Ambassadors of Islam

Daesh releases images of Baal Shamin temple destruction

Our Role as Ambassadors of Islam

Lagacy of a General

What can be the legacy of a general? Novelty in marshalling troops in battlegrounds, breaking ground in new formations, genius in surprise tactics to catch the enemy off-guard, reaching new heights in professionalism and preparedness, inspirational, charismatic aura the soldiers can emulate and look forward to or, at least, an age-long dedication and commitment to the cause the military man has vowed to serve.

Lieutenant General Hamid Gul passed away in the same month his mentor did and has left behind a legacy Pakistan can ill afford to continue with. Not many soldiers would like to find themselves in such a situation.Nation’s pensive mood told what tragedy befell it due to certain acts of omissions and commissions of the maverick general. Great surely he was in his own right as any general should be. But he took the wrong turn. It is least expected of a general of an army, rock solid in its organisational structure, to leave a nation behind highly divide and polarised. He and his mentor, General Zia-ul-Haq, are loved and despised for the same reason.

Living Up the Dream

Syed Javed Hussain

For nations to dwell on dreams is living. We stopped dreaming long ago and consequently we are living a nightmare now. We don’t have a great past to boast about. With unscrupulous politicians, corrupt and undisciplined police force, over-ambitious generals, inept bureaucracy, unenviable judiciary, we don’t have much to regale to coming generations.

Our mullah is not left far behind either. He has done everything to bring to disrepute the very religion majority of the nation professes. We have just celebrated yet another anniversary of our independence. We paid rich tributes to Quaid’s leadership and thanked him for his untiring labour to create this country for us.

We thanked him for employing matchless perseverance of his character, acumen and wisdom to carve out a country for us for a free flow of our faculties, for advancement and improvement in our lives.

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Growing ISIL Influence

Syed Javed Hussain

Imagine your wagon is speeding at 160 km per hour and you still consider it your slowest ride. Yes, it can happen when you are running away from a city that has fallen to ISIL.

In Libya this is now a common occurrence since one city after another is falling into the hands of ISIL which has largely substituted erstwhile Ansar Sharia, Da’ish and Shura Councils of Mujahideen in many cities of the country.

They started off from Dharna in 2011 and by 2015 they have taken over Noufilia, Sirte, Abughareen. In Dharna their earliest nomenclature during and after the revolution was Shura Councils of Mujahideen, Dharna. Later they graduated themselves as Daesh then ISIL.

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Tinderbox of Terror

Syed Javed Hussain

Surrounded by Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia and a large expanse of Mediterranean where it faces Greece, Italy, and Malta across the maritime boundary, after four years of western misadventure, Libya is virtually sitting on a tinderbox of terror that can engulf the most part of the world far and near.

The country is tearing at the seams and centrifugal forces are so strong that its central government had to run away from Tripoli to find some safe haven. Now, it is ruling the country from Tobruk, almost in absentia.

Tobruk is a small, historical but almost nondescript city of the Qaddafi era with a population of 120 thousand. It is more than 1500 kilometres away from Tripoli and is located at the western border of Egypt.

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End of the Beginning

Syed Javed Hussain

Battle against terrorism of Pakistan is getting nowhere. Since the Peshawar tragedy of December 16, 2014 when the nation was brutally shaken out of endemic slumber to act decisively against this diabolical curse, which now seems a distant past, nothing appears to be working and virtually seems the end of the beginning.

On 13^th May terroristattack on a bus in Karachi carrying Shia Ismaili Muslims killing at least 47 people and leaving behind a pamphlet of ISIS claiming responsibility for the grisly attack signifies government's total failure to root out terrorism from the country.

According to media reports it was a well organized attack. Six heavily-armed militants donning police uniforms were on three motorcycles. First they opened fire on the bus just near the Dow Medical College and then entered the bus when it stopped at Safoora Chorangi, Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi and killed people at close range.

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Imam Ali: Paragon of Humanity

Syed Javed Hussain

Muslims in the length and breadth of globe are celebrating the birth of this holy man about whom Holy Prophet PBUH said, ''Oh Ali, you are my brother in this world as well as the Hereafter.'

How unfortunate that in Pakistan, country of the pure, where such Islamic traditions should have been respected and eulogized by all Muslims, they are rather made controversial.

Meanings are constructed on them which go contrary to the essentials of Islam, just to protect the integrity of some prominent figures of Islamic history: that too at the cost of Islamic divinity.

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Saudi Aggression Condemned

Special Report

When it is windy and blisteringly cold in Toronto you don't want to go out in the open for anything. Ensconced in the cozy recesses of your condo, apartment or lodge you are more than satisfied to relish afternoon coffee thankfully.

The afternoon of 20^th April, however, was different. Many conscientious Torontonians braved the chilly weather and headed towards Dandas Square downtown to protest against Saudi aggression against Yemen. They did not come in millions though, they came for new millennium; an era free from coercion and war.

The antiwar event was jointly organized by 'Canadianpeace.org' and 'nowar.ca.' People came on a short notice which showed their concern over human rights violation of Yemenites; that too by a country that claims to be the natural leader of Islamic nation.

Saudi Arab is desperately attempting to aggrandize its influence vis-a-vis Iran in the region. All moves are backfiring. Its name along with the US, its patron-in-chief, is dust in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain. It has no following in Iran, not much in Turkey and Pakistan, whereas, in other sister Arab nations Iran rules the streets.

Pakistan, a brave nation with weak leaders, who was supposed to follow Saudi misadventure in Yemen without much hassle, has not buckled in. Its dilly dallying has rather exposed the bankruptcy of Saudi stance on Yemen.

It's hurtful to Saudis. Especially when it comes from a leadership whose past is tainted and whose moral pedestal is not so high.

Mr. Nawaz Sharief is personally beholden to the Saudi King for his life and for what he is now. He got him released from Parveez Musharraf, when the later had toppled his government on Oct 12, 1999 and put him behind bar. About twenty years before this Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a sitting prime minister, and chairman of a political party was not so lucky.

He had lost his credibility as utility person for the Saudis and the US. He was sent to gallows on April 4, 1979 on flimsy grounds through a judicial process, which later even one of the Supreme Court panel judges acknowledged as judicial murder.

Unwarranted Saudi Belligerancy

Syed Javed Hussain

Where's the threat to Saudi Arabia? Who has attacked Saudi Arabia? Instead, hasn't Saudi Arabia attacked its neighbour?

An ordinary man on the streets of Pakistan asks when reminded of the statement of Mr. Khawaja Asif, Defense Minister of Pakistan in Parliament on Monday.

The minister informed the joint session of Parliament held to discuss whether or not to join Saudi-led coalition against Yemen rebels that Saudi Arabia has asked Pakistan to contribute aircraft, ships and ground troops to its coalition fighting rebels in Yemen.

Last week the defense minister along with Mr. Sartaz Aziz, Prime Minister's advisor on Foreign Affaris was in Riyadh to discuss the extent of Pakistan's involvement in Yemen war .

At home government of Nawaz Sharief is facing tough opposition on the question of sending Pakistan army on mercenary mission as neither Pakistani nor Saudi territorial integrity is under threat.

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Abetting Saudi Aggression

Syed Javed Hussain

So much has already been written on this and still it does not seem superfluous to write on it. Saudi involvement in Yemen has opened many fronts not only for its own self but for its well-wishers as well. After Arab League's fun do vendetta Pakistan, having a strong and well prepared army, is being cajoled to fall in line and get trapped in Arab Augean stable.

Saudi Attack on Yemen

More than providing answers to valid questions Pakistan establishment is using clichés; ruse to hoodwink its people. Prime Minister on Tuesday said, “Pakistan holds Saudi Arabia in very high esteem and considers the security of the holy land of utmost importance." A statement issued from his office emphasised that “Any violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia would evoke a strong reaction from Pakistan.” Saudi Planes

A delegation comprising Pakistan's defense minister Khawaja Asif and foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz was in Saudi Arab the same day and held talks with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman and other high-ranking Saudi officials over “Operation Decisive Storm” and Pakistani participation.

Pakistan's defense minister says that Pakistan is committed to safeguard the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia through all means.

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Our Salvation

Syed Javed Hussain

We Pakistanis have just celebrated yet another anniversary of the father of the nation and, paying tributes to his leadership, have thanked him for his untiring labour to create this country for us and our generations. We have thanked him for employing matchless perseverance of his character, acumen and wisdom, his sincerity of purpose and deep commitment to integrity, solidarity, sovereignty and independence. We have thanked him for creating a country for free flow of our faculties, for an advancement and improvement in the lives.

We, teaming, wreathing, swelling and shriveling millions Pakistanis in this part of the world need to ask ourselves whether we have lived up to our Quaid’ s vision of a new country.

Mohammad Ali Jinnah,

Father of the Nation

On-the-ground situation betrays any optimism. We may have moved ahead a little in certain areas, but our overall performance as a nation, at best, is dismal. More than half a century after the departure of the Quaid, we have very less to boast about and much more to feel ashamed of.

9/11 of Pakistan

Syed Javed Hussain

If gruesome murder in Peshawar of 149 people including 132 students, many of whom being under aged, does not start our war against terror and we still allow certain depraved minds among us to continue to propagate and confuse us saying that it is the American war than we have lost everything. Even the country as conceived by its founder.

If this does not become 9/11 of Pakistan then the sacrifice of innocent people in Peshawar has ‘gone wasted.’ If anyone has any doubts about Taliban’s depravity and inhumanity that should end now.

Old game of ‘eye wash’ has not left even this tragedy. Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced the formation of a committee that will come up with national action plan against terrorism. The committee that has members from intelligence agencies along with representatives of all political parties will submit the plan within seven days.

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Tragic class room

Living Miracle of Islam

Syed Javed Hussain

This is the largest congregation of pilgrims anywhere in the history of mankind. This is the 40^th day of Imam Hussain and his companions’ martyrdom in Karbala. Along with the Quran this is no less a living miracle of Islam. It is now at the very heart of Islam’s struggle to win people’s hearts and minds to the ways of God. This the passion play of Islam at its best.

This, however, largely goes unnoticed. The principalities, fiefdoms and other Arab countries with despotic rulers surrounding Iraq want to subdue it. They know that the rising hands of millions of mourners chanting eulogies for the martyrs of Karbala fall not on their chests but smack all forces of intimidation, coercion and exploitation. Devotees of Ahlul Bait in Karbala

In Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states where Wahabism is being promoted as Sunni Islam governments use all their power and resources to belittle the significance of this day, however, with each succeeding year ‘Karbala’ is resounding louder than ever and is engulfing conscientious people to swell the ranks of Ahlul Bait’s devotees.

This, however, is not an exclusively Shia protestation. Shia, Sunni, Sufi, Christian, Yazdi, Zoroastrian and Sabian all come together to commemorate the occasion. They mourn themselves and facilitate other mourners. All have only one objective. To keep aloft the banner of Imam Hussain.

The Message of Ashoora

Syed Javed Hussain

It is relevant, direct and inviting. The message of Ashura cuts across all geographi-cal, cultural, ethnic and religious constraints to touch human sensitivities. Its call is deep seated and ingrained in the Truth and human yearning for a meaning in life. God in the Quran says, ''… Do not mix the truth with falsehood…" 2:42

In the waterless deserts of Karbala Imam Hussain and his acolytes stood on the side of Truth and rejected falsehood in the face of highest coercion and intimidation. The time in history is 61 Hijra, nay the time has stood still and since then all glorious movements of human history constructed on the principles of justice and fair-play have found sustenance from this spring of inspiration.

Pakistan and its denizens at this juncture of their lives when truth has been amalgamated with falsehood must revive the spirit of Karbala to keep aloft the banner of truth, justice and fair-play. In the battle of survival confusion in one's ideals has always proved fatal.

Shrine of Imam Hussain AS

Al-Ghadir: A Message of Muslim

Unity & Reconciliation

Rasheed Ahmed Chughtai

On the most jubilant occasion (مهرجان الغدير العالمي الثالث) of the day of Ghadir, felicitations of immense volume and profundity to all the Muslims over the world are on board. It is prayed that all the Muslims reap good fortune, receive Almighty Allah’s bounteous blessings, bask in the sunlight of divine goodness, drink at the fountain of divine wisdom and cherish divine hope to enter the gardens of Paradise.

Surely, Ghadirhas the potential to make everyone a blessed and elevated soul that wins pleasure, favor and recommendations of divine Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and Ahle Bayt (S.A) in this world and the world hereafter. Moreover, the international festival of Ghadir, especially the third one, being celebrated this year all around the globe, will unveil and bring to light the real image of Islam.

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The Misunderstood Hajj

Dr. Javed Kazmi

This year again the biggest concentration of humanity in Mecca is submitting itself to God asking for His blessings. People gathered there shout ‘Labbayk Allah Huma Labbayk’ (Here I am, O God, here I am) in unison, however, they are not able to shun their individuality because what follows rituals is nothing but a regular indulgence in things of personal effects oblivious of the world around them.

Once rituals are over everyone is eager to return to his/her homeland basking in the glory of repentance and deliverance. Immediately he/she is engrossed in all the concerns and troubles; issues that were left behind now come in the fore with all their gravity to take over the ‘repentant.’

If Hajj is considered as only a set of rituals then we, surely, have lost its purpose.

A Failed Leader

Dr. Javed Kazmi

What can we say of a politician who has the backing of 11 out of 12 political parties in the parliament? Must be a man basking in wisdom and political acumen. It, unfortunately, is not so. General perception is that he is a failed leader. And this can happen only in Pakistan.

When Mr Sharief had started off a year and a half ago, now it seems quite a distant time, he had all the ingredients to put in place a good, responsible government. He bungled like a bluffer.

From the beginning, quite in line with his psyche and style, he relied on a clique that had no rival to its myopic reticence and cartel-prejudice. Open and frank his acolytes never were to win the confidence of their electorate who felt stranded, nay cast off.

Nawaz Sharief, PM of Pakistan

Political obituary of Sharief brothers will not be complete without mentioning their Kingly style of governance which, in ordinary circumstances, would have called for an awe and inspiration in the die hard, self-effacing and self-sacrificing workers of the party. However, workers too have mundane affairs to deal with, hence the disillusion.

Saudis risk new Muslim division with proposal to move Mohammed's tomb

The controversial proposals are part of a consultation document by a leading Saudi academic which has been circulated among the supervisors of al-Masjid al-Nabawi mosque in Medina, where the remains of the Prophet are housed under the Green Dome, visited by millions of pilgrims and venerated as Islam’s second-holiest site. The formal custodian of the mosque is Saudi Arabia’s ageing monarch King Abdullah.

One of Islam’s most revered holy sites – the tomb of the Prophet Mohamed – could be destroyed and his body removed to an anonymous grave under plans which threaten to spark discord across the Muslim world.

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Lift the Gaza Blockade

Dr. Javed Kazmi

This is the worst of times for humanity, and those facing the brunt of the Israeli war machine in Gaza have proved to be the bravest people. Their suffering is mounting and so is their perseverance. They are not mere figures falling, but the slow systematic destruction of humanity. They include babies, the unborn, children, the old, women.

This is utterly unpalatable for Israel, and to break the will of this resistence, the state is participating in collective punishment, with all of Gaza as a legitimate target. Out of over a thousand people killed in the last two weeks of indiscriminate bombing by the Israelis, about 80 per cent are the elderly, women and children. A dominant majority of the remaining 20 percent include non combatant civilians.

With all the firepower at their disposal, with fighter planes, tanks, missiles and soldiers battle hardened to face hostilities, Israel has waged a war on the unarmed, underfed, defenseless people of Gaza, and to avoid complete, unresisted slaughter, the Palestinians are trying to put up a meek fight.

Relevance of Imam Ali (AS)

Dr. Javed Kazmi

Quite in the early days of Islam Imam Ali could see that prayers and fasting of a foolish and stolid person did not serve any purpose in Islam if they did not match its spirit. Were it not for him Islam would have been uprooted from its very foundation. Who would dare raise a sword against people who prayed every night and fasted every day? He understood early on that such religious ostentations were deadlier than enemies’ machinations if they were not in line with the spirit of Islam.

Imam Ali fought asinine religiosity tooth and nail. They came in the battle grounds against him in thousands to kill or get killed. (Battle ofNaharwan 38 A.H.) None ran away. They stood steadfast brandishing their swords shouting ‘’God is the greatest’’, ‘There is no arbiter except Allah.’ Their interpretation of the Quran was erroneous. They often quoted the Quranic verse “The prerogative of command rests with none but Allah. He declares the truth and He is the best of judges.” 6:57. Imam Ali declared , ‘there is a word of truth in what they say, but their ends are devious.’ Later, they came to be known as Kharijites and are considered apostates in Islam in consensus.

Shrine of Imam Ali (AS)

Shrine of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf Ashraf, Iraq

We are indebted for this service of Ali to Islam. What would we do to deal with the Fitna (disruption) of present day Kharijites? They shout Allah o Akbar and slaughter other human beings like animals; play with their heads, brainwash young impressionable minds to become suicide bombers to take innocent lives, kill men, women, children, infants and elderly randomly without remorse. They are particularly unkind to women, young or old, especially widows and make their lives hell wherever they have authority on them.

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Odds Against ISIL

Dr. Javed Kazmi

So much has already been written on the phenomenon, but a great deal still remains in the dark. The meteoric ascendancy of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) may not be unique, considering the intrinsic weaknesses in the Iraqi defense forces, but their strides in swaths of Iraq’s mainland are certainly of some consequence. It is, however, questionable whether ISIL will be able to hold on to their gains for long. The odds against them are heavy.

The Last Saviour of Mankind

Dr. Javed Kazmi

The fate of mankind depends upon the reappearance of a chosen one who would come and redirect the people to the ways of God. Now, so much depends on the man about whom the Holy Prophet^(saww)said "Even if the entire time of the world's existence will have been already exhausted and one solitary day left to embrace the eve of Doomsday, God will expand and make that very day swell to such a length of time as to accommodate the ultimate reign of a person out of my holy progeny who will be called after my name. He will then make the earth abound with peace and justice as it will have been fraught with injustice and tyranny before him." (Abdullah Ibne Masood )

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Imam Musa Kazim: Miracle of Human Perseverance

Dr. Javed Kazmi

Imam Moosa-e-Kazim (AS) was the son of Imam Jafar-as-Sadiq (AS) and passed 20 years of his life under the gracious patronage of his Holy Father. He was gifted with a genius par excellent and received enlightened guidance from the Holy Imam Jafar-as-Sadiq (AS). Even in his childhood he was fully versed with Divine knowledge.

Mausoleum of Imam Musa Kazim

The world has not seen such spectacle of perseverance, fortitude, courage and devotion as was put up by Imam Moosa-e-Kazim (AS), the 7th of the twelve Holy Imams about whom Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said "I shall be succeeded by twelve religions leaders, all of whom will be of Quraish origin". (Sahih Bokhari).

Absconding Killers

Dr Javed Kazmi

Who is killing? Even though the killing spree has intensified its owners are missing. A couple of days ago 26 people including destitute labourers, working young children and other small time manual workers at vegetable market Islamabad were killed. Their flying, defamed, charred bodies asked questions.

Obvious; not so obvious

The questions that are still unanswered. Who has killed us? Why our life span has been terminated like this? What will happen to our families behind us?

New Karijites of Pakistan

Dr Syed Javed Hussain

This is the worst of times for Pakistan. We are reliving our early history as Muslims with the only difference that now even religious minorities of the country are in the same fray bearing the brunt of obdurate obscurantism. Taliban are on Pakistan’s throat to slit it to its sure death.

Kharijites

They’ll slit open anyone not siding with them; cool headedly, with great precision, jubilation, shouting Allah-o-Akbar. This is not out of any personal vendetta or rancour. It is their culture and belief. They are from the devil by default.

Contemporary Hajj of Islam

Dr Syed Javed Hussain

Its prospect is tremendous. The occasion is unique in annals of human history. This passion play of believers in total submission to God shouting in unison ' Labaik AllaHuma Labaik ' can render huge political, economic, social and cultural yields to Ummah gathering in Mecca from all across the globe. The occasion of Hajj with the largest concentration of believers of any faith on earth provides tremendous opportunity to Muslims.

Karbala as Counter Terrorism Ideology

Rasheed Ahmed Chughtai
President: Islamic United Council (IUC)
المجلس الاسلامي المتحــد

Islam is a philosophy of life. It gives reasons and a set purpose for living. Furthermore, it defines the best ways to secure progress and happiness. This is done by elevating the spiritual side and satisfying the material needs of people.

Path of revolution

On the path of a peaceful & non violent revolution

Islam considers man as a viceroy of God on earth. This status is geat, but it is critical that its requirements must be satisfied. Thus, man is in an envied position, and consequently his acts and behavior are expected to conform to the elevated position he is occupying.

The Islamic concepts and laws are inseparable parts of the Islamic ideology. They are the practical expression of Islam in society and life in general. These concepts and laws are essentially concerned with harmonizing people's relationships among themselves, with other beings, and above all with the Creator. It also makes obligatory upon its followers to spread peace, love, fraternity and cooperation and they should endeavour to counter violence, extremism and violation of basic human rights along with all forms of terror.

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Spineless Leaders

Syed Javed Hussain

The whole world accuses us of bloodletting. We are in denial. We have failed in catching up with the pace of events we ourselves set in motion unwittingly many decades ago. With uncanny persistency we have refus-ed to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.

We are in two minds how to deal with the monster that is chipping way our very existence. The nation being in the acutest of turmoil in its chequered history is on the mercy of spineless leadership which is ideo-logically confounded rather flabbergasted.

Mercy for all the Worlds

The most pronounced aspect of the life of Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH was his abiding concern for humanity. He was a breadth of fresh air at a time when humanity was suffocating and panting under the gruelling impact of treachery, intimidation, coercion, deception and fraud. God Almighty in the Quran says, “We haven't sent you but as a mercy to the worlds.” (21:107) He was unlike Hannibal of Carthage, Caesar of Rome, Darius of Persia and Alexander of Macedonia.

Islam Promotes Peace, Solidarity and Stability

Daring Saviour of Islam

The martyrdom of Imam Hussain [AS] will continue to be interpreted and commented upon but one point to which every commentator; every interpreter and every philosopher accede to Imam’s sincerity of purpose, dedication to cause, devotion to the sublime ideals and his submission to the will of God.
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According to scholars of Islam belonging to both Sunni and Shia denominations, Islam Promotes peace, solidarity and stability. This is unlike the current perception certain circles in the West generally may have of Islam and Muslims.

Terrorists

These terrorists are not representatives of Islam!

Scholars of Islam agree in unison that aggression is alien to Islam. Any behaviour, deed and insinuation causing death, destruction or loss to innocent people is unlawful, condemnable hence punishable in Islam. The Quran, says, "There is no compulsion in religion..."

Iran’s Nuclear Triangle

Encircling Iran by maintaining its military presence in five of the seven countries sharing borders with Iran, the US seems to be working overtime to neutralize Iran’s ‘nuclear triangle’ so that the effects of possible aerial strikes on nuclear installations inside Iran are restricted and the aftermaths of such strikes don’t spiral out of proportion endangering the US-Israel interests in the region.

Beyond the Makkah Accord

The Makkah Accord reached last week between Fatah and Hamas, rather between Mahmud Abbas and Khaled Meshaal as the gambits of factional fighting between two factions in occupied Palestine are more of personal nature than due to some gross ideological differences as always is the case when society is torn on personal whims, tribal allegiances, power wielding, lawlessness and corporal greed, offers a lot of hope as well as tempering of extreme caution so that any disillusionment should not preclude the path of hope and optimism.

Fault Line of Nuclear Argument

Machiavellian campaign of deception, intrigue and sham being spearheaded by the US against Iran’s nuclear programme does not end at West’s duplicity, double standard and downright bias and partiality. The argument runs deeper than the superficial reading of the problem.

The Message of Ashura

It is relevant, direct and inviting. The message of Ashura cuts across all geographical, cultural, ethnic and religious constraints to touch human sensitivities. Its call is deep seated and ingrained in the Truth and human yearning for a meaning in life.

God in the Quran says, ''… Do not mix the truth with falsehood…" 2:42 In the waterless deserts of Karbala Imam Hussain and his acolytes stood on the side of Truth and rejected falsehood in the face of highest coercion and intimidation. The time in history is 61 Hijra, nay the time has stood still and since then all glorious movements of human history constructed on the principles of justice and fair-play have found sustenance from this spring of inspiration.

Pakistan and its denizens at this juncture of their lives when truth has been amalgamated with falsehood must revive the spirit of Karbala to keep aloft the banner of truth, justice and fair-play. In the battle of survival confusion in one's ideals has always proved fatal.

Little wonder this is the result of such confusion that leaders such as Monawar Hassan and Maulana Fazlul Rehman should have displayed soft corner for the killers of innocent people and branded them as martyrs. After this, can Imran Khan who is not a religious scholar be blamed for his penchant for dialogues with the agents of devil?

Have we forgotten that paramount passion of Islamic culture is a
believer's desire to sacrifice everything in the way of God. "Say surely, my prayers, my sacrifices, my life and death are all of Allah, the Lord of the worlds"(6:163) was the most favourite prayer of Muhammad (PBUH) in his life time. This is the very foundation of Islamic ideology, a living force for the dynamic, vibrant and alive Islamic culture.

Engaging the Terror

Agents of devil tearing the country asunder are sparing no lives including old men, women, children and infants, whereas pacifists among us, now incidentally at the helms of affairs, are talking about engaging them in conversation.

On legal, moral and humane level they are wrong and deserve censor to bring them back to correct line o thinking. Great many analogies are drawn for wooing the government to talk with terrorists.

Talks will not lead anywhere

Talks with terror will not yield anything and lead nowhere

Citations include the US talks with Taliban in Afghanistan, UK gov-ernments' dialogues with 'Protestant vs. Catholics' in Ireland, Scan-dinavian terrorism and other international or transnational terrorist organizations and challenges which were neutralized a little through dialogue and sometimes sheer force of law and muscle helped governments bring peace and stability to their nations.

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Massacre in Egypt

The Egyptian massacre of August 14, 2013, has only proved and further reemphasised the fact that extremists, whether in the ranks of Islamists or secularists, have no regard for human life.

It is the worst form of terrorism when government appratuses with all the firepower at hand are used to kill, maim, and stun civilians to circumvent a political cause.