www.Asia Times.US NRI Global Edition Email: [email protected]

November 2016 Vol 7, Issue 11

Sher Mohammed Rajput

Mujeeb Osman

G.M. Faheem

Senate Candidate Tammy Duckworth November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 2

Vibha Dave kaushik Patel Basith Abu 11/3 11/4 Maaz 11/5

Mona Bhalla Gorpal Singh Riaz Ali 11/6 Dutta 11/8 11/7

Ali Saad Sadruddin Yawar Khan 11/11 Noorani 11/11 11/11

Anoop Mamtani Khaja Afeef Agha Afzal 11/12 11/15 Khan 11/15

Saira Kabeer Banu Jaswinder Singh- Ghazal Maestro 11/15 11/15 11/17

Mohammed Mohammed Wajhi Sunil Shah Uddin 11/19 Aleem 11/17 11/17

Wali Ur Rahman Qazi Danish Syed Wasifullah Quadri 11/19 Siddiqui 11/23 11/19

Purnima Nath Faisal Malik Neelam Desai 11/25 11/28 11/30 November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 3 Asia Times US BOARD OF ADVISORS - ISSN 2159-9645 Asia Times US -CHICAGO BUREAU Editor-in-Chief & Publisher

Azeem A. Quadeer, P.E. EditorAsiaTimes Iftekhar Shareef Nasir Jahangir Mahijit Virdi Waliuddin @gmail.com Finance and Marketing Chief Madam Sheela www.Asia Times US MadamSheela1@gmail. com for FREE Subscription Email to:

Advertisements [email protected] MadamSheela1@gmail. com Syed Hussaini Talat Rashid Asia Times US is published monthly Copyright 2016 Why Clinton is still a huge favorite to win All rights reserved as to When the news broke on Oct. 28 about a new FBI Inputs include some polling data, but “it really fo- dramatic than the entire content investigation into emails pertaining to Hillary cuses in on market data,” Predictwise founder David what Trump suf- Clinton, millions wondered how it would affect the Rothschild tells Yahoo Finance in the video above. fered when the US presidential race. The forecasting site Predictwise “It’s really focusing on contracts around the world notorious Ac- Asia Times US does not had a quick answer. It dropped the odds of Clinton where people are buying and selling on who’s going cess Hollywood necessarily winning by about 5 percentage points. to win the elections.” featuring Billy endorse views Bush became expressed by the authors Before the FBI news, Predictwise pegged the odds It might sound surprising that bettors around the public. “When in the their articles of Clinton winning at 91%, based on an algorithm world make wagers on the outcomes of US elections. the Access Hol- that analyzes a variety of factors in real time. Within Yet markets such as Betfair, PredictIt and Hyper- lywood tape hit, an hour or so of the FBI revelation, the odds had mind all generate data on real-world bets on political Hilly Clinton dropped to 86%. It would still be days before polls winners and losers. Predictwise crunches those moved up 5 would be able to survey voters and gauge the damage numbers and other data to generate its election odds. percentage points within a few minutes,” Rothschild done to Clinton’s campaign. Such “market data” is at least as accurate as polls at says. She gained a few more points over the follow- predicting winners. And it’s available much more ing days. “The markets have done a very good job of Unlike polls, which are one-time surveys of voters, quickly. incorporating shock events very quickly.” usually by phone, Predictwise forecasts function like a stock index that continually digests new data. The damage to Clinton from the FBI news is less Predictwise currently gives Clinton, the Democratic nominee, an 87% chance of winning the White House on Nov. 8. Republican Donald Trump has a 13% chance. So Clinton has rebounded by one point since last week’s FBI revelations. Other sites think Trump has a better chance. FiveThirtyEight puts Clinton’s odds at 78.8% and Trump’s at 21.1%. The New York Times Upshot prediction tool gives Clinton a 90% chance of winning—but that forecast is based on older polls that may not yet reflect voters’ views on the new FBI email probe.

Predictwise puts the odds of Democrats taking the Senate at 69%, but gives them just a 9% chance of winning the House. So the overall forecast is for another two years of divided government, at least. Seems like a safe bet. November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 4 DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES

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Monthly meeting of Urdu Adab Dallas took place on Oct 14. Attendees were: Mohammed Moinuddin, Haseeb Khan, Qadir Syed, Syed Iftaqar, Abdul Rabb, Shariq Ahmed, Mohammed Azhar, Muzaffar Syed, Mohammed Muqeed, Azeem A. Quadeer, Parwaiz Baig, S. Azhar Bukhari and Habeeb Qadri (Names not in order)

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Tragic news in the Dallas community. The brother in the front taking the picture passed away shortly after while playing cricket outside the masjid. Khurram Rajput (Rahimahullah) was one of our dedicated volunteers at Valley Ranch Islamic Center, a father of three young girls, caretaker of four other young children, and one of the most regular people to pray in the first row in the Masjid. He was always courteous and serving people quietly. He was a very healthy brother and physically fit, but these deaths constantly remind us how unpredictable life is. I will miss your smile and presence dear brother. May Allah have mercy on him and make it easy for his young family. Ameen

Please keep him and his family in your special prayers. -Omer Suleiman November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 7 DALLAS-HOUSTON PAGES

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At an event “A tribute to Kishore Kumar” Ajai Agnihotri,SANHITA , Iftekhar Shareef Imran Mehdi Hasan , Mohinder Singh , Shirley , Keerthi Ravoori and Wasihullah Quadri owner of Royal Banquets Happy GANDHI Jayanti to all , celebration at the office of Consulate General of India at Chicago, in the absence of Dr Ausaf Sayeed who is presently in Delhi , incharge consul general Mr B D Bhati, consul O P Meena along with other staff releasing a book on Mahatama Gandhi

American Telugu Association celebrated festival of flowers "Batukamma" in Balaji Temple, Aurora, Illinois, last Sunday. Well attended by most telugus and others

Democratic Congressional candidate Raja Krishnamurthy and Iftekhar Shareef at a fundraising event in Chicago November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 10 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES Republican nominee for Presidential Donald Trump visits Boling- brook. Mr. Talat Rashid, delivered the invocation before Trump’s speech in Bolingbrook. Mr. Trump received $1.5 Million from his donors at the fund raiser hosted by Mayor Roger C Claar at the Bolingbrook Golf club. On Tuesdays the Sept 28th Donald Trump presidential candidate from Republican Party visited Bolingbrook for a very exclusive and private fundraiser in Bolingbrook Golf club in a very tight security. Trump who earlier spoke at the National Polish Alliance before driving to the Bolingbrook said, it took him about an hour to get to Bolingbrook with no traffic but he thanked Mayor Claar and was happy to join his supporters in Bolingbrook.

Mayor Claar a firm supporter of Mr. Trump arranged this Luncheon which was cancelled a week before because of Trump’s scheduling conflict in the Ronald Regan room. It attracted around 350 donors thus raising 1.5 Million dollars. Trump was very appreciative of Mayor Claar who showcased a diverse community by having Mr. Talat Rashid a very well-known community member among Muslims and Pakistanis who serves on Trump’s leadership team in Illinois delivered the invocation prayer before there was no question answer session. Todd Ricketts luncheon. Mayor also had an African-American women Co-owner of Cubs was also present and said in response sing the National anthem. to the comments made by Trump that “It is going to be a great year because you are going to win the Presidency “I love Chicago, I am an investor here it is a great city” and The Cubs will win World Series”. Trump criticized Trump bragged besides his comment about murder rate Senator Mark Kirk for not supporting him but also used in Chicago and expressed his concerns over Chicago ads against him. Kirk has not endorsed Donald Trump Bears performance. He ask Dan Hampton Hall of Fame yet. He also told the crowd that he raised $18 Million dol- and defensive tackle who was also attending the event lars since his debate couple of days ago. that he can borrow his knees and should put a uniform because bears need him. During a photo session Mr. Rashid asked Donald Trump his stand about Muslims which he again reiterated that The event was very exclusive, media was not allowed and he is with the Muslim community members who are con- tributing to the success of this country. There were three members among the Muslim / Pakistani community who attended the event because of high price. Dr. Waqas Khan who travelled from Effing- ham to attend the Lun- cheon is a big supporter of Trump who also rep- resents Muslim Alliance for Trump. Dr. Waqas has been interviewed by the media several times and had made speeches in several events sup- porting Trump. Saba Rashid was also present at the event helping reg- ful business. Trump praised Mayor Claar several times istering the guests. The during his speech and admired his leadership. We are Ticket was as high as pretty sure Mayor has secured his seat for the inaugural $125,000 per couple and ceremony if Trump becomes President. Over all it was as minimum as $1000 a great success. A very peaceful protest was staged across per person. the street from Golf club in favor and against Donald Trump by handful people with no significant impact. It Former Mayor Rudy is very interesting to see that Muslim community who Juliani also spoke few hates Trump could not bring more than 4 people for words about his Stop protest which itself contradicts that Muslim community and Frisk policy in New can show power. Look at this way if you look at the both York which took crime candidates based on their experience and who can run the rate down tremen- country effectively, Trump seems a better choice. Crit- dously. David McNeal ics say the Hillary has exercised the poor judgement on CEO of Weather Tech several occasions and obviously she will be depending who owns a company on other people to do her job. This election is one of the in Bolingbrook was also very unique elections in the history of U S where both the in attendance, Donald candidates are very unpopular which makes a very tough Trump mentioned his job for the voters to pick the right candidate. name whose products are made in USA and is running a success- CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 11 Indian Americans evince historic electoral victory for Raja to the U.S. Congress

The Indian Americans evince hope added saying that the lighting of and brimming optimism as they the lamp signifies invocation of an await for the defining moment in auspicious outcome in the elec- the political history to see their tions. own Raja Krishnamoorthi emerge victorious as the United States Raja Krishnamoorthi in his rare de- Congressman representing not just parture shifting from the standards the 8th congressional district but electoral stump speech went on to the entire Indian American dias- deliver with passionate impromptu pora as the winds of change gather eloquence on his progressive vision momentum – This was articulated igniting fervor and enthusiasm by a legion of Chicago leaders at for this race to help propel him to the Community Reception hosted a place in the U.S.Congress. Raja at Indian Restaurant in Rosemont, connected intimately with each IL on October 24, 2016. attendee and addressed them with clarity and unmistakable convic- With the current trajectory of the tion addressing a wide range of the hopes, values, aspirations that congressional race looking increas- issues affecting the nation. Raja are central to the Indian Americans Ajai Agnihotri in his brief state- ingly reassuring, this defining elaborated on his legislative priori- and his congressional constituents. ment said Raja is a phenomenon moment seems to bear promise to ties that includes shoring up Social Keerthi Ravoori reiterated that that is likely to dominate the Capi- see their beloved Indian American Security, Medicare, raising the Raja Krishnamoorthi when elected tol Hill with his refreshing voice son Raja Krishnamoorthi to be minimum wage nationally, make he will hit the ground running to of strength and conviction intro- ushered into the hallowed halls of college more affordable, creating embark on enthusiastically driving ducing landmark public policies the United States Congress. Raja jobs, improving economy, reform- legislative agenda seeking to uplift and legislations that benefits every Krishnamoorthi remains the most ing immigration system, improv- the lives of the working families. American. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar widely acknowledged candidate ing American infrastructure. called upon the Indian Americans to have received a wide spread Raja Krishnamoorthi particularly Iftekhar Shareef introducing Raja to seize this rare opportunity to rise mainstream newspapers ringing allayed fears on businessmen who emphatically laid out the vision of up in collective strength to help endorsements hailing him as the brought the issues of harsh regula- Raja and said Raja represents the elect Raja and added that Raja is an “best candidate hands down” and tions and untenable tax burden. hopes of not just the diverse elec- inspiration to many generations to extoling him for his “enthusiastic torate of his congressional district come. grasp on issues” advancing “work- Raja Krishnamoorthi thanked but the entire Indian diaspora and ing families agenda; with President the host of leaders gathered at the added Raja will remain a tremen- Proposing Vote of Thanks, Sanhita Obama recorded robocalls promot- event for extending meaningful dous force in the U.S.congress Agnihotri was joined by Poonam ing Raja -- augurs well for him help and added that he will remain in taking the lead in formulating Gupta-Krishnan, Nazneen Hashmi, to cross the finish line on in the deeply committed to the causes of legislative agenda that seeks to Shirley Kalvakota, Mrs. Inder Gauri national elections in November. the people and the working fami- elevate every American. Iftekhar who later together presented a lies. Shareef said under the congressio- flower bouquet to Raja. Setting the event in motion, nal leadership of Raja a new vibrant Some of the well-known attendees Sanhita Agnihotri invited Raja Keerthi Kumar Ravoori in his wel- chapter in the Indo US relations at the reception include Dr. Sriram Krishnamoorthi along with the come remarks said that this is truly is envisaged. raja will be the new Sonty, Babu [Marsha] Patel, Harish principal hosts , Iftekhar Shareef, a historic opportunity for the In- “Maharaja” of 8th. congressional Kolasani, John Trivedi, Dr. Hyder Hanumanth Reddy, Keerthi Kumar dian Americans to help usher Raja district of Illinois and will be the Mohhamned, Cecil Joseph, Satish Ravoori, Ajai Agnihotri and Ajeet into the most revered portals of the first Indian-American from Mid- Dadepogu, and many others. Singh to join the lamp lighting and United States Congress to represent west region said Iftekhar Shareef.

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Wali Uddin with world famous poet Khalid Irfan at his book unveiling ceremony in Chicago. GTWA delegates attends Peace Conference at UN, launches US chapter

With participation of its delegation at the covering different aspects of peace and the United Nation’s Peace Conference in New role played by United Nations in differ- York, Golden Telangana Welfare Associa- ent part of the world. He stressed on the tion (GTWA), an international commu- necessity for all organizations to work with nity welfare organization has now crossed its wing, Economic and Social Council many leaps and bounds. (ECOSOC).

The organization, which has already got International Ambassador for Peace of name and fame with its remarkable com- UNITED NATIONS Mr. Mohammed munity services in India, Saudi Arabia, Najeeb welcomed the guests and expressed Kuwait and Oman has now spread its his full support to align organizations with wings to United States of America. Other the goals and objectives of ECOSOC. than participating in the UN’s peace con- ference, the GTWA delegation visited dif- Amidst warm welcome and huge response ferent parts of America and held meetings from the Indian community in USA, the with prominent members of the Indian GTWA unveiled new chapter in Chicago community. They got a warm welcome at IL. Prominent community leaders, social all the places. activists, businessmen and several digni- taries attended the event. The delegation included Chief Patron Mr. Syed Moazam Ali, President Mr. Taher Bin A young and dynamic personality Mr. Jaffer and Vice President Mr. Amjad Hus- Saif Qulagi who is a US citizen and IT Khan, Mr. Naseer Khan, Mr. Khursheed speaking to media VP GTWA Mr. Amjad sain Zubair. consultant will lead the GTWA US team Hussain, Mr. Saleem, Mr. Sajjad Khan, Hussain expressed his happiness over while Mr. Ibrahim Binmahfouz will be Mr.Hafez Anwar and Mr. Laiq were the successful visit to United States, He said The International conference on Peace General Secretary and Mr. Tafeel will be guests of honor. Mr. Mukarram was felici- invitation from UN is a privilege in itself and Development was held at the UN its Secretary. Maintaining the excellent tated for his outstanding Social Work in and it was a good opportunity to meet Head Quarter in New York on 13th Octo- track record of community services, no Chicago. organizations from different part of the ber. Spokesperson for the President of UN stone will be left to maintain its standards world, to share knowledge for improve- General Assembly Mr. Jean Victor Nkolo in this regard. The GTWA Chicago chapter GTWA US is building relationship with ment of peace and development. GTWA chaired this conference. Delegates of vari- will help the needy and deserving across the local community leaders and the will be unveiling its wings in UK and Eu- ous organizations attended from different national and International level. business owners in Chicago to help in its rope shortly. He also said GTWA will have parts of the world. GTWA delegates at- mission to succeed in the cause of truly special consultative status with economic tended the peace conference upon special ]]The event took place on Monday Octo- poor, needy and deserving people. GTWA and social council -ECOSOC of UN and invitation from the organizers. ber 10 in the presence of visiting GTWA team joined hands with intention to help the process is already underway. board members. President, Federation of all community members regardless of age, The conference was followed by the pre- Indian American Association Mr. Syed race or religion. sentation by Mr. Jean Victor -Spokesper- Minhaj Akhter (Jameel) attended this as son of president of UN general assembly, the Chief Guest. While Mr. Liaqat Ali

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Turkish Consulate Celebrated National Day at Trident Hotel in the heart of Pearl city Hyderabad, Chief Guest Janab Mahmood Ali Sahab (Dy Sher Rajput;s Birthday Celebrations at Tiffin Restaurant, Chicago. 24 Oct CM), Mr Arda Ulutas Consul General Turkish Consulate (Hyd) Janab 2016. Khaleeq Ur Rahman ( National Coordinator AICC), Abdur Rahman Founder & President (Helping 2 Hands The AR Foundation),Janab Mo- hib Baig Great Grand son of 7th Nizam. Sr. CONGRESS LEADER & Master Furqan Ali Grand Son of (Dy. CM)

Mir Khan greeting Deputy CP Telangana Mr. Mahmood Ali in Chicago

Nasr Jahangir with Tammy Duckworth Some great people choice of candidates ..guess what they are all Demo- crats! Vote Blue, Vote Democrat, Vote Early! Clinton and Kaine, Tammy Duckworth, Suzanne Mendoza, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Amanda D. Howland, Bill Foster, Mike Quigley, Corinne M. Pierog, Tom Cullerton, Laura Murphy, Kathleen Willis, Stephanie Kifowit, Michelle Mussman, Deb Conroy, Cynthia Borbas, Kathy Carrier, Michelle Gale, Moon Khan, Christopher English, Liz Galgano Chaplin, Tony Michelassi, Michael Dobosiewicz, Regina Brent, Khizar Jafri, Anna M. Schiefelbein, Laurie Nowak, Joe Hennigan, Rolly Waller and many , many more great others. Shahid Lateef and Raja Krish- namurthy

Moon Khan and Shanu Khan soon after early vote for all the Demo- cratic Party’s candidates. Moon Khan is a Democratic Party Candidate for DuPage County Recorder

Mujeeb Osman with Hillary Clinton at an election rally

Sunil Shah and Rita Shah in Diwali mood November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 17 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES Chicago Andhra Association celebrated “Samskrutika Dinotsavam” Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Chicago Andhra Associa- tion (CAA) celebrated “Andhra Pradesh Samskrutika Dinotsavam” on October 16th which stole hearts and minds of Telugu people portraying the unity, rich cultural heritage and service to the hu- manity. HTGC temple auditorium was packed to its capacity with more than 800 people for the event completely focused on the grass root culture of Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

Permeable palpable excitement about the event gave away to the day’s pro- ceedings with little kids dressed up in traditional attire. CAA’s team added color to the function by men wearing Dhothis and women in enchanting sarees. Skillfully decorated stage by Dr. Bhargavi Nettem with help from Kiran Vankayalapati, Sunitha Racha- palli, Malleswari Pedamallu, Pavitra Karumuri and Raj Potluri is all set for a grand show. It started with ‘Deepa prajwalana’ amidst of veda mantralu. Sahithi Kotha, Sireesha Kola of Cultural Committee with the help of Neelima Boddu welcomed the audience and initiated the programs with Ganesha Pancharatna Kruthi “Mudakarartha Modakam” followed by a patriotic item choreographed by Lakshminag Surib- hotla. Audience were welcomed in a Kuchipudi classical style with “Swagath- am” choreographed by Pavani Koduri. Andhra Janapadam was depicted on the stage thru a nrutyam choreographed by Srivani Vokkarane. “Telugammai” is another one not to be missed.

Whole auditorium including the chief guest US Congressman Bill Foster was emotionally touched and made to rise for a standing ovation to “Amara- vathi Geetam”, the epitome of Andhra ties from Andhra region by young boys members Karthik Desai and Srihari One of the founders, Ramesh Garapaty Pradesh state, depicting the rich and girls. “NRI Paatlu” a hilarious com- Jasti for initiating great projects at their and Board Directors Hema Tatineni cultural heritage. Choreographer Jyothi edy play made the viewers burst into hometowns. and Sairavi Suribhotla helped with all Vangara helped Board Director Vani laughter. Other riveting performances activities including engaging youth Dittakavi in bringing this concept to such as “Rama Rama” song, Kids Keys, Founders Committee Chairman Srini- volunteers. Some of the comments from reality with a large number of young medleys hooked the audience to their vas Pedamallu explained the CAA’s the attendees include “Best programs dancers along with CAA team members seats all the time. Sujatha Appalaneni identifier having board with equal par- after several years”. playing roles of renowned Andhra per- Cultural Chair and Events committee ticipation of men and women supple- sonalities. “Mohini basmasura, a semi chair Dr. Uma Katiki expressed their mented with youth and senior citizen Sumptuous Andhra food including classical dance drama by Kousalya Vel- happiness about the overall execution of directors. He also highlighted about delicacies such as andhra laddu, Gutti agapudi and Eswari Jagarapu, titillated the programs. alternate male and female Presidents vankaya kura, punugulu and dosavakai crowd to the core. “Sajeevanadulu”, a running the organization every year. were served to the guests under the mesmerizing item about the linkage of Sundar Dittakavi, President of the orga- President Sundar Dittakavi introduced supervision of Board Director Anu the holy rivers with our lives was por- nization, explained the objectives, core Board Directors and Executive Com- Gampala and food committee lead trayed in a rich classical way for which values and uniqueness of the organiza- mittee followed by Vice President Dr. Suresh Sanakkayala. Dinkar Karumuri, Smt.Kamala Chimata and Vani deserves tion with diversified Board structure Uma Katiki introducing Committees Secretary thanked all the members, special credits. Other scintillating items and leadership. In continuation Andhra chairs and Co-Chairs. Treasurer Raghav sponsors and all others who supported include “Jaya Jaya Swamin” by Janaki Pradesh Development Forum of North Jatla, Board directors, Hema Tatineni, the event for the grand success and re- Anandavalli Nair, “Natesha Kowtwam” America (APDFNA) Executive Direc- Tanvi Sri Jatla with help from Srikrishna quested to stay tuned to www.chicago- by Asha Acharya Adiga captured undi- tor Padma Rao Appalaneni explained Matukumalli, Shailesh Maddi, Karthik andhra.org for upcoming schedule and vided attention from audience. the various flagship programs under- Desai, Bhuvana explained the benefits day ended with group singing of “Jana taken by CAA in AP, Bhanu Swargam, of CAA membership while overseeing Gana Mana” Youth Director Sandhya Appalaneni Assistant Executive director explained the Membership desk. Masters of the presented “Endaro Mahanubhavulu” as how 25% of membership contributions ceremony, Youth Director Sandhya Ap- a series items throughout the program are leveraged for the developmental palaneni and Bhanu Chander main- introducing several eminent personali- activities and appreciated their key team tained the smooth flow of the programs. CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 18 Approximately 5,500 residents celebrate Diwali – Festival of Lights in Aurora, IL the City of Lights

Asian Media USA © Gautam Bhatia Aurora IL- Approximately 5,500 people and Roopa attended the 3rd Diwali celebrations Anjanappa organized by the City of Aurora’s Indian (Cultural Com- American Outreach Advisory Board (IA- mittee Chair) COAB) at Waubonsie Valley High School welcomed the on Oct 22nd. guests with a brief history Among the dignitaries who attended the of the board event were US Congressman Bill Foster, and its agenda. Acting Indian Consul General O P Meena, Gautam thanked outgoing Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, the board Illinois State Rep Stephanie Kifowit, members, Jassi Democratic Congressional candidate for of Desi Junc- the 8th district, Illinois Raja Krishnamoor- tion, DJ Monu thi, Lt Commander Keith Cross of the and the many Aurora Police, Rick Guzman, Assistant volunteers for spending count- Chief of Staff to the Aurora Mayor, Dr. less hours to make the event a Gopal Lalmalani, President of the Village resounding success. Roopa said of Oak Brook, Dr. Siva Sivananthan CEO that the board had incorporated of Sivananthan Laboratories and Aurora improvements in the celebration Aldermen Rick Mervine. as a result of feedback received from past events. As the members of the audience started trickling in, they were greeted with a Kunal Majmundar (Treasurer scintillating video presentation of India’s & Sponsorship Committee Co- diverse cultures and faiths, prepared by Chair), Deepak Mehta (Secre- Jassi Parmar of Desi Junction, who was tary and Sponsorship Commit- the EMCEE for the evening. Jassi held the tee Co-Chair) and Girish Kapur event together with his wit, interactive (Media and Public Relations sessions with the audience, and sheer joie Committee Chair), thanked de vivre. the sponsors & media partners The event kicked off with lighting of the without whose support the event traditional lamp while Prasad Garkhedar would not been possible on such recited the Gayatri Mantra from the Rig a large scale. Veda. This was followed by the Ameri- can national anthem sung by Avni Limdi Shabbir Shikora (Vice Chair- (student at Neuqua Valley High School) man) and Anupama Setty (Cul- and the Indian national anthem rendered tural Committee) introduced Desi Junction, TV Asia, The Desi Times by Ajai Kumar, as the respective flags were “Varkatunda” which is an invocation to The evening concluded with a colorful and Desiworld TV and India Post were the projected on the screen. Lord Ganesha performed by Odissi dance display of fireworks which brought a tinge Media Partners for the event. center. of nostalgia to Indian Americans who re- The IACOAB is a volunteer group of the Half-way through the performances, all called the robust Diwali celebrations they City of Aurora which acts as a liaison elected officials and dignitaries were in- Other performances including those from enjoyed growing up in India. between the city and the community. Past vited on stage by Gautam Bhatia & Sharon the groups Bolly Mix and Bollywood events have included public awareness and Garcia and honored with shawls (scarfs) Medley and a vigorous ‘Bhangra’ got an The Event Partners were Sivananthan civic education featuring the Aurora police as a traditional Indian mark of respect by enthusiastic response from the packed Laboratories, M/I Homes while the Gold chief and civic and library officials to make IACOAB board members. Aurora Mayor hall. At Jassi’s invitation, all the dignitar- Partners were BMO Harris Bank, Bi- the public aware of the working of the city, Tom Weisner and his wife were given gifts ies including Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, ologix Solutions, Lubrication Engineers, police and library. as a gesture of gratitude for the mayor’s his assistant Rick Guzman and Alderman IT People Network, Nicor Gas. The Silver service to the city’s growth from a sleepy Rick Mervine did an impromptu Bhangra Partners were Waubonsee Community The IACOAB members are Gautam Bhatia town to a hub of industrial and cultural on the stage to the delighted cheers of the College, Yoga by Degree, AAA, Alderman (Chairman), Shabbir Shikora (Vice Chair- activity. Gautam Bhatia, Chairman of IA- audience. Edward Bugg, Alderman Rick Mervine, man), Deepak Mehta (Secretary), Kunal COAB, said that the board owed a debt of Deepak Mehta of ReMax, Aurora & Na- Majmundar (Treasurer), Anupama Setty, gratitude to Mayor Weisner, Rick Guzman The presence of several stalls of Indian perville Montessori, PMSI, Asim Hamidi Ashok Easwaran, Girish Kapur, Niveditta and Alderman Rick Mervine for their sup- cuisine, apparel, craft and jewelry ensured of AllState. The Bronze Partners were Ahuja, Prasad Garkhedkar, Roopa port in the formation and growth of the that the visitors had ample opportunity to Creative Lending Solutions, Moonstar Anajanappa, Sanjeev Pandey and Sharon board. Others dignitaries were honored engage in the festive mood of eating and Mortgage and Xsport Fitness. Garcia. with a memento and a shawl. shopping. CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 19

Saaz aur Awaaz (630) 400-2549

DJ Shahid Lateef November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 20 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES Asian-American Community of Naperville hosted Elected officials and Candidates

Naperville, IL, October 24, 2016: Moin Haque, a well-known businessman from Naperville, and his better half, Saima Haque, organized dinner at their residence in White Eagle on October 21, 2016 with the objective of bringing a large group of Asian-American community leaders and Illinois State Representatives and other elected officials as well as candidates run- ning for local office under one roof. The purpose of this “Dialogue for Democracy” was to understand each other’s perspec- tives and also to find ways and means to ensure that democratic institutions in the US are led by the silent majority. Moin in his opening statement emphasized that the Changes could only take place through education, diplomacy and legislation and organizing political events which have a lasting impact and can persuade and influence the policy maker to change and implement the laws in the best interest of common people. erwise, those candidates who have a view Representative ‘Lou’ Lang, who has to serving their vested interests, will domi- been representing the 16th District of nate and control this important organ of Illinois since 1987 and currently serves the society. “The people in general, who as House Deputy Majority Leader, said represent the silent majority, should come that “we have the best elected officials and out of their respective shells, pay attention candidates representing in the state and to the anti-social forces that are brewing, Stephanie Kifowit is one of the outstand- act decisively when wrong things are be- ing persons who works with me in the ing done, cast their votes in elections for house and for the community”. We are candidates that represent them, and play working on civil rights, hate crime legisla- an active part in shaping of the political tion, better education, and keeping our system of our Nation in order to counter community safe. He emphasized that this the divisive designs of the most vocal was an important election for all of us and minority in the society”, Stephanie added. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Presiden- Stephanie called upon people belonging to tial candidate is on the same page in terms all sections of society, including Asian- of addressing the needs of the people. We Americans, to find time for nation-build- should have candidates who can make us ing initiatives, as being too busy with the proud and someone who cares about the day-to-day routines is not in the interests issues that face our community, whether of the Nation and their communities. She member, District 5, Regina Brent, Moon ancestral countries to which we belonged, it is Black, White, Muslim, Hindu, added that she is working on various ini- Khan, candidate for DuPage County and it is our duty to play a proactive role Asian, Jews, Rome, Arab, etc. While he tiatives such as keeping property taxes as Recorder and Linda Chapa LaVia, who is in the functioning of democratic institu- is concerned about the broader welfare low as possible, legislation for hate crime, running for the mayoral office in Aurora tions”, said Imtiaz Rehman, a local entre- of people, irrespective of their religion, supporting our veterans, creating jobs at spoke and urged the Asian community to preneur and community leader. He added race, color or social background, he is home and keeping our families safe. support them in their endeavors. that Stephanie Kifowit and ‘Lou’ Lang are keenly interested in knowing the unique broad-minded, inclusive, and develop- aspirations of each and every community, Representative” Linda Chapa Lavia, said Shoaib Khadri, a local community leader ment-oriented persons, and above all, they including those of the Asian-Americans. that the cultural, religious, ethnic, gender, highlighted some main issues faced by the are the true friends of Asian-Americans. social, economic, linguistic, and racial community expressing a major concern He requested people to strengthen this Representative Lang called upon differ- diversity is the hallmark of the US society. about the recent division along racial and relationship through sustained engage- ent minority communities to voice their “The networking among different sections religious lines. He urged all elected of- ment with them. concerns about hate crimes not only of society results in better communication ficials to involve our youth in the political to their community leaders but also to and strengthens democratic institutions”. process and guide them so that we can en- The floor was then opened for a Q&A elected officials, in order to strengthen the Chapa Lavia applause the work done by courage our next generation and requested session that was moderated by Shafeek Government in putting an end to the hate Stephanie and urge all the community them to support diversity in business. Abooubaker, a local community leader. crimes. He urged leaders of all the com- members to support her in all future He advised the community to vote and munities to create wider awareness about endeavors. encourage others to vote in this important Imtiaz Rehman, conducted the proceed- the importance of enriching democratic election. He said that 2016 is going to be ing of the evening professionally and in institutions in their personal interests and Linda Holmes, IL State Senator, 42nd Dis- a very important year for the Presidential, his vote of thanks, said that his initiative that of our Nation. trict who was one of the guest speakers at State, and other local elections. He further to hold the evening was only a humble the event said that we represent the com- said that all sections of society, including beginning. “There is an urgent need to Stephanie A. Kifowit, who represents the munity and we always speak to our com- the Asian-Americans, have a significant multiply these efforts towards creating a 84th District of Illinois State, said that a munity to know their concern and what is stake in the results of these elections. He more informed, enlightened, and loving small number of people, who represent a most important to them, as we represent added that different community organiza- society”, he added. tiny minority, are creating divisiveness in them in our district. She appreciated the tions should line up interactive sessions society thereby eroding the freedom of re- support Asian American community has between the community members and The Illinois State Representatives, Com- ligion, freedom to associate, and freedom provided to Stephanie and urge all to keep elected officials to ensure better under- munity Leaders, and the participants to enjoy life - all attributes which make the supporting her to re-elect as state Repre- standing of each other’s vision, perspec- unanimously thanked Moin Haque and US a great Nation. She advised talented sentative once again. tives, and aspirations. Saima Haque for hosting the evening. people from different communities to join the political system of our Nation as their Tony Michelassi, DuPage County Board We are all Americans, irrespective of the political career and contribute to it. “Oth- November 2016 PAGE 21 CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES CHICAGO PAGES Overwhelming www.AsiaResponse at theTimes. ICN OpenUS Mosque Day - a Celebration of Unity and Fostering Relationships

Naperville, IL, October 22, 2016: The timing could not Another booth that attracted a lot of attention have been more appropriate – at a time when political was dedicated to the topic of “Islam and Extrem- divisiveness along racial and religious lines is consuming ism” considering all the media publicity that the news, the Islamic Center of Naperville opened the alludes to a nexus between extremism, violence doors of their mosque on Sunday, Oct 16th at their Open and the Islamic faith. The booth stocked with ma- Mosque Day to welcome people of all faiths in an effort terial that clearly explained that aggression and dispel misconceptions and provide a better understanding killing of innocent people were clearly forbidden of the Islamic faith, Muslims, and their culture. in Islam and how most violence that is politically “Although we welcome visitors to visit our center motivated had no religious basis. throughout the year, we started this concept of Open Mahfooz Khan, an active member of the Islamic Mosque Day about a year ago when we designated a day Center’s interfaith group, displayed his talent to make it extra special for our guests. It is now a regu- for Arabic Calligraphy as he created cards with lar event that we plan to host once or twice a year” said guests’ names written in beautiful calligraphy as Shoaib Khadri, President of the Islamic Center of Naper- a keepsake for their office desks. An “Artifacts ville. “The primary purpose of the event was to give peo- and Culture” booth highlighted different aspects ple of different faiths an opportunity to learn more about of Islamic culture, architecture with displays of their Muslim neighbors and the faith that they practice. different artifacts. With so much negative publicity about Islam in the news, An “Islam & Science” booth illustrated the we felt it was important for people to learn what the true harmony between Islam and science by highlight- teachings of Islam were, learn about some common beliefs ing various scientific facts with references to the and traditions as well as give them an opportunity to ask Quran and the numerous contributions of Mus- questions that they may have.” lims to the field of Science. As the visitors streamed through the doors during the The “Women in Islam” booth was buzzing with entire five hour period, you could not help but notice the activities with people curious to learn about wide spectrum of people that this event attracted – both women’s rights in Islam and questions about why young and old, Christians of different denominations, women cover their hair. Various women volun- representatives from local Jewish, Hindu and Sikh faiths, teers at the booth were happy to answer their diverse racial backgrounds, local law enforcement, stu- questions while giving the female guests a unique dents from local colleges and schools, political candidates opportunity to try on a hijab (head scarf) that the as well as representatives from local government and guests were allowed to take home. Volunteers also swered guest’s questions. Mr. Sayeedi said “We realized media representation from local print and TV media. The drew beautiful designs of henna on guests’ hands. after the last OMD that many of our guests were eager organizers estimated the number of visitors at the event to The guests enjoyed a wide array of food ranging from to learn more about some of the basic teachings and be over 1000 people based on their registration count. Mediterranean cuisine to South Asian snacks to delicious practices of Islam. The Islam101 presentations provided desserts with tea and coffee. The food tables were well our guests with an understanding of Islam and some of The activities of the Open Mosque Day were spread across staffed with cheerful volunteers and continually replen- its practices while allowing them to ask questions and any the entire facility with the main booths and food in the ished with the delicious food throughout the event. clear misconceptions they may have had in a friendly and gym, the congregational prayers in the prayer halls, and There were booths with free literature on Islam and copies relaxed environment in the mosque.” presentations in separate rooms. The guests were warmly of the Quran for people to take home, including a separate The unanimous opinion of all guests was overwhelmingly received at the entrance by a group of young, welcom- booth with literature in Spanish. positive with almost everybody praising ICN’s warm hos- ing ushers who directed them to the Registration Desk The ICN Girl Scout troop, whose cadets were managing pitality and the knowledge that they gained. Sally Joshi, where they were handed a program guide that included the Registration booth, also had their own booth where Co-Chair of the Parent Diversity Advisory Council of the the schedule for the presentations and a map of the entire they drew interesting parallels to components of the Girl 204 School District said “Events like ICN’s Open Mosque facility. The first section by the entrance called “Meet Scout law with Islamic values. are essential in dispelling the Islamophobia that exists in the Imams” enabled people to meet with the religious The most fascinating feature of the program was the society today. The diversity in our community is one of scholars including the Religious Director, Shaykh Rizwan screening of a multimedia presentation titled “Journey the cornerstones of its strength. Education, courageous Ali, Youth Director Shaykh Omar Hedroug, the Directors through Time” which was produced by Yousuf Siddiqui, conversations and friendships will lead to communities of the Full-Time and Evening Quran Program, Shaykh Chairman of ICN’s Outreach Committee – a beautifully that are welcoming and inclusive.” Ismail Alqadi and Shaykh Ahmed Sayeed. articulated message highlighting six of the greatest mes- Chief David Anderson of the Lisle Police Department, The open layout of the gym with booths along the pe- sengers of Islam – Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus who encouraged his staff to attend the event said, “The riphery of the large area gave it an open feel where guests and Muhammad with direct references in the Quran on Open Mosque Day allows more people to get to know browsed through booths depicting different aspects of the each of them. Mr. Yousuf Siddiqui, said “We wanted to each other, which allows barriers to breakdown, and Islamic faith. The booth on Prophet Muhammad provided show our guests that Islam believes in these prophets, makes us realize that we all care about each other. This information about the life and the teachings of the last and their common message of the worship of One God. event takes away the ignorance.” messenger of Islam where volunteers discussed various We had huge interest from the visitors and had excellent Although the event was scheduled from 11 AM to 4 PM, aspects of the prophet’s exemplary character and its im- dialogue afterwards in the post question and answers ses- the visitors lingered on enjoying the ambience of com- pact on the Muslims. A second booth was dedicated to the sions.” panionship, friendship, and friendly conversations - it was Quran, the holy scripture of Islam that Muslims believe An Islam 101 presentation at the top of every hour was communal harmony at its best with people of different was the divine revelation from God. a popular attraction as the crowds filled the room where backgrounds mingling in a warm and amicable atmo- Shahab Sayeedi presented the basics of Islam and an- sphere.

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FREE FREE November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 22 Israel’s next Gaza war will be ‘last’ one: Lieberman Jerusalem (AFP) - Defence Minis- el... If they impose the next war on old conflict, but the two sides re- possible. ter Avigdor Lieberman said Mon- Israel, it will be their last. I would main far apart on issues such as the day that Israel’s next war with Gaza like to emphasise again: It will be status of Jerusalem and the return “There are enough sensible people militants would be their last “be- their last confrontation because we of Palestinian refugees. in the (Palestinian Authority) who cause we will completely destroy will completely destroy them.” understand the situation and know them,” but added he remains com- Peace efforts have been at a com- if there is a choice to make between mitted to a two-state solution. Lieberman is part of what is seen as plete standstill since a US-led ini- Hamas and Israel, they think part- the most right-wing government in tiative collapsed in April 2014. nering with Israel will be better for Lieberman, speaking in an inter- Israeli history, with several promi- them,” said the leader of the hard- view with Palestinian newspaper nent members of Prime Minister - ‘Sermons and lies’ - line nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu Al-Quds, said however that he Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition (Israel Is Our Home) party. did not want another war in Gaza, openly opposing a Palestinian state. “Today, I think the majority of our which would be the fourth since people do not believe it is possible Lieberman has recently spoken of 2008. But while he lives in a West Bank to reach any agreement regarding trying to bypass Palestinian leaders settlement and is known as a the final status solution, and the and reach out directly to communi- The outspoken former foreign min- security-minded hardliner, Lieber- same with the Palestinians,” said ties, and his interview appeared to ister urged Palestinians to pressure man believes in a two-state solution Lieberman. be part of that effort. Hamas, the Islamist movement that to the conflict based on land swaps. runs the Gaza Strip, to “stop your “The first step would be convincing Al-Quds, the top-selling paper crazy policies”. He reiterated that position in the the people it is possible by making in the Palestinian territories, was interview, saying he sees the main serious improvements in the state heavily criticised on social media “As minister of defence, I would settlement blocks in the occupied of the economy and fighting un- by Palestinians who say it should like to clarify that we have no West Bank remaining part of Israel employment, poverty and misery not have agreed to the interview among the Palestinians. And for as it amounted to sanctioning Israelis, provide security without “normalisation” with an occupying terrorism or bloodshed for a while.” power.

He spoke of a period of three years The Palestinian foreign ministry without violence and with econom- accused Lieberman of “promoting ic improvement in the Palestinian a bunch of sermons and lies that territories as being capable of lead- contradict signed agreements and ing to progress. violate international law.”

Lieberman, who took office in May, Before taking over as defence also criticised Palestinian president minister, Lieberman made a series Mahmud Abbas, accusing him of of controversial statements, includ- failing to make compromises. ing one directed at Ismail Haniya, Hamas’s Gaza leader. intention of starting a new war under a final peace deal. He predicted Abbas would lose against our neighbours in the Gaza if elections were held, with polls Lieberman said he would give Strip or the West Bank, Lebanon or He raised the possibility of trad- showing most Palestinians would Haniya 48 hours to hand over two Syria,” he told the Jerusalem-based ing Arab areas of Israel on the edge like the 81-year-old to resign. detained Israeli civilians and the newspaper. of the northern West Bank, such bodies of soldiers killed in a 2014 as the city of Umm al-Fahm, in Such elections could lead to Hamas war “or you’re dead”. - Criticising Abbas - exchange for settlements. taking power in the West Bank, where Abbas’s secular Fatah party He has since backed off and said “But in Gaza, like the Iranians, they Land swaps have long been part of dominates, but Lieberman said he he is committed to “responsible, intend to eliminate the state of Isra- proposals to resolve the decades- believed a different outcome was reasonable policy November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 23 Disaster is the other name of Donald Trump K. Ashraf No wonder Republicans are leaving to resist Donald Trump’s candidacy, protesting against him while he is ministration. Donald Trump right and left. Speaker but somehow he defied Republican boasting about making America great. As Secretary of the House wanted to leave Donald Party’s every effort. He got away with He laid off thousands of them a few of State not Trump when his campaign was in his every graphic political blunder like years ago, because his star business only she participated in US govern- infancy. Donald Trump provided him his profane remarks against women, Taj Mahal Casino was the financially ment affairs she dealt with hundreds of the opportunity to speak against him blacks, Latinos, Muslims and other US worst run enterprise. Does he want other governments’ officials and their in his primary election. Then Donald minorities. I as a Republican denied to to make America great like his badly rulers around the globe. She knows Trump retracted his words and Speak- stand on Donald Trump’s side. I com- run enterprises. Riding on popular how government works. er of the House Paul Ryan had a little mitted my vote for Hillary Clinton. tides to become President is one thing In these critical times when the entire softer position about him. Last week, That’s what exactly I am going to do and running the presidency is totally world is going through chaos US Donald Trump’s remarks in a 10 years on election day. I will vote for Hillary something different. A person who citizens should not take a chance of old tape about groping women again Clinton. Not because she is contest- has to file bankruptcies over and over electing a fickle and fake person like forced Speaker of the House to disown ing election against Donald Trump, to get rid of his financial losses how Mr. Donald Trump. US needs some- Donald Trump. Many other prominent but because she is a better candidate. can he run the government of United one with experience. Someone who Republicans have done the same. Donald Trump is nothing but a loom- States successfully? knows how the government works. I as a Republican never had a doubt ing disaster. I am going to vote for Ms. Clinton Hiring someone to sit at driver’s seat about Donald Trump’s disastrous Regardless of his real estate empire he because she has a long experience of who does not know how the govern- candidacy. He is a bad news for Re- is a failed business man. He cannot running the government. She was ment works can be a fatal mistake. publican Party. I agree with Foreign manage his businesses profitably. He first lady first in her state and then Even though I am a Republican and Policy statement that he is the ever has turned his losses into fake profits in White House for eight long years. have never voted for any democrat in worst candidate nominated by a major by denying payments to his vendors, Then she was Senator overseeing the the past, for first time, I will vote for political party. The fact of the matter his workers, and his associates. government affairs. The she became Ms. Clinton for the sake of United is the Republican Party tried its best His Casino workers in Atlanta are the Secretary of State in Obama ad- State---my country. What Happens If Donald Trump Refuses to Concede Donald Trump has already stated he number. In Texas, South Dakota, and to vote. The might contest the election results if he Alaska, that threshold is a tie. 129-year-old doesn’t win, and he’s even gone as far as federal law to say that the election is rigged against 2. Candidates who lose can sue for a says that him. While it would be a complicated recount. each state’s process, there is a legal procedure at the electoral federal and state levels for contested If the margin of error isn’t low enough college must elections and recounts when a race is and a candidate still wants to contest meet to cast extremely close. the election, state laws require that can- their vote didates have a legitimate reason to call the second History shows how candidates have for a recount, like voter fraud, illegal Monday handled such situations. The most voting, and bribery. The candidate must after the recent example involves Al Gore, also pay for the recount. For reference, second George W. Bush, and the dramatic 2000 a study from the Pew Research Center Wednesday As NBC explained, “Perhaps Nixon’s election. While Gore never claimed the found that Washington state spent close in December, or nearly six weeks after magnanimity stemmed from the fact election was rigged after the votes were to $1.2 million on a single gubernatorial Election Day. This means that if a re- that Kennedy beat him by 84 electoral counted, an automatic recount took recount in 2004. (Voters themselves can count has not concluded six days before votes, and Hawaii’s three votes made place because Bush’s margin of victory also petition for recounts if they have the state’s electors meet, as was the case no difference.” No matter the reason, over Gore was less than 0.5 percent in a valid reason. In those cases, the voter in 2000, then those electoral college he accepted defeat with honor. “In our Florida. The case ultimately went to does not have to pay for the recount.) votes might not be counted. campaigns, no matter how hard fought the Supreme Court, which ordered an they may be, no matter how close the end to the recount, giving us President The challenge ultimately plays out in 4. Congress has the final say in accept- election may turn out to be, those who Bush. court because the candidate must sue ing votes after the deadline. lose accept the verdict and support the state government. If the candidate those who won,” said Nixon. Here’s a breakdown of exactly what hap- feels like there is a legitimate reason for If a state does miss the safe harbor pens when an election result is either a recount in multiple states, he or she law, Congress has the power to reject Trump can certainly learn something too close to call or disputed. must sue state by state. States where or accept that state’s electoral college from Nixon’s words, as well as from candidates cannot challenge the results votes. One example of this came up in Gore’s speech when he accepted the 1. If the victory margin is below a cer- are New York, Arizona, South Carolina, the election between John F. Kennedy outcome of the election for the sake tain threshold, most states mandate a Connecticut, and Tennessee. and Richard Nixon. After a recount was of US democracy despite winning the recount. ordered in Hawaii weeks after the elec- popular vote. If Trump does dispute the 3. Presidential election recounts have tion due to a tight race, Kennedy was results on Election Day, he will have to Contested elections are particularly a time limit. declared the winner, even though Nixon provide valid evidence for a recount. complex because states have varying had initially taken the state. When Merely saying the election is rigged laws to deal with recounts. The majority To complicate matters even further, a Congress met to count the electoral does not constitute an acceptable rea- of states, except for Hawaii and Missis- federal law limits how much time can votes by mid-December, Nixon (who son, especially when there’s no evidence sippi, permit recounts when the margin pass before it’s too late to request a was presiding over Congress at the time to suggest voter fraud will happen. of victory is low, such as the 0.5 percent recount. The safe harbor law, which was because he was vice president) said the threshold in Florida. Of those states, the source of dispute in Bush vs. Gore, second electoral votes that gave the vic- 20 automatically require a recount requires popular votes to be counted six tory to Kennedy were legitimate. when the margin falls below a certain days before the electoral college meets November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 24 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Your vehicle MAY be involved in a safety Subject : Right Front Axle Drive- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : Make / Model Years : HONDA / 2016 recall and MAY create a safety risk for you shaft may Fail 16V711 Subject : Parking Brake may not or your passengers. If left unrepaired, a po- Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North Apply Just After Key Off tential safety defect could lead to injury or NHTSA Campaign ID Number : America LLC even death. Safety defects must be repaired 16V706 Make / Model Years : WESTERN What is a recall? by a dealer at no cost to you. Manufacturer : Fontaine Modification STAR / 2014-2017 When a manufacturer or the National Make / Model Years : KENWORTH / Subject : Seat Belt Anchor Plate Highway Traffic Safety Administration The following may apply to one or more of 2013-2017 may Fail under Load (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of your vehicles if your vehicle is listed below. PETERBILT / 2013-2017 motor vehicle equipment creates an unrea- Click on the NHTSA Campaign ID num- Subject : Improper Press Fit on NHTSA Campaign ID Number : sonable risk to safety or fails to meet mini- ber below to read more about the safety Steering Shaft 16V712 mum safety standards, the manufacturer is issue and the reason for the recall. Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North required to fix that car or equipment at no NHTSA Campaign ID Number : America LLC cost to the consumer. That can be done by To find out if your specific vehicle is in- 16V707 Make / Model Years : THOMAS repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund cluded in the recall, use our VIN Look-up Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North BUILT BUSES / 2017 (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repur- Tool. America LLC Subject : Brake Transmission chasing the car. Make / Model Years : FCCC / 2017 Shift Interlock Inoperable NHTSA Campaign ID Number : Subject : Brake Transmission What should I do if my vehicle is included 16V703 Shift Interlock NHTSA Campaign ID Number : in this recall? Manufacturer : Halcore Group, Inc. 16V713 If your vehicle is included in this recall, Make / Model Years : AEV / 2016- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : Manufacturer : Jayco, Inc. it is very important that you get it fixed 2017 16V709 Make / Model Years : JAYCO / 2016- as soon as possible given the potential Subject : Seats may Unexpectedly Manufacturer : Universal Trailer Cargo 2017 danger to you and your passengers if Move Group, Inc. Subject : Incorrect Polyfuse may it is not addressed. You should receive Make / Model Years : HAULMARK / Allow a Electrical Short a separate letter in the mail from the NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 2015-2016 vehicle manufacturer, notifying you 16V704 WELLS CARGO / 2015-2016 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : of the recall and explaining when Manufacturer : BMW of North Ameri- Subject : High Wind Conditions 16V716 the remedy will be available, whom ca, LLC may cause Trailer to Detach Manufacturer : Subaru of America, Inc. to contact to repair your vehicle or Make / Model Years : BMW / 2017 Make / Model Years : SUBARU / equipment, and to remind you that the Subject : Electronic Power Steer- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 2017 repair will be done at no charge to you. ing Control Unit Not Welded 16V710 Subject : Improperly Aligned If you believe your vehicle is included Manufacturer : Altec Industries Inc. Knee Guard Bracket in the recall, but you do not receive NHTSA Campaign ID Number : Make / Model Years : ALTEC / 2014- a letter in the mail from the vehicle 16V705 2015 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Ve- Manufacturer : Kia Motors America Subject : Improperly Sized Fiber- 16V725 hicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, Make / Model Years : KIA / glass Boom Tip Cover Manufacturer : Honda (American or contact your vehicle manufacturer 2016 Honda Motor Co.) or dealership. November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 25

Eating healthily with diabetes

One of the most frequent questions people fruits, nuts, and seeds. Consider fiber ingly. Men should not average more than two drinks per day, women one a day. Count with diabetes ask is “What can I eat?” supplements if you can’t get enough from 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1½ ounces of liquor as one drink. Never drive or After all, diabetes is at root a metabolic foods. operate machinery after drinking. disorder, affecting the way the body de- Consume at least three cups of non- or Adjust your caloric intake and exercise level to maintain a desirable body weight. If rives energy from food. Myths abound low-fat dairy products a day. you need to reduce, aim for gradual weight loss by lowering your caloric intake and when it comes to diabetes and food—one Eat protein in moderation. Favor fish increasing your exercise level. of the most common being that there is and skinless poultry. Experiment with soy Avoid fad diets and extreme or unconventional nutritional schemes. If it’s too good a “diabetes diet” that prohibits sugar and and beans as a protein source. Aim for 5½ to be true, it’s not true. And remember that these guidelines are intended for healthy lists other items to avoid. ounces of protein-rich foods a day; count people; people with medical problems should consult their doctors to develop individu- ¼ cup of cooked beans or tofu, ½ ounce of alized nutritional plans. In fact, dietitians and other health profes- nuts or seeds, or one egg as equivalent to 1 sionals give the same dietary advice to ounce of cooked fish or cooked lean meat people with diabetes as they do to most or poultry. people, but with extra emphasis on con- Restrict your sodium intake to less than trolling weight and keeping blood sugar, 2,300 mg per day, particularly if your blood pressure, and cholesterol values as blood pressure is borderline or high, by re- close to normal as possible. ducing your use of table salt and processed foods such as canned soup and juices, lun- The basics: eat a well-balanced diet that cheon meats, condiments, frozen dinners, emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, cheese, tomato sauce, and snack foods. and lean protein, while watching total People with blood pressure above 120/80 calories and getting regular exercise. What mm Hg should aim for 1,500 mg a day, as you choose to eat on a day-to-day basis should anyone above age 50. is up to you, but the overall goals are to Eat more potassium-rich foods, such as maintain a healthy weight and exercise citrus fruits, bananas, and other fruits and regularly. vegetables. Eat more calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy products, broccoli, You should also strive to keep your blood spinach, and tofu (but don’t take calcium sugar levels close to normal to prevent supplements to boost your daily intake long-term complications of diabetes and above 1,200 mg). avoid the short-term consequences of low Eat more grain products, especially blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and to con- whole-grain products, aiming for at least trol your cholesterol and blood pressure 6 ounces a day. Count 1 cup of dry cereal; levels to reduce your risk of heart disease ½ cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta; or and stroke. one slice of bread as 1 ounce. Whole grains and brown rice should provide at least half Here are 20 guidelines for healthful and your grains; the more, the better. enjoyable eating for people with diabetes Eat more vegetables, especially deep- and anyone else who wants to eat health- green and yellow-orange vegetables. Aim Bladder and bowel fully: for at least five servings a day. Count 1 cup of raw leafy greens, ½ cup of cooked or problems solved Eat a variety of foods; since no single raw vegetables, or ½ cup of vegetable juice food is perfect, you need a balanced mix as one portion. Incontinence is a subject women who sometimes, on effective new out- of foods to get all the nutrients your body Eat more fruits, aiming for at least four most men and women or often, face bladder or patient procedures that requires. servings a day. Count one medium-size are reluctant to talk bowel control problems. are replacing traditional Eat more vegetable products and fewer piece of fruit; ½ cup of fresh, frozen, or about — even with their You will learn about surgeries. animal products. canned fruit; or ½ cup of fruit juice as one doctors. As a result, they the causes and, most Eat more fresh and homemade foods portion. suffer physically, emo- important, about the The report offers practi- and fewer processed foods. Avoid fast food Eat more fish, aiming for at least two tionally — and needless- corrective measures you cal guidance for treat- and junk food. You know what they are. 4-ounce servings each week. Remember to ly. They fail to get help can take to manage and ing fecal incontinence. Choose your fats wisely. Cut down on broil, bake, or grill instead of frying. that can restore conti- lessen the symptoms of It examines treatment meat, the skin of poultry, whole-fat dairy If you choose to eat red meat, try to re- nence and confidence. incontinence. choices ranging from di- products, stick margarine, fried foods, duce your intake to two 4-ounce servings etary changes and bowel processed snack foods, and commercial per week. Avoid “prime” and other fatty More than 32 million The report will candidly training regimens to baked goods made with trans fats. Think meats, processed meats, and liver. Switch Americans, includ- and comprehensively surgery. You'll read about about dressings, sauces, and cooking oil. to chicken and turkey, always removing ing one in three older show you how new good foods for "bulking Use olive or canola oil to cook whenever the skin. Be sure your meat and poul- women, live with incon- treatments, therapies, up." You'll be alerted to possible, and moisten your bread with try are cooked to 160° or more, but not tinence. It is a treatable and procedures are specific (and surprising) olive oil or soft margarine. Get “good fats” charred. medical issue — not a significantly improving foods that can trigger from fish and nuts. Eat eggs sparingly; aim for an average of psychological problem continence and bright- incontinence. And you'll Choose your carbs wisely. Cut down on no more than one egg yolk per day, includ- or personal failure. You ening lives. be coached on easy simple sugars; remember that sodas, sports ing those used in cooking and baking. Use can do something about exercises to strengthen energy drinks, and fruit juices are loaded egg substitutes whenever possible. incontinence. And the You will read about med- the muscles of the pelvic with sugar. Cut down on highly refined Include seeds and unsalted nuts in your sooner you act, the more ications that can cause floor, shoring up those products made with white flour. Favor diet. Nuts have been linked to a reduced effective the results can urinary incontinence that control the bladder whole-grain, coarsely ground, unrefined risk of cardiac death, but since they are be. — and medications that and bowel. products. Don’t be fooled by dark-colored high in calories, moderation is the watch- can curb it. You'll find bread or by labels that boast of unbleached word. In Better Bladder and out about simple lifestyle The good news is that flour, wheat grain, or multigrain flour. Use vegetable oils in moderation, favor- Bowel Control, a Special changes that can make a bladder and bowel Instead, look for whole grain as the first ing olive and canola oils. Reduce your Health Report from gratifying difference for problems can be solved. ingredient, and read the fine print to learn intake of partially hydrogenated vegetable Harvard Medical School, people suffering from Discover how you can the fiber content of a portion; more is bet- oils, palm oil, and coconut milk. you will be briefed on stress incontinence or regain the peace of mind ter. Learn to like bran cereal, vegetables, If you choose to use alcohol, drink spar- the most recent advances an overactive bladder. you once enjoyed. in helping men and And you'll be updated November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 26 Top Causes of Unintentional Injury and Death in Homes and Communities Top Causes of Unintentional Injury other substances, but prescription cause falls. Learn what you can do and Death in Homes and Commu- drug overdose is by far the lead- to help protect older loved ones. #6: Fires and Burn nities ing cause. Learn more about this According to Injury Facts 2016, epidemic and other poisons in the #4: Choking and Suffocation Fire is the sixth leading cause of about 136,053 people died from home. unintentional-injury-related death unintentional-injury-related deaths Suffocation is the fourth leading over all ages. About 2,200 deaths in 2014. That’s 136,053 times some- #2: Motor Vehicle Crashes cause of unintentional injury-relat- were caused by burns and injuries one’s ordinary day turned tragic. No one wakes up thinking they ed death over all age groups, and related to fire in 2013. Often fires will lose a loved one in a car crash, choking on food or other objects is start at night, when family mem- Often, these tragedies happen when but motor vehicle crashes are the a primary cause. Suffocation is the bers are asleep. A working smoke least expected – during a vaca- second leading cause of uninten- second leading cause of uninten- alarm will cut the chances of dying tion, while doing chores at home tional-injury-related death overall. tional injury death for people 87 in a fire in half. Learn more fire or while driving across town. NSC Impaired driving, distracted driv- and older. Mechanical suffocation safety tips here encourages everyone to be aware of ing, speeding and inexperience can is the #1 cause of death for infants. hazards related to leisure and rec- cause a life to be cut short in the Learn prevention and rescue tips. #7: Natural and Environmental reational activities and take proper blink of an eye. Everyone has a role Incident safety precautions. Here, in order, in making our roads safer. #5: Drowning are the top causes of unintentional Disasters are front-page news even injury and death in homes and #3: Falls Not including boating incidents, though lives lost are relatively few communities. about 10 people drown every day. compared to other unintentional- More than 29,000 people died in It’s the fifth leading cause of unin- injury-related deaths. Weather- #1: Poisoning falls in 2013. Falling is the third tentional-injury-related death over related disasters claim hundreds In 2011, poisonings overtook mo- leading cause of unintentional- all ages, and the #1 cause of death of lives per year. NSC encourages tor vehicle crashes for the first time injury-related death over all age for children ages 1 to 4, mostly due families to learn all they can about as the leading cause of uninten- groups, but it’s the #1 cause of to children falling into pools or emergency preparedness, and tional-injury-related death for all death for those 71 and older, ac- being left alone in bathtubs. Learn always have an emergency kit on ages combined. Poisoning deaths cording to Injury Facts 2015. The how to keep yourself and your fam- hand. are caused by gases, chemicals and good news: Aging, itself, does not ily safe. Mother, boyfriend locked boy in closet, beating and torturing him over two years

Wearing only a soiled pull-up diaper, he was neighborhood. seen running against southbound traffic on Lake Shore Drive, a busy eight-lane thoroughfare that During a bond hearing last week, prosecutors hugs the coast of Lake Michigan. told a judge that the couple would regularly beat the boy with an electrical cord, a baseball bat or A passerby called 911 to report the alarming a pole, the Sun-Times reported. In one instance, sight. When police arrived, they found a 7-year- prosecutors said, the boyfriend held the boy old covered in cuts and bruises, malnourished down on a hot stove and burned his genitals with and bleeding from a fresh gash above his left eye. a curling iron. A doctor who examined the boy would later say he had never seen so many injuries on a human Judge Adam Bourgeois Jr. ordered Woods held being, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. without bail.

As the boy was being treated at the hospital, “These are depraved acts,” the judge told Woods police found the person that prosecutors now during the hearing, according to the Sun-Times. say is responsible for his wretched condition: his “You are a danger to society.” mother. Court records revealed other gruesome details Caroline Woods had just returned to her apart- about the alleged abuse. According to the Chi- [Gun violence surges in Chicago, where residents ment after looking for her son when she was met cago Tribune, the boy told police that Woods and want to show ‘everything is not all bad’] by officers and arrested. The 24-year-old was -for her boyfriend would force him to sleep and go mally charged last week with aggravated battery to the bathroom in the closet for long stretches, The 7-year-old boy and Woods’s 2-year-old to a child and aggravated battery using a deadly feeding him sporadically and never letting him daughter have been in protective custody since weapon. She is being held without bond and is go outside. His meals, when they came, consisted last week, a spokeswoman for the Department of due back in court later this month, records show. of cans of okra and protein shakes, prosecu- Children and Family Services told the Tribune. tors said. And to keep an eye on him while they The spokeswoman said the department is inves- Prosecutors allege Woods and her boyfriend, weren’t home, the couple allegedly installed video tigating Woods and her boyfriend in connection who has not been arrested, abused and tortured cameras in the apartment and monitored the with abuse and neglect, but has not previously the boy for two years, keeping him locked inside footage on their cellphones. had contact with the family. a closet in their apartment in Chicago’s Kenwood November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 27 Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Movie Review STORY: Ayan falls in love with his soul- the feeling. Later, a relationship with Saba relationship with Saba (Aishwarya), who Karan, the director here. mate, Alizeh, but she doesn’t reciprocate helps him realize Alizeh’s value in his life, helps him get a new perspective on one- irrespective of their relationship status. sided love. Anushka Sharma plays the most well- rounded character with abandon; she’s REVIEW: There’s a lot of good news, and This is Karan Johar’s most grown-up remarkable. Ranbir’s portrayal of the only a little bad news, so let’s start with the movie yet. He has come a long way from clumsy, turned-down one-sided lover is former. With Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Karan “Pyaar dosti hai,” (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai) heartbreaking; his honesty comes through Johar has let go of the “candy” but retained to “Pyaar mein junoon hai, par dosti mein yet again. Seeing Aishwarya in the role of a the “floss”, resulting in a beautiful-looking sukoon hai” (ADHM). In the first half, confident seductress is a welcome change. film that isn’t bereft of logic. Ayan (Ran- there’s a getting-to-know-each-other arc bir) and Alizeh (Anushka) strike up a which reminds you of Before Sunrise; On the downside, there’s a bizarre twist in friendship after meeting at a bar. They’re there’s also a slight Imtiaz Ali flavour lin- the last 15 minutes that could have been Bollywood-crazy goofballs who sing gering through the movie (strong female replaced with a scene or two of good con- cheesy ’80s songs, poke fun at each other’s characters help a broken boy find him- versation, but if you have an appetite for partners and fit into each other like pieces self). There’s no celebration of heartbreak; melodrama, you might just like it. of a jigsaw puzzle. But Ayan wants more there’s no pausing-for-laughs, there are no from the relationship. convenient coincidences. That said, you usually come away from a Karan Johar movie dreaming of singing Alizeh on the other hand is still reeling The laughter comes from genuine chemis- sweet tunes in the Alps; but ADHM makes from her break-up with Ali (Fawad) and a try between the leads. The sadness comes you realize just how cold it is, up there. chance encounter makes her slip back into from real consequences of heartbreak that Go watch it for a relatable portrayal of his arms, leaving Ayan distraught. Ayan Johar has always shied away from, but not modern-day relationships. then finds solace in a (mostly physical) this time. Karan, the writer, overpowers Battle of Buxar The reasons that led to the Battle Shuja-ud-Daulah & Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II

The seeds of the Battle of Buxar were sown after the Battle The historic battle fought between the British and the of Plassey, when Mir Qasim became the Nawab of Bengal. Indian forces resulted in victory for the British. The three The primary cause was the conflict between the English combined army forces of Mir Qasim (Bengal), Shuja-ud- and Mir Qasim. Mir Qasim was an independent ruler and Daulah (Awadh), and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II met was the strongest and ablest of all Nawabs. He undertook with a crushing defeat under the hands of Major Munro. some reformation, under which there was a reduction After the war, Mir Kasim fled to the North-West and died. in expenditure on administration and palaces; fire locks Shah Alam II left Shuja-ud-Daulah and sought shelter and guns were manufactured, there was regular payment in the British camp. Shuja-ud-Daulah tried to defeat the of salaries, new taxes were imposed and the capital was British till 1765 but was not successful. He later fled to shifted from Monghyar to Murshidabad, which annoyed Rohilkhand. According to historical reports and studies, the British nobles and officers. The English wanted Mir to the main cause of defeat of the Mughals was the lack of remain as a puppet in their hands. But, he always wanted co-ordination among the various Mughal forces. to keep himself away from the British influence. This led to a number of conflicts between him and the English. He The Larger Implications of the Battle was defeated in three successive battles (between June to September 1763) before the Battle of Buxar, which even- The significant outcomes of this battle were as follows: tually compelled him to flee to Allahabad where he met It led to the signing of the Allahabad Treaty in 1765 by Shuja-ud-Daulah. In the meantime, after the acquisition Lord Robert Clive with Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. of power as the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II also want- With the defeat of Mir Kasim, the rule of Nawabs came to ed to combine several states as one physically stronger an end. empire, which included Bengal (Bengal+Bihar+Orissa). Diwani rights or fiscal rights were secured which meant But, he also could not overpower the British and was that the British would administer and manage revenues of the British rule in India was laid after the Battle of Plassey under the shelter of Shuja-ud-Daulah who always wanted large areas which included the present-day West Bengal, by Clive, it became more strengthened after the Battle of to destroy the English supremacy in Bengal. Thus, one Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as of Ban- Buxar. The East India Company, after the battle of Buxar, of the main causes of hostility between the English and gladesh. The British became the masters of the people of gained dominance over entire Bengal. The revenues col- the three rulers was the share of Bengal. Mir Qasim, these places. lected by Shah Alam II from the princely states of Bengal, Shuja-ud-Daulah and Shah Alam II joined hands to fight In return of this right, the British would give Rs 26 lakh to Bihar and Orissa, went into the hands of the company. against the English to establish their sovereignty over the the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. The Mughal emperor came fully under the control of whole of Bengal and reduce the power of the British. They After the Buxar victory, the English armies moved to- British. All duties and revenues from the most prosperous declared war against the English on 23rd October, 1764 at wards Awadh and established their control over Banaras Indian province went to the company. It also gained ad- the battleground Katkauli, 6 kilometres from Buxar. This and Allahabad. ministrative power by controlling the army, finances, and was a war which was fought for just few hours but marked Shuja-ud-Daulah would pay Rs 50 lakh immediately to revenues. The responsibility of collecting revenues went to as one of the most significant wars in Indian History. the company as expenses of war. He also needed to pay the Nawabs but they had no power while the British East later Rs 25 lakh in instalments. India Company had all the authority to control and also The Strength of Warring Forces The treaty legalised the East India Company’s control over gain benefits from the Nawabs. With the wealth of Bengal, the whole of Bengal. Thus, the British established their the British could conquer other regions of India. The In the Mughal force, there were 40,000 men in the battle control in the eastern part of the country. supremacy of the British was established in the Eastern of Buxar, while the English East India Company’s Hector Ghazipur and its adjacent area were handed over to the parts of India. British historian Ramsay Muir had rightly Monroe’s forces included 10,000 men, out of which 7000 East India company. said that Buxar finally riveted the shackles of company’s were from British Army (857 European soldiers and 6213 The Allahabad fort became the home of the emperor and rule upon Bengal. sepoys). The Britishers had formed a stone memorial at he would be protected by few men of the company’s army. Katkauli after the war. In the Battle of Buxar, 847 were A vakil of the English would remain in the court of Shah The battle of Buxar was, indeed, a decisive battle in the killed and wounded from the English forces while on the Alam II. But he was not allowed to interfere in the admin- Indian history which led to the beginning of the British Indian side, more than 2,000 officers and soldiers were istration of the country. colonial rule that lasted for almost two centuries, leading killed. to unending exploitation of India. The battle led to the The overall place and significance of the Battle in the establishment of British sovereignty. It was also served Aftermath of the battle: Winner and Loser Indian History as an eye opener to the political weaknesses and military shortcomings of the Mughal Empire. Winner: Hector Munro The Battle of Buxar paved the way for a more concrete Losers: Combined armies of Nawab Mir Qasim, Nawab British Empire in India. Though the initial foundation of November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 28 Thailand’s King Bhumibol, world’s longest-serving monarch, dies Bangkok (AFP) - Thailand’s King Bhumi- ment functions must be “toned down” for bol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning a month. monarch, has died at the age of 88, the palace announced leaving a divided nation Trading on the Thai stock exchange would bereft of a rare figure of unity. not be suspended, he added.

US President Barack Obama led global Bhumibol’s death is a major test for the tributes to Bhumibol, whose death ends country’s generals, who seized power in a remarkable seven-decade reign and 2014 vowing to restore stability after a de- plunges Thailand into a deeply uncertain cade of political chaos, a turbulent period future. exacerbated by the king’s declining health as jostling elites competed for power. Most Thais have known no other monarch and he has been portrayed as a guiding The military has deep links with the palace light through decades of political turmoil, and many inside the kingdom saw the coups and violent unrest. putsch as a move to ensure generals could As the news filtered out, large crowds stamp down on any instability during a erupted in mourning outside the hospital succession. where Bhumibol spent most of the last two the region’s most successful economies, He will inherit one of the world’s richest years, many of them wailing and sobbing. It is difficult to overestimate Bhumibol’s dodging the civil wars and communist monarchies. importance to most of his subjects. takeovers of its neighbours. “How will Thailand live without you During his reign Bhumibol, with his father?” cried one distressed young man as Backed by an intense palace-driven per- He built a reputation for criss-crossing the establishment allies, built up a multi- others chanted “Long Live the King!” sonality cult, he is revered as a demigod by nation to visit the rural poor and some- billion-dollar-empire spanning property, many, seen as rising above the kingdom’s times intervened to quell key moments of construction and banks under the banner Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the notoriously fractious political scene. political violence -- although other times of the Crown Property Bureau (CPB). former army chief who leads Thailand’s he stayed silent and he approved most of ruling junta, described the king’s pass- It is not unusual to see Thais moved to the army’s many coups during his reign. Analysts say the CBP’s vast reserves al- ing as “the most devastating moment for tears when they talk of a future without lowed the crown to build a deep network Thais” since the death of his predecessor him. In a statement Obama described Bhumi- among the Thai elite, helping insulate the and older brother Ananda in 1946. bol as a “close friend” and “tireless cham- king from the political pressures felt by Officially known as King Rama IX, he pion” of his country’s development. UN monarchs who rely chiefly on state fund- He moved quickly to declare that the descended from the Chakri dynasty which Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he ing. king’s 64-year-old son, Crown Prince came to power in Thailand in the late was a “unifying national leader... respected Maha Vajiralongkorn, is the named suc- eighteenth century. internationally”. The palace’s announcement that the king cessor. was gravely ill sent shudders through the His subjects have had many years to get - Criticism muted - stock market and pushed the baht curren- The crown prince is much less well-known used to the prospect of no longer having cy to a two-month low earlier this week. to Thais and has yet to attain his father’s Bhumibol -- their king has not been seen Any criticism or effective republican widespread popularity. He spends much of in public for months and has suffered sentiment has been erased inside Thailand “The death of Thailand’s highly-revered his time overseas, especially in Germany, prolonged ill health. by a draconian lese majeste law, use of king will plunge the country into a state of and is a keen pilot. which has surged since the military’s latest mourning, and also deep political uncer- But his passing is still a huge shock to the takeover. tainty,” Capital Economics said in a note. - Year-long mourning - nation. In recent years, and especially since the “There is a risk that political tensions flare In a televised address to the nation, Prayut His reign spanned a remarkable era in 2014 coup, the heir apparent Vajiralong- up, triggering a slowdown in economic said Thailand would hold a one-year which Thailand transformed itself from korn has made more frequent public ap- growth,” it said. “All eyes now will turn to mourning period and that all entertain- an impoverished, rural nation into one of pearances inside Thailand and taken on a larger number of royal engagements. the succession process.” Man Arrested For Eating Neighbor’s Dog

San Francisco | A chinese man visiting his herd, in happier times family in California became their neigh- bor’s worst nightmare when they found out days later that their missing dog had “If I had known he was to suffer such been eaten by the strange visitor. a gruesome ordeal, we would’ve never picked him up at the animal shelter” ex- The 34-year old plumber from Beijing plains the owner, still visibly under shock. that has since been arrested does not seem to have any grief over what he did to the The neighbor’s discovered in horror that couple’s favorite companion, a 7-year old their dog had been slain by the neighbors german shepherd, which they’ve had since when they witnessed the man of Chinese it was a puppy. origin grilling what seemed to be pieces of dog meat onto the barbecue. “There were The man’s family has argued in his defense also pieces of fur we found lying on top of that in his country, it was common for him the garbage container, as if he wanted us to to eat dog meat and have acknowledged find them, or was oblivious to the fact that that it was not right to eat their neighbor’s we cared about our dog other than being dog without their consent. They have also just a piece of meat” admitted the horrified offered to replace the dog with another one neighbors. to help ease the pain of their loss. the scene and apprehended the perpetra- hope this awful man goes to prison for a Humphrey was given a proper burial even tor. “We buried the parts we could find, long, long time” she added. german-shepherd though the man had cooked large parts of what a horrible mess” added the dog’s USA: Chinese Man Arrested For Eating Humphrey, the 7-year old german shep- the dog before police officers arrived on owner, fighting to contain her tears. “I just Neighbor’s Dog November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 29 Hungary: Archeologists Discover Tomb

Budapest| Construction workers building of Attila the Hun the foundations of a new bridge over the Nicknamed “the scourge of God” by Danube River in the Hungarian capitol, roman historians, Attila was the ruler of have unearthed a spectacular 5th century the Huns, a nomadic people originating sepulchre. The analysis of the monument possibly from Central Asia. He ruled revealed that it was the burial chamber of from 434 A.D., until his death in 453 af- a great hunnic leader, most likely that of ter a feast celebrating his latest marriage King Attila himself. to a beautiful and young gothic princess named Ildico.

“This site is absolutely incredible!” ex- He led many military raids on both the plains Albrecht Rümschtein, an historian Eastern and Western Roman Empires from the Lorand Eötvös University in provoquing what has become knowned Budapest and member of the team of spe- as the Barbarian Invasions or the Great cialists investigating the tomb. “We found Migration, a large movement of german- many horse skeletons, as well as various ic populations that greatly accelerated weapons and other artefacts, all tradition- the fall of Rome and the advent of the ally associated with Huns. These objects Middle Ages in Europe. He his consid- include a large sword made of meteoric ered by most Hungarians, as the founder iron, which could certainly be Attila’s leg- of the country. endary “Holy War Sword of the Scythians”, allegedly given to him by the god Mars The discovery of this funerary site could himself. In fact, this definitely seems to bring many clarifications concerning the light on their cultural origins and trade be the resting place of the almighty Attila, origins and identity of the hunnic people The analysis of pieces of pottery and jew- networks, and help scientists better under- but further analysis needs to be done to and of Attila himself, which have both elry found on the site, should bring a new stand this badly documented people. confirm it.” been sources of debate for centuries. Saudi Arabia executes prince for murdering man during brawl A member of the Saudi royal Officials admitted that it was crime and his indictment was family has been put to death after uncommon for someone in the sent to the General Court. He he fatally shot a fellow coun- Saudi royal family to be executed, was charged with what was at- tryman during a fight in 2013, but it needed to be done to tributed to him and sentenced to officials said. “preserve security and achieve death as retribution,” the Saudi justice.” ministry of interior said in a Prince Turki bin Saud al-Kabir statement on state news agency was executed Tuesday in the Prince al-Kabir had pleaded SPA. Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, guilty to murdering Adel al- though authorities refused to Mohaimeed during a violent Al-Arabiya news service reported provide specifics on how the confrontation that also involved that the Mohaimeed family death sentence was carried out. several other men. declined offers of payment in Typically, anyone handed a death exchange for not asking for the sentence is beheaded with a “After the investigations, they death penalty. sword. charged him of committing the MAN KICKED OUT OF ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET AFTER EATING MORE THAN 50 LBS OF FOOD, SUES FOR $2-MILLION Springfield| A man from Mas- asking him to leave. The manager’s they looked at me sachusetts is suing Golden Corral intervention angered Mr Fleming, like I was disgusting, Corporation for 2 million dollars, and a brief altercation took place like I was not worthy for false advertising, after being before he was finally pushed out of of eating there! It’s literally thrown out of one of the the restaurant. unacceptable, and I chain’s restaurants by the employ- demand a compen- ees. He immediately called the police sation!” According to witnesses, the 51 year and filed a complaint against the old man who lives on welfare, was restaurant, and he intends to make goldencorral expelled from the restaurant after the people responsible for his mis- Mr Flemming says overzealous franchise manager. he then spent more than 7 hours treatment, pay for their actions. the employee of the Golden Corral They also said that some financial on-site, ingesting a quantity of food did not use any insulting language, indemnities had been offered to which has been estimated between “It’s a serious injustice, and I am but he claims that the disgust that compensate the damage suffered by 50 and 70 pounds. deeply insulted!” Mr. Flemmings was visible on their faces has left the victim, but had been refused. told reporters. “With my income, him with some deep emotional Despite the fact that the restau- I rarely go to the restaurant, so I wounds. Mr Flemmings confirmed that rant advertised the buffet as “all- try to get as much as I can for my The direction of the restaurant he had been offered a significant you-can-eat”, the manager of the money when I do. This was the chain quickly issued a press release amount of money by the company, establishment seems to have lost worst experience I have ever had in announcing that the decision to but he is convinced that he can get patience at some point, telling him a restaurant. Not only did they kick expel Mr. Flemmings was a regret- more if he goes to court. that his meal would be free but me out while I was still hungry, but table personal initiative from an November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 30 Donald Trump Reportedly Didn’t Know What A Gold Star Family Was When an adviser warned him he had ily’ meant. insulted a Gold Star family, Trump report- New York Magazine’s Gabriel Sherman re- edly said “what’s that?” ported on Saturday that when one adviser “The election is about the After he attacked the parents of a Muslim warned Trump he had just attacked a Gold American people, it’s not American soldier killed in Iraq, Donald Star family, the GOP nominee responded about you,” Manafort report- Trump reportedly had to ask what a Gold “what’s that?” The term is commonly used edly said, adding that Khizr Star family was. to refer to any family that has lost a loved Khan wasn’t running for one in war. The United States has officially president. Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of recognized these families since 1936. Capt. Humayun Khan, a soldier who died Khan held up a pocket copy while protecting his unit in 2004, appeared Trump has pledged to support veterans of the constitution at the at the Democratic National Convention in throughout his campaign. Earlier this year, Democrats’ convention and July, after the GOP presidential nominee he promised to donate millions to veterans asked Trump if he had even had attacked Muslims. Trump responded groups, but only appeared to do so months read it and what sacrifices he to the stirring speech Khizr Khan gave later after The Washington Post noted that had made for the country. by suggesting that the soldier’s mother he had not fulfilled his promise. The Gold Star father has had not been allowed to speak on stage pleaded with GOP lead- because she’s a Muslim. Ghazala Khan Sherman also reported that Paul Manafort, ers to repudiate Trump and appeared in said she did not speak because she was too who was then Trump’s campaign chair- a moving ad for Democratic presidential upset. man, had to explain what ‘Gold Star fam- candidate Hillary Clinton this month. Bill Gates explains why he’s not Priest Wakes Up leaving his fortune to his children From Coma After 17 You’d expect the Months,Converts To children of the world’s second-richest man to have the means to do Islam whatever they want, right? Jakarta | A catholic priest from the island asked me to follow him to the heavens and of Java in Indonesia who has woken up the Holy light shone through my entire be- Hit the books in col- from a 17 month long coma has converted ing and behold the golden gates of heaven lege and get a degree, himself to Islam after the man claims Allah appeared before me and God told me his and then another de- spoke to him and showed him “the beauty name and it was Allah” told the newly con- gree, and another. Go of the heavens”. vert to a journalist of the Kalimantan Press. on a year-long whirl around the world. The 87-year old priest from Spain has lived The man who miraculously suffers no Play, explore, try new and preached on the island for more then spinal injury should be able to walk soon, things, run through 43 years and is fluent in Javanese and vari- admits the physician who took care of him that trust fund. ous dialects of the different ethnic groups at South Jakarta’s Metropolitan Medical Actually, Bill Gates, 60, of the island and is a well known and re- Centre. “This must be the strongest 80-year spected figure amongst all religious groups old I have ever seen. His bones should and his wife, Melinda, 52, are encourag- Gates said his children understand his of the area. be smashed to pieces” ponders Jim Won ing their three children to go to college and Melinda’s decision and are “proud” of May, who has practiced medecine for over and they’ll pay for it, but then they want their parents’ dedication to reducing ex- The man who has suffered a cardiac arrest twenty years. them to get jobs and have careers. The treme poverty. The couple started the Bill while helping local volunteers to fix the His conversion to Islam took most of his Gates have no plans to leave their fortune and Melinda Gates Foundation, the largest roof of his own church and fell an incred- church followers by surprise, but interest- of some $78 billion to their brood. No transparently operated private foundation ible two stories high has managed to ingly enough, already half of his christian billion-dollar trust funds for these kids. in the world. The Microsoft founder explained his survive and come out of his coma, in brittle followers have showed interest in convert- shape, yet a changed man. ing to Islam. “If Allah is the true God, reasoning for leaving his money to charity But the Gates children don’t need to worry preaching I don’t want to be misled in the wrong instead of his three children, Jennifer, 20, about ever being destitute and their par- Priest Eduardo Vincenzo Maria Gomez direction on judgement day. I trust Father Rory, 17, and Phoebe, 14, ents will provide a “safety net.” weeks before his tragic accident Eduardo. We all believe in him” explains “’It’s not a favor to kids to have them have “Our kids will receive a great education one of his followers. huge sums of wealth,” he said. “It distorts and some money so they are never going “I know nothing of Islam. Never once have anything they might do, creating their to be poorly off but they’ll go out and have I read the Quran but God spoke to me and The priest who is still under medical own path.” their own career,” he explained. attention has already ordered the construction of a new mosque and his followers are already hard at work to find the funds necessary for the task. “We owe it to Father Eduardo for all he has done for us” comments one of the devotees of the old catholic church, that is now for sale. November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 31 Renowned Urdu scholar Dr Khaliq Anjum passed away

Renowned Urdu Scholar and former Unfortunately most of the rec- general secretary of Anjuman Taraqqi-i- In addition to Ghalib and textual criticism, ommendations went unheeded Urdu Hind, Dr Khaliq Anjum passed away Dr Khaliq Anjum’s another expertise was and the only major implemen- today in New Delhi after prolong illness. in the field of history and archaeology. His tation was the establishment of He was 81. books ‘Muraqqa-i-Dehli’, ‘Dilli ke aasar-i- Urdu academies and that, too, One f the most prominent scholar of his qadeema’ and ‘Dargah-i-shah-i-mardan’ in some state were imple- time, Anjum dedicated his whole life for deal with the archaeological sites of Delhi. mented. promotion of Urdu in the country through His profound knowledge of Delhi’s history his literary works and Anjumans and and its historical remains is also evident Born in Delhi in 1935, Khaliq academies. from the gigantic task he has carried out in Anjum, whose real name is three volumes editing and annotating Sir Khaliq Ahmed Khan, did his He authored several books of high literary Syed Ahmed Khan’s ‘Aasar-us-sanadeed’. intermediate and graduation value. One of the most important books from Aligarh Muslim Univer- is by him is ‘Matni tanqeed’, or textual Dr Khaliq Anjum also served ministry sity. criticism, a fine work that discusses the of education and was also a member of methods and techniques of evaluating, Inder Kumar Gujaral committee formed Having got a Master’s in Urdu editing, annotating and compiling texts. by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for and diplomas in linguistics His other significant contribution is the the promotion of Urdu. The committee and library science from editing and annotation of Ghalib’s Urdu submitted a detailed report on the status Delhi University, he joined letters, compiled in five volumes. of Urdu., Dr Khaliq Anjum toured the Delhi University’s prestigious length and breadth of India to survey and Karori Mal College as lecturer Being an expert on textual criticism, he to understand the issues concerning the and taught Urdu for about 10 was one of the first people in the subcon- language. years. In 1970, he obtained a tinent to adopt the German technique of PhD from Delhi University. compilation to edit these letters and his The report made several recommenda- His doctoral dissertation was version of Ghalib’s letters is considered tions, including the one that suggestion on Mirza Mazhar Jan-i-Janan, among the most authentic ones. for establishing Urdu academies in every Urdu’s classical poet and a Sufi Indian state and Urdu schools and colleges in his own right. His other books on Ghalib include ‘Ghalib in every locality where Urdu-speaking ka safar-i-Kalkutta’, ‘Ghalib Kuchh maza- people were 10 per cent or more of the meen’ and the forthcoming ‘Ghalib aur population. shahan-i-Taimuriya’. Why Israel fears Obama’s last days Israel faces a unique window of danger state. from Nov. 9 to Jan. 20: What might Presi- dent Obama do in his final days in office to It all has Israel’s friends nervous. That’s slam the Jewish state? why 88 US senators last month wrote Obama urging him to recommit to “long- Start with Secretary of State John Kerry’s standing US policy” of blocking anti-Israel recent flat refusal to promise a US veto on moves at the United Nations. any upcoming anti-Israel resolution in the UN Security Council. Let’s face it: Our president has long left questions over whether he truly has Israel’s On Saturday, Haaretz reports, Prime back, as he claims. US-Israeli relations Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Kerry were bad from the start of his administra- he’s counting on Washington to stick to tion, and grew even worse with Obama’s its policy of nixing anti-Israel resolutions. Iran deal. Kerry’s reply: The administration has yet to make a decision on the matter. Bibi’s re-election last year plainly rankled Obama even more. For Kerry to leave any doubt that America would shield Israel at the United Nations But the president’s views on Israel are as equate Palestinian terror with Israeli po- he was Palestinian. is bad enough. But concerns about what naïve as his views on Iran. Continued litical moves, like maintaining settlements Team Obama might do go far beyond that. concessions to the Palestinians won’t make in the West Bank. We don’t expect Obama to see the light peace any more likely, or even make them this late in the game. But if he moves to In a recent Bloomberg column, Eli Lake less hostile to Israel — just as Obama’s His team can even blink from blasting grab another “legacy” item at Israel’s ex- reports on the threat of “a last-minute never-ending goodies for Iran haven’t Palestinian violence. Last weekend, the pense, he’ll only further set back hopes for [Obama] speech, an executive order or UN tamed that regime’s aggression. State Department condemned a terror- any progress on the Israeli-Arab front. action” at Israel’s expense. He notes that ist’s shooting spree in Jerusalem, which Obama might even recognize a Palestinian Day in and day out, Obama continues to claimed two Israeli lives — without noting

Asia Times US for FREE Subscription Email to: [email protected] November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 32 Ramification of Russo-Turkey realignment for US policy! -Dr. Abdul Ruff Possibly something bad has happened to with Russia. For many Turks, the irony importance in the global eyes. In Asia-Pacific, US policy makers and CIA-Pentagon duo is that it was the same spokespeople in Obama failed to as their strategy to further divide and Washington who urged the Turkish lead- In August 2015, by all accounts, President support Japan complicate relations between Russia and ership to reach out to the Kremlin - which, Assad was on the ropes and the morale against China and last month congress Turkey misfired. The US game plan mis- Secretary of State John Kerry thought, of his dwindling army at rock bottom. voted for an act that permits families of fired thanks to the timely crushing action would play ball. To make matters worse, Even the backing of Iran and the Lebanese the victims of 9/11 attacks to sue Saudi by Turkish government against the plot- Washington ignored repeated warnings militant group Hezbollah had proven Arabia. ters and coup leaders who seem to have that steps taken by the US regime would insufficient to reverse his faltering hold worked for quite some time under US-EU place Turkey’s vital interests at risk. In the on power. To save his falling regime from Turkey pursued a policy of diversification (Germany) directions to destabilize the end, the Turks turned to other partners collapse, the Kremlin’s military plan- in the international arena to learn to work Islamist nation so that it never becomes to protect their interests. And Russia is a ners decided to fill the gaping hole left by with a large number of partners to address strong, again. . good friend now. Syria’s collapsing air force, shore up its air pressing problems and pursue its goals. In- defenses, and boost its depleted arsenal of stead of relying on Washington, the Turks Of course, Washington never expected the US-Turkey relations have not, however, tanks and armored vehicles. The number reached the conclusion that the most effec- coup to fail and sought President Erdogan affected badly as it should because of of Russian military personnel dispatched tive way to address regional challenges was and his ruling Muslim Brotherhood party regular NATO meetings and other secret was estimated at 4,000 to 5,000. Although to promote regional cooperation. Keeping to perish in tandem and a puppet regime conclaves. Turkey is the only Muslim na- none of them were ground troops, this was in mind that Turkey isn’t alone, the USA under a US stooge would assume office to tion from Europe in NATO. After roughly an unprecedented step in recent Russian will presumably pay the price of Obama’s support Israel and USA. nine months of disagreement, Turkish history. The last time the Kremlin had ambitions and disloyalty by facing growing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Rus- deployed significant forces outside its ter- isolation in the region. Interestingly as it does happen in inter- sian President Vladimir Putin agreed to ritory- in December 1979 in Afghanistan national politics, rather quite often, the revive their stalled bilateral relationship in - proved an ill-judged venture, ending a Meanwhile, the Turks made it clear that countries that were targeted by USA, their first direct contact on June 29, fuel- decade later in their withdrawal, followed they have absolutely no intention to waste namely Russia and Turkey, got together by ing hopes about restoring economic and by the collapse of the Soviet Union in precious time with Washington. Obama’s comprehending the hidden agenda behind trade ties Turkish Chief of Military Staff December 1991. isolationist foreign policy, coupled with his the presumed Pentagon instructions to General Hulusi Akar departed for the USA mismanagement of the Syrian crisis, alien- Turkish military bosses to fire down a Rus- to attend the meeting of anti-Daish coali- Meeting in Istanbul on October 10, Presi- ated the Turkish leadership and forced sian war plan that trespassed the airspace tion military chiefs. The meeting is taking dent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Rus- Turkey to search for alternative partners. (territory) of the erstwhile Ottoman Em- place ahead of the crucial operation to sian counterpart Vladimir Putin signed a The Obama regime repeatedly urged pire, resumed their ties. This is something liberate Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul historic agreement to launch the Turkish Ankara to kiss and make up with Moscow that tarnished the image of USA as being from Daish. According to the statement Stream, a natural gas pipeline that will de- when the Russians were still playing ball the top intelligence nation with high preci- released by the Turkish General Staff, the liver Russian gas to Europe via Turkey. Just with US Secretary of State John Kerry - sion information networks. last meeting of the coalition military chiefs a few months ago, the project was consid- who, at the time, refused to accept that he had taken place six months ago. ered dead in the water: Turks had downed had deteriorated yet again. Turkey’s policy a Russian jet over airspace violations and should only serve as a warning sign of In August, Turkish President Recep Tayyip What the USA and European allies are the Kremlin was trying to hurt the tourism how bad the Obama government hurt US Erdogan traveled to St. Petersburg to worried about, however, isn’t Turkish industry in Turkey. There was even talk of interests around the world. meet his “dear friend” Russia’s strongman tomatoes. It’s that improving ties between a violent escalation between Ankara and Vladimir Putin. Their relations had fallen Ankara and Moscow could translate into Moscow. The next US president might enter the to a low point when the Turks shot down a closer cooperation on political challenges Oval Office only to find out that America Russian warplane over northern Syria. Un- including the Syrian crisis. Democratic The Turkish-Russian rapprochement has no allies left in the Middle East thanks like Western leaders, however, Putin had presidential candidate Hillary Clinton an- has been largely limited to energy and to Barack Obama’s short-sighted policies. personally called Erdogan to congratulate nounced that she would provide weap- economic cooperation. Since Erdoğan’s The next president must overhaul foreign him on aborting an attempted military ons and ammunition to YPG, the PKK’s visit to St. Petersburg, Russian tourists policy to win back hearts and minds in coup in July. Syrian franchise, as part of the anti-Daish have come back to the Turkish riviera, as Turkey and other frustrated allied nations. campaign. Russia could use Turkey against import restrictions on Turkish agricultural Unless Washington corrects its course, Turkey-Russia relations have had ups and Europe. produce were largely lifted. Ankara’s cooperation with Moscow will downs since the era of Ottoman Empire. only mark the beginning of a danger- A year ago, they were shaking hands, then Arrival and success of Russian warplanes However, Turkey and Russia view the ous trend for American interests on the relations cooled to icy temperatures, but in Syria where Americans were call- Syrian issue differently. While the Turks ground. The USA needs to correctly now it seems Russia and Turkey could be ing all shots, was a slap on Washington. maintain that there can be no lasting identify its national interests in the Middle on the road to restoring ties. President The Moscow-Washington agreement of peace in Syria unless Assad is removed East and act accordingly if they would like Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counter- September 10th on Syria, reached after from power, the Kremlin recently doubled to be taken seriously by regional actors. part Recep Tayyip Erdogan have said they 10 months of hard bargaining and now in down by joining the regime in bombing want to hold a face-to-face meeting as they shambles after another broken truce, had Aleppo, where airstrikes have resulted Coercive tactics won’t work any longer. agreed to resume cooperation in trade, one crucial if little noted aspect. For the in large casualties. Likewise, the Turk- USA must wind down all terror wars tourism and the fight against terrorism. first time since the Soviet Union imploded, ish leadership has major differences of meant to showcase its military prowess Relations took a turn for the worse in No- Russia managed to put itself on the same opinion with the Russians also on Crimea and ensure its energy security. USA and vember last year when Turkish forces shot diplomatic footing as the USA. Russian and Egypt. Speaking at the World Energy NATO along with their allies like India down a Russian plane involved in the mili- strive for equal status from USA, however, Congress recently, the Turkish President and Israel have jointly murdered millions tary campaign in Syria. Ankara said the is still elusive called for an end to indiscriminate attacks of Muslims worldwide. jet had strayed into its airspace. Erdogan on Aleppo - with Putin just 10 feet away. wrote to Putin to reportedly express regret The Pentagon soon signed a memorandum It was a symbolic gesture to make it clear Enough of bloodbath in Islamic world! for the incident. The Russian leader said of understanding with the Kremlin over that Turkey was not backtracking on Syria. the letter created the conditions necessary safety procedures for their aircraft, now It remains unlikely Turkey and Russia will Fascism and imperialism might look to close “this crisis chapter” in bilateral sharing Syrian air space, and established reach an agreement over Syria and the fashionable for the anti-Islamic nations ties. The thawing of relations comes in a ground communications link for any future of Bashar Assad anytime soon. but these are definitely harmful for any the same week as a deadly terror attack in problems that should arise. The morale of democracy and humanity as a whole. Istanbul’s busiest airport, in which more the Assad regime had improved, it was no In recent years, US allies around the world than 40 people were killed. longer in danger of being overthrown and - Turkey, Japan and Israel, among oth- There is absolutely nothing that Wash- its hand was strengthened at any future ers - felt that Washington was no longer a ington can do now to disturb the tempo Russo-Turkish ties have not been upgrad- negotiating table. reliable friend. In the Middle East, Obama of Russo-Turkish relations growing from ed at US cost. Top US officials have not rewarded “rogue” Iran for breaking every strength to strength. gone to great lengths to hide their dissatis- Obviously, USA has lost its prestige on rule in the book, while taking shots at faction with Turkey’s rekindled friendship world stage even as Moscow is gaining regional allies in front of the cameras. November 2016 PAGE 33 Will new USwww.Asia President be Times. capableUS of reforming a petrified America? -Dr. Abdul Ruff The 2016 presidential poll is taking place as Americans great deal” or “some” about the issue,. Fifty-two percent of candidates during the immoral fund raising. Eighty-four have begun to think about a possible political systemic a registered voters say the environment is “very important” percent of Americans think money has too much influ- change and new world order to move away from unilater- to their voting decision in 2016. ence in their political campaigns. But moderators have alism, unipolarity and exploitation towards real democ- asked not one question about it, and there’s only been one racy and collective work for freedom and happiness – Donald Trump is a climate denier and has said on his me- mention so far in the debates. unheard of in any capitalist nation. dium of choice that global warming was “created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non- USA promotes lobbyists to make money from foreign At the outset, neither Trump nor Hillary is capable fo competitive. Trump has pledged to undo the Obama’s nations and companies.’ This is the root cause of rampant making anew reformed and enlightened America and climate initiatives, including the Paris climate agreement corruption and nepotism in America. they would only continue with Bush-Obama policies of and the Clean Power Plan, which would require power Clinton and Trump have raised a jaw-dropping $911 mil- invasions and militarism. In that sense Americans are plants to clean up their emissions. Trump has also vowed lion and $423 million respectively, including money from unlucky lot. to expand fossil-fuel exploration.” Clinton has a detailed super PACs. In state and local races across the country, Most US leaders think Hillary can bring more resources plan for combating climate change on her website, with donors have poured more than $1 billion so far this year. to the nation than Trump by terror wars. That is not the the promise of “taking on the threat of climate change and strength but weakness. making America the world’s clean energy superpower.” Trump said he supports campaign finance reform that While she has gained a number of endorsements from would keep registered foreign lobbyists from raising Presidential debates are mere gimmicks? leading climate groups, her acceptance of natural gas as money in US elections. He also announced a number Debates in US presidential poll campaign are just a a so-called bridge fuel disturbs some, including 350.org, of proposals for reforming the revolving doors between formality and what the candidates say would not have which says it’s “just a fast lane to more climate destruc- government and the interests that they lobby. The one any relevance for the presidency as the presidents are tion.” campaign finance mention in the debates Hillary Clinton controlled by capitalist-imperialist lobbyists, war monger said, perhaps without any serious intent that she wants intelligence-Pentagon, and mainly regulated for pro-Israel Treacherous politics of poverty to “see the Supreme Court reverse Citizens United and policies by the Jewish members of Neocons. It is not just the third world but even the developed na- get dark, unaccountable money out of our politics.” The tions have poverty, both known and covert. Despite over story by Lee Fang and Andrew Perez “Hacked emails Particularly the final presidential debate, meant to make 45 million Americans currently living in poverty, not prove coordination between Clinton Campaign and Super the presidential candidates to come to terms with the a single question has been asked about that either, and PACs” shows consistent, repeated efforts by the Clinton rising demands on USA, did not discuss anything about the issue has barely been mentioned. In fact, Democrats campaign to collaborate with Super PACs on strategy, some of the most pressing concerns Americans as well as had no questions on poverty in any of their primary research, attacks on political adversaries and fundraising.” the world face, like climate change, terror wars as perma- debates. That is because Democrats have taken, along That’s against the rules of the 2010 Citizens United Su- nent war feature, poverty and corruption and campaign with terror wars, the burden of poverty as well prompted preme Court decision. The nonpartisan Campaign Legal finance. by Republicans as well as their own. Child poverty rates Center announced earlier this month that it had filed two in the United States, at 21.6 percent, are nearly double sets of complaints with the Federal Election Commission, World wars and the so-called cold war with Soviet Russia the OECD average of 12.4 percent. Before running for charging that both the Trump and Clinton campaigns made USA what it is today, the super power that can bully president, Jewish leader Bernie Sanders, who still claims have improperly coordinated with super PACs. any nation that does not obey its instructions, follows its to be a socialist, called poverty one of the “great moral footsteps. Perhaps for this reason USA does not want to and economic issues” that Americans we face. He wrote USA clearly cannot overcome the phenomenon of ram- stop criticizing and attacking Russia. As the effective boss that after the Census revealed that the number of Ameri- pant corruption in all domains. of UN and UNSC, NATO, G-7, World Bank and IMF, etc, cans living in poverty had increased to over 46 million, USA, the cause of Zionist crimes in Palestine strangest and loudest campaigner of so-called democracy, the highest number ever (it has since dropped to 43 Terror wars launched by the foolishly arrogant USA in USA has been able to retain its control over the world and million). “Poverty in America today leads not only to energy rich Muslim nations have further narrowed down press its global prowess into action to weaken any nation. anxiety, unhappiness, discomfort and a lack of material the space for genuine cooperation, peace efforts and pro- goods. It leads to death,” Sanders said. But the candidates motion of freedoms in US policies. The final debate moderated by Fox News’ Chris Wallace, have faced not one question on a deep problem that af- faced questions on debt and entitlements, immigration, fects so many. Sanders writes, poverty is rarely covered The continued support for Israeli fanaticism and colonial- the economy, the Supreme Court, foreign hot spots and by the mainstream media and “gets even less attention in ist crimes in Palestine has dented the prestige of USA the candidates’ genuinity and fitness to be president. Congress.” While running for president, Sanders criticized more than anything else. In fact it is the US policy for These topics have already been widely covered in previ- Clinton for her support of welfare reform that Bill Clinton Israel and the latter’s ideas about a new world order where ous debates. According to an analysis of the first two enacted in 1996. Israel’s threats to Arab world, its crimes and genocides in presidential debates and the vice presidential debate, there The latest hacked Clinton emails show that in the 2016 Palestine are respected that has complicated and weak- has been a “significant emphasis on Russia, terrorism primary Clinton’s aides were wary of ideas that could ened US efforts for secured world. and taxes.” So far, those topics have received a whopping alienate centrist and conservative voters who are skepti- 409 mentions combined, with 77 of those dedicated to cal of welfare. Despite the fact that nearly 40 percent of Israel controls and attacks not just the Gaza Strip but even Trump’s own taxes. Americans between the ages of 25 and 60 will someday areas in West bank. The UN human rights rapporteur has themselves experience the official poverty line. accused Israel of denying Palestine’s right to development 1. How to end terror wars, essentially on Islam? thus causing rampant poverty, “epic” unemployment and 2. How to recast a normal foreign policy for promoting People would love to see the presidential candidates economic stagnation, while illegal settlement activity is world peace and genuine democracy? discuss their plans for combating poverty. Trump talks leaving hundreds of Palestinians homeless this year alone. 3. How to put an end to media Islamophobia trends? about poverty, about creating more jobs, which he aims Over 1,100 people have been left homeless so far this year 4. How to solve the dangerous climate change? to achieve by cutting taxes and government regulations in Area C of the West Bank, as Israel demolished some 5. How to attack poverty and save the poor and under and renegotiating trade deals to bring more jobs back to 780 Palestinian homes. Area C is fully controlled by Israel privileged? Much more. America. He’s also called for a new tax plan to help defray and comprises of some 60 percent of the total territory in Climate change, poverty and campaign finance reform child care costs for working parents. Clinton has detailed the West Bank. It is the area where the Jewish settlements are just three issues the mainstream media has refused plans to fight poverty on her website, including: expand- – illegal under international law – are located. to raise questions about in the debates. Also, both the ing the tax credit for children; doubling Early Head Start candidates and media are silent on issues like China, gun spending; providing universal preschool for 4-year-olds; So far this year, Israel has destroyed 780 homes there, control, education, student debt, voting rights, drugs, subsidizing child care; increasing the minimum wage to compared to 453 demolitions that were conducted in abortion, and reproductive health, NSA/privacy/surveil- $12 an hour; and investing tens of billions of dollars in 2015. Last year’s demolitions left some 580 Palestinians lance, Native Americans. poor communities, including for housing and job train- homeless, while this year 1,129 people were left without a ing. To pay for her proposals, she would increase taxes on roof over their heads. Global warming directly threatens economy and capital- the wealthy, but she won’t do it. . ism. According to a World Economic Forum survey of In addition, the publication noted that further 125 Pal- global experts in 2016 global warming tops the list of Campaign Finance and fundraising estinian homes were also demolished in East Jerusalem potential threats to the global economy. But this issue Since the common folk and the poor certainly don’t make since the start of the year. Last year’s figures stood at 78 has been mentioned three times in the debates (by Hill- large campaign contributions, they don’t have power- home demolitions. As a result, 164 Palestinians were left ary Clinton, in passing. According to Pew Research the ful lobbyists in Congress and Senate representing their homeless this year in East Jerusalem. In 2015, that figure people are concerned about climate change, with 73 per- interests. Everything is planned and executed in USA for stood at 108 people. cent of all registered US voters saying they care either “a the rich and those who “generously” give money to the November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 34 Asian-American voters, once Republican are turning Democrat FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — At a shopping plaza in decade earlier. But she changed to the Democrats because Census Bureau survey. the Washington suburbs, the flag of the long-defunct she said that party was more in tune with the priorities South Vietnam flies beside the Stars and Stripes. Former of immigrants. In this election, she is volunteering for a Still, it is one of the fastest-growing segments of the elec- refugees who congregate there hold fast to their roots, but group called Vietnamese-American Women for Hillary. torate. their political allegiances are changing. “If we vote Democrat we can build a fairer and better Hillary Clinton’s campaign is running multi-lingual phone Though they are regarded as the most conservative of country,” she said. banks and sending volunteers from neighboring states to Asian-American voters, the Vietnamese are increas- help out in battlegrounds like Nevada and Pennsylvania. ingly shifting their support to Democrats. That reflects a Her husband, Xuan Ly, 72, an electrical engineer who was The Clinton website carries campaign material in 11 Asian broader shift among Asian-Americans from being major- interned in a camp after the communist takeover and later languages: Cambodian, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, ity Republican supporters to overwhelmingly Democrat. fled the country by boat, is now Democrat too. As the Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Urdu and Vietnamese. Donald Trump’s polarizing rhetoric on issues like immi- couple watched a non-partisan voter registration event in gration could accelerate the trend. the plaza’s parking lot, where activists were urging fellow The Republican party has also stepped up outreach to Asian-Americans to become politically engaged, Xuan Asian-Americans to reverse a generation of Democratic That shift could have an effect on the presidential race. spoke dismissively of Trump’s “bad behavior” and lack of gains. When Bill Clinton was elected president in 1992 Though Asian-Americans represent only about 4 percent government experience. he won just 31 percent of the Asian vote. When President of the electorate and tend to have low turnout, they are Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012, he won 73 percent. a potentially significant bloc in battleground states like There’s still a diversity of political outlook among Asian- Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Americans, with Vietnamese, Chinese and Filipinos, for “I’m a big believer that the core beliefs of a lot of Asian- example, viewed as more conservative than Indians and American communities are similar to the Republican Asian-Americans comprise an array of ethnic nationali- Koreans. But Karthick Ramakrishnan, director of the Na- Party’s core principals,” said Jason Chung, who leads the ties: Chinese, Indians, Filipinos, Koreans, Japanese and tional Asian American Survey, said that Asian-Americans, Republican outreach effort and cited as evidence an even others. Most of the Vietnamese arrived after the commu- broadly speaking, back a liberal agenda supporting more split between the parties for the Asian vote in 2014 con- nist takeover of their homeland in 1975 and have settled social spending and universal health care. gressional elections. mainly in California and Texas. But there’s a significant number in Fairfax County — a district in northern Vir- Taeku Lee, a professor of political science and law at Trump’s hard line on immigration is likely to be a signifi- ginia where nearly one-fifth of the population is of Asian University of California, said there has been a change cant turn-off to that same constituency, as could allega- origin. over time from Vietnamese viewing politics through “a tions of inappropriate conduct toward women. post-Cold war lens” where strength in foreign policy was At the Eden Center, a plaza of Vietnamese shops and especially important to focusing more on domestic issues Staunch Republican voter Hong Nguyen, 66, a former restaurants, seniors who once supported the Republican like education and health care. That makes them more service member of the South Vietnam air force, is un- Party for being strong on national security and fighting likely to vote Democratic, even if they don’t have a strong deterred. He’s backing Trump to be strong on defense, communism are increasingly leaning Democrat — as their allegiance to the party. immigration and the economy. He said the groping allega- more progressive children who were born in America tions against Trump won’t alter that. tend to do. Today, Asian-Americans are often perceived as high achievers, but language and cultural barriers persist. In “It happened a long time ago,” Nguyen said. “Why did Former teacher Kim-Ha Ly, 67, recounted that when she the 2012 election, turnout by Asian-American voters these women wait 10, 15 years to talk?” migrated to the U.S. in the early 1990s, she voted Repub- was just 47 percent — 17 percentage points less than the lican like her husband who had arrived as a refugee one turnout among non-Hispanic white voters, according to a

House Speaker Ryan pressured by conservatives, Trump backers Conservatives could licans considered smart. use the mere threat But the GOP caucus is divided. Rep. Trent of a coup to seek “If we lose the presidency, it won’t be be- Franks, R-Ariz., said he has no desire legislative concessions cause of anything Paul Ryan did or didn’t to replace Ryan and said any speaker in from him. They also do,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. today’s divided government “is doomed to could spend Con- tu r m oi l .” gress’ postelection Q: Who’s unhappy? lame-duck session Q: Anyone else? and 2017 making his A: Members of the hard-right House job of commanding Freedom Caucus, who have a history A: Other Republicans believe Ryan should the House profoundly of defying GOP leaders as insufficiently have helped Trump or not split so sharply unpleasant. doctrinaire. It was a problem that pre- with him. A significant segment of the dated Trump’s emergence. Last year, these party’s base is fiercely loyal to Trump; A look at Ryan’s head- conservatives chased then- Speaker John GOP lawmakers ignore them at their peril. aches: Boehner, R-Ohio, from Congress. WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., said in Paul Ryan is under fire from fellow Re- Q: Why the dissatisfaction? Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., a Freedom an interview that if Trump loses narrowly, publicans upset with his messy political Caucus member, said growing numbers “Ryan will be blamed for that loss and divorce from Donald Trump, with some A: Some Republicans say Ryan damaged of people “question the loyalty of the there will be serious discussion” about threatening an effort to oust him. Trump’s chances by abandoning him. speaker” toward Trump. Meadows recently replacing him. told WAAV radio of Wilmington, North So far, the rumblings are limited and no Ryan delayed his endorsement of Trump Carolina, that there will be “real discus- Q: Do a few irritated Republicans matter? one has advanced a potential replacement and spent months criticizing the nominee’s sions after Nov. 8 on who our leadership nearly as respected among colleagues as comments on women and others. In re- will be.” A: Republicans hold a 247-188 House the Wisconsin Republican. That suggests turn, Trump has relentlessly slammed the majority, including three vacancies. an uphill path to deposing Ryan, who was nation’s highest elected GOP official. Another caucus member, Rep. Dave Brat, Democrats should gain 10 or more seats in his party’s 2012 vice presidential nominee R-Va., said he wants to see whether Ryan November, perhaps more than 20. and could harbor White House ambitions. After the 2005 video emerged showing plans to pursue a Pacific Rim trade pact or Trump boasting about groping women, broker deals with Clinton, if she’s elected A 20-seat Democratic pickup would leave The Nov. 8 election seems sure to shrink Ryan said he would not defend Trump president, to ease immigration curbs or a 227-208 GOP edge. For the 218 votes the House GOP’s majority. If Trump loses and would campaign solely to protect boost budget deficits. “It will all be over” if Ryan needs to assure victory when the the presidential race to Democrat Hill- Republican control of Congress. Ryan told Ryan does that, Brat said in an interview, House elects its speaker in January, he ary Clinton, disgruntled conservatives colleagues to handle Trump’s candidacy because it would show “the D.C. class has could lose just nine Republicans because wouldn’t need many votes to topple Ryan. however they wished, which many Repub- learned nothing.” Democrats won’t support him. November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 35 Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s defection is no surprise Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman

Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s joining BJP is an eye opener for the secular India. It has proved time and again that the political leaders whichever party they belong to have no loyalty to ideology and they can switch over to any party. This proves and indicates that whom we consider a secular leader today in congress or any other so called secular parties may become the right wing leaders tomorrow. So why are we fooling ourselves by going after these so called secular leaders who have no ethics and no morals but only go after only power. Rita ji’s joining BJP doesn’t surprise me at all. I feel frustrated that every party who claim to follow secular agenda is using the muslim or the secular as their vote bank and we are always betrayed and no wonder tomorrow the same leaders will come back to congress and congress will again recognise them and reward them with high positions. It is time that we realise that no leader is secular and there is no difference between the leaders who are in BJP and other secular parties. If they are in secular parties, it is not because they are secular but because the situation so suits them. Wake up India wake up!!!

Vice Presidential Candidate Tim kaine speaking at an election rally

‘Most tortured man in Guantanamo Bay’ freed without charge Mohamedou Ould Slahi is the highest- profile Guantanamo detainee not con- In Mr Slahi’s first public comments after nected with 9/11 A man who is widely his release, he thanked the Mauritanian regarded as the most tortured prisoner president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz in the history of Guantanamo Bay has for “his efforts to bring him home,” ac- been released without charge after nearly cording to Middle East Eye. 14 years. Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian national who wrote a best- Mr Slahi was arrested by US forces in selling memoir about life in the deten- Mauritania following the 9/11 attacks in tion centre, was reunited with his family 2001, accused of travelling to Afghani- after US officials ruled he did not pose a stan in 1991 and 1992 to join al-Qaeda’s strong enough threat to national security fight against the communist-led govern- to continue his detention. ment.

The Guantanamo Bay Diaries, published He was then taken to Amman by Jorda- in January 2015, provided the first in- nian armed forces where he was held in depth account of ritual humiliation and solitary confinement for seven months, mistreatment suffered by inmates in the before being flown to Guantanamo Bay controversial American military prison. in August 2003 on suspicion of involve- In his memoir, Mr Slahi describes being ment in a plot to bomb Los Angeles in shackled, blindfolded, made to stand 1999. for long periods, stripped naked, denied water and subjected to sleep deprivation, Mr Slahi’s book, in which he also wrote loud noise and threats of violence. about longing to be reunited with his clarifies that his notion of jihad neither Nancy Hollander, one of his attorneys, children and starting a small business, condones the killing of innocent people said at the time: “We are thrilled that the In one passage he describes being sexu- made him the highest-profile Guanta- nor supports [Osama] Bin Laden’s ver- PRB has cleared our client. We will now ally abused by female interrogators. In namo detainee unconnected to the 9/11 sion of justice”. work toward his quick release and return another, he wrote that he was transport- plot. to the waiting arms of his loving family. ed out to sea, forced to drink salt water The Pentagon announced the decision This is long overdue.” until he vomited and then beaten in the He has reportedly been open about to release Mr Slahi after a parole-like face and ribs while immersed in ice to his actions in Afghanistan but publicly review panel of six agencies recom- There are currently 61 prisoners remain- hide the bruising. stated he had never been an enemy com- mended his transfer in July, citing his ing in Guantanamo Bay, 30 of whom batant against the US. “highly compliant behavior in detention” have been cleared for release. At the end of his tether in 2004, Slahi A US intelligence threat assessment of and “clear indications of a change in the wrote that he resorted to making false Mr Slahi in February 2016 said that detainee’s mind-set.” confessions to keep his interrogators “throughout his detention” he had happy. “maintained his support for jihad, but November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 36 A Royal rift as Princes Charles and Andrew row over Beatrice and Eugenie's taxpayer-funded duties

The Queen is said to be at the centre of an extraordi- Edinburgh in order to preserve his status in the royal as members of the royal family they are involved in nary row within the Royal Family as her two eldest sons pecking order. A senior royal aide told the Mail on certain activities. In 2010 they lost their 24-hour tax- have come to blows over the futures of Princesses Bea- Sunday that while Charles was fond of the princesses, payer-funded police protection after it was argued the trice and Eugenie as taxpayer-funded working royals. he will not be swayed by his decision. They told the estimated £500,000-a-year expense was unjustifiable. publication: “HRH has read the runes on this and Prince Andrew, The Queen's second-born son, has long doesn’t believe there is public appetite for a large, un- demanded that his daughters should be given more wieldy monarchy in the future – and that includes the prominent roles within the Royal Family, but Prince York girls. Charles has reportedly resisted this idea. The Queen is said to be at the centre of an extraordi- “It is one thing for [Charles’] brothers and nary row within the Royal Family as her two eldest sons sisters to continue the work they do, but quite have come to blows over the futures of Princesses Bea- another for their children to be afforded the trice and Eugenie as taxpayer-funded working royals. same role and status. It is unjustifiable in this day and age.” Prince Andrew, The Queen’s second-born son, has long demanded that his daughters should be given more The Queen’s other children, Princess Anne prominent roles within the Royal Family, but Prince and Prince Edward, did not seek royal titles or Charles has reportedly resisted this idea. roles for their children. Princess Beatrice and According to the Daily Express, the Queen was so Eugenie’s place in the monarchy has long con- stunned by the letter that she felt unable to reply and cerned members of the royal household. The handed it to her private secretary Christopher Geidt to sisters, particularly Beatrice, have a reputation handle. for enjoying long, lavish and frequent holidays.

He raised the issue directly with Charles – who sug- Beatrice jetted abroad 18 times between gested that someone in government should inform his December 2014 and December 2015 alone – younger brother that while he will continue to play which included several trips to the Caribbean a formal role in the Royal Family in the future – his and a stay on Roman Abramobich’s superyacht daughters will not. in Spain. She stepped down from her last job as an associate at Sandbridge Capital in summer A source said: “The Prince of Wales is already conscious 2016 – the fourth role she has quit in five years that he divides opinion more than his mother. The – to “pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions” last thing he wants is additional criticism by keeping before holidaying in Greece and France. peripheral royals on the public payroll.” Princess Eugenie has carved out a career in the Charles’ austerity on the matter is understood to have art world since returning to London in 2015 caused friction with the Earl and Countess of Wessex from New York, getting a job as an associate also, who both gave up careers to become full-time director for the Hauser & Wirth art gallery. working royals. The Queen has decreed that Prince Edward will inherit his father’s title as the Duke of Neither sibling conducts royal duties, although November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 37 HINDI MOVIE RELEASE DATES

MOVIE BEFIKRE Aditya Chopra has returned -- with a film Only then will she go outwith him. immensely fun ride. that looks positively moronic. Singh obliges, following which we see a Befikre, judging from this ominously Befikre -- a film about reckless romantics montage of dares, most of which involve poor trailer, might not prove to be as -- stars Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, public makeouts and the leads walking much. and, judging by this first trailer, delights around in their underwear. in making a monkey out of them, while The dares seem repetitive, the actors look constantly asking them to make out. From this glimpse, it all looks terrifically uncomfortable -- especially when making tacky -- the shot of Singh strutting through out in a car, with their body language all It is one of the year’s most disappointing a black-tie gala in a cowboy hat and white wonky and wooden -- and simply throw- trailers, and judging purely by this, Befikre briefs, for example, is reminiscent more of ing some French words into a Hindi might be a December release worth ignor- Gunday than anything watchable the actor trailer doesn’t automatically class it up. ing. has been in. The film releases on December 9, and It starts with Singh and Kapoor eating Kapoor, a pretty girl with a striking smile, right now it’s hard to muster up excite- burgers and learning to say ‘never say I is frequently photographed poorly, often ment for something that looks this inane. love you’ in French. appearing unrecognisably odd -- especially when wearing a baseball cap. The trailer ends with the two of them riff- We see them meet, do shots, dance on the ing on a DDLJ routine and making a gag road and tumble into bed, all in quick suc- It appears that this is Chopra’s attempt to of it, because, as we know, it isn’t humanly cession, following which the girl says she try making Yann Samuel’s Love Me If You possible for Aditya Chopra to avoid ref- doesn’t want anything complicated, while Dare, a sexually charged and heady French erencing his greatest triumph with every the boy looks on, thunderstruck. film starring real-life lovers Marion Cotil- single Yash Raj production over the last lard and Guillaume Canet. two decades. It’s a setup we’ve seen many times before -- most recently in the Sunny Leone starrer The film is about a pair of romantics One Night Stand. who constantly dare each other to do outrageous things -- they take turns Then Ranveer propositions her, after handing each other a tin box and which she dares him to slap a policeman. saying the word ‘game’ -- and it is an November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 38 PUZZLE

ChalknDuster SaalaKhadoos Airlift KyaaKoolHainHum3 Chaurang Mastizaade Mirzya Jugni MSDhoni Parched Banjo Wazir November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 39 November 2016 www.Asia Times.US PAGE 40 On the lighter side.... There’s this ‘not-so-bright’ young woman out for a walk. meant the next baby.” She comes to a river and sees another woman on the op- ______posite bank. A man and his wife are dining at a table in a plush res- taurant, and the husband keeps staring at a drunken lady “Yoo-hoo” she shouts, “how can I get to the other side?” swigging her drink as she sits alone at a nearby table.

The second woman looks up the river, then down the The wife asks, “Do you know her?” river, then shouts back, “You are on the other side.” ***************************************************** “Yes,” sighs the husband, “she’s my ex-girlfriend. I under- Mama bear, papa bear, and baby bear were having a great stand she took to drinking right after we split up seven time chasing vacationers in a car as they were visiting Yel- years ago, and I hear she hasn’t been sober since.” lowstone National Park. “My God!” says the wife. “Who would think a person “Daddy?” A police officer arrives at the scene of an accident, in could go on celebrating that long?” which a car smashed into a tree. ______“Yes, Baby Bear?” The wife chewed out her husband at the company picnic The cop rushes over to the vehicle and asks the driver, awhile back. “Doesn’t it embarrass you that people have “I think we could be doing a better job of scaring these “Are you seriously hurt?” seen you go up to the buffet table five times?” vacationers.” “How should I know?” the man answers, “I’m not a law- “Not a bit,” the husband replied. “I just tell them I’m filling “But Baby Bear,” Mama Bear injected. “What more can we yer!” up the plate for you!” do?” ______A A married couple were vacationing in Hawaii and dis- newly married couple was having breakfast at their new “Maybe we’d have more of an effect on them if we got out agreed on the correct pronunciation of the state name. He apartment when the next door neighbor hung out laundry of this car and started chasing them on all fours!” said it was Hawaii and his wife said it was Havaii. that appeared to still be dirty. ______My family was playing a trivia board game one night. They stopped a man on the street to ask his opinion. He The new wife commented to her husband that their When it was my brother-in-law’s turn, he rolled the dice said the correct pronunciation was Havaii. The man’s wife neighbor did not how to properly do laundry, how to put and landed on “Science & Nature.” was delighted and thanked the man. in correct amount of bleach. detergent, etc. She made this comment every Monday for the next month. Finally, one His question was, “If you are in a vacuum and someone The man said, “You’re velcome.” day, the neighbor’s wash appeared to be perfectly clean. calls your name, can you hear it?” ______The new wife commented on this and said the whole load After a young couple brought their new baby home, the looked really good. He thought for a moment and then asked, “Is it on or off?” wife suggested that her husband should try his hand at ______changing diapers. The husband then replied, “Honey, I got up early today Officer to driver going the wrong way up a one way street. and washed our windows.” “And where do you think you are going?” “I’m busy,” he said, “I’ll do the next one.” ______When you like or love someone, put their name in a circle not a heart… Driver: “I’m not sure, but I must be late as everyone else is The next time came around and she asked again. The hus- already coming back.” band looked puzzled. “Oh! I didn’t mean the next diaper. I A heart can break but a circle goes on forever.