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Caliphate Mania
Following topics are discussed Introduction Aiding and Abating Insurgencies Motives of Overt Operators Digital Revolution and Consequences of Two US Wars Motives of Covert Operators Unintended Consequences Impact of Demographic Changes Caliphate Dream Victims of New Muslim Political Reality Conclusion Reference and notes Introduction In an Op-ed, “Harsh lessons from regime change,” Irfan Husain commented on the state of political upheaval caused by the Arab Spring revolutions and arrival of Islamist militants’ leaders to replace previous dictators. Mr Husain is against Islamist militancy and he observed, “The path to hell is indeed paved with good intentions.” Mr Husain has covered obvious parts played by various international actors. The Islamists have filled the political vacuum to set the stage for political upheavals in the Middle East (ME) that is home to the ideological Islamic states. By its constitution Pakistan (PK) is an ideological Islamic state. … Read entire article »
Rape cannot happen in Bharat: Biased British media
Rape cannot happen in Bharat: British media’s Bias It is a case of ‘Shame for the British’ that even after exploiting India for 200 years, creating man made famines killing millions, ruthless killings and destructions during any uprising against its evil rule over India, British for the last 60 years are engaged in massive propaganda campaign against India. The coverage of the case of a rape and murder of a medical student in New Delhi demonstrates that the British media is trying to prove the culture and religion of India, coupled with complete indifference of the civil, law enforcement, judicial and other aspects of society have made rape and assult against women rampant and unchecked. It is trying to prove the superirity of the British culture and the ‘White Man’s Burden’ … Read entire article »
Thirteen Astonishing Fallacies of Meditation
The following is a compilation of the comments/questions that have come up during my talks and in general conversations. Notice how the human mind is conditioned to aimlessly question everything and resist new experiences. My responses are in Italics. 1. Meditation is for monks and holy people. …and for you and me! 2. Meditation is weird and wacky. Meditation is as weird and wacky as riding a bicycle. 3. Meditation is selfish. If that’s true, then any activity we engage in — eating, sleeping, exercising, driving, watching television, taking a vacation — has to fall in the same category. 4. Meditation is boring. Okay. You got me there! Boredom and restlessness can weigh you down during a meditation sitting. Continued meditation can help you understand the process better and help ward off extraneous distractions. 5. Can meditation cure diseases? Regular … Read entire article »
Analyzing Muslim Asymmetric Wars
Following points are discussed: Introduction Evolution of Asymmetric Wars Statistical Islam Muslim Terrorism Conflicts in Middle East and South Asia Arab Springs UN and Muslims Peace on Earth References and notes Introduction Some Muslim nations as well as non-state actors (NSA) such as al Qaeda in many Arab lands and the Af-Pak region, Taliban of Pakistan and Hamas of Palestine, etc use terrorism to wage asymmetric wars hoping to resolve territorial disputes with militarily powerful neighbors. Al Qaeda, the most notorious organization was organized (1988-89) by Osama bin Laden, a billionaire Saudi Arab. Al Qaeda is a globally diffused Muslim terrorist organization engaged in asymmetric wars to challenge the US and Muslim dictators aligned with the US. Osama was killed (2011) in a raid by a US special ops force in the garrison town of Abbotabad, Pakistan. The global arms of al Qaeda … Read entire article »
Filed under: America, Christianity, India, Islam, Politics, World
Are You Pro-life? Take the Pledge…
Take the pledge at http://www.causes.com/actions/1709218 Friends, it’s time to think CHANGE. It’s time to re-examine “life” for all that it represents, a time to reprogram our understanding of “life” to include not just conception and birth, but, more importantly, life after birth. Let’s engage in meaningful action — one that nurtures, enhances and protects the sanctity of the ENTIRE SPECTRUM of life. Let’s empower ourselves, our families, and our communities with knowledge. Let’s make informed decisions. Let’s learn to let go of blind faiths, irrational fears, erroneous beliefs, and meaningless rites and rituals. Let’s ignite minds, young and old, to take a stand, make a personal change, fight for causes they believe in, or discover new things. Let’s embrace the future and move forward together as ONE, with love and compassion … Read entire article »
What are You Grateful for This ThanksGiving?
This ThanksGiving November, as I look back on my life within the framework of my goals, vision, commitments and passion, I wonder about what gives life meaning. Especially in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, I wonder if I have learned how to live life to the fullest. If this were the end of the world as we know it, I wonder what I would say. Two words glare into focus…THANK YOU!! I’ve lived a wonderful life, for which I’m sincerely grateful. Yes, there have been peaks and troughs. Elation for things that I could change; anger and frustration for those that I couldn’t. Things that I cherished but were fleeting; things that I received but of which I didn’t understand the significance. But the strong and resilient person that I am … Read entire article »
Terrorism, Cultural Wars and Understanding Life
This is first of a four parts series on Understanding Life The following topics are covered: Introduction Cultural Wars References and notes Star (*) followed by a bracketed number (#1, etc) identifies applicable specific reference and notes. Introduction Comparative religion, arts and science are tools for understanding life. Terrorism is examined from social and cultural angles. Some references and introductions to contribution of ancient Vedic people and scientists of Indian origin are identified in the second article of this series. The third and fourth articles of the series introduce accomplishments of the pre-17th century sciences and modern science, respectively. Identifying relevance of science in improving knowledge for humanity through religions, arts and science is a comprehensive subject; this series is an introduction to it. Domestic terrorism* (#1) is being blamed on two recent (August 2012) crimes by hate mongers in the US. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Christianity, Islam, Pakistan, Politics, World
Four Mantras for Relationship Success by Thich Nhat Hanh
On Sunday, May 6, the Venerable Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh appeared on Super Soul Sunday on Oprah’s OWN network. In a rare interview with Oprah herself, the inspirational monk and gentle spirit discussed his dedication to mindful meditation. Of the many things he talked about, his “four mantras” for relationship success were truly powerful. These mantras are for use not just in intimate relationships, but also in professional, social, and family settings. I have attempted to analyze these mantras within the context of my spiritual framework. Here are the four mantras that really struck a chord in me: Darling, I’m here for you. Darling, I know you are there for me…and I’m so happy you are truly there. Darling, I know you suffer…that is why I … Read entire article »
Non-state Actors, Miskeen, Education, Economy and Chalta Hain
Pakistan is like an imperfectly crafted cubic zirconia diamond. It is the nation born (1947) based on religion. On global stage in last four decades it has evolved as an epicenter of too many things vile including terrorism. Its additional imperfections include a complex political reality. Politically it is managed as fiefdom of the army, the DPC (Defense of Pakistan Coalition) and elected but weak politicians. DPC is a coalition of many non-state actors cultivated by the army. Want-to-be Arabs and non-Arabs are characterized as Miskeen (poor). Given poorly educated population incapable of generating above average to high economic growth rates and preoccupation with a regional power status using non-state actors the national economy is on a slippery slope and poverty is on increase. Wide spread public cynicism is at … Read entire article »
Filed under: America, Economy, Islam, Pakistan, Politics, World
Does “Instant Gratification” Qualify as a Virtue?
Patience used to be known as a virtue, but is virtually unheard of in the present-day culture of immediacy. Today’s children don’t even know the meaning of the word. People want everything, and they want it NOW! Investors expect instant wealth from their financial ventures. Customers expect that they’ll look skinny after spending a week at the health club. Students expect perfect scores on tests for which they study the night before. Short-term rewards, short-term gain, instant messaging, instant feedback, instant food, instant cures, even instant movie-watching—instant gratification has infected the world faster than AIDS. The Upside? The proliferation of technology and electronic devices—the epitome of instant gratification—revolutionized the transportation industry and transformed time management worldwide. Our ancestors walked, for the most part, rode domesticated animals, or rowed small boats. As civilizations evolved, … Read entire article »
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