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Monday, June 13, 2011

[ALOCHONA] Barrister Andalib Rahman speaks



Barrister Andalib Rahman speaks



http://www.bd-pratidin.com/?view=details&type=gold&data=Football&pub_no=407&cat_id=1&menu_id=1&news_type_id=1&index=3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taGOEk5VqZc


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[ALOCHONA] Will the dams 'damage' the relationship?



Will the dams 'damage' the relationship?

Badrul Islam

ENVIRONMENTALISTS and academics have called for a greater movement at national and international levels to resist what they said "India's conspiracy" to construct Tipaimukh dam without sharing information with Bangladesh. They also slammed the government's role in dealing with India about water issues. India has neither ensured water flow in the Ganges as per the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty nor shared information about Tipaimukh Dam, which is a sheer violation of the treaty.

Remonstrance over the Farakka Barrage, first in 1965, led to the Indo-Pak war. But in 1975, Bangladesh in good faith, agreed to allow its friend, India, to " test-run " its feeder canal for fourteen days only. India guaranteed Bangladesh that actual operation will commence after signing an agreement, detailing terms of operation and sharing of water. However, the rest is a history of non-compliance from India, resulting in desertification of many rivers inside Bangladesh.

Next is India's move to construct the Tipaimukh Dam ignoring strong protest from its own state of Manipur, as well as Bangladesh. The dam threatens the northeast part of India itself. Isn't both faith and friendship being compromised? So, why is India so obsessed with its dam projects? In April 2001, David Barsamian, Director of Alternative Radio in Boulder, Colorado interviewed Arundhati Roy, where she said, "The myth of big dams is something that's sold to us from the time we were three years old in every school textbook. Nehru narrated dams were the temples of modern India. The dam would serve you breakfast in bed; it would get your daughter married and cure your jaundice. But, people have to understand that they're just monuments to political corruption, and they derive from very undemocratic political institutions. You just centralise natural resources, snatch them away from people, and then you decide who you're going to give them to. When I was writing "The Greater Common Good" what shocked me more than the figures that do exist are the figures that don't exist. The Indian government does not have any estimate of how many people have been displaced by big dams. The reason that there aren't these figures is because most of the people that are displaced are again the non-people, the Adivasis and the Dalits. India doesn't bow down its people. It doesn't kill people who are refusing to move. It just waits it out. It continues to do what it has to do and ignores the consequences. Because of the caste system, and the fact that there is no social link between those who make the decisions and those who suffer from the decisions, it just goes ahead and does what it wants. The people also assume that this is their lot, their 'karma', what was written. It's quite an efficient way of doing things. Therefore, India has a very good reputation in the world for its democracy, as a government that cares, that has just got too much on its hands, whereas, in fact, it's actually creating the problems."- (www.progressive.org).

The book is an eye-opener for citizens to understand the system in India, its corruption, the obnoxious nexus with World Bank that offers the funds and the international community that implements the projects, robbing the poor to pay the rich. The Tipaimukh Dam will be no exception to this system.

Now this writer would like to present an example of how arrogant attitude of "Government" over demands of the "Governed" breeds' violence and terrorism. Water First by Kunta Lahiri Dutt and Robert J.Wasson has a chapter on The Regional Politics of Water Sharing written by Douglas Hill. In 1976, central government of India passed a rule settling how much water should be available to each state. Punjab disagreed and filed a case in the Supreme Court challenging its validity. Meanwhile, the construction of 112 km Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal began in 1982 to divert waters to farmers in Rajasthan and Southern Haryana (Khurana 2006). Construction was immediately met with opposition from Punjab unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Shriomani Akali Dal(SAD). The SAD section of protest eventually reverted to violent agitation and terrorism culminating in the events of Operation Blue Star at Amritsar, 1984 (where Indira Gandhi ordered the killing of hundreds of Sikh separists) and arguably resulted in her assassination in October. New Prime Minister Rajib Gandhi and Akali Dal leader Harcharan Singh Longowal met in 1985, set up a tribunal under Justice Eradi to re-examine appropriate allocations for Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. The findings of this tribunal were disputed by Punjab in 1987 on grounds that sufficient water to cover the recommended allocation was not available. Violence caused the closure of this tribunal in 1988 and construction of the Punjab section of SYL canal ceased in 1990. Again, tribunal re-opened in 1997 and ruling passed in favour of Harayana in 2004. This triggered political crisis and the Punjab Government passed a bill that nullified all previous agreements related to sharing of the Ravi and Beas (Khurana 2006): -(Google.com)

Did India learn any lesson from this? Governments work intricately through "Mama" system, to do their dirty work. Chetan Bagat in his book "The 3 Mistakes in My life" describes "Mama", a local tout but ambitious to climb up the ladder of power. He asks his political Guru to get him an election ticket. The Guru assures the Mama that ambitious people like him are required in the party and since he is good and committed, he (Mama) is to get to the next top level needs to do work that gets him noticed. India has such "Mamas" for operations. "Mamas", on behalf of India, bribed officials to make temporary settlement through promises that 10-12% of the electricity will be received free of cost and the rest of it will be given to NEEPCO for distribution to other states. Will other states not demand the same deal? Besides, the "Citizens Concern for Dam and Development" (CCDD) and Environmentalists don't care about this temporary settlement and are continuing with the protest and if the Marxists and Maoist insurgents join, there is great possibility that protests could turn to violent agitation. How will India deal with this violence? What would be the world's reaction to this? Will Bangladesh be pressurised to facilitate India?

And now, we can consider Bangladesh's part. India, without moral and military support from the then USSR (Russia), couldn't have assisted Bangladesh in the War of Liberation. During the War of Liberation, India was selectively aiding groups from Awami League (Mama factor) though other political groups worked in tandem to achieve the common goal of independence. Former Foreign Secretary, late Mr. J. N. Dixit in his comments to the Foreign Affairs Committee, said, "We helped in the liberation of Bangladesh in mutual interest, it was not a favour. He also said that 90% of the problems could be resolved if Bangladesh exported gas to India. India subsequently made a list of other items to demand from Bangladesh. Friendship is being tested harshly.

Additionally, India is ignoring clauses 2 and 3 of the Dublin Principles, 1992. Clause 2 stipulates Water Development and Management should be based on a participatory approach, involving all users, planners and policy makers. Clause 3 stipulates that women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. Besides, India never agreed to the proposal to discuss with Nepal to solve the problems of Bangladesh due to the Farakka Barrage. Why is India acting so mysteriously?

Will the Bangladesh Parliamentary team that has been invited to visit Manipur be able to find solutions? The answer is straight NO. In the absence of full details from India and the funding agency and subsequent analysis by local experts free from political influence, it will not be possible to distinguish any controversial points. Rather there is danger that the name of Bangladesh will be mis-utilized politically to pressurise Manipur and Mizoram.

What is the solution then? Here is a set of solutions to the problems: Barrister Harun ur Rashid suggests the construction of Ganges Barrage at Pangsha (90 miles West of Dhaka) to offset the adverse effects of Farraka Barrage. It was first conceived in 1963 and next in 1984 and after feasibility report of 1997 the Joint River Commission approved it. Immediate steps must be made to implement this and next Bangladesh experts should undertake another study to construct another similar Barrage in the Sylhet region to offset the Tipaimukh Dam effect.

Only after an agreement is made with India for construction of these two barrages, should our government think to cooperate with India. Dr. Ainun Nishat suggests that positive politics, mutual understanding and the Prime Ministers of both India and Bangladesh should be involved.

From all concerned -- Bangladesh and the two Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram, women's participation must be ensured and their opinions recorded and taken into consideration.

The non-resident Bangladeshis in Los Angeles have forwarded a fully endorsed suggestion to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through the consul general where they recommended that a team comprising of five countries be formed: Bangladesh, India, China, Nepal and Myanmar to find the right solution.

Of the sidelines of the recently-held non-aligned movement (NAM) summit in Egypt, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh of India has been reported to have confirmed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that India won't take any steps that might affect ties. Earlier in an exclusive interview, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh stated, "It is my sincere belief that all-strong and prosperous Bangladesh is in India's fundamental interest." Let the Honourable Prime Minister of India prove his intentions. It would be great if Sonia Gandhi also takes a keen interest and joins Dr. Singh in this venture. We are confident that Bangladesh-India relations will then greatly improve.

A freelance writer, the contributor is a former Water Transport Officer, BIWTA. He also worked for various United Nations agencies in Dhaka,Somalia and Uganda. He can be reached at bislam66@gmail.com

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=74048&date=2009-07-24

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[ALOCHONA] Why Is Libya in the Crosshairs of the West?



Why Is Libya in the Crosshairs of the West?

by Dr. Jyoti Prasad Das

June 13, 2011

The thaw in US-Libyan relations came in 2003, when Qaddafi abandoned his WMD program, renounced terrorism, opened up the oil sector to Big Oil, and compensated the victims of the 1986 Berlin disco attack and the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. George Bush rewarded him by waiving the sanctions on Libya in 2004. Qaddafi was happily shipping off Libyan oil to European ports. He was buying their weapons. He had invested in the US's private equity firms and big banks. He shared crucial intelligence with the West on Al Qaeda. Then why did he come in the line of fire? Was it for his ruthless crackdown on violent protesters? There's definitely more than what meets the

Tripoli was a reluctant ally, not a firm ally, in America's war on terror. A 2007 West Point study based on Al Qaeda files retrieved from Sinjar in  Iraq confirmed that Libyan fighters crossing the Syrian border into  Iraq under the banner of 'Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia' consisted of a far larger percentage on a per capita basis than any other nationality in the 2006-07 timeframe. Turning his back on jihadis fleeing Libya was Qaddafi's way to purge his country of potential troublemakers. 'Operation Odyssey Dawn' was launched to impede Tripoli from exploiting the power vacuum during the transition in Cairo and Tunis. The assault came even before the UN special envoy to Libya had tabled his report. Regime change in Tripoli costs the US relatively little.  Qaddafi did not have an 'oil for protection' arrangement with the US like the Saudis. Nor was he pivotal to the US like the Bahrainis who host the US' Fifth Fleet and have an FTA with the Americans. Bahrain is strategic because it is separated from Saudi Arabia by a narrow seaway through which 18% of the world's oil passes.

Qaddafi was wedded to the idea of floating a 'gold dinar' in conducting international oil trade. He urged the OPEC members to re-price their oil in the gold dinar, instead of dollars. His view resonated well with the African petro-economies. Such a bold move could have had 'ground-shifting' implications for the world economic order. A country's economic strength would depend on the gold reserves and not on its dollar assets. In 2000, Saddam Hussein announced that Iraqi oil would be traded in euros, not dollars. Some say that the sanctions and the invasion followed because the US was desperate to deter other OPEC members from toeing a similar line.

The ocean of fossil water reserves that lie under Libya's deserts have the potential for more lucrative profits than the fossil fuel reserves. There are 3 major aquifers that lie beneath the Sahara. The largest among is the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS), which spans through 4 African nations—Chad, Egypt, Sudan, and Libya—and is called the world's largest fossil water system, which could transform lives, lands, and economies. Libya's 'Great Man-made River' project, a large underground network of pipes and aqueducts, was conceived in the late '60′s. Funded by Qaddafi without foreign loans, construction began in 1984, costing $20 billion so far and supplying water to the populated coastal settlements. With the completion of the project, water shortage throughout Libya would have been a distant thought. In a post-Qaddafi era, the project may fall in corporate hands whose interest may lie in 'commercializing' water.

Qaddafi was a champion of African unity. His rallying cry—African resources for African development—had a mass appeal. He demanded greater representation for the AU States in international forums. His well-known contribution to the struggle for African emancipation were anathema to the West. A few years back, Qaddafi had fallen out with the Arab League on ideological principles, worldview and geopolitical interests. He had backed most of the liberation forces on the continent like the ANC of South Africa, SWAPO of Nambia, MPLA of Angola, SPLM of Sudan, Polisario Front of Morocco and RUF of Sierra Leone. He invested huge sums in the infrastructure development of sub-Saharan Africa. A US lackey in Tripoli would instead funnel the aid money to the tanking Western economies.

Money is the lifeblood of all economies. One who controls it, controls everything. Qaddafi did not open up the banking sector to Western multi-national banks. The Libyan economy was not integrated to the world economy, leaving no scope for banking sharks to manipulate the economy. It remained unscathed by the pitfalls of liberalization. Besides the Central bank of Libya (CBL), only a handful of Gulf-based Islamic banks were allowed to operate. The CBL issues Libyan dinars, interest-free, for the productive development of the nation and its citizenry. Since the CBL is not a member of the Bank for International Settlements'(BIS)—an inter-governmental organization that serves as a bank for all Central banks—the BIS could not 'regulate' the Libyan economy and advise Tripoli on economic matters and monetary reforms. In this backdrop, the Libyan rebels had to set up their Central Bank in Benghazi to begin transactions with the outside world. Further, the Libyan Investment Authority—a Sovereign Wealth Fund—manages an estimated $70 billion in fixed assets, reserves, and foreign investments. $30 billion invested in the West was frozen by Obama, but a part of it has been released to aid the rebels.

Oil was discovered in Libya in 1956. The prized sweet crude, low in sulfur, is much sought after. Moreover, Libya's oil and gas reserves are produced onshore, unlike the other African states. This reduces development costs. Though it contributes 2% of the world's oil output, its untapped potential is said to be much higher. There are huge stakes over who develops, produces, and receives in what amounts. China has expanded its energy footprints in Libya and that has come at an unacceptable cost to the Western oil giants. The African Oil Policy Initiative Group (AOPIG) was behind the US AFRICOM (USAC) project because a US National Intelligence Council report had stated that 25% of America's oil will come from Africa by 2015. A US Naval Post-Graduate school report of 2007 identified 3 priority areas for the US in Africa: international terrorism, oil and gas, and the lurking Chinese challenge. The main aim of the USAC is to set up military bases to advance the American agenda and safeguard its interests. Qaddafi had opted out of USAC, one of the 9 global Pentagon commands, to control Africa and the Mediterranean Basin, including the strategic energy transit routes and choke points, crucial for the world economy. Of all the African states, only Sudan, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Ivory Coast and Libya are not a part of the USAC. Now pause a while to pore on the socio-political conditions prevailing in these 5 countries.

Libya had become a battleground of Sino-US rivalry. China has expressed its interests in trading oil through a basket of currencies that could likely include the gold dinar. Last year, China had $6.6 billion worth of trade with Libya, most of it in oil. Qaddafi has favored Chinese companies to win stakes in some of Libya's most prospective oil blocks. China has extensive energy and construction investments in Libya. 30,000 Chinese were employed in these projects before the evacuation. The US wants to deny the Chinese the oil produced from their own investments. Then why did Beijing abstain rather than voting against U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 to safeguard its interests? Simply because it is still not in a position to face off with the US/NATO. It would be ludicrous for China to throw its weight behind a doomed strongman. But Beijing has provided weapons and intelligence to Tripoli, and it hopes to work with whoever holds power in future.

Libya's geographical location and terrain has the potential to play a key role in US-led operations in the region, as evident from the historic role of the Wheelus airbase during the Cold War. Libya's vast desert expanses and good weather are ideal for setting up gunnery and target ranges. It has the largest southern Mediterranean coastline. The major highway runs in close proximity to the coast offering easy access to the sea. The Green Mountain overlooks Europe's busy shipping lanes. The Mediterranean is home to the US' Sixth Fleet, numerous US/NATO bases and important oil terminals. It is central to the US' 'Phased Adaptive Approach' plan which involves deploying a land and sea based BMD (ballistic missile defense) shield of radars and interceptor missiles. The BMD system includes the SM-3 anti-ballistic missiles on board the USS Monterey and the Aegis class warships. Air and Naval bases can contribute in projecting power far beyond the Mediterranean shores, apart from the back-up to the sea-based assets. Ports in the Gulf of Sidra can provide fuelling and servicing facilities.

The French and the British have their sights on lucrative oil contracts and big-ticket defense deals. The French government was outraged when Qaddafi din not opt for Dassault's Rafale fighter jets and  Areva's nuclear reactors. BP's oil deal with Libya, approved by Qaddafi after the disputed release of Al Meghrahi, was mired in bureaucratic delays. Whitehall saw the unrest as an opportunity to pounce on Qaddafi for dilly-dallying on the project. Sarkozy's hawkish advocacy for intervention in Libya was with the motive to renew his popularity for a re-election gambit, after he came under fire for France's discredited diplomacy in Tunisia, Paris was furious over Tripoli for cutting mega arms deals with Ukraine and Russia. Then what held back Russia from vetoing the resolution on Libya? Moscow could not afford to derail the 'reset' with the US. The Libyan turmoil jacked up oil prices and that brought a windfall for Russian oil. It leaves the door open for Russia to 'intervene' in the conflict zones in its sphere of influence under the rubric of 'humanitarian intervention'.


Dr. Jyoti Prasad Das is a medical practitioner from Assam, India, where he contributes articles on geopolitics to a local daily. He can be contacted at jyoprd6@rediffmail.com. Read more articles by Dr. Jyoti Prasad Das.

http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2011/06/13/why-is-libya-in-the-crosshairs-of-the-west/


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[ALOCHONA] Hartal photos



Hartal photos













http://sonarbangladesh.com/blog/jerin_ca/45910


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[ALOCHONA] The risk of belonging to a political party



The risk of belonging to a political party


Javed Ahmad

 

The Holy Qur'an is a guidance for all of mankind. Those who follow the guidance are called the Muslims. One would not be able to follow the guidelines if the book is not read carefully.

 

002.121  Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.

 

We are all responsible for our own decisions and actions. On the Day of Judgment we will be held accountable for all our deeds. No one will be able to intercede for other nor will any compensation be accepted.

 

002.123  Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).

 

Choosing a religion to follow may become a difficult choice among many different religions available in the market place claiming to be a true guidance; but we have been advised to follow the original religion Prophet Abraham (as) that was monotheistic, which is the modern day Islam.

 

002.135  They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True and he joined not gods with God."

 

This life is a game of patience. We need to first acknowledge that Allah is the supreme authority for all our affairs He is the ultimate Disposer of all our affairs. Therefore, we need to seek help and protection from Him alone.

 

002.153  O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for God is with those who patiently persevere.

 

Faith in Islam does not come easy. Allah puts us into tests to check our level of faith in Him.

 

002.155  Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,

 

No matter how difficult the tests maybe, we must remain steadfast in our faith.

 

002.156  Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To God We belong, and to Him is our return":-

 

Once the trial period is over, and the faithful overcomes the test successfully with patience, the blessings and mercy of Allah follows.

 

002.157  They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from God, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.

 

But if anyone fails to overcome the test and ends up rejecting faith in Allah, and does not repent afterwards before death, they are the ones who fail the test and becomes a victim of curse.

 

002.161  Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- on them is God's curse, and the curse of angels, and of all mankind;

 

We need to be careful and use our own intellect in choosing whom to follow; because if we follow a wrong leader then we would end up being left alone.

 

002.166  Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them) : They would see the penalty, and all relations between them would be cut off.

 

We have been advised to choose our leader on the basis of the guidance given in the Qur'an – the book of truth. We should stay away from those who betray our trusts, which our political leaders quite often do.

 

004.105  We have sent down to thee the Book in truth, that thou mightest judge between men, as guided by God: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust;

 

We have been advised to maintain peace and tranquility between each other through righteousness and piety, and have been warned against helping each other in sin and rancor (fitna), which most political party leaders do in the name of 'greater cause'. Instead, we have been asked to deal with situations with patience lest we transgress.

 

005.002. O ye who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the symbols of Allah, nor of the sacred month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the sacred house, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when ye are clear of the sacred precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah. For Allah is strict in punishment.

 

Under no circumstance a Muslim should bend from the position of his or her faith. Justice must always prevail even under provocation. Often we see the members of a political party deviate from this principle and transgress limits reacting in violence and revenge.

 

005.008. O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

 

A Muslim should always be truthful and just in all his or her actions throughout the life. We are advised to establish absolute truth even if we have to expose our close relatives. This is the way to keep the covenant with Allah by following His commands being fully alert. Often we find ourselves lying to protect our party members even under oath or cheat others for the same reason. All these actions causes us to break away from the covenant.

 

006.152  And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice;- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear;- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfill the covenant of God: thus doth He command you, that ye may remember.

 

Kinship and favoritism is unacceptable in Islam no matter how close the relationship maybe. Our love for Allah must supercede all; if any family member disobeys Allah and His Prophet (s) we should severe all ties with them to maintain our faith in Islam. But what we see among our leaders is that they support all wrong and evil done by their off springs or party members and refuses to establish justice to protect them at any cost.

 

009.023  O ye who believe! Take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong.

 

From the above discussion of verses from the Qur'an we can clearly see that belonging to any secular political party carries risks for a Muslims to falter on faith in Islam as they carry out a lot of injustices out of ignorance that could easily nullify ones faith in Islam.

 

Now let us examine some related sayings (hadiths) of the Prophet (s) as well.

 

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al' As: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray."  (Bukhari, Book #3, Hadith #100).

 

According to the above hadith, "religious learned men" is a necessity for good governance. If they are replaced with "ignorant" secularists then they would "lead people astray". Our situation in Bangladesh is currently in this state. All of our leaders are secular thus leading the nation to "astray".

 

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: What would you do when the son of Mary would descend amongst you and would lead you as one amongst you? Ibn Abi Dhi'b on the authority of Abu Huraira narrated: Your leader amongst you. Ibn Abi Dhi'b said: Do you know what the words:" He would lead as one amongst you" mean? I said: Explain these to me. He said: He would lead you according to the Book of your: Lord (hallowed be He and most exalted) and the Sunnah of your Apostle (may peace be upon him).  (Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0292).

 

The above hadith refers to the methodology of a true and good leader who would lead according to Qur'an and Sunnah. But our leaders today do not know nor follow the Qur'an and Sunnah. They follow their own whims and desires.

 

It has been narrated on the authority of Hudhaifa b. al-Yaman who said: People used to ask the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said: Messenger of Allah, we were in the midst of ignorance and evil, and then God brought us this good (time through Islam). Is there any bad time after this good one? He said: Yes. I asked: Will there be a good time again after that bad time? He said: Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil. I asked: What will be the evil hidden therein? He said: (That time will witness the rise of) the people who will adopt ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know good points as well as bad points. I asked: Will there be a bad time after this good one? He said: Yes. (A time will come) when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whoso responds to their call they will throw them into the fire. I said: Messenger of Allah, describe them for us. He said: All right. They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language. I said: Messenger of Allah, what do you suggest if I happen to live in that time? He said: You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader. I said: If they have no (such thing as the) main body and have no leader? He said: Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state.  (Muslim, Book #020, Hadith #4553).

 

The above hadith clearly indicates that it is better to stay away from any group and stay in a jungle alone if the leader is not a true Muslim. A similar hadith says the following:

 

It his been narrated through a different chain of transmitters, on the authority of Hudhaifa b. al-Yaman who said: Messenger of Allah, no doubt, we had an evil time (i. e. the days of Jahiliyya or ignorance) and God brought us a good time (i. e. Islamic period) through which we are now living Will there be a bad time after this good time? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes. I said: Will there be a good time after this bad time? He said: Yes. I said: Will there be a bad time after good time? He said: Yes. I said: How? Whereupon he said: There will be leaders who will not be led by my guidance and who will not adopt my ways? There will be among them men who will have the hearts of devils in the bodies of human beings. I said: What should I do. Messenger of Allah, if I (happen) to live in that time? He replied: You will listen to the Amir and carry out his orders; even if your back is flogged and your wealth is snatched, you should listen and obey.  (Muslim, Book #020, Hadith #4554).

 

There is some 'religious leader' who is 'without adequate knowledge' would lead people to astray. Faith based religious political parties are an example.

 

'Urwa b. Zubair reported that 'A'isha said to him: This news has reached me that 'Abdullah b. 'Amr al-'As would pass by us during the Hajj season, so you meet him and ask him (about religious matters) as he has acquired great knowledge from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). I thus met him and asked him about things which he narrated from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). And amongst these the one he mentioned was that Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge from people directly but he takes away the scholars and consequently takes away (knowledge) along with them and leaves amongst persons the ignorant as their leaders who deliver religious verdicts without (adequate) knowledge and themselves go astray and lead others astray. 'Urwa said: When I narrated this to 'A'isha, she deemed it too much (to believe) and thus showed reluctance to accept that (as perfectly true) and said to, 'Urwa: Did he ('Abdullah b. 'Amr) say to you that he had heard Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: ('Urwa had forgotten to ask this from 'Abdullah b. 'Amr). So when it was the next year, she ('A'isha) said to him ('Urwa): Ibn Amr has come (for Hajj), so meet him. talk to him and ask him about this hadith that he narrated to You (last year on the occasion of the Hajj) pertaining to knowledge. He ('Urwa), said: So I met him, and asked about it and he narrated to me exactly like one that he had narrated (to me) for the first time. So when I informed her ('A'isha) about that, she said: I do not think but this that he has certainly told the truth and I find that be has neither made any addition to it, nor missed anything from it.  (Muslim, Book #034, Hadith #6465).

 

Allah loves those who judge according to the judgment of Allah. Following hadith confirms that:

 

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The people of (Banu) Quraiza agreed to accept the verdict of Sad bin Mu'adh. So the Prophet sent for Sad, and the latter came (riding) a donkey and when he approached the Mosque, the Prophet said to the Ansar, "Get up for your chief or for the best among you." Then the Prophet said (to Sad)." These (i.e. Banu Quraiza) have agreed to accept your verdict." Sad said, "Kill their (men) warriors and take their offspring as captives, "On that the Prophet said, "You have judged according to Allah's Judgment," or said, "according to the king's judgment."  (Bukhari, Book #59, Hadith #447).

 

We must not forget that Allah is the real King of the entire universe. Therefore, we should never try to supercede His decisions.

 

Narrated 'Abdullah: A (Jewish) Rabbi came to Allah's Apostle and he said, "O Muhammad! We learn that Allah will put all the heavens on one finger, and the earths on one finger, and the trees on one finger, and the water and the dust on one finger, and all the other created beings on one finger. Then He will say, 'I am the king.' Thereupon the Prophet smiled so that his pre-molar teeth became visible, and that was the confirmation of the Rabbi. Then Allah's Apostle recited: 'No just estimate have they made of Allah such as due to Him.' (39.67)  (Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #335).

 

The full verse referred to in the above hadith is as follows:

 

039.067  No just estimate have they made of God, such as is due to Him: On the Day of Judgment the whole of the earth will be but His handful, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him! High is He above the Partners they attribute to Him!

 

The leaders of the world should take this as warning that Allah will one day call them out asking them about how they lead their people. Therefore, those who actively seek and take up leadership roles through polls and elections are not aware what they are getting into. They need to understand that "with power comes a great responsibility". Allah will hold them responsible for all their actions and decisions.

 

Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Allah will hold the whole earth, and roll all the heavens up in His Right Hand, and then He will say, 'I am the king; where are the kings of the earth?"'  (Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #336).

 

Allah dislikes ignorant and arrogant leaders who boast about their powers that they abuse in this world. See the following hadiths:

 

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The most awful name in Allah's sight on the Day of Resurrection, will be (that of) a man calling himself Malik Al-Amlak (the king of kings)."  (Bukhari, Book #73, Hadith #224).

 

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The most awful (meanest) name in Allah's sight." Sufyan said more than once, "The most awful (meanest) name in Allah's sight is (that of) a man calling himself king of kings." Sufyan said, "Somebody else (i.e. other than Abu Az-Zinad, a sub-narrator) says: What is meant by 'The king of kings' is 'Shahan Shah.,"  (Bukhari, Book #73, Hadith #225).

 

Abu Huraira reported from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) so many ahadith and one of them was this that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The most wretched person in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection and the worst person and target of His wrath would of the person who is called Malik al-Amlak (the king of kings) for there is no king but Allah.  (Muslim, Book #025, Hadith #5339).

 

The leader who lies to the people would be neglected by Allah on the Day of Resurrection. In Bangladesh, lying is a part and parcel of 'politics' and the leaders continually deceive their followers as well as the people they rule over. These so called 'leaders' would have a tough time satisfying Allah on the day of questioning.

 

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: Three (are the persons) with whom Allah would neither speak, nor would He absolve them on the Day of Resurrection. Abu Mu'awiya added: He would not look at them and there is grievous torment for them: the aged adulterer, the liar king and the proud destitute.  (Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0195).

 

Leaders have been asked to avoid doubtful matters and be alert at all times:

 

Nu'man b. Bashir (Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon himn) as having said this (and Nu'man) pointed towards his ears with his fingers): What is lawful is evident and what is unlawful is evident, and in between them are the things doubtful which many people do not know. So he who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his animals round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king has a preserve, and the things God his declaced unlawful are His preserves. Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound and if it is corrupt the whole body is corrupt, and hearken it is the heart.  (Muslim, Book #010, Hadith #3882).

 

Part of the duty of a Muslim leader is to call the disbelieving world to Islam following the Sunnah of the Prophet (s). But our leaders do not even follow Islam, never mind inviting to it.

 

It has been narrated on the authority of Anas that the Prophet of Allah (may peace be upon him) wrote to Chosroes (king of Persia), Caesar (Emperor of Rome), Negus (king of Abyssinia) and every (other) despot inviting them to Allah, the Exalted. And this Negus was not the one for whom the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said the funeral prayers.  (Muslim, Book #019, Hadith #4382).

 

Not just our leaders, we should all seek refuge to Allah in the same manner our beloved Prophet (s) used to do:

 

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: When the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) went to his bed, he would say: Praise be to Allah Who has given me sufficiency, has guarded me, given me food and drink, been most gracious to me, and given to me most lavishly. Praise be to Allah in every circumstance. O Allah! Lord and king of everything, God of everything, I seek refuge in Thee from Hell.  (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #5040).

 

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Shariq al-Hawzani and I came to Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) and asked her: By which (prayer) the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) began when he woke up at night? She replied: You asked me about a thing which no one asked me before. When he woke up at night, he uttered: "Allah is Most Great" ten times, and uttered "Praise be to Allah" ten times, and said "Glory be to Allah and I begin with His praise" ten times, and said: "Glory be to the king, the Most Holy" ten times, and asked Allah's pardon ten times, and said: "There is no god but Allah" ten times, and then said: "O Allah! I seek refuge in Thee from the strait of the Day of resurrection," ten times. He then began the prayer.  ((Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #5066).

 

Regular remembrance of Allah brings the highest rewards:

 

Yahya related to me from Malik that Ziyad ibn Abi Ziyad said that Abu'd-Darda had said, "Shall I not tell you the best of your deeds, and those that give you the highest rank, and those that are the purest with your king, and are better for you than giving gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks?" They said, "Of course." He said, "Remembrance (dhikr) of Allah ta ala."  (Malik's Muwatta, Book #15, Hadith #15.7.24).

 

Now comes the final question, are you still going to please and follow the Madams (PMs) or Western minded secular leaders (Presidents) or secularized Muslim leaders (Amir's and Ulemas) who never cross checks their decisions with the Qur'an and Sunnah before implementation?

 

Remember, a wrong choice would lead one to hell fire! It is therefore advised that one drop all association with all secular political parties and join those who are with the covenant of Allah;

 

Those who break Allah's covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves.  (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #27).

 

And call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, and His covenant, which He ratified with you, when ye said: "We hear and we obey": And fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.  (Al-Maeda, Chapter #5, Verse #7).

 

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.  (Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #256).

 

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah.s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided. (Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #103).

 

References:

 

The Qur'anic verses are quoted from Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation.

 

Islaamic Belief - 'Aqeedatut-Tahaawiyyah: http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?id=236&category=73

 

Acknowledgement: I have received a great deal of encouragement and support in finding the right references from the Qur'an and Sunnah from my brother Ziaul Alam (Masud) who is an independent Islamic researcher and a great daiee. Please include him in your prayers if you find the article useful.


http://javedahmad.tripod.com/islam/risk.htm



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[ALOCHONA] Raw Intelligence Report: Conditions in Baghdad



Raw Intelligence Report: Conditions in Baghdad

June 13, 2011

Editor's Note: What follows is raw insight from a STRATFOR source in Baghdad, Iraq. The following does not reflect STRATFOR's view, but provides a perspective on the situation in Baghdad.

After the fall of Baghdad in 2003, the city was a nice place despite the lack of law enforcement and government. By February 2004, most businesses were operating, people were happy and stores were open until midnight. There was no shortage of fuel, and electricity was more reliable. The city was very clean, and the crime rate was low. There was also no fear of kidnapping or car bombs. It was a functioning city with law, even without law enforcement. There was even a lion in the Baghdad Zoo, though I heard it later died.

On March 2, 2004, explosions shook the Shiite Kazimiyah district, killing tens and wounding hundreds. These explosions were the start of more attacks and car bombings between the Shia and Sunnis that increased in later years. In 2003 and 2004, Baghdad was a city where I envisioned living permanently one day. That is not the case now.

The roads are in very poor condition, with lots of garbage everywhere — some of it dating back to 2003. Many streets are blocked with concrete walls. There are many checkpoints inside the city manned by soldiers and police, but they did not seem to be well trained or prepared for potential threats. I hardly saw them checking cars or asking people for identification. We drove 400 kilometers (250 miles) and encountered more than 26 checkpoints; none of them stopped us to ask for identification. The soldiers and police at the checkpoints do not seem to be loyal to the Iraqi state but are there to get their salaries and make a living. The taxi driver told me that since the government does not enforce the law, the soldiers do not want to ask for identification and hold people accountable because they fear reprisals later. Therefore, they let everyone go and avoid problems.

At every checkpoint, there are devices the soldiers hold that detect explosives and guns, making it difficult to carry guns or explosives in a car. This made me wonder how so many assassinations have been carried out with guns with suppressors. I was told that most of the assassinations are inside jobs; the officials do not like each other and try to have each other killed. The officials' guards are allowed to have guns, and it is these permitted guns that are used in some of the assassinations.

Traffic is another problem in Baghdad. There are traffic police on the streets, and there are traffic lights to regulate the traffic, but no one cares about the police or whether the light is red or green.

Early one morning, we headed to the Green Zone, the "safe" area where foreign embassies are located. In fact, the Green Zone did not seem safe. There were many security clearances — two Iraqi checkpoints and a U.S. Embassy checkpoint manned by Africans (security companies hire many workers from Africa). The African workers board buses and ask for identification and check the badges of people in cars. After entering the Green Zone, there are other checkpoints where people need to show special badges. Cell phones are banned, as is water and other liquids. We were not allowed to take some of my daughter's medicine with us. The speed limit is 5 miles per hour, and there are very hard road bumps inside the Green Zone that I believe could break the chains of tank treads.

There is no sign of life inside the Green Zone. It is fully militarized and seems more like a military camp than anything. I did not even see a store inside the parts of the Green Zone we drove through.

Electricity is yet another problem in Baghdad and other areas. During the hot summer, there are fewer than 10 hours of electricity per day. People are very angry about this and hold the government responsible. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki promised in February to improve services. The people said no improvements have happened since then — there are shortages of electricity and water, sewage services are lacking, and there is unemployment.

According to the people I spoke with, the city is fully under Shiite control. I don't mean just the security establishment, but the stores and businesses, too. During the sectarian conflict, most Sunnis left their houses and stores, which were taken by Shiite families who are unwilling to return them. The Sunni districts of Baghdad have been surrounded by concrete walls (like those found in Israel), and there are only one or two gates to get in and out. This has made the Sunnis unhappy, and they see it as a tool to control them rather than to protect them.

Corruption has made many officers and government employees rich. You can get an Iraqi passport for $1,500. When you go to any government ministry, nothing is done for you unless you pay them. The taxi driver handling some government staff said, "You need to understand that especially in the passport department, the officer tells you that you can't get a passport and then he gets up and goes to the toilet. You need to follow him and give him some money; toilets are where the bribes are given." He added that this is true for every government establishment, not just for passports.


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[ALOCHONA] 'Jewish settler attack' on film --BBC reports




By Tim Franks
BBC News, Jerusalem

Footage from a video camera handed out by an Israeli human rights group appears to show Jewish settlers beating up Palestinians in the West Bank.

An elderly shepherd, his wife and a nephew said they were attacked by four masked men for allowing their animals to graze near the settlement of Susia.
The rights group, B'Tselem, said the cameras were provided to enable Palestinians to get proof of attacks.
A spokesman for the Israeli police said that an investigation was under way.
So far, no-one has been arrested.
Baseball bats
For the past year, B'Tselem has handed out video cameras to Palestinians as part of its "Shooting Back" project.
The BBC has been given exclusive access to the footage of this particular attack, which happened earlier this week. The date and time on the camera footage shows that it is Sunday afternoon.
Over the brow of the hill walk four masked men holding baseball bats. To the right of the screen, in the foreground, stands a 58-year-old Palestinian woman.
Thamam al-Nawaja has been herding her goats close to the Jewish settlement of Susia, near Hebron in the southern West Bank.
Within a few seconds, she, along with her 70-year-old husband and one of her nephews, will be beaten up.
As the first blows land, the woman filming - the daughter-in-law of the elderly couple - drops the camera and runs for help.
'Ten-minute warning'
Mrs Nawaja spent three days in hospital after the attack.
Returning to the small Palestinian encampment close to the red-roofed houses of Susia, she stepped slowly and unsteadily out of the minibus.
" They don't want us to stay on our land, but we won't leave - we'll die here "
Thamam al-Nawaja
A dark stain showed through the white gauze covering her broken right arm. Her veil was lifted gingerly away from her lined face. A bloodshot eye and intersection of scars revealed a fractured left cheek.
"The settlers gave us a 10-minute warning to clear off from the land," she told me, her voice a tired, cracked whisper.
She and her husband had stood their ground. It is at this point that her voice grows louder.
"They don't want us to stay on our land. But we won't leave. We'll die here. It's ours," she added.
Indeed, the rest of the world regards Jewish settlements in the West Bank such as Susia, as illegal, built on occupied territory.
Those settlements have been a large part of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis for the last 41 years. The daily confrontation is not often caught on camera. That, now, is beginning to change.
Video proof
The attack near Susia was filmed with one of 100 video cameras that B'Tselem has handed out to Palestinians in the region.
" When they have the camera, they have proof that something happened - they now have something they can work with, to use as a weapon "
Oren Yakobovich
B'Tselem
The thinking behind the project is that when trouble flares, rather than just giving a statement to the Israeli police or army, video carries much more weight.
"The difference is amazing," says Oren Yakobovich, who leads the Shooting Back project.
"When they have the camera, they have proof that something happened. They now have something they can work with, to use as a weapon."
We asked a spokesman from the Susia settlement for a comment on Sunday's incident. He declined.
Inside one of the tents belonging to the Palestinians living near Susia, we watched the footage of the aftermath of the attack - the victims slumped by the roadside, bloodied, waiting for an ambulance.
The bright, wide eyes of the children shone with the light of the small television screen.
Violence against Jews as well as Palestinians has long scarred this place. Video may now may be giving us a new and raw view.
But for most people here, the only answer - a political deal - remains out of sight.


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Re: [ALOCHONA] Bangladesh leases African land - Clinton warns Africa of 'neo-colonialism'



I did not see any indication this was part of any "Plan" of our government. If they knew how to plan, I am sure we would have seen some evidences of it. It is a pure business venture and calling it colonialism is premature in my honest opinion.

Some people are afraid this investment will be used as an excuse to do man power business. By taking money from people offering them "Jobs" in foreign lands and stick it to them. It is too soon to comment on it. Albeit some business houses expressed doubts about viability of such plan. Africa has major problem with water, man power, power and transportation, so we have to wait and see how these enterprising business houses make it work.

Either way I feel secretary Clinton's  comment was taken out of context and she was talking about China NOT Bangladesh. Having said that, it will be nice to watch if some of our countrymen can make this project work.



-----Original Message-----
From: Mir Monaz Haque <haque@berlin.com>
To: alochona <alochona@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sun, Jun 12, 2011 11:26 am
Subject: [ALOCHONA] Bangladesh leases African land - Clinton warns Africa of 'neo-colonialism'

 
Neo-Colonialism?

Bangladesh has leased tens of thousands of hectares of farmland in Africa as part of a government drive to improve food security in the poverty-stricken South Asian nation, an official said recently.
 
Two Bangladeshi companies have leased 40,000 hectares of land in Uganda and Tanzania and another firm will sign a deal for a further 10,000 hectares in Tanzania this week, foreign ministry director Farhadul Islam said.
 
"The government strongly supports companies leasing farmland in Africa. The aim is to bring most of the farms' output back to Bangladesh to ease food shortages," he said.

Bangladesh's 150 million citizens have been hit hard by sharp increases in the price of rice, the staple grain, which was up by an average 50 percent year-on-year in April, according to official figures.

Since Bangladesh identified overseas farming as a key way of improving food security late last year, local businessmen have also scoured Africa for suitable land to lease, Islam said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave a green signal to a proposal that Bangladesh leases land in some African countries and send farmers there to grow crops like rice and cotton for its consumption as well as export.

Why the reports of Bangladesh farming mega deals in Africa sound "neo-colonialism"

One of the most intensely discussed international economic phenomena in recent years is that of companies from across the globe coming to farm crops for their home markets in Africa.

Opinions about this trend span the ideological spectrum. Doubters and outright opponents seem to have the loudest voices, but this has not discouraged foreign investors who see Africa as the next big farming frontier, nor accommodative African governments hoping these deals will kick-start their moribund agricultural sectors and spur broader-based overall economic development.

The latest reported deal-of-the-month are plans by Bangladesh investors to lease land for a similar purpose in a number of African countries. Very little is known about the claimed Bangladesh farming deals, an opacity common to these arrangements and one of their most criticized aspects. What little has come out in news reports has almost all been from the Bangladeshi entities reportedly involved, with no word yet from the African partners. The question is, is it neo-colonialism?


The latest farming deals are all being reported from the Bangladeshi side, with an almost we-can't-believe-we-have-negotiated-such-good-deals breathlessness. There has been no word heard at all so far from the governments of Uganda and Tanzania, two of the countries named as willing, even eager to lease tens of thousands of hectares to Bangladeshi companies.
Under the plans, the Contract Farming System will enable Bangladeshi companies to get at least 60% of the produce. In return Bangladesh will train African farmers in rain-fed rice cultivation, seed conservation and irrigation.'' On the other hand, Bangladesh Government says (and also Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad, owner of Nitol Group says) that, "under the deal, we can bring some 80 percent of our output back to the country after payment of some annual fees. We shall employ some 25,000 Bangladeshi workers — some 90 percent from Uganda," he said. But in Africa foreign leasing of large tracts of land can be a very sensitive topic.
 
My Remarks
 
Bangladesh is planning a new innovation (or should I say a new invasion to Africa) without any social-anthropological analysis. This plan is not sustainable; because sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come. That means it should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, or - Environment, Local People, Future (ELF).
 
A new plan made only by politician in Bangladesh cannot be sustainable. Where are our Sociologists, Anthropologists, Socialreformers, and Philosophers? Society becomes an object of curiosity when people feel the need to make sense out of rapidly changing social realities. As long as the social order in which we live seems stable and unchanging, we tend to take it for granted and think little about it; it appears so natural and normal to us. But when we are confronted with sudden changes in our social environment, our lives transformed by forces that we do not understand. We are bound to ask questions such as: What causes such changes? Where will they lead us? Are they changes for the better or for the worse?
 
Clinton warns Africa of 'new colonialism'
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday warned Africa of a creeping "new colonialism" from foreign investors and governments interested only in extracting the continent's natural resources to enrich themselves and not the African people.
Clinton said that African leaders must ensure that foreign projects are sustainable and benefit all their citizens, not only elites. A day earlier, she cautioned that China's massive investments and business interests in Africa need to be closely watched so that the African people are not taken advantage of.
"It is easy, and we saw that during colonial times, it is easy to come in, take out natural resources, pay off leaders and leave," Clinton said. "And when you leave, you don't leave much behind for the people who are there. We don't want to see a new colonialism in Africa."
Clinton said the United States didn't want foreign governments and investors to fail in Africa, but they should also give back to the local communities.
"We want them to do well, but also we want them to do good," she said.
"We don't want them to undermine good governance, we don't want them to basically deal with just the top elites, and frankly too often pay for their concessions or their opportunities to invest."

-Monaz Haque, Berlin


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