financial aid. Settlements not only cause continuing resentment amongst Palestinians but create an ever increasing obstacle for a two state solution. Creating any kind of contiguous land mass for a Palestinian state is going to be difficult if peppered with Israeli settlements.
Jerusalem mayor 'stepping up demolitions'
Israeli authorities seem to have no qualms about destroying Palestinian homes but far more reticent about dealing with even the most extreme of Jewish settlers.
Israel's right of return, whilst laudable in its original intent, now needs serious re-evaluation. If there is no more room, then there is no more room.
America's firm statement on settlement activity is long overdue. It remains to be seen what difference this will make on the ground. It would carry far greater weight if it came with possibility of the withdrawal of financial aid. Settlements not only cause continuing resentment amongst Palestinians but create an ever increasing obstacle for a two state solution. Creating any kind of contiguous land mass for a Palestinian state is going to be difficult if peppered with Israeli settlements.
Jerusalem mayor 'stepping up demolitions'
Israeli authorities seem to have no qualms about destroying Palestinian homes but far more reticent about dealing with even the most extreme of Jewish settlers.
Israel's right of return, whilst laudable in its original intent, now needs serious re-evaluation. If there is no more room, then there is no more room.
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