1. Scientists in Arab World

Roznama Sahafat (Journalism Daily), Delhi

Editorial, 16 January 2011, Sunday

You may also have come across the news that the scientists at Arab Science and Technology Foundation, United Arab Emirates have discovered a treatment for cancer from camel’s milk and urine. This was announced by Abdullah al-Najjar, President of the Foundation but it was not confirmed what type of cancer could be treated with the medicine. However, it was confirmed that the laboratory test on mice was cent percent successful. The world has a very stereotypical image of Arabs. They are perceived as different from others, traditionally conservative, religiously extremist, backward, far from modern education and narrow minded people, where women are not allowed to drive and are not free and that the Arab world lacks modern culture. This stereotypical image of Arabs is a creation of media. Hundreds and thousands of Indian doctors, engineers and technicians work in Arab countries but after returning they also lament about the Arabs. Even though it is accepted that personally they did not face many problems they hardly get assimilated into Arab culture. Every Sunday Sahafat Daily has been publishing pictures of highly educated and successful Arab women. This is just a small step in the direction to change the image of the Arab world that has been appreciated. It is scarcely in common knowledge that the Arab world has produced many scientists after the emergence of Islam. Take for example, Hakim BuAli Sina who is known as Avisena to Europeans and is still considered a leading light of medical science. Algebra is also an Arab invention. These things even our children are not aware of. However, the news about cancer treatment has been published by leading English dailies and people were amazed to know that Arabs are not just religious extremists. They are well educated apart from having the oil wealth. They are producing scientists who are working for the betterment of society. Arab world has good scientific research institutions just like highly rated religious institutions. This is a New Year present to the world from the Arab world that should help change their image.

Source: Roznama Sahafat

2. Hillary Clinton’s Visit to Gulf Countries

Roznama Munsif (The Judge Daily), Hyderabad

Editorial, 17 January 2011, Monday

The United State Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged the rulers of West Asia to bring an end to the stagnation in governance in a recently concluded five day conference in Qatar. She also advised them to adopt democratic form of government or else extremists and militant ideologies will gain ground. The old rhetoric of dangers from Al Qaeda was also repeated. The conference was attended by representatives from the UAE, Yemen, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Hillary Clinton’s visit to Gulf countries gave an impression that the US is trying to weigh the Arab rulers’ friendship towards the US.

It is important to read between the lines when American leaders speak. There is no doubt that the US is the lone superpower in the world. The American foreign policy has centred on controlling the Muslim countries after the Soviet disintegration. The US wants to control the fate of Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan and other Muslim majority African and Arab countries; if any ruler defies American orders they are toppled through propaganda and conspiracies. If it fails in toppling the government then they would be dragged to the International Court of Justice on fake criminal cases. The action against Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese President is an example. The devastation of Iraq and Afghanistan are living examples of American barbarism. The rulers of these countries defied American whims and the country had to pay for it. Iran is next in line due to its nuclear programme.

As far as Arab rulers of West Asia are concerned, there is no need to tell that they are American cronies. They don’t have their own foreign policy; mostly they feel comfortable in taking the US line and rather work for American interest for their own stability. The Arab world has no dearth of wealth, thanks to petrodollars. This can help them negotiate better with the US. But this may lead to compromise on political power which leads them to start working for American interest. It is also a fact that Arab leaders do not want Iran to become a nuclear power. The US is well aware of this and is trying to exploit their despair. Rather it can be said that the US has planted the seed of fear among Arabs as far as Iran’s nuclear programme is concerned. The US is now selling weapons to Arab countries and the Arabs are helping the US to siphon off their wealth due to unnecessary future concerns.

Democracy has to be promoted. Hillary Clinton has pointed out that every country suffers from different problems. This is an indication that even despots and dictators can continue. The US does not want to lose its control over these wealthy oil producing countries. Doesn’t the US like the stability in these countries? The people of these countries are satisfied with their rulers and are living a peaceful life. These remarks by Hillary Clinton are a point of concern for Arab rulers. What the US is capable of doing by creating threat from Al Qaeda can be seen in Afghanistan.

The Arab rulers should understand the importance of their oil and natural resources, which can be utilised for the development of their country and betterment of their people. Along with material comfort, the public should have access to modern education and work for their empowerment. Rather than trying to stand with developed countries they should try to gain some self respect through development. The US does not help or ally with anyone without their own national interest. Any nation that works hard utilising their resources has achieved success.

Source: Roznama Munsif

3. People’s Responsibility in Tunisia

Roznama Siasat (The Politics Daily), Hyderabad

Editorial, 18 January 2011, Tuesday

The developments in Tunisia are a cause of concern for Arab and regional stability. Corruption and unemployment are major problems in today’s world. The people of Tunisia are anguished over the spreading corruption and unemployment due to bad governance. People take to streets when they lose confidence in their government. The same thing happened in Tunisia where President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was ruling for the past twenty-three years, had to flee to Saudi Arabia due to mass protests against his government. The mass public demonstrations and protests created a kind of crisis in Tunisia. When governments become authoritarian and become virtual police states to stick to power then a crisis like situation is bound to happen. It was said that the people of Tunisia hated the president and first lady Leila Trablesi. It was this anger against the Zine El Abidine family that led to the current crisis. The social unrest in Tunisia was cooking for a long time. However, what the majority of Tunisians think of the unseated President is not clear because the haste that has been shown in this case is unusual. The propaganda to unseat Zine El Abidine from power may have been started by the Western allies of Tunisia and smells of a conspiracy to destabilize the Middle East and Arab world. The dispossessed president has found refuge in Saudi Arabia, but the countries should be aware of elements who want to destabilize the region. The people who had power could not control the situation in Tunisia. Mohamed Ghannouchi the 69 year old Prime Minister for more than a decade was made acting President but he could not contain the situation and was replaced within twenty-four hours. Fouad Mebazaa was then appointed as interim President. This would be appreciated by some allies and groups in the country. They would also welcome his efforts to form a national unity government. But the situation could turn more problematic if the government fails to solve the problems faced by the people. These efforts would be said in right direction only if they can solve the people’s problem; but if are to please the European governments then it is not a step in the right direction. Many European countries have invested heavily in Tunisia and they are concerned about the stability of the country. The people of Tunisia are grappling with the problem of inflation over food materials and unemployment. The crisis spiralled when a fruit seller committed suicide due to police torture. This became a trigger for protests all over the country which finally led to the end of Ben Ali’s rule. The Tunisian situation is a warning for regional and international powers. After the French Revolution, governments all around have always tested the patience of people, which was again seen in Tunisia. It is expected that the interim President Fouad Mebazaa will be successful in uniting the people of Tunisia and elections would take place within sixty days to decide the fate of the country. The people of Tunisia have always been exemplary in their political behaviour and they should now help stabilize the country and work towards formation of a new government. It is the responsibility of the people now to help the country emerge from crisis and strengthen the nation.

Source: Roznama Siasat

4. Public Unrest in Tunisia

Dawat Online (Invitation), New Delhi 

Editorial, 19 January 2011, Wednesday

One of the major aspects of the public unrest and subsequent political crisis in the North African Muslim country of Tunisia, which is a bit worrying as well, is that it is not clear what the public wants, who are their leaders and in what direction they want to take the country. From outside it seems that it is an outburst of accommodated anger. This has been said because Tunisia does not have any tradition of popular movement, because it is a country where public participation in political life is not tolerated and because in such societies government remains in the hands of one person who controls everything. Everything is decided by the individual who makes rules and regulates all aspects of governance. Political participation remains an alien concept in such societies and so there are very remote chances of starting or growth of any political movement. This change seems to be a result of immediate outburst as Tunisia was termed as a country where political repression was at its peak, meaning even breathing free was not easy. The anger gets accumulated in such situations and finally bursts out like a volcano and that is what happened in Tunisia. Even the most informed groups could not imagine the coming storm. It is said that Tunisia was grappling with political repression; there was no freedom, neither for speech nor for writing, neither for collecting nor for organizing, but there was no indication that a revolution was on the anvil. There were not much incidents of violence that could compel an authoritarian ruler to disown power and flee the country. Also there was no open military coup or any political group did not emerge from the crisis. As a result it is not yet clear that who are leading this people’s rebellion and it becomes a matter of concern that what will happen after this change?

If the country gets entangled into a political crisis due to this unrest and another political leadership does not emerge from it then there could be no chance of improvement in the situation rather it could further deteriorate. A positive outcome from this unrest may not be forthcoming in such a scenario. It has been said that the rate of unemployment became very high in Tunisia. Inflation was also rising, necessary commodities also became dearer and in short supply. The young were desperate because they did not get any work even after attaining high degrees. Above all the political repression was growing day by day. The immediate trigger to the protests was self immolation of a youth. He was compelled to take the drastic step as he could not get any job after completing studies and when he tried to earn his living by selling vegetables and fruits he was stopped from doing so by government agencies. This led to his taking the decision to end his life but such incidents would have taken place earlier as well and this could not have forced a dictator like Ben Ali to flee the country. Therefore, many questions remain unanswered regarding the actual reason for the change. The good thing was that there were not many incidents of violence and looting and the news coming out of the country also did not show much destruction of public and private properties. This forces one to think that this mass protest is being led by a very responsible leadership or there is something else to it that has not come out in public. Another aspect that needs a look is that this incident has been used to frighten the Arab leadership, this aspect is being highlighted, and the Arab world is being given lessons in democracy, which took shape of a movement under the leadership of George Bush (Jr.).

Source: Dawat Online

5. The Palestine Issue

Dawat Online (Invitation), New Delhi 

Editorial, 22 January 2011, Saturday

Whether the issue of Palestine can be solved through talks or not depends on the fact that the elements who confess to resolve to do so abide by the roadmap devised by them. The parties involved in the conflict as well as the mediators should respect the negotiations and the mediators should see to it that the parties abide by the agreed matters. This is a purely Western idea, meaning it is an idea of those powers who recognize Israel and who want others to recognize it. They don’t want to discuss the establishment of Israel neither do they see any need for it, but they accept the two nation formula and want to see a free and independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. They want Israel to stop suppressing the Palestinians. They agree that Israel had committed some mistakes and want it to correct these wrongs. Until now they have not justified Israeli wrongdoings. Instead they have been criticizing it. They stand by the point that the US is part of these crimes, even the European community has similar stand. Likewise is the stand of non-partisan non-Muslim world and the UNSC resolutions are an indication to it. The recognition of an independent Palestinian state by some countries is a proof, but Israeli attitude is completely against the possibility of an independent state of Palestine. It has never agreed for it and the last 62 years are a witness to it. Whatever promises it made towards this end, it has broken and continuously violated these.

Those who want to see a peaceful and stable Middle East agree that the Palestine issue needs to be resolved. The UN, that provided the platform to resolve the conflict, could never do it. The reason is that whenever the issue comes up to UN and Israel finds itself in trouble, the US steps in and helps Israel out of the mess. Even though the UNSC has passed several resolutions legitimizing the state of Israel it never legitimized the 1967 occupation and Israel has been urged to leave these areas umpteen number of times. But the international organization could not achieve the targets of these resolutions. As a result, people’s faith in the international organization has weakened and then the US emerged as the sole harbinger of peace in the region. It had been making efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine for the past 20 years but last December it almost surrendered and announced that it is beyond its power to bring peace. It did not succeed in its roadmap and now it has been decided to go back to UN again. Perhaps this would be the last peaceful effort for mediation. It is perceived that the US will again come to help Israel while Israeli attitude tells that it did not want to give an ear to any one, nobody can dare to stop it, is ready to face any consequence and is fully prepared for it. The clash seems inevitable despite the whole world standing against it.

Source: Dawat Online

6. Our Silence on Partition of Sudan

Roznama Sahafat (Journalism Daily), Delhi

Editorial, 22 January 2011, Saturday

We are strongly against the two-nation theory. Establishment of a state on religious grounds is highly criticized. Mahatma Gandhi opposed the formation of Israel on the same ground. The establishment of Pakistan was opposed for the same reason because it was based on two-nation theory. But the amazing thing is that when the Christian majority East Timor was partitioned from Muslim majority Indonesia our scholars did not utter a word. Nobody opposed the movement for formation and establishment of Timor. Now the same thing has happened in case of Sudan. The Christian majority south Sudan has announced its wish to part with Muslim majority north Sudan in a recent referendum. The interesting aspect is that whenever there is ninety-nine percent voting in any country, it is termed as a result of rigging of votes, on the basis that it is unlikely that ninety-nine percent of voters came out and voted. The percentage of voting in south Sudan was ninety-nine percent. This referendum occurred under the observation of former US president Jimmy Carter. According to reports, coming 9 July 2011 south Sudan will become the fifty-fourth country in Africa. Just six years back a deal was signed between south and north Sudan for staying united. This referendum will bring an end to that agreement. In north Sudan people speak Arabic while some more languages are spoken in south. The condition of south Sudan is better in economic terms. South Sudan is full of forests and comprise fertile lands while north is desert. South Sudan will soon have a separate national anthem and national flag. It has not yet been decided whether oil rich Abyei will go with south or north Sudan. But if decision is not taken now it could become a major conflict. The question of division of oil wealth has not yet been resolved. The same is true for debts on united Sudan. This partition will affect the Darfur region as well that already has seen movement for autonomy. It is again bound to have its impact on other African countries, particularly those where struggle for independence is going on including Senegal, Angola and Congo. People in south Sudan also had alleged that they were forced to follow Islamic laws which were not acceptable to them even though it is in common knowledge that Islamic laws are not implied on non-Muslims. Interestingly, the US was the biggest supporter of partition of south Sudan while it terms itself the flag bearer of secularism. The US played a very important role in the partition of Timor from Indonesia. The US and Britain had also played very important role in the formation of Israel on religious grounds. The amazing thing, however, is that the Indian scholars who are against the two-nation theory and who oppose partition of a country on religious grounds are silent.

Source: Roznama Sahafat

7. The Dictator of Tunisia: First Casualty of WikiLeaks

Roznama Sahafat (Journalism Daily), Delhi

Editorial, 24 January 2011, Monday

Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry” (Winston Churchill). The US looked most perturbed with the WikiLeaks revelations. But surprisingly an African-Arab country Tunisia became its first casualty. WikiLeaks had brought into open the corrupt practices of Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. It was revealed by the WikiLeaks that in a very short period of time Ben Ali and his wife Leila Trablesi and their relatives have made huge money from national wealth. These revelations were spread to all sections of people in Tunisia through internet. Al-Jazeera also relayed some of the footage of these revelations which outraged the Tunisian public. People took to streets in protest. Women and young girls were also part of these demonstrations. Two things can be made out of it that internet is proving to be a blessing in disguise and that Arabs are not backward and senseless people. Thirty-four percent of Tunisian population is internet literate. Ben Ali was ruling the country for the past two decades and was backed by the US and West despite his known repressive credentials. He transformed himself to a dictator from President but his position was severely undermined due to the WikiLeaks revelations. The WikiLeaks brought out the kind of looting he and his wife were involved in that propelled anger among the population. Like all other dictators he tried to suppress the protests targeted against him by use of force but the Tunisian military declined to oblige him. He fled to Saudi Arabia along with his wife. The interim government which was formed after Ben Ali relinquished power; it was not accepted by the people because it had some of his close aids. One of the most prominent aspects of the Tunisian revolution was that it was not started by any political group. It was a complete people’s revolution which was not led by any political or religious leader. This has become a common phenomenon in world. Also dictators who escape accountability find themselves in thick waters now because it has been anticipated that this change will not remain confined to Tunisia. Many more Muslim countries are in line. It has also been reported that such incidents of self immolation have occurred in Egypt and Algeria. The Tunisian movement was also triggered by an incident of self immolation. This should ring the danger bells to all the Arab and Muslim states where the rulers are corrupt and unemployment and food prices are rising.

Source: Roznama Sahafat

8. Ban Ki-moon’s Concern

Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi

Editorial, 24 January 2011, Monday

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern over the dead-lock in Israel-Palestine talks. Ban Ki-moon has also criticized the continuing construction in occupied Palestinian areas. It is, however, a different matter altogether that Israel with the US support never takes these criticisms from the UN seriously and has continued its illegal occupation of Palestinian lands.

Ban Ki-moon can be lauded for he has dared to take a tough stand against Israel. Otherwise the UN stands remain in tandem with the US which has severely undermined the respect of the international organization. However, this harsh statement has not just come from Ban Ki-moon rather the US president Barack Obama, after taking over, had made some unfavourable remarks on Israel. But the basic point is that no major change has occurred on the ground. The Israeli repression and settlement construction still continues. This is the reason why the American and UN brokered negations between Israel and Palestine have made no headway. Hamas, which is the most popular group among Palestinians, is not part of these talks and only Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas is leading the Palestinians. However, even he has refused to continue with the talks due to stubborn Israeli attitude.

Ban Ki-moon’s concern on lack of any headway in these talks is justified. Moon said on the occasion of a meeting at UN head quarters that he has expressed his concerns over continuing construction in occupied areas several times. He termed the ongoing construction work as illegal and said that the demolition of Shepherd Hotel and Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem is deplorable. He emphasized that the forcible removal of Palestinian families is causing tensions in the area. He also said that the time is slipping out for peaceful settlement for the conflict in West Asia and no more wastage of time can be acceptable.

This statement from Ban Ki-moon may not help solve the problem but makes it clear that Israel does not care about the UN or world opinion and can go to any length to violate the legitimate Palestinian national rights. Surprisingly, those who take all possible action against Iran to stop its nuclear programme are unable to tighten the noose on Israel. No doubt Israeli activities demand concrete action and mere lip service is not enough.

Source: Roznama Rashtriya Sahara

9. Arab Rulers and Political Turmoil in Tunisia

Roznama Urdu Times (The Urdu Times Daily), Mumbai

Open-Ed Article, 24 January 2011, Monday

The demand for removal of monarchs and establishment of a democracy is perceived as a human rights cause. Generally monarchs are despots and repressive. Recently the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq was removed to form a democratic government. There were some efforts to sabotage the formation of a government of people’s choice but a popular elected government is now in place in Iraq. Most of the regimes in Arab world and North Africa are monarchies who are American allies. One common phenomenon about all these countries is that most of the population has been kept away from education and industries have not been nurtured, blocking their development. The natural resources of these countries are in foreign hands and the rulers depend on external elements for continuation of their rule. Their policies are formulated in foreign capitals. The recent upheaval in Tunisia due to popular protest and removal of Tunisian president gives an insight into the internal condition of these countries. Such protests on the issue of inflation and unemployment have been witnessed in Algeria and Jordan as well. On 15 January 2011 the Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali relinquished power after days of demonstrations and protest and fled to another non-democratic country in the region, Saudi Arabia, along with his family members. Emergency was imposed immediately and Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi took over the reign. A royal statement from Saudi Arabia informed that Tunisian President has reached Saudi Arabia. One day earlier, on 14 January 2011, a massive protest of hundreds and thousands of people demanded immediate resignation of President Ben Ali who was in power for the last twenty-three years. In fact, these protests in Tunisia over rising food prices and growing unemployment were continuing for the last three-weeks. Zine El Abidine took over to the presidency in 1987. Tunisia had never witnessed any such protest against his rule earlier. Despite prevailing tensions, the speaker of the Parliament Fouad Mebazaa took oath as interim President on 16 January. He announced the formation of a national unity government in the country that will include opposition parties. However, the situation could not be controlled immediately, violence and looting continued and till date 42 deaths have been confirmed. The military has now taken over the law and order all over the country. Celebrations on fleeing of Zine El Abidine were reported from different parts of country. Violence and looting, however, continued and a railway station was set on fire. In another incident a number of inmates were burned to death due to fire in a jail. Immediately after the President fled, the constitutional council announced that parliament speaker Fouad Mebazaa would be interim president and presidential elections would be held within sixty days. Prime Minister Ghannouchi termed restoration of peace as the government’s utmost priority. Tension prevails and the future of country remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the ripple effect of Tunisian phenomenon was witnessed in Jordan. On 14 January 2011 thousands of protestors gathered in Amman and raised slogans against rising prices and in favour of reforms. The demonstrators alleged that poor people are suffering due to government’s economic policies. These demonstrations were organized by the Muslim Union that is against the government’s policies. The protestors, taking cue from Tunisia, demanded the removal of Samir Rifai government. The Muslim Brotherhood leader in Jordan Sheikh Hammad stated that the people of Tunisia have brought down the repressive regime and it is an example for the entire Arab world. Algerian capital of Algiers also witnessed similar violent protests on the question of rising food prices and unemployment last week, which was mainly attended by youths. According to reports, the food prices have recently spiralled in Algeria. The Arab League organized a meeting to discuss the recent incidents in Tunisia, Lebanon, Algeria and Sudan in the Egyptian city of Sharm-al-Sheikh. The meeting was attended by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, while Tunisia was represented by its Foreign Minister Kamel Morjane. Lebanese Finance Minister Mohammad Shateh attended the meeting on behalf of Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Sabah reminded the Arab leaders of problems facing the people. While addressing the meeting, he said that the people are asking questions about ability of the Arab leadership to tackle the problems of their countries. In Egypt, half the population earns less than US$ 2 every day. People face similar problems as people of Tunisia. Earlier in 2009, the Arab League summit held in Kuwait decided that small and middle level traders would be supported in the region but nothing happened. Most of the Arab rulers have either inherited power through family or have captured it in military coup. The Tunisian Foreign Minister agreed that the main reason behind the protests and toppling of government in Tunisia was political and economic problems. According to experts, if the Arab League fails to take concrete action for removal of poverty in the region many more countries will have to face similar rebellious situation as in Tunisia. The Arab monarchs and despots who think that they have kept Islamists out of power are now feeling threatened. The unseated Tunisian President was an ally of the US and supported its war on terror after September 11 attacks. I have travelled extensively in the region and found that these countries lack complete freedom of speech. The governments are repressive and do not tolerate dissent. Saddam was not the only repressive dictator. These dictators should understand the people’s aspiration and give way to democratic governments.

Source: Roznama Urdu Times

10. The Palestinian State

Dawat Online (Invitation), New Delhi

Editorial, 25 January 2011, Tuesday

Israel has proposed a map of “Palestinian state”, which it claims has been agreed upon by the “Palestinian Authority.” This plan is being termed as Avigdor Leiberman’s plan but the media in the West has reported that the Israelis and Palestinians have been secretly discussing the plan for the past one decade. One report also claimed that the former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former American President had agreed to recognize a “Palestinian state” and a map was prepared. This had been agreed upon by Ehud Barak and Bill Clinton and they were about to announce it but could not due to unknown reasons. The New York Times has also published a map of proposed Palestine. It was said to have been prepared by David Makowsky of Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The report also gives an impression that it has been given a green signal by the US government. It was also said that the Palestinians are also favouring this plan. The media, in particular the pro-Israel media, is trying to propagate that this is nothing unusual. This has been under discussion for the past decade between Israel, the US and Palestine. The Palestinians have no doubt about recognizing the state of Israel. The Palestinians have agreed on gradual return of refugees with the condition that Israel will give this in writing. The boundaries would be as they were on 4 June 1967. The other condition was that the US will be responsible for the Israeli withdrawal.

This may be a result of international pressure on Israel. A number of Latin American countries have recognized Palestine within the 1967 borders, while many have agreed to follow. The European Union has also put pressure on Israel. It has also decided to upgrade the level of Palestinian mission. Also, East Jerusalem has been recognized as part of Palestine. Moreover, European countries have started boycott of Israel and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev have cancelled their visits to Israel. Medvedev’s visit of West Bank is also important. Arab and Muslim countries have also increased pressure. The US is also feeling the pressure to perform its duty and should not escape its responsibility. It was also reported that Russia has recognized Palestine! Russian attitude is an indication towards it. The Palestine issue is not just a border issue but it is a complex conflict with a number of issues, including the status of Jerusalem, even though this has been a creation of Israeli insistence on making East Jerusalem as its capital despite it being recognized as the capital of the proposed Palestinian state. Another major issue is the right of Palestinian refugees to return who are spread in different parts of world. The Israeli plan shows 58 percent of West Bank under Israeli control which no Palestinian will accept.

Source: Dawat Online

11. Will it be Egypt after Tunisia?

Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi

Editorial, 28 January 2011, Friday

The efforts of people of Tunisia have shown result where the family rule of three decades came to an end and president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country after massive protests against his government. Tunisia is one African country that embraced Islam in the 7th century A.D. The country has its borders with Algeria in its west, while it shares its south-east borders with Libya and Mediterranean Sea makes its northern and eastern boundaries. Tunisia remained under Muslim empire till 1870 when it became a French colony. It became a battle ground during the Second World War and bore the brunt of Italian and German attacks. Even though Muslims did not have anything to do with this war they had to pay with their lives. It remained under the control of Hitler and Mussolini till the Allied forces recaptured it and again it became a French colony. Tunisia gained independence in 1957 when the French left after handing over the power to the Tunisian leader Habib Bourguiba who ruled for 20 years. He was later declared medically unfit to continue as president and Ben Ali captured power in a peaceful transition. This country of ten million people has a democratic system and Ben Ali was considered an elected leader. He was re-elected in 2009 elections with 90 percent voting in his favour. It is on 40th place in International Economic Forum. However, people were fed up with this one family rule and decided to bring true democracy and the rebellion started against Ben Ali’s rule. The government used repressive measures to counter the protests and freedom of press was also curtailed. Newspapers were ordered to mandatorily contain government sponsored news. People’ protests grew with rising suppression. All government measures to suppress these protests further enhanced people’s resolution to bring curtains to Ben Ali’s government. Finally, Ben Ali together with his family fled Tunisia. Now there are remote chances of Ben Ali’s return and he may be arrested as an Interpol warrant has been issued against him.

The country has ninety percent Muslim population. Egypt is another African country that embraced Islam in the 7th century. It also remained under the Islamic empire till eighteenth century. Napoleon captured it in 1798 but this reign remained short and soon it again came under Ottoman rule. However, it became a British colony after First World War. It gained independence in 1922. Egypt was declared a republic in 1957 and it produced a great leader like Gamal Abdul Nasser, who never hesitated to clash with the Zionists. However, after consecutive defeat from Israel it became a puppet country of the US. Hosni Mubarak took the reign of country in 1981 after President Sadat’s assassination. Since then he has won all elections and terms himself as leader of a republic. The Muslim population is not just concerned about corruption but is also perturbed with Egyptian role in the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The people are also angry with the rioting after the blast in a Church in Alexandria and decided to get rid of this puppet of the West. The anti-government protests have started in all parts of Egypt and it seems that Mubarak presidency will not be able to pass wave of protests.

Source: Roznama Rashtriya Sahara

12. The Rulers should see the Writing on Wall

Roznama Munsif (The Judge Daily), Hyderabad

Editorial, 28 January 2011, Friday

This is a historical fact that oppression and injustice give birth to rebellion which nobody can escape. People rather than learning from history repeat the same mistake and create trouble for themselves. The world has witnessed huge inflation and rampant corruption during the last one year that has completely rattled the people. People are angry with their governments as none of the governments have taken serious steps to deal with these problems. Empty promises and mere words are not enough to solve these problems. The people in power have forgotten that nothing can stop the people’s movement if these peaceful public get anguished and start marching ahead. The common masses do not fear anything as they have nothing to lose except their life. History is full of such examples when people have rebelled and toppled strong rulers. The same thing happened in Tunisia where corruption and price rise became unbearable and people came out on streets against their ruler and the result is there for all to see. Leaders had to flee the country leaving beside their rule and seat of power. They left like criminals else they could have been simply executed by the people. The people of Tunisia have displayed exemplary courage and have again proved the might of people. It is unlikely that the Tunisian revolution will remain confined to certain boundaries and the rulers should better understand this. It is a volcano that has erupted as a result of one decade of rising uneasiness among the people world over due to corruption and injustice. The world has witnessed the spread of Tunisian revolution to Egypt where the Mubarak regime is under extreme pressure. The government is trying to forcibly calm down the people but public unrest is growing every day. The protest continued for the third day and Mubarak’s son Gamal had to flee the country. This has not yet been confirmed officially but sources have confirmed the news. Gamal Mubarak has left Egypt for Britain. The reasons behind Tunisian and Egyptian unrest are similar. The people have risen against corruption and family rule. These governments had no sympathy with people and continuously overlooked their aspirations. Hosni Mubarak is in power for the last thirty years and now he was paving way for transfer of power to his son Gamal Mubarak. These three decades of Mubarak rule has seen nothing in the development in Egypt; rather it has been marked with poverty, corruption and government’s insincerity. Egypt remained stagnant as far as educational, financial and technological advancements are concerned and the authorities enjoyed power. Egypt is an Islamic country but is a close friend of Israel. The people of Egypt never liked this and now their anger has brought them on streets following the Tunisian example. This earthquake has completely rattled the government and it has been reported that the sparks of this revolution have reached Yemen.

Other governments who have overlooked corruption and people’s problem should take this warning seriously because it is better to prepare for the coming cyclone. They may also have to face the fury of people. India also faces similar problems. Scams, price rise, etc. are continuously ignored by our governments. World’s biggest democracy suffers from severe corruption and many more problems. People are losing faith in political representatives. Our leaders should also understand the anger of people and take steps to solve their problems. People’s power should not be undermined else it can produce chaos and political earthquake.

Source: Roznama Munsif

13. Crowns will be up in Air

Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi

Editorial, 29 January 2011, Saturday

The people’s rebellion in Tunisia has shaken up the people in neighbouring countries and they are rising against their dictatorial rulers. The public protest in Tunisia is spreading to the neighbouring countries and now Egypt is reeling under Public protest.

Egypt immediately banned these protest demonstrations after it began but people’s anger can be analyzed from the fact that they came out on street violating these prohibition orders. People again came out on streets on Thursday (27 January) despite threats of actions against protesters. The situation is getting worse and protests are spreading to other cities like Suez and Alexandria. People torched a government building at Suez port. Demonstrators are demanding Mubarak to quit. The US which patronizes these dictatorial regimes has also realized the intensity of the situation that is why it has advised Mubarak, who is in power since 1981, to take economic and political reform measures. But it seems that the time for these measures has slipped out of hand and it would be an end to Mubarak’s rule. It would be better if Mubarak leave the seat of power in a peaceful transition else he could meet the same fate as Anwar Sadat. He was assassinated on 6 October 1981 despite heavy security. Hosni Mubarak did not take any lesson from his predecessor’s rule and curbed the right of Egyptian people during his three decades of rule and continued as a puppet of Israel and the US. He continuously overlooked people’s aspirations throughout his rule.

How much Hosni Mubarak benefitted from his alliance with the US and Western powers can be explained only by him but half of the 80 million population of Egypt is compelled to live below poverty line. The country faces many problems including rising prices and unemployment. The Tunisian revolution has created a kind of hope in people’s heart and the protests have engulfed not only Egypt but also other neighbouring countries. The ruling elite is worried and threatening the masses of dire consequences. Protests have been prohibited, the protesters are being fired upon, but they are also feeling insecure which has compelled Mubarak’s son to flee to Britain with family members. Algeria and Yemen are also facing growing unrest and the powerful ruling elites have been shaken to their roots. The main reason behind this popular anger is lack of sincerity in issues of national importance and unconditional alliance with the West that is unacceptable to the people.

It is difficult to say what is in store for Egypt, Algeria and Yemen after the removal of Tunisian President, but one point has to be emphasized here that if these rulers do not take lesson from past events, time will decide their fate. They will also be unseated from power as the Tunisian leader was removed and had to relinquish the throne and the crown.

Source: Roznama Rashtriya Sahara

14. People’s Protest in Egypt

Roznama Siasat (The Politics Daily), Hyderabad

Editorial, 30 January 2011, Sunday

People’s revolutions are a result of lack of accountability in governance. If the rulers fail to recognize their mistakes, they are brought in front of people. The current unrest among people in the Arab world is a result of lack of democracy and autocratic rules. These protests started in Tunisia and later spread to Yemen and now Egypt is grappling with mass protests. The people in Egypt want President Hosni Mubarak, who is ruling for thirty years, to relinquish power. These rulers have worked only for their personal benefit and have completely overlooked people’s welfare. The Egyptian protests also are result of accumulated anger against injustice. The most shameful thing for a ruler is people’s protest due to hunger and poverty. These rulers should work for the people, the development should be inclusive and not confined to the political elites and few. These violent protests on Egyptian streets were termed as being against Islamic teachings. The religious scholars of Al-Azhar have appealed the people for peaceful protests, but they do not see the pitiable conditions of the people. ElBaradei was put under house arrest for joining the protesters. The Egyptian streets are full of protesters since last Tuesday (25 January). Some of the soldiers have also joined the protest which is a matter of great concern for the Mubarak government. It is sad that his son has fled the country. This could be an excuse for international community to intervene in the internal matters of a country. Hosni Mubarak, who is an ally of the US and Israel, has been advised to bring reforms. Such mass rebellion can only be controlled through swift actions to amend mistakes and bring changes. Hosni Mubarak government has failed to take any action till now, rather security forces were unleashed on the protesters and internet, telephone and communication lines were disrupted. These measures will further raise the anger against the government, if the government focuses on taking immediate reform measures rather than taking repressive measures against the workers of Muslim Brotherhood, it can help regain the confidence of people. The prevailing conditions in Arab countries will only help their enemies and the West that always had had designs on Arab world. International powers want to create chaos in the Arab world to put their puppet governments in these countries. Most of the Arab leaders work under the directions of West but that does not satisfy them and the West wants to completely control the internal matters of Arab countries. Every Arab country has a different form of government. Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan all have fundamental differences in their political system. This spreading protest against governments is a matter of concern for these rulers. Bribing, corruption and other problems are main driving force behind these protests, which can only be resolved by bringing accountability in governance. Mubarak who is a friend of West should look at the advice of the West. He regained power in last elections but could not gain confidence of people. Rigging in elections were alleged but no action was taken. Modern means of communication were used by the people to show their discontent with the government. The Arab media also played laudable role in bringing the discontent among people to the fore. Any corrupt and unaccountable government cannot escape the rage of people and will have to make way for better governance.

Source: Roznama Siasat

15. Uncertainty continues for Hosni Mubarak

The Etemaad Urdu Daily (The Confidence Urdu Daily), Hyderabad

Editorial, 31 January 2011, Monday

The raging unrest among people in Egypt has left Mubarak senseless to take any sensible decision. The Tunisian revolution has created a wave of unrest throughout the Arab world and the rage in Egypt brought instability in the country as well. Mubarak saw the Tunisian revolution with curiosity but failed to take reform measures towards democratisation after protests erupted in Egypt. Authoritarian leaders deal with any crisis in only two ways: escape or repression. Hosni Mubarak has chosen to use the later mean and is using force to end the protests and pacify the rage against him. But this rage in Egypt was not instant but was accumulating for years. The escape of Tunisian President Ben Ali further emboldened the protesters and within days this rage engulfed entire Egypt.

Last Friday (28 January) witnessed mass protest all over the country after noon prayers. Even though the Muslim Brotherhood did not take the leadership of the protesters, it actively participated in these demonstrations. The military was brought to the streets by Hosni Mubarak to save his thirty-year old government and curfew was imposed all over the country. Electronic means of communication were cut off but this could not bring much reprieve to the embattled government. The US president Barack Obama stated that use of force against peaceful protesters should be avoided and people’s hope and aspirations should be respected. His statement reaffirmed American position that it is with the people of Egypt and that it will continue its relations with any Egyptian representative government.

This mild warning from the US worked and Mubarak took steps to address the demands of people, the cabinet was dissolved and new ministers were appointed, he also urged the people to come forward for negotiations and stop protests. He said that he is aware of the concerns of Egyptian people regarding poverty, corruption and democratic reforms. He promised to take social, political and economic reform measures. But the question remains whether political freedom would be allowed which can be a threat to his authoritarian regime. Would the political prisoners, whose numbers have been estimated to be twelve to fourteen thousand, be released? Will Mubarak be able to respect his promises? It may not be very useful for him to completely overlook the American advice. The US has been advising Egyptian government to bring political reforms in the country. Now the US has an alternate leader in El- Baradei to lead the Egyptian government. Hosni Mubarak should now see the writing on the wall as El Baradei has emerged as a ray of hope for the people. But Mubarak has put him under house arrest fearing his popularity. El Baradei, who recently retired from the post of IAEA chief, returned to Egypt and has gained huge popularity among people. It is expected that if El Baradei becomes President he would take political reform measures. He stated that the ‘end of current government is confirmed’ before being put under house arrest. It is now certain that the water of Nile will breach the walls of presidential palace in Egypt.

Mubarak’s promises have failed to satisfy the protesters and they have come out again to demand his departure from presidency. This shows the kind of image Mubarak has build up for him during the last thirty years that people don’t even have faith in his promises. The role of military becomes very important in the prevailing condition. It may topple the government soon in future.

Source: The Etemaad Urdu Daily

16. Unrest in Arab Countries

Roznama Munsif (The Judge Daily), Hyderabad

Editorial, 31 January 2011, Monday

The volcanic eruption in Tunisia caused by authoritarian rule of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the looting of national wealth by his family members, particularly by his wife Leila Trablesi, has compelled the president and his wife to flee the country. The protests in Tunisia were continuing when people in Egypt, Yemen and Jordan came out on streets against their authoritarian governments. Particularly the ongoing protest in Egypt has shaken the government of Hosni Mubarak.

General Gamal Abdul Nasser took the reins of government in Egypt as a result of coup against King Farouk. Nasser also ruled in authoritarian manner after the fall of monarchy in Egypt. Nasser became an Arab hero riding on his charismatic leadership. The Libyan ruler Colonel Qaddafi is also a product of Nasserism. Nasser’s ideology of Arab nationalism completely ignored Islamic credentials of Egypt. He brought the Jordanian King, Syrian leader Hafez al-Assad and Yasser Arafat of PLO together to fight with Israel, but the Arabs were completely defeated by Israel in 1967 with the help of West and captured large parts of lands of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. This proved to the beginning of the end of Nasser. Anwar Sadat helped Egypt come out of its problems to an extent. But the people of Egypt were faced with another authoritarian ruler in the form of Hosni Mubarak in 1981. Hosni Mubarak wants to transfer power to his son, who has fled the country along with family members after the eruption of protests.

Most of the Arab leaders have become dictators after taking over power. But modern education has helped people understand the problems in dictatorial governments. The people understand that they are not breathing in a free country with the kind of curbs put on the independence of judiciary and press. Hosni Mubarak has proposed to grant more independence to judiciary. However, like Tunisia, the people are demanding a change in the system of government. But this may not be possible with the old leaders because authoritarian leaders may not be able to work under democratic system. The family rule gives rise to corruption and siphoning of national wealth by the ruling elites. For example, Leila Trablesi fled with 15 tonnes of gold according to reports in media. This shows that Ben Ali had filled the forces and government agencies with his cronies. Similarly, the real conditions in Egypt could be revealed after Mubarak leaves. Military also does not have a very clean record in Arab world and it has helped dictators continue to exploit the people and resources. Algeria is an example, where the military refused to accept the elections results because the people have given a mandate to Islamists and suppressed the voice of people with iron fists.

The Arab countries have forgotten their roots in the cloud of Arabism. The Arab rulers chose to take the dictatorial means of government in the mist created by democracy and freedom of expression. Why these rulers decline to acquire the Islamic way of governance when they are Islamic countries? This would certainly demand rising above individual interest, but not a single Arab leader can claim to have risen against personal interest. An important principle of nature is that when a nation fails to deliver on its fundamental responsibilities, its decline becomes inevitable. The Arab leaders still have time to change their attitude and choose the right path, which is very clear. The voice of people can be suppressed but cannot be finished.

Source: Roznama Munsif

17. Obama’s ‘Mubarak’ Advice

Roznama Rashtriya Sahara (National Sahara Daily), New Delhi

Editorial, 31 January 2011, Monday

The US president Barack Obama has advised his Egyptian counterpart to not suppress the demonstrators and fulfil the promises made to the people. Hosni Mubarak himself has reiterated his position that the promised reforms would soon be affected and that people should maintain peace.

But the way protests have continued in Egypt, it seems unlikely that people will accept anything less than the departure of President Hosni Mubarak. In fact, Mubarak himself and his advisor, the US, are responsible for the current situation. The region has witnessed accumulation of anger against the rulers for decades. The rulers on their part have never tried to understand and respond to people’s aspirations and demands. These rulers have only worked for their personal interest, the reason why people are in rage against rising prices and the economic conditions despite huge wealth in national treasury. People’s anger can be realized from the ongoing protest demonstrations. Tunisia president has been toppled and it seems very unlikely that Mubarak will survive the tide. But Mubarak and his master, the US, are unable to see the reality or perhaps power has made them blind. The question is why Mubarak is not ready to relinquish presidency after three decades of rule? Why is it that he wants to stick to the presidency and not respect the wishes of people? This can be best answered by him, but the fact is that people from Egypt to Algeria and Lebanon to Yemen want change. Economic reforms, promises of democracy and claim of sympathy towards people cannot pacify them anymore. These rulers should see the writing on the wall and if they continue to overlook the demands of people then the country and the rulers will have to face the rage of people.

Another important aspect is the stand of other Muslim countries towards Egypt. Obama’s statement that Mubarak should fulfil his promises made to people is useless now. The US should advise its friends in the region to leave and prevent their country from falling into chaos. The Saudi King has made mockery of people’s wishes by expressing solidarity with Mubarak. Perhaps these rulers want to dispel the sense of insecurity they are feeling due to the incidents in Tunisia and Egypt. These rulers should have understood the mood of people and rather than sympathizing with Mubarak they should have shown their solidarity with the cause of Egyptian people and their own people. Saudi Arabia also saw some unrest and demonstrations but it was immediately suppressed. But people’s wishes cannot be permanently diminished and all Muslim countries, either Egypt or Algeria or Jordan or Saudi Arabia or other countries in the region, wherever family rulers and dictators have monopolized power for decades should better understand the reality and give way to changes and should not hesitate to relinquish power if need be; otherwise, they will face the same consequence as faced by Zine El Abidine in Tunisia.

Source: Roznama Rashtriya Sahara

Md. Muddassir Quamar is a research student at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Email 

As part of its editorial policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spelling and date formats to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND: P R Kumaraswamy