One Nation's Security Is Another Nation's Insecurity

Watching the news everyday and constantly hearing one word (security) over and over again got me thinking. What is this security we speak of and how secure has it made us? 

Since the dawn of time, humankind has been enduring conflicts posing a threat to national security. Among these conflicts have been some of the greatest and most intense wars such as World War I, World War II and the Cold War. A relatively more recent addition to these wars has been the “War Against Terror” initiated by the U.S former President Bush following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. If you actually think about it, both domestically in the form of ‘Homeland Security’, and in international military engagements, the pursuit of war against terror inevitably combines and reproduces the conditions and anxieties that it claims to address. These developments recall Kissinger’s cautionary observation that “[t]he desire of one power for absolute security means absolute insecurity for all the others". Ever since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and onwards, the population of the world has never felt secure and safe again. Ironically, the impact of these terrorist attacks has created an imbalance of security and ultimately a kind of paradox

Historically & Philosophically Defining Moderntiy

As usual my dad always finds a way to talking about  the marvels of modernity and technology today compared to what he had growing up. As I lay in bed desperately trying to sleep, my insane mind decided to wander off in a web of thoughts ... tonight's topics of randomess is modernity. 

The phrase modern life is usually associated with one’s current life being new or up to date. Which has done more to define this modern life, conflicts of tradition and modernity or tensions between science and religion, is hard to say as they were all very important in their own times. The reason for this is because they are all interrelated; in the long run, everything is a cause and effect resulting from modernity over coming traditions.

I Now Prononuce You Husband & Wi .... Yea, I Dont Think So!

So today my students started talking to me about marriage and the obstacles they need to go through to get married. For those of you not familiar with the marriage law in the G.C.C, one needs to get permission from their government in order to wed a partner from a different country. So for example, if a Saudi wants to marry say a Kuwaiti he/she needs approval from the government to do so and vice versa.

Mind you, this is not the first Ive heard of it .... it never made sense to me back then and still doesnt now! Makes you kinda wonder who such a rule of law benefits. In Saudi the typical argument is that this rule was implemented as a result of those unmarried Saudi women who cant find a man cuz they are all taken. That is a load of bull if you ask me. Now im sure a lot of Arab women out there might hate me for what im about to say but its true ..... I know men are not perfect but you are partly to blame for the situation you are in.  the fact of the matter is that some Saudi men face difficulty marrying Saudi women due to financial constraints. The kind of high dowry that is demanded by the bride's father makes it extremely difficult for the Groom to even think of getting married. Well maybe, just maybe if you set a decent figure a guy might be able and willing. Im just saying!!

It's high time these geniuses make the rules figure out you cant control who you like and choose to spend the rest of you life with. Who is this awesome (please note the heavy tone of sarcasm) marriage law  benefiting? One of my student was telling me that she was engaged to her fiance for seven years awaiting the government's approval so that they can go ahead and get married. The woman waited around for SEVEN YEARS before she had no choice but to end it and move on. I mean that is real dedication, being engaged for all those years. Clearly they both wanted each other badly enough to wait that long, sadly the government will never realize how it ruined the lives of not one but two people for that period of time.

Now Im not saying that all Saudi men are pure and have good intentions, as is the case with any society there will always be a few rotten apples so to speak. They may be sick and twisted and might have their own messed up reasons for marrying non natives. that doesnt mean they should ruin it for the rest. Everyone deserves a little happiness!!!!

p.s. for you oh so creative readers out there, please do not confuse this random rule of law to be a part of what people love to label as "Islamic Fundamentalism". This is not even close to that. Islam doesnt not endorse such notions.

Humanitarian Deliberation: A New Kind of Intervention

I wrote this last night and it was well past midnight and as usual I couldnt get myself to fall asleep so decided to jot down some of my thoughts since I had nothing better to do .... so excuse my unorganized randomness:

We are all passing travelers of this vast planet we call Earth, departing with nothing but mere impressions and memories of our existence for the generations yet to come. The real question though, is what good any of that did? Have the proceeding generations been any better or are they moving along in the shadows of the past? Johann Huizinga, a Dutch historian, once said that “History is the intellectual form in which civilization renders account to itself of its past”. Therefore, simply put, history is what mankind has provided or left behind overtime. Having said that, it is our job or rather it is our duty to learn from the faults of our predecessors and make sure the mistakes of the past do not highlight themselves in the present and future.
Among the darkest of these shadows is not being able to abide by one simple code of conduct: equal and fair access to a fundamental right which was ours to keep the day we step foot in this world. Everyday hundreds and thousands of people across the globe are facing violations of human rights; which sadly seems to be a recurring theme throughout history. As the term suggests, human right is the “right that someone enjoys in virtue of being a human being”. This then raises the great question of whether or not the above mentioned human rights can be endorsed globally and universally. In other words, can there exist a human right that is universally applicable to all walks of life regardless of their nationality, race, ethnicity, culture, religion or even gender? As individual human beings we all share the natural right to life, liberty and property as introduced to us by John Locke. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Sadly it is almost never as simple as it sounds.

Solitude

The dictionary definition of solitude is a state of being alone or secluded. in other words, not be very gregarious or being in a state of isolation and seclusion. For some people, myself included, solitude is usually associated with a sense of calm and peacefulness. In today's world where we have unlimited and easy access to information about anything, anyone or anywhere, life is very fast paced. There is so much to do so much to see, but everyone is constantly in such a hurry and rushing through their life. These days we hardly have the time, or even take out the time, to just pause for a second and look around; i mean REALLY look around and think about what they have just observed or experienced.

For me, this time of solitude and reflection comes at the end of the day, when most people set their alarms for the next morning (resting their body & mind to rush through another long and busy day) and go to sleep; too fatigued to do anything else. When the darkness and silence of the night sets in, I lie awake in bed simply enjoying the solitude; enjoying some "me time". I think it is imperative that as individuals we should all take time-out and spend some quality time alone with ourselves, or at least try. I like to make use if this time in order to reflect on the day's events, on what I did, who I met, what they said to me and what I said to others etc. It is only after assessing my day, do I realize any mistakes or flaws made on my part and decide what to avoid and what not to do. I know popular belief is that "you are your own worst critic". However, contrary to popular belief i strongly feel that there are times when only you can be your own best critic; after all no one knows you better than yourself.

When in solitude, I dont just reflect about who i am as an individual, but I also contemplate on the various global issues. I know that some of these issues are too big for me to have and affect on, but i believe that each one of us can play a small role on our part to ameliorate various other smaller problems. Sure i just spent the last four years of my life doing a degree in International Relation, but it doesnt take a politician to come up with an idea or ideology per se. Every individual is unique and has a mind set of their own. If instead of blindly following what others do, taking out a few minutes of solitude will not only benefit you but will also help stimulate the mind allowing you to come up with thoughts and ideas more clearly that might be useful to you and others around you.

I understand that certain people dont suit well with the idea of being in solitude with pin drop silence. My suggestion for them is not to take solitude in its literal sense. solitude does not have to be physical, it can also be mental solitude. One of my favorite ways of enjoying mental solitude away from home is in a coffee shop. The place could be crowded and over flowing with customers, but all I have to do is find a nice corner, order a nice hot cup of coffee and read a good book or just lose myself in my thoughts.

For some reason people seem to associate the act of thinking deeply and reflecting with philosophy. Yes i admit that i have a great love and passion for philosophy but it doesnt take an philosopher to think. Everyone owes him or herself some time in solitude.

Pakistan: A Seventy One Year Dream

March 23rd 1940, a day marked down in history books and celebrated by Pakistanis across the globe. It was on this day that the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had a dream; to create a great nation that would stand out for its strong values; faith, unity and discipline. Unfortunately, what Jinnah did not imagine was the Pakistan that exists today.

The State of Pakistan as we know it today faces great turmoil regarding its government and current political regime or position. Since the time of its independence on August 14th of 1947, Pakistan has been unsuccessful in maintaining a stable government; over time it has found its way from a state of a dictatorship or theocracy struggling its way to democracy and since then it has been an endless cycle. The nation has experienced martial law and dictatorship at various points over the years. The system of government has never been consistent or stable in the country. It has always been a game of hopscotch between elected democratic governments and dictatorships.

The unity between the four provinces is limited and religious, where regional forces are at play. The economic stability is frail and law and order is chaotic. The country desperately needs to restructure itself and its various institutions. It needs to resolve the various conflicting issues that internally damage the unity of the state. And in order to find domestic stability and prosperity along with a strong standing in the international arena, Pakistan needs to establish a solid government – a government that is able to initiate policies that reflect the interest of the masses and also counter the various national and international crises that enclose the country. This is not news to most of not all Pakistanis; we have known the problem for years but it is the solution we are having trouble with.

This instability of government rule in a country is one of the factors that give a country the characteristic of a third world or underdeveloped country and distinguishes it from a developed first world country. Truth be told, this can all be changed and reversed with a little education and realisation. Pakistan has the potential to be a self sufficient nation that the world respects. How and why you ask? The country is among the top nations with nuclear capability. It is no wonder Pakistan and India have never gone to war with each other; none of them dare take the first step as the consequences are colossal.

The PAC JF-17 Thunder is a light-weight, single engine, multi-role combat aircraft. Guess who developed it ... that’s right it was a joint project of the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAC) of China, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). This country is capable of building it own stealth planes and it has!

Agriculture and textile? We are experts in that too. Rice, sugarcane, wheat, mango you name it we produce and export it. Pakistan has ranked somewhere in the top twenty for worldwide farm output. Cotton and yarn are the country’s primary textile related exports. Pakistan's industrialisation first took off in the 1950s with the textile industry at its center; it could have advanced at a much faster rate if someone took the time to notice.

Sports goods and pharmaceuticals? Sialkot is renowned for its talent in sports good manufacturing; over the year manufacturing footballs has given it global recognition. The pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan with time has progressed and developed a great deal, with the potential for further improvement and expansion. I can go on forever listing reasons why Pakistan can be a great self sufficient nation, but none of it will matter unless the public is educated and informed. Imagine what the kind of nation we can be with all these points combined! Pakistan aik jazbati kaum hai and there is no denying that, so let us use it to our advantage. Blowing things up, mass destruction, beating people up, cheating your way through things and target killings are neither the answer nor the solution. How about just this once we actually use that brain God gave us and not let is rust away. Can we bring Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s dream to life? Can we bring back the faith, unity and discipline we once might have possessed? Who knows, in the words of a friend you just might “put Pakistan back on the map”.

Happy Pakistan Day people.

Futility of Change

Living in the 21st century, change is not an uncommon concept to us. We live in such a fast paced world where changes are being made by the minute if not by the second. My purpose here is not to convince or inform you about change because well, that would be futile. It doesnt take a genius to figure out or acknowledge the changes constantly taking place around us. I do however intend on discussing the relativity of change and its effects so to speak.

Some changes generate a positive rippling effect while others seem to generate a negative impact on society. I guess this is why I like to think that change is relative, as the impact varies from individual to individual or at times group to group. By stating that change is either good or bad (positive or negative), we are really not doing justice to it. For me giving such definitive sets of boundaries means looking at the world in shades of black and white. Turns out that there exists a third category of change that i like to call "futile change"; my shade of grey :p.

Over the past few days, I have read a huge number of complaints regarding the new facebook homepage layout. The changes were made world wide but I am sorry to say that I was great disappointed or annoyed rather at reaction generated from this change. The world is making such a big deal over something so small and futile. People have spend so much time and effort creating pointless petition groups out of frustration for the new layout. IT IS JUST A SOCIAL UTILITY NETWORK ... IT AINT THE END OF THE WORLD!!!!

Where was all this anger and frustration when mass genocide was sweeping Rwanda? Where was all this anger and frustration when the janjaweed were fighting in Darfur? Where was this anger and frustration when innocent Muslims were being sent to Guantanamo Bay? Where was all this anger and frustration when foreign policies were being made against us??

I would really like to know how many of us actually open up a news paper anymore to see what is going on in the world. Ok i get it, some of stopped reading the news because there is never any good news to read about, but does that mean we just turn a blind eye to what is going on? I am starting to go off topic here so i will stop but for those of you have no idea what the point to this entire note was, here is a the summary in a nutshell:

THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO LIFE THAN FACEBOOK OR A NEW LAYOUT THAT YOU DONT LIKE!!!

Honesty is the Best policy?

I found this really interesting video that was interesting and kinda surprising i must admit. im sure all you fans of politics will enjoy it too.

over the years, us politically minded people have become experts in beating round the bush when expressing our thoughts. we even have an expression made after us >>> "spoken like a true diplomat/politician" :P

just take a look at the world around you, half the leaders of the world dont say what they truly want in fear of the so called "super powers" of the world.

out of the billions and billions of the world population i think one man stand out and very humorously (yes i know british style) and fearlessly puts his thoughts across to the media and world leaders.

by now you all must be thinking im talking about jon stewart. dont get me wrong here, i dont find anything wrong with jon stewart, he is funny though sometimes falls over to the lame and pointless side but for the most part he is awesome.
but sorry guess again .... im talking about George Galloway. I truly admire this man's courage and way of thinking though at times it seems he is crossing the line just a tad bit but what he has to say is interesting and true. after all there is a famous saying "honesty is the best policy"

well i hope you all enjoy this link :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=249JaIaubVw

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

************************************

This is one of my favourite poems by once again my favourite poet, Robert Frost. What i love about Frost's work is that on the one hand its so simple when put down in words yet its meaning is so deep and can easily be related to by anyone no matter who they are or what they do. Businessman or street cleaner, child or adult its meant for all.

Everyday each one of us is faced with choices in our lives, a kind of fork in the road. Most of choose the familiar road out of fear without giving it a second thought and taking the easy way out.

Dont get me wrong , im not saying that familiarity is wrong but sometimes for a change we should take the other road ... the road less traveled by. whose to say that wasnt a better option? Sadly you will never know unless you try it.

We should set our fear aside and learn to embark on new challenges and risks in our life. Think about it ... would you like to live your life in fear as a coward or would you like to prove that fear can be over come and you are no coward?

If the fear factor isnt a good enough reason then here is another point i would like to put across to you. Would you rather be a leader or a follower in life? If you just go ahead and follow the road that everyone else took, it just makes you a follower. Be a risk taker, have a little faith and try something new in life.

Having faith reminds me of some wise words Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had to say on faith. "Faith is taking the first step even when you dont see the whole staircase".So the next time you are faced with a fork in the road remember Frost's words .....

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The Irony of Fate

Fate is a funny word and often underestimated. Fate can be thought of as supposed force or power that predetermines certain events in our life. However, it is important to note that these predetermined events are inevitable. Ok so now you all must be wondering what makes fate so ironic? Well the answer is so obvious and yet almost always overlooked .... its the "inevitability"!

Its ironic how we spent a great deal of time trying to shape out or control the events our fate brings to us. If these predetermined events are in inevitable then i honestly feel its ironic how we try so extra hard to change and control them. Sure we can spend hours planning our life out but how much of it in the end turns out according to plan. I strong believe that sometimes the element of spontaneity can be a good thing .... it keeps us going and gives a sense of colour to life

For example, if you were meant to die on a certain day then, no matter what you do your death is not in your hands and inevitable. You may sit there thinking that this example was a tad bit mala-dramitc but its perfect to explain my point. YOU CANNOT PLAY GOD WITH FATE!!

So all of you out there who are spending all their valuable time trying to fight against their fate, please stop trying as you will never be successful. We always talk about time is something we have very little of, but its sad how we never use it effectively and efficiently enough. I got my wake up call for the value of time today when i had four hours to spare between my last class of the day and my meeting.

I wish you all the best and hope you take heed from this note :)