Desicritics Author: Subhan Ahsan

Muslim Group Alleges Blasphemy Without Attribution - And the Media Falls for It

Subhan Ahsan — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 11:55:17 EDT

This post is a reaction to an earlier article on DC "Link"

When a reader comes across such titles the first reaction for most is always a "Oh not again". In last one year there had been too many provocations and too many counter over-reaction on subjects concerning Islam and Muslims. So whether it is Jyllands-Posten news agency depicting Islam's Prophet as a terrorist, Pope quoting quotes that Muhammed brought only evil and inhuman things, Operas flaunting his beheaded head, or a right-wing political party releasing videos of their party-acts including how they played with Muhammed, all these generated varying amount of Muslim backlash - on street, in media and at political arenas.

Whether these should be considered as acts of human Freedom to express & do what they want to express & do or blatant provocations to the sensibilities of billion odd people, I will live that upon the readers to choose. For me though, these incidents come across very purposely & provocative and similar to an incident which we know about from the history of Indian Freedom struggle.

Of the many causes for Sepia Mutiny and the armed forces backlash against the British administration in 1857, one prominent cause was a foul play with the sensibilities of the people. It can be argued to be a rumor, but the Indian soldiers of certain regiments believed that their cartridges, which they have to bite before loading, were greased with Cow Fat and Pork Fat. British General George Anson reacted to this crisis by saying, "I'll never give in to their beastly prejudices". The Indians can very well relate to such incidents, and on-lookers can consider such reactions to British behavior as just and proper by Indian Sepoy or an over-reaction by armed fanatics against a civilized administration.

On a side line, it would be interesting to know how the Western/European media had reacted to this Indian incident. Maybe it would have made the headlines as "Indian Force alleges British Cartridges as blasphemous". And the Tom/Dick/Harry audience in Britain or Western bias Indians would have reacted as "Oh not again".

But how does one react to reports which make up stories? Should such lies be treated as a human's act of freedom? And what about those who choose to rake up controversies for their profit?

Jyllands-Posten, like any other mainstream media, would have editorial policies which bar them from porno-graphics and graphic details of dead. Thus it is obvious such editorial policies are self-imposed and pick & choose. It picked what is profitable to its business. And if decade down the line JP finds money in porn and porn's acceptability to its audience then it will very well publish them too.

German Operas which has been traditionally funded by public, in recent years, are in severe drought of money. Thus it is no surprise that it recently choose to edit a 225-year old opera "Idomeneo" to include the controversial addition of severed heads of Prophet. And more over raked up a controversy & publicity by canceling a show even though there was no substantial/direct treat.

Thus it won't be surprising now and in future when for sake of publicity many websites, like MEMRI will cook-up lies and those reports will be further massage and analyzed by bloggers world wide.

Google Apple Mecca Project and all links and blogger posts points back to MEMRI with no indication of where the original thing came from. Worst many bloggers assume MEMRI as the Islamist website which is making the claim.

Prominent news blogs like Register and MacDailyNews picked up this MEMRI post and fit not to bother the authenticity and complete lack of journalist ethics on part of MEMRI which failed to name its unnamed sources.

MEMRI posted a follow-up to the original article on its website :

In response to readers' comments to MEMRI regarding the content and details mentioned in the report "Apple's 'Mecca Project' Provokes Muslim Reaction," it should be emphasized that all content published by MEMRI is translated directly from the primary source. MEMRI's mission is to present material as originally written and read in the Arab world, that would otherwise go unreported.

Even this follow-up failed to link/mention the source of their report.

F1 Updates: The Win and The Loss

Subhan Ahsan — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:48:14 EDT

A generation of F1-viewers has grown-up watching Michael Schumacher as the F1 hero and with the announcement of his retirement it won't be easy for them to see a Grid line-up without him in future championships.

The name Schumacher has become a synonym for the passion of F1-races. And the genius of this man is such that one automatically expects him to win every race. Yes, the Ferrari fans want him to win every damn race. Even during the drought-races of last championship (year 2005), in every race the fans eagerly hoped he wins.

The stuff that separates a genius from the rest is not only how they win but also how they hold themselves in losses. Renault had some great times recently, but it does no good to the team now when they are losing that they have to pass lousy comments. The Renault chief Flavio Briatore says "...this year's title race had been decided and fixed". Earlier Renault driver Alonso, when penalized for blocking Massa's car, had cried "F1 is no longer a sport". How will the Renault team explain the engine failure during this race? Was it also decided & fixed "around the table"?

Though Renault is still leading this year's Drivers championship, but it seems they have already given up the hope. A Desicritic has rightly noted "humility is the hallmark of a true champion".

The 2006 championship cannot get more exciting. With the Monza race the lead has been slashed from 12 points to 2 points and only 3 more races to go. The Ferrari win at Monza and the failure of Alonso to get any point, has largerly increased Schumi's chances to win the Championship.

The win was perfect for Ferrari, but with the Schumi retirement announced, this loss for Ferrari, F1 & Schumi fans won't be easy to get over.

Why Riba (Usury) is Haram in Islam

Subhan Ahsan — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 06:09:08 EDT

"Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch hath driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is like usury," but God hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for God (to judge); but those who repeat (the offence) are companions of the Fire: They will abide therein (for ever)." - Quran Verse 2:275 (Chapter Al-Baqara)

For some such Quranic verse will come down as very unpleasant & stern judgment and they are infact very severe as Islamic Shari'a looks upon consumption of Usury (common definition: interest on money) as serious offence.

Quran prohibits its followers from Riba (Usury) and has couple of stern verses to dissuade the people from brining in the concept of Usury in their economic & social life.

At another place Al-Lah says:

"O ye who believe! Fear God, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers."
- Quran Verse 2:278 (Chapter Al-Baqara)

Verses like such ("...if ye are indeed believers.") further highlights the gravity of offence by exhorting people to obey if they indeed think themselves as Muslims.

Quran not only put a stop on Usury but it also encourages leniency towards debt-ridden as way to social upliftment.

"If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time Till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew."
- Quran Verse 2:280 (Chapter Al-Baqara)

But why has Islamic Shari'a prohibited the Usury from economic and Business transactions?

To understand the wisdom behind such prohibition we need to be first aware of 2 key Islamic principles on wealth-creation.

1. Islam permits increase in capital through trade and, at the same time, it blocks the way for anyone who tries to increase his capital through lending on interest (riba) - whether it is at a low or a high rate.

Allah Almighty says :

"O you who believe, do not consume your property among yourselves wrongfully, but let there be trade by mutual consent..."
- Quran verse 4:29 (Chapter An-Nisa)

I would also like to point to another prohibited means of earning (though not the subject of this post) - 'gharar' (transactions based on speculation/gambling).

Modern financial practices that are Haram under 'gharar' include use of derivatives such as futures and the purchase of insurance. However, investment in the stock market, except holding preferred stock with a fixed dividend, is permissible on the principle of shared risks and rewards.

The Hadith of Prophet says:

Do not buy fish in the sea, for it is gharar. (Ibn Hanbal)

Buying 'fish in the sea,' or alternatively, 'what is in the womb' highlights the speculative nature of the transaction.

2. 'Gharar' (speculation/gambling) violates the principle that all parties have both complete knowledge and access to the product before the transaction.

In summary, Quran forbids both risk-less gain, as in the case of Riba (Usury), and transactions based entirely on risk, as in 'Gharar' (Speculation/Gambling). Islamic Shari'a encourages Muslims to be "risk neutral" and earn profit through neither seeking speculative gain nor hoping to lock down all risk with fixed returns.

With these explanations on Islamic principles of Wealth-creation let me now put forward the wisdom behind prohibition of Usury (interest on money) in Islam.

The strict prohibition of Interest in Islam is a result of its deep concern for the economic, moral, and social welfare of mankind.

Economic: Dependence on interest discourages people from working/trading to earn money and the value of work/trade is reduced. Such people won't bother to take the trouble of running a business or risking money in trade/industry. For most of the readers this statement may not make sense (or won't be able to relate) as they themselves are from class of Workers or Traders (and not money-lenders). For such reader, I would recommend them to read this short macro-level explanation of today's debt-ridden economies (The facts about Usury: Why Islam is Against Lending Money at Interest)

Moral: Acceptance of Usury discourages people from doing good to one another and lend out of good will. A society which encourages interest on lending will require needy people to pay back more than he borrowed, which quite often is a source of huge burden.

Social: If interest is allowed, the rich (who are most likely to be lender) will exploit the poor (borrower). As a result, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. This generates envy and hatred among the poor toward the rich, resulting in social disorders, conflicts and at times breeds revolutions & movements.

To understand these economic, moral and social effects we Indians don't have to look further than Vidarbha and the plight of farmers there which in recent time has received much publicity for unfortunate circumstances. And Vidarbha is a part of much larger problem area.

Between 2001 and 2006, over 14000 farmers have committed suicide in various regions including Vidarbha and Telangana. In almost each of these suicide cases the only recurring reason is debt-trap.

Jaideep Hardikar in his report Loan after Loan notes:

A farming family holding 27 acres in Vidarbha has become a marginal landholder in a span of few years, and a vicious cycle of usurious debt robbed their lands and hopes. There are hundreds of others in the lurch similarly.

These farmers who very often had to borrow from money-lenders at 60-120% interest, to sow seed, and toil every day from sunrise to sunset and if-and-only-if the harvest is good or saved from natural torments will they be able to pay out the interest and some principal. But seldom it happens as willed and for years after years they are still trying to come out of debt. And for many the only way out of these miseries was through death. Suicide is not an easy route as some would think. It is an end for those who see all hopes vanished. It is also thus no surprise that Vidarbha and Telangana are demanding separate States.

Thus, in a society which permits interest, the strong benefit from the suffering of the weak, resulting in conflicts, social-disorders, and revolutions.

The Mahim "Miracle": Sweet Sea and Holy Insanity

Subhan Ahsan — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 00:22:08 EDT

India is a place of many beliefs and at times it can produce very odd situations. I stay in Dubai and am a localite of Mahim, Mumbai.

Last night my friend, after watching Aaj-tak, told me "Your Mahim is in the news, Subhan. Seems like some miracle had happened near Baba Makhdoom's Dargah." The news channels were running stories of the Mahim sea having miracously turned sweet. This change, first noted by a teen, spread quickly all over Mumbai and within hours there were ten thousand people thronging the beach to take a holy sip and dip.

Many immediately claimed it was a miracle of Baba Makhdoom, who was a holy saint. Though Mahim also has a large St. Michael's Church and a very old Sitladevi temple, it is unclear why they were ruled out from this miracle. Maybe the Saint's Dargah is closer to the sea than the other two.

No offence to Shah Makhdom Ali Fakhi (ra), as he was no-doubt a pious man (he being a Konkani from Mahim, and my family sharing a similar ancestry, I have much reverence for him), but reverence or not, it doesn't mean a person has to start drinking a creek water, pollutated with the industrial waste, human waste and all kind of imaginable rubbish.

The Mahim sea-front can easily be considered the worst beach/seaside that Bombay has. A small sweet river flowing from the interiors of Maharashtra, reincarnates into a dull-dark gutter of flowing industrial/city wastage when meeting the Arabian Sea in Mahim. It is only the ignorance of man that propels him to forget all these and consume what could potentially be hazardous.

The local authority has tried its best to inform the people of the dangerous consequences drinking such water can have.

"Due to heavy rainfall in the area, the ground water gets fully charged and may exert excess pressure. This can cause fine cracks in the rocky bottom through which ground water tends to come out," Dilip Boralkar, Member Secretary of the MPCB said here.
"Fresh water being lighter than sea water will float on the surface and may taste relatively sweeter. Normally, seawater is low in salinity during the monsoon because of the continuous rainfall in the area. This year we have had heavy rains in Mumbai ground water being fully charged may be the cause," he added.

Still the madness continued all night and the next day.

Delhi's Intelligence Dilemma

Subhan Ahsan — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 11:53:40 EDT

First the Indian News agencies reported an alarming alert of possible terror attacks in India as per the US Embassy in New Delhi, though this advice was meant for the US citizen traveling India as a precautionary note.

But the 24 x 7 channels were already churning out the many analysis and reporting, leading to perception of something terrible going to happen.

Of course, the Media are highly instrumental in putting pressure on the responsible authorities, which can also lead them into very awkward positions. So the Indian citizens are highlighted about Terror warning through News channels which are referring a Foreign State's statements.

The local Intelligence Agencies are already under tremendous criticism for non-performance leading to the Mumbai blasts and their subsequent failure, so far, to nab the culprits behind those blasts.

So here we have Special Commissioner for Security Ajay Chadha quoting upon being asked to comment on warnings given by the US on possible attacks in India: "We are already aware of that... Intelligence agencies have already indicated." The Delhi police, a day later, also said it has "specific intelligence inputs" about these treat.

Do they really mean what they are saying or is this just a cover-up for their failures in gathering any meaningful Intelligence?

Isn't it an embarrassment for them now that the US Officials are clarifying on their report that the advisory was in "hypothetical terms." Meaning no definite intelligence but only precautionary guidelines given the coming I-Day, a month for 9/11 5th anniversary and the treat for US citizens at other world places.

Surveillance & Analysis are not the only Intelligence failure for the administration. In recent weeks and months we have seen the unearthing of many CIA spies at high and secure Indian establishments. So whether it is Mukesh Saini at National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), S S Paul again at NSCS or Rabinder Singh at Raw, it only shows the level of breach that has effected the Intelligence agencies.

The recent revelations from Jaswant Singh (the mole story), shows even the politicians have high suspicions on this infiltration, but then they too are not sure who is working for whom, and hence the hesitance in coming up with definite names.

Intelligence is clearly & unarguably a very important aspect in today's global dynamics of politics, war & international relations. Had the Nuclear 5, and more importantly US, known about India's Nuclear efforts and definite intelligence about the research & development facilities, its nuclear maturity, and assurance that India is not already a Nuclear-capable, it can be said that they would have not stop themselves from a pre-emptive strike of India's facilities.

The failure in Surveillance & Analysis will have near-term effects (terror acts, sporadic border conflicts) but a weak defensive and counter Intelligence process/system will lead to a failed/feeble Global position & Foreign Policies, which otherwise takes year & decades to develop.

An Open Letter To The Philadelphia Inquirer

Subhan Ahsan — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 01:59:35 EDT

Original Article: Judeo-Christian tradition adapts, not so Islam

Dear Jonathan,

I read with interest your article "Judeo-Christian tradition adapts, not so Islam". Being a Muslim and from Far East / Middle East I have following thoughts which I would like to share with you.

In this article you tried conveying two positions:

1) Judaism and Christianity see themselves as part of the same tradition whereas Islam does not
, and

2) Judaism and Christianity are more open and adaptive to modernity whereas Islam is not.

I agree to your first point that both these religion relate to each other more than either of these religions relates to Islam. But this is definitely not due to their religious history since Islam recognizes all the previous Prophets and their teachings.

As you have subtlety pointed that "..With the birth of Jesus, Jews and Christians part ways. Christians believe that, as the son of God, Jesus is the final and everlasting covenant, the fulfillment of all prior revelations."

This very principle is followed by Islam and Muslims wherein Muhammed (pbuh) is considered as the Last Prophet of God and thus the fulfillment of all prior revelations.

It is thus surprising that you would consider the Christian theology as acceptable and still part of the long evolving tradition but the same concept followed by Islam makes it a stranger.

Yes, there is no magnetism between Islam and Judaism/Christianity and this more to do with your 2nd point then the religious history.

Islam is definitely not open to changes, but it does not imply it is not adaptive to times and ages. There is difference between Change and Adaptation, Mr. Last, if you would think on this point.

The human biological structure itself has not fundamentally changed for the last 10000 years, but still it has adapted so well to the tremendous changes that happened in the same period to the ecosystem wherein it lives. So is Islam, which Muslims believe is no new religion, it is the religion of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the revelation completed by Muhammed (peace be upon all). These laws which govern and provide a framework for the mankind to lead a moral/purposeful life are not to be changed/tweaked to suit circumstances. But they have to be adapted such that the core and fundamental of teachings are withheld.

Since you sound like a religious person, I won't argue with you on the need for Religion or the supremacy of the Creator over his creation. But I would highlight the fact, with which you also agree, that over all these thousand years Islam has not changed, and thus provides Laws which are more pure from deviations and tweaking by mankind.

If your definition of adapting to modernity lies in being a passive institution, then Islam definitely is not one to adapt such characteristics. Islam has never taught us to lie idle whereas the moral conducts of mankind degrades. It has never encouraged man to be an onlooker to the oppression of its kind.

Your impression about Islam, I understand are mostly based on your knowledge of our times, which is very unfortunate and our limitations in not able to halt or change such perceptions. But if you do take effort in researching the Islamic History, you would come across the great many civilizations that Islam had established and sustained.

It is only during the last 2 centuries wherein tremendous efforts have been put to abolish all that Islam stands for. It's people have been falling economically, socially and intellectually. Whether it is in Africa, the Middle East, Asia or anywhere else it has been the same story. The resources have been exploited, lands have been occupied and people deprived of the growth.

Since I am from India, I know very well the history of my country. It has been ruled by the Muslim Khilafat for nearly half-a-millenium (Mughal Kingdom). During this period it had all the riches a developed nation would have and was rightfully called a Golden Bird. But then in the 18th and 19th century, the British Occupation (which also ended the khilafa in the year 1857) destroyed it and made it the poorest nation. All the riches gone and the factors which help sustains a civilization destroyed. Such was the gift of Her Majesty, even after 60yrs of Independence we are still trying to come out of the pitfall. (You would be surprised to know India has the second largest Muslim population in the world).

Try reading the history of other Islamic nations and you would find a similar pattern. (And please don't assume that the Arab nations have always been under Islamic influence since its advent.)

To summarize, my friend if your idea of modernity means Development and Richness of a nation/community, yes Muslims of today are far behind, but definitely not due to their religion.

F1 Updates - Schumacher Shining, Still

Subhan Ahsan — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:05:36 EDT

Michael Schumacher, yet again, won a fabulous race at French Formula 1 GP and yet again his detractors have to eat their words who last year were all out trying to write him off.

Schumacher has already reached a stage where his genius in F1 races cannot be belittled and with every race he is raising the benchmark for his competitors even higher. Last match got him his 150th podium and this was his 8th win at French F1 Grand Prix, both are records far from reach from any of the other contenders.

The lead of Alonso is now reduced to 17 points, but with only 7 races to go for the season it is still a very difficult lead to kill. If we assume both these drivers to give their best form and in every race Schumacher finish first on podium with Alonso as second, then too Alonso will end up wining the 2006 championship with 3 points. Now that would be the most dejecting end for Ferrari-Schumacher fans.

For all the remaining races, Schumacher cannot afford to miss the podium top-spot, and hope that his team-mate Massa will be next in line, at least for couple of races. That would bring a happy ending to the season.

And don't ever assume 2006 would be the last for Schumacher's career. Alonso is reported to start 2007 with McLaren, and seeing the disarray this team & car is in, one can only give good wishes to him. Plus it won't be easy to partner with Kimi.

So for now, it is all good news for the Ferrari fans.

Aaj Tak Coverage of Mumbai Blasts: Using Unreliable Sources

Subhan Ahsan — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 07:52:57 EDT

I was surfing the channels for the latest updates on the Mumbai blast and to see what progress the investigation had made. As usual lots of hot air, rounding up of hundreds of people (mostly those with previous records), and experts speculating which militant group had left their imprint on these blasts.

What caught my attention was the heavy discussion on Aaj Tak, with a four-person conference from Delhi, Mumbai, Kashmir and the Studio. All these reporters where discussing the latest email Aaj Tak had received claiming the responsibility for the blasts. Flash news was showing Laskar-e-Kahar as the organization behind the blasts. Aaj Tak even proudly displayed the text of email, and the studio person was iterating that the email they received was from the id jack_smith55@yahoo.

An astonishing act from a TV news channel which is supposed to have a very large audience.

No one was questioning the authencity of the email, or mentioning the fact that it is so easy for any jackass to create an email and send such content. We have seen in past few days, in Delhi and Mumbai, many hoax calls which only suggest there are too many people willing and ready to play mischief. How can a TV News channel ignore such facts and balantly make such an unreliable source the basis for a news worthy item? Or may be they just want some news to run their 24*7 Channel, maybe they just knew too many means to create News.

I switched away to BBC to catch up some news on the Lebanon crisis before sleeping.

This morning when I read the web edition of the Times of India, I get to see the recycled dump as the frontpage news, though in the case of the Times, I guess it is to be expected.

In an e-mail to a TV channel, Lashkar-e-Qahhar stated that it had organised the blasts...

Mumbai Blasts, Terrorism, and the World We Live In

Subhan Ahsan — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 04:06:34 EDT

This is the second time in our life time that Bombay, also known as Mumbai, has been hit by coordinated serial bombing. The Mumbai blasts of 1993 were terrible and what we have here is even more scary. Though the number of fatalities, as of writing this article, is less than that in 1993, it is still very high and the target was Mumbai's railway network.

I am staying in Dubai but all my family and near and distant relatives are in Bombay. When I heard the news about these blasts and that they were all in the localities that my family/relatives stay, I was panicking. I was on my way for Magrib Salat (namaz) and praying and hoping my family, relatives and friends were safe. The blasts were timed and synchronized for peak hours. I was thinking about how many of my friends and people I know might be traveling during this time, and eagerly hoping I don't get to hear any personal bad news. During the next few hours I was able to get in touch with many and was lucky to know they were safe. But how many in Mumbai may not be that lucky today and would be grieving for their loved ones lost in the attacks.

The blasts happened in Mumbai and 1000 miles away, but I was in the grip of terror, fearing for the safety of my family. It was only after talking with them that I was relieved. And most of the non-resident Indians having their dear ones back in Mumbai may have gone through similar pains.

The Mumbai blast is surely an act of terrorism and terrorism has no face, no boundary, no beliefs in existence of God and his promise of Judgment day. Terrorism surely has no value for life. The murder of a single man, not guilty of any heinous crime, is akin to murdering all of humanity. But people who perpetuate such crimes are terrorists, who works only for money, for their selves, for the fulfillment of their desires at any cost.

They don't believe in Quran which says:

"For that, We ordained for the Children of Israel that whoever kills even one person, except as punishment for murder or major crimes, it would be as if he has killed all of humanity. And whoever saved one innocent life, it would be as if he saved all of humanity." - Quran Verse (5:32)

The Administration has been inefficient in providing the necessary security. And now it should not be so in conducting the investigation. It would do no justice if the investigation and police agencies, like in many past cases, catch the wrong guys who later, after years of prosecution and defense, are acquitted by the Judiciary. And the real culprits are free to perform their next act. We don't need scapegoats, and neither would we appreciate if the Police show us only the infantry involved. In a country with millions of poor, one can at least find thousand such infantry who would be ready to commit any crime for few thousand Rupees. To be real efficient, the investigation agencies have to catch or at least come up with strong evidence to frame the masterminds. And show evidences which are worth their salt in the Court of Law.

All hypotheses should be considered and verified. In these times, it is fashionable for every analyst to say hours after the blasts that it 'carries the signature of Al Qaeda'; Al Qaeda, a group even these analysts never heard of prior to 9/11 and which has been made hugely ineffective as a functional unit. This same thought would have never come to their imagination, for instance, during Mumbai 1993 blasts or any other incident prior to 9/11. It would be foolish not to consider its involvement, as every possibility should be considered. But it would be more idiotic if the investigation agencies, to meet deadlines and show results, defaults to this common punching bag.

If we are to believe this British intelligence analyst Richard M Bennett, who says on Rediff:

"This has all the hallmarks of a Special Forces/Intelligence operation... it may have been carried out by expendable extremists, but those who were the promoters and brains have military training."

Now whether this is a lame attempt of external forces to influence the Indian think-tank into believing ISI involvement or not, it surely is a valid and logical conclusion. We have seen, as in March 1993, to efficiently execute such well-coordinated attacks it needs military backing. Reviewing the many terrorist attacks globally in the last half-century will only reveal this single common factor - the powers at the top behind the executioners are government-funded agencies.

Whether it is Russia's KGB, Pakistan's ISI, America's CIA, Britain's MI5 or Israel's Mossad, it is an open secret that these agencies receive billions of dollars annually to carry out covert operations in foreign lands. Time and again we have seen in the news (which is later quickly dispelled) about their involvement in funding local warlords, mafia gangs and regional extremists. To be honest even India's RAW is no angel and has been active in its neighborhood - definitely in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Pakistan has fed the insurgency in Kashmir and, to a large extent in the 90's, Punjab, which also received huge support from Britain. Likewise India is accused of its support to LTTE in Sri Lanka, and the then East Pakistan which later became Bangladesh. America's CIA which is the largest intelligence network and with a huge booty to spend, is very much active throughout the world and not limited to its neighboring foreign lands. And why do we forget that it was the Green Dollar which was used to form Al-Qaeda and arm it with all the weapons?

Terrorists by themselves are dummies and, in fact, the most vulnerable people on earth that can be easily manipulated through money, religious feelings, national cause or blackmail. Through these manipulations they will commit any crime in their homeland or foreign lands.

Recently we have seen many sting operations in USA and Canada to catch wannabe terrorists. Whether it was the Miami Seven or Canada's 17, in each case we have seen how these Government Intelligence agencies manipulated the individuals involved, recruited them, gave them a plot for execution and also the necessary material. These operations where meant to be stings and so they were never actually executed. But what if they were allowed to continue with the execution? Simple - all over the world the news would talk about "Terrorist attacks", "Islamist Extremism", the the world would have believed the news, the infantry culprits dead on way to hell, the wannabe foot soldiers praising martyrdom and the relevant Intelligence agency busy classifying and wiping out any of their left-over footprints.

To strike home my point, consider if tomorrow there would be a terrorist attack involving Nuclear/Biological weapons. Do you think any group like Al Qaeda, Lashkar, LTTE or IRA has the capability/facility to indigenously manufacture such weapons? It's a clear No, and the only way they can get such weapons is through these various Government-backed shadowy agencies and their projects.

Now where is the global will to stop these real powers who are affecting our life and mind? Why is it taboo to criticize the role of such agencies that are, on and ever-increasing basis, performing deeds against humanity? If the national interest and national security can only be maintained by playing havoc in foreign lands, then who would stay safe in this world?

Enough of money and power has been given to such agencies which are the real terrorist outfits. Enough of their secrets have been kept classified and away from any Judiciary system. In our century, unfortunately, You and I are not safe from their mischief.

Narmada Bachao Andolan and Aamir Khan: Fani Ya Fanaa?

Subhan Ahsan — Thu, 25 May 2006 10:56:03 EDT

I start first with this disclaimer that I am not or have never been a huge Aamir Khan fan and also not promoting his films. This article is more concerning the right of a citizen to voice his opinion and lend support to a cause which many feel is a just cause.

Since years many Indians has been reading about Narmada Bachao Andolan and seeing its ever so familar leader Medha Patkar's image in news. What an irony that this poor lady has turned grey over the years but the issue of Narmada dam has not been resolved. Its a different topic all together on why successive government was not inclined to take action and steps which can be beneficial to all the stake holders.

I am neither pro or anti dam, and even the activities at Narmada Bachao Andolan are not anti-dam or anti-progress. Though in recent time its saddening to note how the politicians and some media articles have tried to spin the Andolan's efforts as un-patriotic.

The dam at river Narmada is an important and profitable project for the country. Building it would help in meeting the ever growing needs of energy. And thus help enrich the nation. But progress cannot be at the cost of disrupting the lives of thousands of people. And if there is a necessity and no way without effecting the lives of the local inhabitants, then these people should be given the proper compensation. This is their very right and if the government is not concern with this, then these people has no option but to take up their agitation. Even the Supreme Court of India has given direction in this matter that the extension of dam should happen along with proper compensation and rehabilitation.

The people residing elsewhere in cities and towns are not having first knowledge of the concerns and pain of the local inhabitants. Politicians who have vested personal interest are ever too eager to denounce the agitators as people who are hindrance to the Development & Progress of the State.

It is surely a commendable action of Aamir Khan to lend his support for this agitation. Being a celebrity its heartening to see that he has genuine concerns for the weak of the society. And so its disgusting to now see how the politicians would like to take revenge by inciting people in banning his upcoming release in the Gujarat state. In recent years, the politicians and few segment of the society in this state has made all efforts in proving that rationality and justice cannot always prevail in democracy.

The Party workers (hoodlums would be more appropriate term) of leading national political parties have taken voilent action to attack Aamir Khan for his opinion. We have BJP spokeperson Vijay Kumar Malhotra saying,

"We can end this row if he [Aamir Khan] apologises to the people of Gujarat [for his stand on the two issues]. That's all."

Here are the leaders who cannot take action against people breaking the Laws, but demanding an apology from a person who had echoed what Supreme Court has said.

It won't be easy for Aamir to face such attacks as this will effect him financially. I wonder if there is option in the Indian Judiciary to put up a case on the Political parties and seek monetary compensation for the damages. But in any case, being on wrong foot with the politicians is as good as starting enmity with a local gang-lord.

Fanaa is a sufi term which means self annihilation or take steps to destroy one's existence for a cause. (And fani means immortal.) Will Aamir be able to stand by his principles and continue to support the cause? Fanaa is just the first step in the realization of the Truth.