Comments on recent events

Britain’s former Prime Minister Blair caught red handed

On 23/4/2008 former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was caught traveling on a train without a ticket and no cash to pay for the fare. The ticket costs $49 dollars, while Blair’s income since June 2007 amounts to a million dollars. In 2000, Blair's wife Cherie, was fined after being caught riding a train without a ticket. What is noteworthy is that Blair deflected all accusations of nepotism, embezzlement and corruption, while he was prime minister. He employed expensive advisors and lawyers to protect himself from the full arm of the law. Yet, all it took was a normal train journey to reveal Blair’s true colours.

Ethiopian crusaders slaughter Somalian Muslims

On 23/4/2008 Amnesty International accused Ethiopian soldiers of killing 21 people, including an imam and several Islamic scholars, at a Mogadishu mosque and said seven of the victims had their throats slit. The human rights organization is the latest voice to speak out against the savagery of Ethiopian crusader operating in Somalia. Ethiopia was enlisted to spearhead America’s war against Islam in the horn of Africa. Since 2006, Ethiopia has been collaborating with American to consolidate US hegemony over Somalia. A similar pattern is found in Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, and Waziristan etc. where America in partnership with Israel , India , and NATO is waging a brutal war against Muslims. This can only be described as a war against the Islamic civilization, and not a clash of civilizations as often depicted in the West.

Tensions rise between Russia and Georgia

On 23/4/2008 speaking after a close door UN Security Council Session, Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Bakhradze said, “We have very alarming signs of creeping annexation on the ground. That is creeping annexation of two Georgian regions - Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And the recent decision to establish direct legal links with the local de-facto authorities is also the first time when Russia challenged Georgia 's jurisdiction over these two regions…” Ever since the recognition of Kosovo by the West, Georgia has been alarmed at Russia belligerence towards it

At the heart of the dispute is the ongoing struggle between US and Russia to control Georgia . Russia is using the precedence set by Kosovo’s independence to normalize relations with Abkhazia and South Ossetia . Recently, Russia was also able to persuade European countries to block American attempts to admit Georgia and Ukraine into NATO. The tensions have irked the US and prompted the US Secretary of State Dr. Rice to say, “Our commitment to Georgia and to its territorial integrity is firm.” As the America prepares for the upcoming general election, Russia will have ample time to exploit the last few months of the defunct Bush administration to make further inroads into Georgia .

Dutch and Danish embassies evacuated in Kabul

On 23/4/2008 the BBC reported that Dutch and Danish governments have evacuated their embassies in the Afghan capital, Kabul , in response to threats. A few days earlier staff from the Danish embassy in Algeria and the Dutch mission in Pakistan were moved. If this is the action of Danish and Dutch governments in response to the anger of the ummah over insults to Islam, then imagine what the response would be if the armies of the Muslim world were to join the ummah to protect the honour of the messenger (saw) of Allah.

US pressurizes China to hold talks with Dalai Lama

On 23/4/2008 Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte told a U.S. said, “The Chinese government should seize the opportunity to talk to those Tibetans, represented by the Dalai Lama, who oppose violence and do not seek independence for Tibet …Public vilification of the Dalai Lama will not help defuse the situation.” Over the past few weeks America has steadily pressed China to hold talks with Dalai Lama. Some western leaders have even gone as far as stating that it would inappropriate for them to attend the Beijing Olympic games. The Chinese on the other hand abhor American interference and regard the US along with Europe to be the chief architects of the violence in Tibet . Whether or not China cedes to US demands and commences negotiations with Dalai Lama, one thing for certain is that the events have rejuvenated Chinese nationalism. This is a double edged sword. Whilst nationalism unites Chinese to stand together, it also breeds resentment against China’s minorities. If China fails to mange this properly, the West is lying in wait—ready to exploit other minorities.

24/04/2008