South Asia ribune T See Page 24 See Page 19 Year 1 Issue 14 Thursday, 20.10.11 www.satribune.co.uk Price: 90p Anti-Capitalist Protests Occupy London Stock Exchange Begins, Where will it end?

At Wednesday’s assembly of over people and the planet, not the military, 500 people on the steps of St Paul’s, corporate profits or the rich. #occupylsx collectively agreed the initial 8 We stand in solidarity with the global statement below. Please note, like all oppressed and we call for an end to the forms of direct democracy, the statement actions of our government and others in will always be a work in progress. causing this oppression. 1 The current system is unsustainable. 9 This is what democracy looks like. It is undemocratic and unjust. We need Anti-Capitalist Protests alternatives; this is where we work Protesters attend demonstrations over towards them. the global financial system near St Paul’s 2 We are of all ethnicities, backgrounds, Cathedral in London as the protests genders, generations, sexualities dis/ spread around the world. abilities and faiths. We stand together On Saturday 15th October, around 4000 - with occupations all over the world. 5000 people earnestly took to the streets, 3 We refuse to pay for the banks’ crisis. speaking out against corporate greed and 4 We do not accept the cuts as either economic equality. necessary or inevitable. We demand The police were quick to issue sanctions an end to global tax injustice and our against the occupation of Paternoster democracy representing corporations Square, but an unlikely sanctuary was instead of the people. provided by St Paul’s Cathedral. The 5 We want regulators to be genuinely steps of this iconic London landmark independent of the industries they received a host of peaceful protesters as regulate. they began their general assemblies and 6 We support the strike on the 30th planned a course of action in the same November and the student action on the vein as Occupy Wall Street. 9thNovember, and actions to defend our Purportedly, the police tried to disperse health services, welfare, education and protesters from St. Paul’s, but this was employment, and to stop wars and arms against the wishes of Canon Chancellor dealing. Giles Fraser. Dr Fraser, welcoming of 7 We want structural change towards the people who occupied the steps, asked authentic global equality. The world’s the police to move on. A sublime and resources must go towards caring for Continued on page 02 >> 2 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 Britain’s economic recovery is off the track : Mervy King overnor of the Bank of England employed steps could aggravate the a credible plan to reduce the fiscal deficit Mervy King has warned that financial problems, exacerbate the debt over the medium term, we were on track. GBritain’s economic recovery is crisis and leave taxpayers with larger bill, But the problems in the euro area and the off the track, accusing the government of adding that these inadequate measures marked slowing in the world economy not taking correct measures to handle the had only “bought time” for the world have lengthened the period over which country’s economic crisis. economy, leading markets to question the a return to normality is likely,” King In a speech addressed to the Institute sustainability of banks and governments. suggested. of Directors in Liverpool, King also “So far, that time has not been used The governor declared that creditor insisted that Britain is threatened by the to deal with the underlying imbalances, governments including Germany and global economic calamity and “time is or the weaknesses in bank and sovereign Japan must increase their domestic running out” to resolve it. balance sheets. Time is running out,” he request in order that debtor states like Despite taking emergency steps added. Britain could export more. including low interest rates and printing While confirming that inflation was “Each country can put itself in a new money, the governments could not “close to its peak” and the “medium term position to rebalance, as we have done in yet tackle the fundamental problem of outlook was weak,” King considered the “Our objective must be to steer the UK the UK. But in the absence of rebalancing, overspending which is the underlying international problems as “a threat to our economy slowly back to a position of more globally and especially in the euro area, cause of the economic crisis, King said. strategy of rebalancing and recovery of normal interest rates and lower budget we could be facing a recovery that is not He pointed out that some of the the UK economy.” deficits. With a lower level of sterling and merely reluctant but recalcitrant.” Occupy London Stock Exchange Begins, Where will it end? Continued from page 01 >> movement by granting airtime and of “We Are The 99%” which has anyone but themselves, they do not protests are an organic democratic ink; the antipodal of Occupy Wall become the symbolic strap-line of represent 99% of us as Mr Andrew procedure that has been born out symbolic symphony of goodwill Street where the U.S media largely Occupy. The 99% banner represents Gilligan suggested; they are part of of pure frustration for the current democracy, Dr Fraser said; ignored the protests for an exorbitant the loose notion that 1% of the 99% - included and inclusive. This is political, media and economic The UK mainstream media have amount of time. On the other side population hold the world’s wealth, the point that mainstream reporters climate. been fairly affable towards the of the Atlantic, the UK press have and the 99% are now dangerously need to remember, and those in the It’s more than possible that we are followed the Occupy London Stock disengaged and left with complete mainstream media would know this in uncharted territory with history Publisher Exchange, but there are those who social disparity. At no point do the if they had a finger on social issues as giving us no lessons on how this Salah Bu Khamas (UAE) hopelessly miss the point , the slogan occupiers claim they represent well as corporate. The global Occupy global movement will conclude. Sabha Khan (UK)

UK Office 10 Courtenay Road, Wembley, Bank of England voted 9-0 to pump Middlesex, HA9 7ND UK Phone: +44 20 8904 0617 Fax: +44 20 8181 7575 £75bn more into UK economy [email protected] ank policymakers electronic money into the inflation being well above its The minutes said: “In the India Office Bdiscussed injecting up economy than the £75bn they government-set target. United Kingdom, the path of Satya Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. to £100bn in new round of agreed on this month. Policymakers discussed output had been affected by a C/O Satya Group. quantitative easing as they Minutes from the Bank’s injecting as much as £100bn of number of temporary factors, 1st Floor, Avenue Appt., predicted growth would stall meeting earlier this month fresh money as they considered but the available indicators Near Sheth. R. J. J. High School, Bank of England policymakers revealed the monetary policy the threats to growth from the suggested that the underlying Tithal Road, are bracing for the UK economy committee (MPC) was united global economy, sovereign debt rate of growth had moderated Valsad - 396001 to grind to a virtual halt and over keeping interest ratesat problems and stalled household and would be close to zero in the Gujarat, India discussed pumping even more their record low of 0.5%, despite spending. fourth quarter.” Phone +91 2632 222209 / 222211 Fax: +91 2632 222212 Post Box No. 98 /108 Ken Livingstone’s five-point plan to United Arab Emirates Office S.K. Group of Companies P.O. Box 9021, Karama Dubai, create 11,500 jobs for the young United Arab Emirates en joined Ed Miliband and Ed Balls in Camden Ken Livingstone said, Tel: +971 4 2659970, 3359929; Fax: +971 4 2659971, 3341609 Kon Monday to launch Labour’s plan for jobs ‘In a city where, disgracefully, one in ten is out www.sk-groupofcompanies.com and growth in London. of work thanks to the Conservative party’s failed Labour’s five-point plan pledges to: policies we need the plan for jobs and growth that Managing Editor & CEO 1. Create up to 11,500 jobs for young people and Ed Miliband and Ed Balls are proposing. Mohammad Shahid Khan build 5,000 new homes ‘Labour’s plan to cut VAT and invest in new jobs would make a real difference, putting the interests Group Editorial Managers 2. Bring forward investment projects like new of ordinary Londoners first - and I will follow the Gulzar Khan (India) school buildings same course by putting money in peoples’ pockets Abdul Khalique (Pakistan) 3. Temporarily reverse the Tory-led Government’s by cutting fares if I am elected. VAT rise - a £450 boost for families with children Editorial Board UK ‘The approach taken by the government and mayor 4. Cut VAT on home improvements to 5% for a Frances Brunner are making Londoners less well off and less safe.’ year Ken has promised to rip up Boris Johnson’s FYI Tribune team 5. Give up to 334,000 small firms a tax break to ‘high fare’ policy which has committed Londoners Adrian Fellar take on extra workers government’s plan is failing Londoners. to 20 years of fare increases at 2% above inflation Misbah Khan ”Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, ‘Only a government which is badly out of touch each year and replace it with a fairer fares package Reema Shah said: Rohma Khan with what is happening in Britain’s high streets, starting with: Keziah-Ann Abakah “These are dangerous times for Britain’s economy homes and workplaces would fail to realise that. • An overall cut in fares for Londoners of 5% in the and worrying times for millions of London families. autumn of 2012 Art Department UK ‘Today we are calling for an emergency Budget “Week-by-week, day-by-day, with every now and a clear five-point plan to create jobs, help • No further fare rises at all in 2013. Ali Ansar (Art Director) downgrade in growth with every new set struggling families and support small businesses in • From January 2014 and in subsequent years no Md. Reazul Islam of unemployment figures, we can see the London.” fare rises above RPI inflation. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 NEWS 3 Year of pain for Anni Dewani’s family HE father of murdered Thoneymoon bride Anni Dewani says nearly a year of struggling to cope without knowing why their daughter was killed has taken its toll on his wife’s health. “She just needs answers, we need answers,” said Anni’s father, Vinod Hindocha. “We’re not telling Shrien (Dewani) he’s guilty or he’s not guilty, we’re just saying give us answers,” said Hindocha, who was speaking from his home in Mariestad, Sweden. He said aside from his wife’s ailing health, he was struggling to cope to We also need closure. If he goes to be,” Hindocha said. “If I hear he will come back to South Last month Qwabe and Mngeni, the such an extent that he had not returned South Africa, we can all have closure.” He believed that if his wife knew Africa, I’ll be the first to book tickets alleged hit men in the case, appeared to work since Anni’s murder. Hindocha added that four years ago why her daughter had been murdered, there,” he said. in the Wynberg Regional Court. Last month the UK Home Secretary his wife had had a major operation as she would be able to move on with her The South African authorities There they were told their case had signed Shrien Dewani’s extradition she had been stricken with cancer. life and recover fully. want Dewani to return so that he can been transferred to the Western Cape order, but his legal team then She had then undergone gruelling Hindocha, an electrical engineer, stand trial with his local co-accused, High Court. announced they would appeal against chemotherapy and radiation therapy. said he had not been to work for 11 Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile A pre-trial conference was set for this. Mngeni. “We were doing so well until Anni months. February 10. Had Shrien, who is accused of passed away. But my wife was not “It’s been a torture every single day. In November, Zola Robert Tongo, Yesterday Hindocha said he hoped masterminding Anni’s November 13 supposed to travel a lot or go under I can’t go to work. I can’t focus. who had chauffeured Dewani and Anni Dewani would be in South Africa by murder in Khayelitsha, not decided to around while they were honeymooning any stress,” Hindocha said. “People say time will heal the then. appeal, preparations for him to return in Cape Town, confessed to his role in After Anni’s murder, he and his wife wounds, in this case time increases November 13 would mark one year to Cape Town would have started Anni’s murder and was sentenced to had travelled to London a few times the wounds,” he said. since’s Anni’s murder. yesterday. 18 years in jail. and to South Africa to retrace Anni’s Hindocha said he was waiting to Hindocha said he had invited Hindocha said he did not understand Tongo said Dewani had offered last journey and this had impacted on hear when proceedings regarding people from around the world to light why Dewani was appealing against him R15 000 to have his wife killed Nilam Hindocha’s health. Dewani’s extradition appeal would go a candle in memory of his daughter on the extradition. “His legal team keeps and Tongo had then hired Qwabe and “My wife isn’t coping now. It’s really ahead. November 14. saying he needs closure all the time. Mngeni to kill her. difficult. Things are not as they should Queen begins her 16th, and Nawaz holds MQM responsible possibly last, visit to Australia for terrorism in politics

PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif has alleged PML-N chief said those in the the MQM of introducing politics of government were involved in corruption terrorism in Pakistan and also that it and questioned how could such was involved in disturbing peace in people run the country. Meanwhile, Karachi. PPI correspondent reported from “The politics of terrorism in Pakistan Nawabshah that Nawaz Sharif while started with creation of MQM, which talking to newsmen at Nawabshah also is involved in disturbing peace in airport leveled same allegation on Karachi,” Mian Nawaz Sharif said in MQM of being involved in terrorism. an interview to a private TV channel He said It was MQM to decide if it wants during his visit to rain-affected areas of to do politics or terrorism. “Hakim THE Queen has embarked on what may the Queen and a 21-gun salute rang Queen yesterday set foot on Australian Sindh on Wednesday. Muhammad Saeed was murdered be her last tour of Australia. out before the 85-year-old monarch soil for the first time in five years - and Stating that his party was against when I was Prime Minister. At that Travelling with the Duke of Edinburgh, inspected the ceremonial royal guard possibly the last. the terrorism, PML-N chief referred point I decided to part ways with MQM she touched down at Canberra’s RAAF made up of army, navy and air force The genuine warmth of the welcome to Karachioperation against MQM and sacrificed my government. “Now Fairbairn base tonight in a British personnel. for the 85-year-old monarch and Prince conducted during his first tenure the MQM must clear itself and declare Airways jet to be welcomed by hundreds The Queen first visited Australia in 1954. Philip, 90, set off a picture-perfect as Prime Minister, and said, ”MQM if they want to do a clean politics or of wellwishers, many holding flowers or Some expect that the 2011 tour will be spring evening in Canberra, and brought should now make it clear whether continue terrorism through its militant waving flags. her last. a smile to the face of the Queen. it wants clean politics or terrorism wing,” Nawaz Sharif said. The Queen emerged from the plane THEY turned on the pomp and “You’re beautiful,” someone shouted through their armed wings. PML-N said there must not be any role wearing a teal-coloured coat and hat to ceremony, with the military band, the from the big and happy crowd, packed Nawaz Sharif denied that ‘Go Zardari of army in politics and categorically be greeted by Governor-General Quentin straight-backed guard of honour and with local schoolchildren who got the Go’ was the name of his movement. stated that his party would not enter Bryce and Prime Minister Julia Gillard. the royal representative at Yarralumla, afternoon off class to see her. She nodded “Such a slogan is very old one. Now into alliance with any party that favors A military band played God Save Quentin Bryce, all doing their bit as the graciously in response. there must be a change in Pakistan,” he role of army in politics. He said people said to a question. want to get rid of corrupt government. 4 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011

EDITORIAL Pak-US tensions ease through Prisoner swap ‘quiet diplomacy’ S Secretary of State Hillary secret channels between the defence about scoring UClinton is likely to arrive in officials of the two countries. This Pakistan on October 20 (Thursday) fact lends further importance to the for a two-day visit aimed at putting the secretary of state’s visit. political points strained Pakistan-US relations back Clinton will meet President Asif on track and rectifying the damage Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Shalit’s release could enable done to bilateral ties by strong anti- Hamas to extend its sphere of Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Hina Rabbani Khar and Chief of influence outside Gaza statements by American officials Yesterday’s successful prisoner Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez accusing it of sponsoring terrorism Kayani during her two-day stay in swap between the Israelis and in Afghanistan. Hamas was not a humanitarian Islamabad and hold talks with them gesture by either side. The As the top US diplomat lands here on ways to improve bilateral ties Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was later this week, Iranian President and revive full counter-terrorism captured by Hamas more than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has put off cooperation. five years ago, and some of the his visit to Islamabad, which was According to APP, Haqqani hundreds of Palestinians have also scheduled for later this week. told a gathering of the Pakistani- been in Israeli hands for much A diplomat confirmed the American community in Portland, longer than that. postponement of the Iranian Oregon, that challenges remain in Their release could have president’s visit but said it had the wide-ranging bilateral ties but happened at any time, but the nothing to do with Clinton’s visit relations are gradually coming back present moment suited both and was only a matter of working out to normal. sides for their own political the schedule of the Iranian leader, “Both Islamabad and Washington advantage. who would now visit Pakistan some realise we need each other and a Both Hamas and the Israelis other time in the near future. strong, positive bilateral relationship (for very different reasons) Iran and the US are currently is in the best interest of our two have been put under pressure engaged in a serious row over the countries and their peoples,” said by both Palestinian President Obama administration’s allegations network. “Clinton’s visit is a great Before Grossman’s visit both sides Haqqani. Mahmoud Abbas going to against Tehran of devising a plot to opportunity for the two countries to were not communicating via formal Despite the positive whispers the United Nations to seek kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador normalise their ties,” the diplomat diplomatic channels and the only emanating from diplomatic sources, recognition for the Palestinian to Washington. said. discussions being held were through it is unclear if the two sides have been state, and the new political The diplomat said that during able to iron out their differences on dynamism in the region created her visit to Islamabad, Clinton how to tackle the Haqqani network, by the events of the Arab would pick up the discussion from allegedly based in North Waziristan Spring. where US Special Representative Agency. The Israelis are pumping out for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc The US remains adamant that their lies with great fluency. Grossman left it. the deadliest Afghan Taliban allied Prime Minister Benjamin Grossman visited Islamabad a insurgent group must be dealt Netanyahu’s spokesman few days ago and held meetings with forcefully. However, Secretary produced the most flagrant with Pakistan’s civilian and military Clinton recently hinted at reaching nonsense after Shalit reached leadership on prospects of peace out to the Haqqanis in the quest Israel yesterday when he said talks with the powerful Taliban- to seek a political solution to the that “we hope to live in peace linked militant group Haqqani Afghan impasse. and reconciliation with our neighbours. We are ready for the immediate resumption of peace talks. The Palestinian CoE chief: Anti-Muslim Gold nugget worth side so far says that they are not willing to talk to us. We hope feeling on rise in Europe they change.” $424,000 found in Russia The Netanyahu government has been blatant in its refusal to talk to the Palestinians, and to frustrate any attempt to go back to the defined path to a two-state solution. It has continued to build and expand its colonies, and it has increased the roadblocks and routine harassment and persecution of the Palestinians. Hamas has different issues to consider. It has agreed to reconciliation with Fatah, but The Council of Europe’s secretary very concerned that xenophobic it wants a reasonable measure general says the anti-Muslim beliefs attitudes – especially toward Muslims A gold nugget weighing 7 kg 650 later, Finmarket reports. of influence over events as they of confessed Norwegian mass killer – are getting worse in Europe. g (16,87 lbs) was discovered by The nugget looks pure and unfold. Anders Behring Breivik are shared Breivik has confessed to killing 77 Vostok mining partnership at outwardly resembles a boxing The release of Shalit allows by more Europeans than most people people in a bomb attack and shooting Irkindan deposit in Ayano-Maisky glove. them to enter a wider field of would like to believe. spree in Norway last July. But he district of Russia’s Khabarovsk “This is the first big finding that regional politics outside the Thorbjoern Jagland told the AP in denies criminal guilt, saying he’s in a region. we’ve had in 40 years of work in narrow confines of Gaza, which an interview Wednesday that only a state of war and believes the massacre The finding was tentatively the region. We found a large gold may well suit them over the “very small minority” of like-minded was necessary to save Norway and evaluated at 12.7 million rubles nugget in this region in 2007, and next 12 months. individuals would act on those beliefs Europe from being overrun by ($424,000), officials said. The final it was 1.7 kilos,” officials of the as Breivik did. But Jagland said he’s Muslim immigrants. cost of the nugget will be announced enterprise told Interfax. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 NEWS 5 Amnesty International seeks George W. Bush’s arrest he human rights group International, said in a statement. why Christopher Hitchens has TAmnesty International called The Canadian government written about the organization’s on Canadian authorities Wednesday responded to the request with ‘degeneration and politicization,’” to arrest former President George W. critical words for Amnesty Kenney added. Bush when he attends an economic International. Bush cancelled a visit to summit in the province of British “I cannot comment on individual Switzerland in February after facing Columbia next week. cases… that said, Amnesty similar public calls for his arrest by The group accused Bush of International cherry picks cases to the other human rights groups. “responsibility for crimes under publicize based on ideology. Amnesty International said that international law including This kind of stunt helps explain Canada was obligated to arrest torture.” why so many respected human rights Bush under its commitments to the Amnesty International asked that advocates have abandoned Amnesty UN Convention Against Torture. Canada either prosecute or extradite International,” Canadian Minister of The human rights organization Bush for violations that they allege Citizenship and Immigration Jason objected to the Bush administration’s took place during the CIA’s secret Kenney told POLITICO, noting that “enhanced interrogation detention program between 2002 Amnesty International had never techniques” and violations they and 2009. sought a court order to bar Cuban characterized as “cruel, inhuman The organization wrote a 1,000 dictator Fidel Castro or Tongolese and degrating treatment and page memorandum addressed to dicator Gnassingbé Eyadema from enforced disappearances.” Canadian authorities to make the Canada. “A failure by Canada to take case for human rights violations by “Perhaps this helps to explain action during his visit would violate the 43rd president. why Salman Rushie has said that the UN Convention against Torture “Canada is required by its ‘it looks very much as if Amnesty’s and demonstrate contempt for international obligations to arrest Bush given his responsibility for including torture,” Susan Lee, leadership is suffering from a fundamental human rights,” said and prosecute former President crimes under international law Americas Director at Amnesty kind of moral bankruptcy,’ and Lee. Health Secretary’s remarks Jemima Khan quits Independent for New Statesman Magazine’s editor says he is delighted at signing up ‘first-rate’ campaigning journalist on obesity can help end food Jemima Khan is leaving the Independent to join the New Statesman as associate editor. poverty: says Muslim Aid. She will write and commission and will also work on ritish Charity Muslim Aid what the magazine calls “specially curated issues”. Btoday welcomed remarks by Khan’s decision comes within weeks of the Indy Health Secretary Andrew Lansley amending her status. She was appointed as the about eating less to cut down the paper’s associate editor in June by the former editor, times when unemployment is health bill on obesity. Simon Kelner. increasing and many households But the incoming editor, Chris Blackhurst, reduced It said that instead of simply are finding it hard to manage their her role to that of contributing editor, with a reduced reducing food intake, the public food budgets, it will be wonderful pay arrangement. should also be encouraged to if the public shared their surplus He was warm about her talents, and her great range of contacts, but she has written little for the paper of late. The New Statesman’s editor, Jason Cowley, is clearly very pleased with his acquisition, saying: “I’m delighted that Jemima is joining us and that I have tempted her away from the Independent. “She is a first-rate journalist who has strong campaigning instincts and a powerful interest in international affairs and human rights issues.” In April, Khan oversaw a special free speech issue share their food savings with the with the poor and vulnerable to of the Statesman, which featured high-profile homeless and other vulnerable bring food on their table.” contributors such as Hugh Grant, Oliver Stone, Tim households who are finding it “Muslim Aid is considering a Robbins and Russell Brand. hard in these times to make ends proposal to set up food banks Cowley said: “She worked brilliantly with the whole meet. to ship surplus food donations team on her guest-edited issue of the New Statesman, A spokesperson for Muslim Aid to countries like Somalia in which was a media sensation. She’s very popular said: “Secretary Andrew Lansley times of need. These food among the staff.” has got it spot on when he points to banks, if patronised by the big Khan said of her appointment: “I loved working was too tempting.” a culture of eat more, waste more. supermarkets can also provide on the guest edit at the beginning of the year and Only a couple of weeks ago, Blackhurst signalled What we need instead is the right food to the homeless and less I am delighted to become a permanent part of the that Khan would be writing more for the Indy. But kind of food in the right quantity affluent people in the UK to end exceptional team at the New Statesman. she recently decided that things weren’t working out to stay healthy and contented. food poverty here,” added the “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Independent after all. Sources: New Statesman/The Independent However, in these challenging spokesperson. but the challenge of a wider role at the New Statesman Terrorism: Breivik Trial to start in April he trial against Anders Behring exact start date for the trial, but assume However, because the Engebretsen agrees with the current where the trial will be held, but Oslo TBreivik, charged with the July that it will most likely take place in trial would then fall during prediction: “At that time we go into the Courthouse is the most likely option. 22nd terrorist attacks – the largest the spring. “We are working on the Easter, it will most likely second quarter, so around Easter is a Telenor Arena was discussed as criminal trial in Norwegian history - assumption that the trial could be rescheduled for after very likely time,” he says. Regardless, another option earlier in the process, will most likely start just after Easter start April 1st next year,” says the holiday and begin on the goal is for the trial to be completed but is unlikely due to the arena’s in 2012. Erlend More, Department Manager April 10. before summer in 2012. association with entertainment and The Police can still not confirm an of the Court Administration. District Judge Geir A decision has yet to be made about concerts. 6 NEWS South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 Ahmadinejad reacts to the USA: ‘Murder is your thing’ Iranian President Mahmoud The Ministry of Foreign Affairs the organization responsible for Ahmadinejad reacted Sunday to of Iran said in a statement that monitoring compliance made the the release by the U.S. government the U.S. accusations “have no following statements: that accused Tehran of sponsoring legal basis” and they only seek to “Iran has repeatedly announced a terrorist plot in the United States “exacerbate tension in the region” that it opposes nuclear weapons and used the occasion to blame in the Middle East and “undermine and that all its activities pursue Washington for the frequent international security.” “They peaceful objectives and are bilateral crises.”The Iranian unilaterally announce charges carried out under the IAEA’s nation does not need educated against a resident (Iranian) in the full surveillance. As it has been articulate plans of murder. Murder United States, without providing repeatedly proven over the past is your thing,” said Ahmadinejad, documents, and create a media eight years, claims about Iran’s speaking at the Iranian Parliament, campaign against Iran that has nuclear arms are baseless,” he The Iranian President’s remarks no legal basis,” the Ministry said. said, adding that “the international were reported by the official news For Iran, Washington should community has been witnessing agency, IRNA. The onslaught from have consulted Tehran about such unfounded allegations.” the leader responds to U.S. charges its suspicions. “But the U.S. An IAEA report said, “Iran that the Islamic Republic would government ignored the express appears to be working with the be behind a plot to assassinate the request of the Islamic Republic agency on parts of its nuclear Saudi ambassador in Washington, which it did, against international program as it promised earlier.” Adel al-Jubeir. Ahmadinejad said conventions,” says the statement. Certain misunderstandings over the U.S. is seeking “to create a A reminder, that the west, the Proliferation Treaty, while Israel threatened Iran with military Iran’s nuclear activities have been new crisis every day with Iran, United States and Israel in has refused to sign the treaty, and action, stating that “all options are cleared up, and the inspections on accusing it of terrorism.” For particular, have accused Iran of is also in possession of a large on the table/” Numerous sanctions the country’s centrifuge research him, the American accusations plans to produce nuclear weapons, nuclear stockpile itself, remaining have also been imposed on Iran, centers by IAEA have proven are merely an attempt to try and which Iran completely denies. Iran completely unchallenged. Leaders while there are none on Israel. that Iran’s nuclear activities are stop the development of Iran. is a signatory to the Nuclear Non- of those countries have also Iran’s representative to the IAEA, peaceful, the report concludes. Awlaki family condemns killing of cleric’s son he family of Anwar al-Awlaki “Look at his pictures, his friends Tis asserting that the U.S.- and his hobbies,” the statement born cleric’s son,killed last week in said. “His Facebook page shows a a U.S. airstrike in Yemen, was a 16- typical kid.” year-old noncombatant who “paid a The family also condemned the hefty price for something he never “unlawful assassination” of Anwar did and never was.” al-Awlaki, 40, saying that he was Anwar al-Awlaki was killed in an American citizen who had never late September. His son was killed been formally charged with any two weeks later. crime. In a statement, their first since “Anwar was never a ‘militant’ the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki last nor was he ‘the head of Al Qaeda month, the family says the cleric’s external operations’ ” the family son was an American citizen who said. was living in the Yemeni capital The family of Samir Khan, the al- until mid-September, when he left Qaeda propagandist killed alongside his mother a note saying he was Anwar al-Awlaki, has previously going in search of his father. He A family member reached in that Abdulrahman al-Awlaki was issued a statement condemning the been implicated in a crime. was killed Friday in a U.S. drone Sanaa confirmed the Awlakis had a 21-year-old al-Qaeda operative. U.S. targeting of their son as illegal. “Was this style of execution the strike while “barbecuing under the released the statement. On a memorial page set up on The Charlotte family described only solution?” the family said. moonlight” with other teenagers, Facebook, they posted photos of the The family said they had been Khan as a “law-abiding citizen of “Why couldn’t there have been a the family said. teenager. shocked to see reports suggesting the United States” who had never capture and trial?” Press TV could have its licence revoked Press TV reported that it was to be British media regulator’s decision is London mayoral candidate Ken taken off air in the UK next week, considered to be an abuse of the UK Livingstone and former MP George which Ofcom has not confirmed. media law and the result of mounting Galloway have all made regular Ofcom is in fact still considering pressure on the organisation by appearances. whether to revoke Press TV’s certain members of the royal family Ofcom has ruled that both Mr licence, after finding in May that and government.” Galloway and Mr Corbyn have it had broken broadcasting rules It added: “A quick glance at the breached broadcasting rules on by showing a 2009 interview with senior decision-makers at Ofcom impartiality. Mr Galloway has Newsweek journalist Maziar Bahari, reveals that the regulator is mostly described Israel as a “terrorist detained by the Iranians, which made up of former Channel 4 and gangster state” and a “miscreant, Mr Bahari later said was a forced, BBC executives, some of whom are law-breaking rogue, war-launching, scripted confession, under threat of But in May, when Ofcom ruled likely to be allowed to appeal if it is well-linked to, and influenced by, occupying state.” Mr Corbyn execution. against the channel, it was made banned. powerful pro-Israeli politicians and breached the rules when he appeared clear that punishment could include Ofcom spokesman Rhys Hurd said In a statement posted on its US sympathisers.” on Mr Galloway’s weekly Comment a ban on broadcasting. Press TV is that no decision had yet been made. website, the channel claimed: “The Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn, show. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 7

The Reality of University Fees Adrian Felaar “squeezed” middle will again bear the social cost of this externality. With all the current economic and The Government is in grave danger climatic turmoil in the world, the of jeopardising the futures of many international status quo is rightly would-be undergraduates. Can our termed as depressing. Daily we government empathise with the fi nd ourselves swamped with the average family in the land? Consider evident degeneration of morality: that 23 of the 29 cabinet members criminality has experienced a surge, are millionaires and the question from bankers embezzling funds to becomes almost rhetorical. knife crime on the London streets; Furthermore, Government has fi nancial markets are spiraling out withdrawn direct state funding for of control (to a destination of which teaching in universities, leaving even economists are unsure of). It universities to vie for students and would seem that meteorologists are their money. This policy may just relying more on probability laws send some English universities than on fancy technology as weather down the drain as they will need to patterns pirouette wildly. Yet, hope scrutinize their balance sheets with insists. With all this dismal truism greater intensity, making universities comes the reality of hope and, in my more like a fi rm than a centre of mind, it takes the form of education. learning. Amidst strong opposition Nonetheless, even our hope is under and criticism from leading academics threat. such as Sir Peter Scott, former vice- Considering going to a British obtained a fi rst class honours degree Yet with the latest extortionate hike that the country’s economy is in a chancellor of Kingston University, university? Does the sound of having in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and in tuition fees not a few potential slump and savings need to be made the Government has decided to press the possibility of attending some of Economics) at Oxford, is expected to undergraduates must be dissuaded across the board, the Government is on. the world’s most highly commended know his way around the economy. from continuing in higher education. not doing enough to encourage youth It is now a confi rmed truth that as of tertiary institutions appeal to you? Having been studying AS Economics Figures, as reported in an article to pursue a path in higher education. September 2012 many universities The answers may be yes and they are for a short season it already strikes from the Telegraph broadsheet, Sure, provision is being made for will charge £9000. However this rightly so. However the Coalition’s me that one of the more important illustrate that some universities the destitute and, needless to say, should NOT deter us from going to recent bill to raise the university fees factors of production in an economy university. If we have aspirations cap to £9000 is certainly a barrier is Labour and if Labour is to be we must work towards them no to our aspirations of continuing on better, an educated workforce is vital. If we want a fairer “Big” society we matter what obstacles may seem to higher education. Subsequently It seems that the only skill Cameron to hinder our progression. Though many top universities have raised transferred as Prime Minister from must fi ght for our rights. If our places Government policy may be aimed their fees in a dramatic fashion. his Oxford days is how to damage of education are stolen away from our at widening the fi ssure between the The perplexity of why the Coalition things – something which the elite and those situated on the lower is suppressing higher education is Bullingdon Club was renowned for. grasp, then it may be conceived that we rungs of the social ladder, it is within incomprehensible. Why try to inhibit The internationally-respected our power to reverse this. If we something which could one day statesman Nelson Mandela, that are descended from primates. Education want a fairer “Big” society we must help revive the country’s economy? bastion of democracy, is quoted saying is our only key to a better existence. fi ght for our rights. If our places of The Chancellor, George Osborne, that education is the “most powerful education are stolen away from our is forever consulting advisors on weapon” we can use to change the grasp, then it may be conceived that strategies for economic growth when world we live in. The opportunity to are anticipating that a fi fth of the wealthier members of society we are descended from primates. he chooses to ignore an obvious go to university allows us to broaden undergraduates will be lost as a need not worry about economising Education is our only key to a better consideration. Cameron, having our minds, much like travelling. result. While it is necessary recognize for university. Nonetheless the existence.

Marisa Paulson a shadow shrub. He knew he SORRY FOR YOURSELF was hungry, and he knew that [Previously: ...Anthony and for Anthony saving me. family let me rest, and even not even the next day and my today he would kill. The echo I...were bruised with busted My mom gave me aspirin Worthall has given me the wounds weren’t healing: I’d of him blew added dread and nose, eyes, lips, ears, stomach, and sleeping tablets to assuage chance of rest, well I might have plenty of rest. Slowly my grief, which to him, reminded arms...we had two weeks off the pain, I took three in one as well use it, I’ll pick it up eyelids tightened: sight hazy, him of the days that he wasn’t to recover and do whatever we go, (of the aspirin) and two later, mindlessly I thought as I sight dreamlike. A week was chained to a curse mark that pleased. of the other, this was alright, drifted away into the fantasies a while, two weeks even, and would never disappear. Clos- *** said it on the packet. I wanted of having a soul. given the amount of damage ing, clenching, calming his ...violence was wrong and to escape from my daily pains The minute I awoke I was done to my body, I’d be like fi sts, he enduringly looked hurting others got you no- of being human, still not ever already feeling slightly bet- this for a while, so I might as back up into empty, navy where so long as we all ended wanting it to change as I was ter, I would rest. My head well have gotten used to it. darkness; there is a slight up affected, and this was in- fi ne with the way I was born. still hammered and I had The night air aroma of Ar- chance, he thought, but I must evitable.] With my last consumption of strains all over me, my time rova was sweetened with the do this, it must be done! And My ideology of that never left, the pill and water I inaccu- for sleep was nigh. Sighing I essence of nostalgia and de- he cautiously hurled himself and even if I was in a posi- rately placed the glass on the looked up towards the ceil- spair. On top of a hill, Hanal- down onto the ground rocks tion to hurt, I truly believed edge of my side table, gently ing – thinking – just thinking ed painfully overlooked his before him, walking. Perhaps I would never let myself fall closing my eyes as I heard a about life. I turned towards hometown, grinning with a today isn’t a time to kill, but into the epitome of such dark- thump: the glass. The doctor my clock on the windowpane: slight strain, seeing an ab- instead the aftermath of what ness, was just the way I was. said I should have rest, my only eleven o’clock. Great, sentminded crow perched on should’ve been truly desired. Still, I had complete gratitude 8 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 DEBATE ENTERTAINMENT Does ‘Rock On’ have Today’s pleasure Tomorrow’s pain Something more to it? Keziah-Ann Abakah Every subscription and every purchase of technology. Be it a Phone app, the accumulates to the cut back of your own latest game console or even the latest Indulgence is a word that most would fi nd personal funds. Funds which could be phone. After all what pain could possibly overrated yet most neglect to understand put to much better use but what use is come from manipulating nature, that we spend a large majority of our lives more funds weighed against personal cocooning ourselves in a virtual world indulging over trivial things. A magazine, satisfaction? and earning the top score? Aside from a sumptuous snack or (my personal Many of us are suckers for a good dish. the environmental trouble caused to gain favourite) a Phone app. We each allow A steaming hot plate of chips here, a well resources needed to fuel these pieces of ourselves to pursue these various things seasoned piece of chicken there and a technology, the extreme measures of because they are easy, because they are ravishing slice of cake just to keep things recycling enforced by the government in convenient and ultimately because they even. After all what pain could possibly order for certain materials to enable the our understanding? give us pleasure. And in our pursuit of come from igniting your insides with a hot manufacturing of these products and a The sign itself is known all these things we take not even a moment’s delicacy on a cold day? What pain could little thing I like to call global warming around the globe, most people pause to think, today’s pleasure could be possibly come from tucking into some no pain what so ever could come form recognise it, and ‘rock’ springs tomorrow’s pain? freshly cooked fries from a certain place these things. Pay no attention to the to mind, however are all these Most if not all would readily assume with two golden arches and lastly what things listed for what good is a world in The symbol of rock has seen to be supporters actual rock fans? that the purchase of one magazine, two pain could possibly come from consuming which recycling is not taken to extremes, a simple hand gesture, however magazines, maybe two magazine and Many of us believe that it is a a hand crafted pastry topped with cream, the environment is cared for and global some believe to see it otherwise. one monthly subscribed magazine will chocolate or an even sweeter surprise? warming is reduced when weighed harmless character representing do us no harm . After all what pain could In actual fact a lot of pain. Trips to the against personal entertainment? Celebrities, The public and even the distinct style of ‘rock’. Others possibly come from turning glossy pages, dentist, an unfl attering fi gure, the death In no such words am I saying that people the President of the USA have believe that it must relate to fi lling our mind with information and of your social life, shall I go on? Never the should stop eating, purchasing magazines been seen using this highly Illuminati, Satanism or even attuning our eyes to aesthetically pleasing less what good is a social life, well kept or perhaps stop buying needless pieces of symbolic rock sign with their Free Mason. images? The negligible fact of the matter teeth and an even better kept fi gure when technological devices that are more to do hands, but what does it actually Nonetheless it doesn’t change is this. For the pleasure of browsing your weighed against personal taste? with vanity than with use. I am simply mean? the fact that all these people eyes over these charming pages comes Last but not least, a great number of us saying that today’s pleasure could be Is it just a normal way of showing are using representation, and it the pain of emptiness within your pocket. dare I say all of us love a good produce tomorrow’s pain. your love for rock or does it almost leaves us all blinded. represent something far beyond FASHION ADVICE Faux fur is a timeless fashion. It’s warm, fashionable and a key trend this season. Fur is luxury at its cheapest and here are a few pieces that can give you the ultimate cozy look… Dear Miss R,

I am extremely concerned about my brother who has recently started hanging out with ‘the wrong crowd’. He’s always been very sensible and a good student and a positive role model for me. However he has become increasingly irritant and rude for example swearing at my mum. Just last week he went and got his tongue pierced; him and my mum had a huge row and now they are not speaking. I’m also worried he’s been taking drugs/smoking. Things are getting very tense at home and I’m not sure what to do. My brother is a smart kid but if he keeps going on like this, he’ll get into major trouble and I hate the situation at home. TOBACCO Angela FUR TRIM MITTEN Price: £16.00 www.topshop.com Fake fur jacket Dear Angela, £39.99 www.hm.com/gb First of all it’s best you speak to your mother about how you feel and then speak to your brother and tell him you love him but you are concerned about the changes in him. Also, try speak to your father if possible and see if he can do anything? Boys will usually relate more to fatherly fi gures and it’s most likely your brother will listen to him. It would also be wise to contact a counselor and get your brother tested for drugs/alcohol. Keep in mind that adults Light brown faux fur hooded gilet will be the best to deal with this situation so contact £45.00 any other adult immediately if not your parents for www.riverisland.com example a teacher. Who knows with some help and guidance that nose ring may disappear too. Fur Cuff Heeled Boot Fake fur collar Miss R £22.00 £12.99 By Misbah Khan www.matalan.co.uk www.hm.com/gb 9 Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011

Work displayed in saarc int. are a review of southasianmedia.net. The information on this page is for information purposes only. The South Asia Tribune and SAARC International Ltd. assume no liability for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. aarc The full story can be viewed at www.southasianmedia.net Sinternational Thursday, 20.10.11 Operation ‘Knife Edge’ on at border Kayani does not rule out US strike US forces amass on Af-Pak border, ready for attack on Taliban faction

he American build-up, which includes are amassing on the Afghan-Pakistan border. Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Thelicopter gunships, heavy artillery and The Haqqani group, which is linked to both the Kayani has not ruled out the possibility of a hundreds of U.S. and Afghan military personnel, Taliban and al-Qaida, has been blamed for high unilateral US military strike against militants in has reportedly caused panic in Pakistan’s north profile attacks in the Afghan capital, including last North Waziristan tribal region, but warned that Waziristan, a usually safe haven for Haqqani month’s 19-hour siege against the U.S. Embassy in Washington will have to think “ten times” before fighters. Kabul. launching such an attack, a media report said today. U.S. military troops are positioning on the Members of the network fathered in the capital Pakistan border in eastern Afghanistan ahead Miranshah to consider the appropriate response to “They (USA) might do it but they will have to of a likely drone missile attack against militants the anticipated strike, the Telegraph reported. think ten times because Pakistan is not Iraq or from the Haqqani network, a feared faction of the Afghanistan,” Gen. Kayani was quoted by ‘The Local officials warned that Pakistan’s armed Taliban. Express Tribune’ newspaper as telling members of forces would block any move across the border by parliament’s defence committee during a briefing The American build-up, which includes American forces, but military sources in Islamabad at the General Headquarters yesterday. helicopter gunships, heavy artillery and hundreds of and Afghan officials told the Telegraph that the U.S. and Afghan military personnel, has reportedly build-up was part of a coordinated operation. The rare briefing for members of the standing caused panic in Pakistan’s north Waziristan, a committees on defence of the two Houses of President Barack Obama has said that he usually safe haven for Haqqani fighters. parliament lasted over three hours, media reports believes Pakistan is not going after insurgent said. Pakistan Army sources told the Telegraph that groups that it feels could end up regaining power in the American plan was to force the tribal militia Afghanistan after coalition forces leave. Gen. Kayani made the remarks when a from their bases and into Afghanistan, where they lawmaker asked him to comment on the possibility A senior official with the U.S.-led coalition told will be ‘encircled, arrested or killed.’ of a US strike in Pakistan, like American attacks in reporters at a briefing today that the coalition was Laos and Cambodia before the withdrawal from Preparing for strike: U.S. military personnel very focused now on the Haqqani network. Vietnam. 10 NEWS Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 SC to hear petition on foreign assets of politicians, military officers Assets are worth a staggering $5billion: The petition he Supreme Court on belongs to Pakistan and the court notices to some of the country’s TWednesday said it would should direct the government to most prominent politicians, hear the petition regarding bring it back. including Pakistan Peoples foreign assets of civil and military Earlier this year, 30 members Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal officers and has formed a larger of Parliament admitted to having Bhutto Zardari, following a bench to conduct the hearing on assets outside the country. writ petition alleging they were October 31. misappropriating public funds. Among the parliamentarians The petition was filed in the who admitted to having assets Chief Justice Ijaz Ahmed apex court by former Information abroad are National Assembly Chaudhry directed President Minister Mohammad Ali Speaker Fehmida Mirza, Finance Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Durrani. Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Yousaf Raza Gilani, Pakistan The petition states that Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) certain Pakistani civilian and Babar Khan Ghauri from the chief Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan military officials, politicians MQM, Senator Ishaq Dar from Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and businessmen have made the PML-N, Senator Tariq Azeem chief Chaudhry Shujaat money through illegal means from PML-Q and former minister Hussain, among others, to file and subsequently laundered it to Azam Khan Sawati from JUI-F. their replies, along with their affidavits, regarding the details Switzerland and other countries. Last week, the Lahore High of their worldwide assets by the Mr Durrani claims that the foreign assets are worth a He also said that according to Court chief justice issued staggering $5billion. the UN convention, this money first week of December. Jordan’s King India, Pakistan firm up Abdullah dismisses liberalised visa regime draft the government ravelers from India and Pakistan may soon be allowed According to Jordanian sources, T to visit to more than three places the King “accepted the resignation” in one visit as per the new Visa of Prime Minister Al-Bakhit Agreement the draft of which is The King of Jordan has yielded finalised in New Delhi. It envisages to pressure from protesters and more liberalised and simple visa parliament and dismissed the procedure for business people. government of Maarouf Al-Bakhit. The draft of the agreement to ease King Abdullah II also sacked his travel for the nationals of either intelligence chief, Mohamed Al- country desiring to visit the other Rakkad. was finalised during the second meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) and will be submitted to the Maldives aims to bridge respective governments for obtaining necessary approvals in order to sign Agreement which will be submitted missions would get multiple entry SAARC differences at the Agreement at an early date, to the respective governments for visas during tenure but the visas Ministry of External Affairs said. obtaining necessary approvals in would be restricted to city of posting; November summit The draft also envisages hassle-free order to sign the Agreement at an official visas for officials visiting on uilding Bridges’ will be the with Climate Change as its central travel for the businessmen from each early date,” MEA said. work would be single-entry. Bcore theme for the two-day subject of deliberations. country by providing more liberalised The draft of the new bilateral visa For the popular visit visa category, and simple visa procedure, according 17th SAARC Summit beginning Maldives is trying to bridge agreement envisages, among other visas would be issued for a period of to official sources. in the picturesque Atoll Addu in political differences among the things, multiple-entry visas for six months; Senior citizens, “eminent Maldives next month on November member countries of the SAARC The modalities for streamlining the traders and businessmen of the two persons”, and females of one country 10-11, 2011. forum. visa procedures was also examined at countries. married to males of the other, and the two-day meeting which was held The theme, preferred by the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza During the talks between the their children below 18, would get in pursuance of the decision taken Republic of Maldives, represents a Gilani who is expected represent foreign ministers of the two one-year visas with multiple entries. during the India-Pakistan Home/ range of new diplomatic initiatives Pakistan at the 17th SAARC countries in June, the two sides had Further the transit visa would be for Interior Secretary-level talks held in covering geo-physical regional summit on November 10 and 11, prioritised building strong people- 36 hours. March. connectivity to conscious nursing 2011, will have second strategic to-people contacts as a key part of The visa regime has, hitherto, of political dialogue among the occasion of meeting with his Indian The meeting, which was a follow- their relationship and decided to restricted to social visits and to SAARC community. counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh. up on the deliberations held in accelerate their negotiations for pilgrim only. The new category the first meeting of the JWG in This will be the third-time It was the Thimpu SAARC event concluding a visa agreement. of group tourism has also been Islamabad in June this year, was SAARC Summit being hosted by of April 2010 that both Islamabad The draft agreement as suggested introduced through an agent. The led by Anil Goswami, Additional the Maldives government: the and New Dehli had agreed to open by Pakistan included that all embassy visa will be given for 30 days if the Secretary(Foreigners), Ministry of previous ones in 1990 and 1997 up years choked channels for staff assigned as diplomats and their group should not be less than 10 Home Affairs, and Nasar Hayat, respectively. diplomatic dialogue between them, families should be allowed multiple people. The agent will be required Additional Secretary, Ministry of SAARC community consists of the process now gone much ahead entry visas during their period of to register the group on arrival and Interior, from Pakistani side. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, to a burgeoning bilateral trade and posting; High-ranking dignitaries departure with the police stations of Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal Pakistan’s consent to accord Most “The discussions were held in a with diplomatic passports would the places to be visited. Businessmen and Sri Lanka. The 16th Summit Favored Nation (MFN) status to friendly and cordial atmosphere. The be given single-entry visas; non would get multiple entry visa for the was held in April 2010 in Bhutan India. two sides finalized the draft text of the diplomatic staff and families in the duration of one year. Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 11 WEEKLY REVIEW OF AFGHANISTAN NEWS Clinton in Afghanistan to Push Reconciliation Secretary of State Hillary Rodham will ever join in the peace process Bonn in December. its own political interests. Pakistan Clinton arrived in Afghanistan on has hit a new low with the recent Ties between Kabul and Islamabad denies this. Wednesday on an unannounced visit assassination of the country’s top have been particularly strained Karzai has been more circumspect, to urge leaders there to continue peace negotiator, former President since the assassination of Rabbani, but hinted after the killing that he reconciliation efforts with the Burhanuddin Rabbani, and a spate of who was killed by a suicide bomber had lost hope in pursuing peace Taliban. Clinton, arriving in Kabul high-profi le attacks. She is expected posing as a Taliban reconciliation talks with the Taliban and suggested after a brief trip to Libya, will hold to discuss US strategic relations envoy. negotiations with Pakistan instead. talks with President Hamid Karzai with Afghanistan and ties between Many Afghans, including senior Top US offi cials accused Pakistan and other top offi cials, encouraging Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well offi cials, have accused the Pakistan of supporting insurgent groups in them to keep up efforts to convince as preview plans for conferences on government of having links to the Afghanistan after September’s 20- militants to lay down their weapons. the future of Afghanistan due to be killing, and accused their neighbor hour attack on diplomatic targets in Optimism that Taliban leaders held in Istanbul in November and of fomenting instability to further Kabul, including the US embassy. Parliament approves $51m Afghanistan, NATO launch ‘new push against Haqqanis’ US offi cials have accused payout over Kabul Bank Pakistan of ties to the Haqqani Afghanistan’s parliament approved International Monetary Fund (IMF) to group, causing diplomatic rifts a $51m payment to the central bank secure a new loan for Afghanistan. The as the West seeks an end to the on Sunday as part of a planned IMF stalled renewal of its assistance 10-year war in Afghanistan. programme in the wake of the scandal, Afghan security forces and which highlighted endemic corruption their NATO allies have launched among Kabul’s elite. a new push against the al Qaeda- It comes as planned NATO troop linked Haqqani network along withdrawals and waning donor support the troubled Pakistani border, are expected to challenge economic senior defence offi cials said growth in the heavily aid-dependent Tuesday. nation. Defence minister Abdul Rahim The central bank bailed out Kabul Wardak said operation “Knife compensation package over its multi- Bank, the war-torn country’s biggest Edge” was launched two days million-dollar bailout of the scandal- commercial lender, to the tune of $825 ago, while a senior defence hit Kabul Bank. million last year, after it collapsed in a ministry offi cial said it was A NATO spokesman confi rmed the eastern region that borders The payment is part of a package of scandal which saw hundreds of millions “largely against the Haqqani only that “enhanced offi cial Pakistan, but gave no further government measures agreed with the of dollars stolen. network”, blamed for a recent attack in Kabul. operations” were ongoing in details for security reasons. Russia welcomes ISAF longer German president in stay in Afghanistan surprise Afghanistan trip he Russian Foreign Ministry has Tissued a statement saying that the UN Security Council’s decision to prolong the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan would promote security in the region. “We believe that the extension of the ISAF mandate will facilitate stabilization in the country in close cooperation with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” reads the statement posted on the Foreign Ministry’s web- German President Christian Wulff remarks released by his offi ce. site. vowed Sunday that Germany would Wulff was due to meet human The prolongation of the mission would continue to support Afghanistan rights groups before embarking advance of the Afghan stabilization after the troops have left, as he on talks with Karzai, which were made a surprise trip to Kabul for to prepare the ground for a major process and ensure regional security Taliban and Al-Qaeda. for transporting German and US military and stability, it added. talks with President Hamid Karzai. conference on Afghanistan in the The resolution of the UN Security cargo across its territory into the war “I have come to Afghanistan to former German capital Bonn in The Russian ministry reminded that council also mentions the special role zone. This has given the ISAF a much- make clear: Germany will not leave December. the Security Council has designated of regional security organizations in needed alternative route, especially after Afghanistan in the lurch,” Wulff Germany has around 5,000 troops the main responsibility for security and Afghanistan settlement, such as the the Pakistan supply route had become stressed upon arriving for the fi rst supporting international efforts law enforcement in Afghanistan on the Collective Security Treaty Organization complicated after Al-Qaeda terrorists offi cial visit of a German head of in Afghanistan -- a mission polls national authorities. (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation increased their activities in the country. state to Kabul in 44 years. “We consistently show is unpopular in It also said that the withdrawal of the Organization (SCO). Russia is a member Moscow has repeatedly stressed will remain a reliable and durable the country. international forces from Afghanistan of both organizations. the danger of chaos spreading from friend and partner of Afghanistan A total of 52 German soldiers have should take place only after the local Russia continues to support the Afghanistan into other Central Asian after the handing over of security fallen during the mission, according military and security forces have international operation in Afghanistan, countries if the removal of international in 2014 as it overcomes future to the army’s website, 34 of them acquired the necessary training to and in 2008-2009 opened transit routes forces is conducted too hastily and challenges,” added the president in under enemy fi re. counter any remaining threats from the without preparation. 12 Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 WEEKLY REVIEW OF BANGLADESH NEWS Police disperse investors on hunger strike The police dispersed on Monday small investors on Sunday. Jatiya morning hundreds of small investors Party chairman Hussein Muhammad who spent the previous night outside Ershad, BNP leader Abdul the Dhaka Stock Exchange staging a Moyeen Khan, Communist Party hunger strike in protest at the free of Bangladesh central leader Sajjad fall of share prices. Zahir Chandan, Jatiya Samajtantrik After the police action, the investors Dal president ASM Abdur Rob and gathered in front of the National general secretary Abdul Malek Ratan Press Club and vowed to continue visited the hunger strikers. their hunger strike. They also said The DSE benchmark index, DGEN, they would call a countrywide on December 5, 2010, booked the general strike if the government highest-ever gain in its history to tried to suppress their movement. continue the protest. Council leader Kazi Firoz Rashid sang patriotic songs and parodies 8,918 points. However, with the Investors, under the banner of ‘We want security of our life. said, ‘If we cannot continue our deriding the government’s policies. index continuing to plunge since Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Different quarters and police have protests here, we will move to the A sharp fall in the DSE index on then, swinging only occasionally to Council, started the hunger strike on issued threats asking us not to Central Shaheed Minar to take our Sunday prompted the investors to a day or two of slight gains, have Sunday morning in front of the DSE continue the protest,’ Kazi Nazrul protest to its next stage.’ If the police embark on a hunger strike. They lost 3,513 points over the past 10 building demanding an immediate Islam, acting president of the council repression continues, we will call a demanded immediate government months. assurance from the prime minister told the briefing. nationwide general strike,’ he said. measures to stabilise the capital Thousands of small investors lost to stabilise the capital market. He said the investors would continue Leaders of the council claimed that market as it was going through a their capitals in the prolonged In a press briefing at the National their protest and hunger strike at the DSE authorities had unleashed depression after a market crash in depression of the stock market Press Club, the council leaders the press club and would not leave police to foil their ‘peaceful’ protest. January. but the government is yet to come claimed that law enforcement the streets until their demands were During the overnight protest in Several political parties expressed up with any concrete measures to agencies were asking them not to met. front of the DSE, the investors their solidarity with the affected stabilise the market. Govt to split Dhaka into two city corpns The government on Monday The Awami League-led government The city corporation with an area approved a proposal for dividing is yet to take initiatives to hold the of 360 sq kilometres is now divided Dhaka into two city corporations DCC elections due since May 14, 2007 into 92 wards with 15 constituencies. – north and south – with a view to as it wants to divide the city into two The proposed DCC North will be ensuring ‘better service delivery’ to parts, according officials. constituted with 36 wards, including around 1.2 crore people living in the ‘The cabinet has approved in 1- 23 and 37- 45, and the DCC South metropolis. principle the proposal to make will be made up of 56 wards, including The local government division placed amendments to the Local Government 24- 36, 48-53, 56- 66 and 68-92, the the proposal for splitting the DCC into (City Corporation) Act, 2009 for press secretary said. two separate local government bodies dividing the Dhaka City Corporation A senior official of the local at the weekly meeting of the cabinet into two parts as the single body government division said that no with the prime minister, Sheikh cannot deliver expected services to wards would be delimited and Hasina, in the chair at the secretariat. cleaning, sewerage management and corporation to cater to the demands of over one crore people,’ Mohammadpur, Tejgaon and Badda, The move came against the maintenance of roads,’ a senior official a growing population of the metropolis prime minister’s press secretary to be placed under the northern part, backdrop of the ‘DCC’s failure to concerned told New Age, adding that and so the government had decided to Abul Kalam Azad told reporters after would mark the dividing line between deliver its responsibilities that include it had become difficult for the city divide it into two city corporations. the meeting. the two city corporations. Khaleda’s comment Sangu gas reserve to be known in 10-12 days Australia-based Santos, which is fueled communalism drilling a well in the Bay of Bengal BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia the largest religious festival of the in search of gas, said it has to wait fueled communalism and hurt the Hindu community. another 10 to 12 days for a result. religious sentiments of the country’s “If the government does not protect The oil and gas exploration company minorities by her “communal the rights of the minorities, then started the drilling at South Sangu-4, speech”, said Awami League leader both the parties should give up around five kilometres off the present Suranjit Sengupta yesterday. expectations on each other and it Sangu gas field, on September 24 with Suranjit was speaking as the will change the political equilibrium jackup rig called Offshore Resolute chief guest at a discussion styled in the country,” he said. brought from Singapore. “Amendment of Vested Property Addressing the function, veteran “The drilling needs around 10 to Return Act 2001: Finalisation and leftist politician Ajoy Roy opined for 12 days more to reach the targeted victim’s expectation” in the city’s placing the vested property issue in depth of approximately 3,600 to Dhaka Reporters Unity. the UN Human Rights Commission 3,800 metres and know if there is any Bangladesh Hindu-Buddha- for its resolution. reserve,” said ABA Siraj Uddowlah, He is talking to a team of journalists the end of November. Christian Oikkya Parishad, Ain O Arpito Sampotti Ain Protirodh vice president (government and visiting the rig, around 45 kilometres Santos’ Senior Drilling Engineer Salish Kendra and six other non- Andolon General Secretary Subrata public affairs) of Santos Bangladesh, from the shore. Hasnain Ibrahim Babu said they government and social organisations Chowdhury placed a seven-point yesterday. “The work is going on smoothly and had drilled upto 2,235 metres till organised the discussion. demand for inclusion in the If gas was found in this well, another we are getting all sorts of support from yesterday. Khaleda, at a rally in Sylhet recently, amendment. one month would be required to the government,” said Siraj. Aiming at increasing gas supply to questioned the religious identity Justice Ghulam Rabbani chaired determine the total deposit, and On completion of the South Sangu industries in Chittagong, Santos took a of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the function, where representatives another one and a half years to set up exploration, the rig would be moved $126 million project for drilling South after the latter visited Dhakeswari of different non-government a platform and underwater pipeline to to another Sangu 11 well where the Sangu-4, Sangu 11 and Sangu North National Temple during Durga Puja, organisations also spoke. bring gas ashore, he said. drilling is scheduled to start towards East wells in Block 16 of the Bay. Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 13 WEEKLY REVIEW OF BHUTAN NEWS Royal wedding raises question for locals A royal wedding in Bhutan, is more traditional ways of life, especially the encroachment of modern than a walk down the aisle for the farming, seem to have little technology, media attention, and nation’s newest cherished couple. appetite for the bustling outside particularly television, would It is, in fact a walk down a new lane world. have on their culture. for the small Asian country, and it The royal wedding was an Already, a dozen different has the people asking questions opportunity for many to gather channels are broadcasting their about themselves. around television sets and enjoy programs into every home with The country’s goal was not simply the ceremony. The people are the a satellite dish. Still, whether to marry a royal couple, but proud of their prince and new the media attention around instead to share that wedding with princess, and they watched the royal wedding marks a the rest of the country. Bhutan is the ceremonies with great technological and social turning a country that didn’t even have anticipation and pride. But as the point for the people of Bhutan, is a television until 1999. Today, just joy of the nuptials faded, and the question that only they can decide a dozen years later, most of the common people returned to their for themselves, and fortunately, country’s people enjoyed the traditional lives, they have been the answer is merely a switch or opportunity to see the wedding on left to wonder just what effect a plug away. live television. Journalists from around the the ancient masonry, and curiously country and meeting his people world traveled to the tiny wondered just how a royal in person. Often, he has been Report on Media Development country sandwiched between Buddhist wedding would work, known to travel on foot or bicycle. India and China. Visiting the the people of Bhutan wondered He has even been known to invite in Bhutan Released town of Punakha, the ancient how the media attention would commoners to his palace for tea. capital, reporters converged on change their country. Modern devices such as satellite a monastery complex that once The population of Bhutan is about dishes and television are new in served double duty as a military 700,000 people. The King, is the country. And the people, who fortress. As reporters marveled at known for traveling around the mostly make their living following Bhutan’s newly-wed royal

couple ‘walks’ to capital Copenhagen-based NGO development in recent years but International Media Support has that the absence of skills and trained them, the Bhutanese cheered and published a report in association with manpower could be a constraint in welcomed the King and the Queen with Bhutan’s Ministry of Information the near future. Certain observations folded hands. Once the Royal Couple and Communication, Unesco and have also been made on the mode reciprocated their gestures, the people UNDP on media development in the of media regulation in force in the jostled with each other to present a Himalayan mountain kingdom. kingdom, which seems to leave less white scarf, considered as a mark of The report notes that Bhutan room than optimal for the exercise respect, to the Royal Couple. has made progress in media of journalistic judgment. “Many a times, the King got down from his vehicle and walked along with the people. He likes spending time with people,” Kinley Dorji, Bhutan royals head to Rajasthan Secretary Ministry of Information and Communication, told PTI. “Most of the journey is being covered by foot. People are lined up across the way. He did not want to drive past them. That is why he took so much of time,” he said. Congress General Secretary Rahul hutan’s newly married Royal patiently signed autographs and even Gandhi, a friend of the Bhutan King, BCouple waded through a sea of let them plant a kiss on their cheeks arrived here this afternoon and will people during their 13-hour journey as people waited for hours together grace the national celebrations at the today from the ancient city of Punakha braving cold conditions to get a glimpse Changlingmithang Grounds, which to capital Thimphu, covering most of of the newly-wed couple. wears a festive look. the 71 km distance by foot. The 71-km distance, which usually In Thimphu, near the Druk Shopping Complex, the Royal Couple The 31-year-old Oxford-educated takes 3 hours by car, took 13 hours for Bhutan’s newlywed king and queen Ranthambore last October. Looks shook hands with school children, who Wangchuck and his Queen Pema, who the Royal Convoy to reach the capital are headed to Rajasthan for their like the wildlife reserve made such an patiently waited for their arrival, gave did her higher secondary schooling in as over 25,000 people queued across honeymoon, if sources are to be impression on him that he wants to autographs, accepted gifts and even Himachal Pradesh’s Sanawar, skipped this picturesque city alone to welcome believed. The 31-year-old monarch, share the experience with his queen. kissed some of them. their lunch as they accepted greetings, the Royal Couple to the capital. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, It has also been learnt that they will congratulatory messages and simple The couple was scheduled to arrive “Thank you very much. Thank you and his bride, Jetsun Pema, will visit take a trip across Rajasthan in a special gifts from people all along their journey here by 2 PM, but it was 8 PM when very much,” Wangchuck, who attended Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur. train arranged for the couple. Not that began as early as 7.30 AM. they reached the Druk Shopping the National Defence College in New The couple will arrive on October 25 willing to disclose anything, Bina Kak, The Royal Couple got down from Complex in the centre of the city. Delhi, told the huge foreign media with and stay till November 1. Rajasthan’s minister of tourism, only folded hands as photographers jostled their car almost every fi ve minutes, When the convoy came near to Apparently, Wangchuck fell in love said, “We’d love to play host if the royal walked along with commoners, with each other to click pictures. with Rajasthan when he visited couple comes to our state.” 14 Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 WEEKLY REVIEW OF INDIA NEWS Black money: Advani demands white paper ddressing a public meeting as part of Advani said ill-governance may lead to collapse that there will be no dilution of RTI,” Advani Ahis Jan Chetna Yatra in Nagpur, the of the UPA government and result in mid-term said.On the occasion, BJP president Nitin octogenarian leader alleged that the UPA elections. Gadkari targeted Manmohan Singh by saying government was not serious about bringing Fed up with the inaction on part of the that he was a failure as an ‘economist’ prime back black money to the tune of Rs 2.5 government on the 2G spectrum scam, the minister.”His economic policies have proved lakh crore stashed abroad. BJP leader L.K. BJP and allies forced Parliament to a standstill to be wrong,” he said.”If Singh claims to be a Advani has demanded a white paper on black for the entire session and fi nally forced the honest person, he should take action against money from the UPA government during the government to set up a Joint Parliament those involved in the cash-for-vote scam when forthcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Committee, he said. the Congress led government bought votes to survive the trust vote in July 2008,” he said. He alleged that while countries like USA, UK, He criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Canada and others have amended necessary Singh for his recent remarks favouring a “critical Senior BJP leaders Gopinath Munde and money is brought back, India can provide basic provisions to bring back black money from look” at the Right to Information Act.”When Venkaiah Naidu and Maharashtra unit facilities like water, power, roads and others to Swiss banks, the Congress-led UPA government faced with questions, Singh sought to clarify president Sudhir Mungattiwar were also was not at all initiating any steps.”If the black nearly six lakh villages in the country,” he said. present on the occasion. Gujarat: Suspended IPS House panel likely to clear Lokayuktas in all states offi cer Sanjiv Bhatt gets bail he parliamentary standing Session Judge V K Vyas granted bail on the Tcommittee on law and justice is likely condition that Bhatt would cooperate with to recommend bringing Prime Minister the investigation and would remain present under the ambit of Lokpal with certain when called for. safeguards. Seventeen days after he was sent to The committee on law and justice is jail, suspended IPS offi cer Sanjiv Bhatt, veering around to recommending exclusion arrested for allegedly fabricating evidence of lower bureaucracy from the purview of to implicate Narendra Modi in the Gujarat the proposed Lokpal and facilitating setting up of powerful Lokayuktas in all states. riots, was granted bail by a local court on for allegedly threatening him and making While the panel is likely to endorse the Monday. him sign a false affi davit with regards to the government’s bill on the basic structure of Bhatt was in jail after being arrested on IPS offi cer’s presence in the February 27, the Lokpal, including exclusion of lower September 30 in connection with an FIR fi led 2002 meeting called by the chief minister bureaucracy, higher judiciary, citizen’s against him by a police constable K D Pant after the Godhra train burning incident. charter and allowing PM with certain safeguards, it may also recommend that the Supreme Court judgment in the Jharkhand 40-lakh government employees and may Cash-for-coverage scam takes Mukti Morcha case be reviewed, allowing prove entirely ineffective as a result. Sources Fashion designers for stronger control of conduct of MPs. who have been tracking the proceedings fi zz out of Advani’s yatra Anna Hazare had demanded that conduct said there was near unanimity that CBI from India and of MPs inside Parliament be brought within should not be bifurcated as suggested in the Lokpal but the panel is unlikely to civil society’s version of the bill. Pakistan unite accept it. The Jan Lokpal bill had recommended Come 20 October, Dubai will see A major bone of contention -- also part of that the investigative wing of CBI be the best of India and Pakistan the Parliament resolution -- was inclusion of taken over by the Lokpal. This is unlikely fashion all under one roof. The all government employees under the ambit to be part of the panel’s report though a top 15 designers from the both of the Lokpal. This has been shot down by detailed discussion on the powers of the countries are set to showcase the committee and it appears unlikely that Lokpal is still to happen. On the issue of their fi nest collections at Modula Team Anna’s demand will be accepted. setting up Lokayukatas, a panel member Conceptio Boutique in Dubai. Most members feel that an 11-member said, “Lokayuktas in states are a strong Among the designers on display Lokpal will not be able to effi ciently handle possibility. A cash-for-coverage scandal has State PWD Minister Nagendra Singh is Sangita Rao, the talented taken the fi zz out of Bharatiya Janata also presided over the press conference. Dubai-based Indian fashion Party leader L K Advani’s ambitious The incident came to light after one designer and the winner of The Anti-Cong yatra only after Jan Chetna Yatra against corruption of the journalists, Arvind Mishra of College Best Achievement Award and black money with BJP leaders in the Hindi daily Nai Dunia, returned by Manish Malhotra (India’s top winter session: Anna Madhya Pradesh “attempting to bribe” the envelope handed out to him and Bollywood fashion designer). After a sustained campaign against The decision came on a day that journalists for favourable coverage. reported the matter as a news story in Also on show is Gulzeb Asif - if the Congress before the Hisar saw Team Anna in turmoil over the A cash-for-coverage scandal has taken his paper. debuting her fashion line during Lok Sabha bypoll by civil society remarks of two members, Prashant the fi zz out of Bharatiya Janata Party “There were some 30-35 journalists Dubai Fashion Week (and members, Anna Hazare on Friday Bhushan and justice Santosh Hegde. leader L.K.Advani’s ambitious Jan both from print and TV at the press stealing the show too) wasn’t gave the party and government a Hazare expressed unhappiness over Chetna Yatra against corruption and conference and everybody accepted the enough! Her designs have also breather. Bhushan’s statement on holding black money with the BJP leaders in envelopes. I was enraged and along with found a home at Studio 8, the He announced postponement of his a referendum in Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh “attempting to bribe” my photographer, decided to return famous fashion boutique. anti-Congress yatra in Uttar Pradesh distanced the team from it. journalists for favourable coverage of the envelope. It’s unfortunate that this Other names which are going to to the end of the winter session of “Kashmir is an integral part of India. the yatra. is what journalism, and politics, have be there are Ashoo & Montana, Parliament. Bhushan’s views are in his personal Envelopes containing currency notes come to in this country,” Mr. Mishra Aleena & Fareena, Aeysha Mukri, “Anna won’t say anything now. He capacity,” he said. worth Rs. 500-1,000 were handed out told The Hindu. Faizaa Samee, Youssef Kamoun will wait for the winter session to In a separate development, justice to journalists during a press conference Mr. Mishra claims he has a recording (Haute Coutue by SS), Nasreen get over. Let’s see if the Congress Hegde said the anti-Congress called by local BJP MP Ganesh Singh of a phone conversation with the H Shaikh, Rizwan Beyg, Sadia brings the bill,” Team Anna’s Arvind campaign in Hisar was “not the at the district party offi ce in Satna on BJP’s district media in-charge, where Mirza, Saima Taimur, Sonya Iffat Kejriwal said. right thing to do” and that the Wednesday, a day ahead of Mr. Advani’s the latter has admitted to “bribing” Omer, Waseem Khan and Zara However, other team members will Hazare movement “is and should be press conference there. journalists. Shahjahan. tour UP from Monday. apolitical”. Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 FASHION 15 16 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 17

Trafalgar Square celebrates Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, has been stage performances showcasing the best of celebrated at Trafalgar Square. both contemporary and classical South Asian An afternoon of dance and music marked culture the festival, which has been celebrated at the central London landmark for the last 10 years. Tens of thousands of people counted down as Leicester’s Diwali lights were switched on, on Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I am delighted to Belgrave Road. see Diwali in the Square marking 10 years, it is Communities gathered on the Golden Mile on a magical celebration.” Sunday to celebrate the Hindu festival with The Diwali in London Committee said live music, singing, dancing and a fi rework and performances would showcase “the best of laser display. South Asian culture”. Leicester’s celebrations of the festival of light are thought to be the largest outside India. Lighting lamps Diwali day, on 26 October, marks the end Hundreds of people have been gathering at the of one year and the Hindu New Year will be fl agship event in the square every year. celebrated the following day. The festival, which celebrates the victory of Leicester’s Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby told the good over evil and marks a new beginning, crowd his thoughts on the festival of light. is of signifi cance to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains “Diwali comes at a dark time of year, it comes across the world and is marked by people as we move into winter and it celebrates the lighting lamps inside and outside their homes, triumph of light over that darkness and that’s and bursting fi recrackers. the message for all of our communities here in The Diwali in London Committee, which Leicester,” he said. organises the event, said: “Diwali is now Road closures and celebrated in towns and cities across the parking restrictions country. were put in place “At the fl agship event in Trafalgar Square around Belgrave people from all faiths and backgrounds Road for the duration can participate in folk dancing around the of the event. fountains, enjoy vegetarian food and watch 18 NEWS Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 CIA gives military greater say in debate, analysis of Afghan war The CIA is giving the military a Petraeus issued a statement to the National Intelligence Director James across the intelligence community Petraeus oversaw both the greater say in the debate over how the CIA staff Friday saying the change in Clapper, another senior U.S. official largely reported stalemate in several conventional and special operations war in Afghanistan is going by allowing process was “introduced to enhance said. parts of the country. The disagreements military campaigns, but his ideas about battlefield commanders to weigh coordination, to get our officers even Intelligence oversight committees were highlighted in the CIA’s district how to outsmart insurgent militias into the analysis at early stages, U.S. earlier access to more information, will be asking for more details about by district assessments in which are more closely associated with the officials say. and to ensure we gain the benefit of the change, said a senior U.S. official progress was graded geographically, conventional military. The move prompted a flurry hearing from those on the ground full- Friday, speaking on condition of with intelligence analysts seeing far The report did not favor one strategy of criticism in the intelligence time_intelligence base chiefs, civilian anonymity to discuss congressional less progress in key districts than did over another. But the information gave community’s old guard, worried the experts, and military officers alike” and oversight processes. military commanders on the ground. ammunition to those who supported not “to impose a military viewpoint on change presages a campaign by newly The CIA’s analysis makes up the They emphasized a spate of Vice President Joe Biden’s special our analysis.” arrived general-turned-CIA director bulk of national intelligence estimates, assassinations by the Taliban and poor operations-centered counterterrorism David Petraeus to improve the poor He said the AP article represented which help guide the White House and performance by the Afghan government strategy over Petraeus’ backing of marks the CIA gave the war effort in its an “inaccurate picture of his thoughts” Congress in drafting future policy. in their report, two U.S. officials say. traditional counterinsurgency. It own analysis earlier this year. on analysis. was seen as proof for some that the The last U.S. intelligence Analysts also were negative about additional conventional forces Petraeus The change was originally reported The change affects how CIA analysts assessment offered a dim view of the performance of the Afghanistan championed made little impact on the to The Associated Press as the brainchild conduct their semi-annual review of progress in Afghanistan despite the security forces, whereas military overall campaign and a slam against of Petraeus by senior intelligence every Afghan district to determine counterinsurgency campaign Petraeus commanders saw some units parts of the strategy designed by its officials who saw it as a way to improve several factors, including who is in oversaw there and painted a stark performing competently. architect just as he seeks to lead the the intelligence community’s grading control - the Afghan government or contrast to the generally upbeat Petraeus insisted at his confirmation intelligence service. of the war. They spoke on condition of the Taliban. The analysts used to brief predictions of progress from Petraeus hearing in June that he could “grade anonymity to discuss sensitive policy their findings to the senior military and other military leaders. Petraeus my own work.” But he vowed then to President Barack Obama’s debates. commander in Kabul, who would then has made no secret of his frustration change the way the CIA grades wars, announcement of a drawdown But the CIA says the change was share them with his subordinates, to with recent negative assessments saying the analysts relied on battlefield of 33,000 troops is being seen as requested by the current Afghanistan ask their opinion. coming primarily from the CIA, and data that was often six weeks to eight another departure from Petraeus’ commander, Marine Gen. John Allen, Now, the analysts will brief those said during his confirmation hearing weeks old. He called that a snapshot counterinsurgency strategy. and agreed to by CIA Deputy Director battlefield commanders on their that he planned to change the way the that was outdated by the time it reached Petraeus would only say it was a Michael Morell, before Petraeus arrived findings first. The commanders will civilian analysts grade wars. decision-makers. more “aggressive ... timeline” than at the agency. have the option to point out something Petraeus took over as head of Petraeus earlier told senators he’d he’d recommended, which meant “I saw it as strengthening the the CIA may have missed, in which the CIA last month. He was directly disagreed with four such national greater risk that U.S. forces might not analysis, better informing the analytic case, the analyst can change the report in charge of the war in Afghanistan intelligence estimates on the wars in succeed. process,” Morell told the AP on Friday. - or choose to hold firm, and simply for more than a year - his last job in Iraq and Afghanistan __ two because he In at least one instance, the analysts’ “We will still call it like we see it but note the commander’s disagreement. uniform - and oversaw the war as the thought they were too pessimistic, and conclusions in that last intelligence now with even better ground truth.” “No one on the CIA leadership team head of Central Command before that. two he thought were too optimistic. assessment tracked with Petraeus’ Morell had been trying to find a has directed that our analysts pay more Like Iraq, Afghanistan has become The February Afghan intelligence recommendation of keeping larger way to narrow the gulf between the attention to or place more weight on a proving ground for the theories of assessment found that special numbers of troops on the ground for a intelligence community’s sometimes the views of our military colleagues,” counterinsurgency Petraeus is credited operations night raids, combined with longer time period. negative view of the war versus the Petraeus said in his statement. “The with making central to current U.S. village-by-village security operations, The intelligence analysts pointed more positive views sometimes change was simply this: to ask our military doctrine. had shown more lasting progress in to intercepted communications expressed by commanders in the fight, analysts to discuss their findings The previous U.S. intelligence undermining the Taliban and their and broadcasts among Taliban a senior intelligence official added, with working-level ISAF officers assessment on Afghanistan and influence than attempts by conventional commanders who were heartened by speaking on condition of anonymity to before discussing them with the ISAF Pakistan earlier this year contradicted military forces to drive out militants, Obama’s drawdown timetable and discuss internal matters. leadership_the same steps, but just in then-war-commander Petraeus’ according to three U.S. officials who were able to reverse their decline of a different order.” Morell said Petraeus affirmed the assessment. Where he saw “fragile but have read the analysis and described it last spring in recruiting new fighters, move after he took the job as director. The policy has been backed by reversible progress,” the analysts from to The Associated Press. two U.S. officials said. Sufi clerics issue call to reject hardline Wahabis t a mahapanchayat in Unlike the Sufis, Wahabis are AMoradabad, UP, the All India against praying at dargahs (shrines) Ulama and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), and graves and many of the cultural which claims the support of a majority practices embedded in South Asian of Indian Muslims, rooted for Sufi Islamic traditions. “Millions of traditions of Islam propagating Muslims visit the Prophet’s shrine tolerance and harmony. at Madina every year. Muslims are A prominent organization of Sunni following the Prophet when they pray clerics has urged Muslims to reject at dargahs. Why should it be un- hardline Wahabi Islam, which it said Islamic?” asked Hazrat Shahid Mian was giving the community a bad name, the Muslim Personal Law Board,” Chishti, dargah-in-charge of Khwaja and called for limiting the influence said AIUMB general secretary Syed Moinuddin Chishti’s dargah at Ajmer. of Saudi Arabia, which it blamed Mohammed Ashraf Kachochavi at AIUMB also released a for meddling in the affairs of Indian Sunday’s meet. memorandum urging the external AIUMB spokesperson Syed Babar Muslims by pumping in petro-dollars. “foreign ideology” into India. “They AIUMB leaders claimed Wahabi- affairs ministry to ask the Saudi Arabian Ashraf said 80% of Indian Muslims “About 100 years ago, Sunni are funded by petro-dollars and aim to inspired outfits were feeding on government to stop “destroying followed the Sunni Sufi tradition while Muslims in India had rejected the grab political power,” Ashraf said. the frustration of Muslims and historical places and preserve sites Wahabis wielded control over just 13- Wahabis. After Independence, however, AIUMB urged the Centre to set up indoctrinating them in radical Islam. associated with the Prophet, his family 14% of the community. “But a large the Wahabis expanded their influence a central madrasa board, including a “Muslims should be careful about such and his Sahabas (companions)”. The section of the Urdu press has boycotted through political backing. While we member of each Sufi ‘silsila’ (order) in anti-national activities in the name AIUMB plans to hold mahapanchayats us. They are controlled by hardliners,” remained away from government and India and one from Shias or Bohras. of religion. If they find any extremist and Sunni conferences to spread their Ashraf said. politics, Wahabis gained control over The funding of madrasas should be exhorting them to terrorism, they message every six months. They have He said Wahabi-inspired outfits institutions dealing with minority audited to check the influx of Saudi should immediately hand over the held such programmes at Bhagalpur, like Deoband, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind affairs, including the wakf board and petro-dollars, it said. person to police,” said Kachochavi. Bihar, and West Bengal. and Ahl-e-Hadees were importing a Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE 19 Bhutan’s newly-wed royal couple

Colorful event Auspicious wedding Ahead of the wedding, future Queen Jetsun The ancient rituals, administered Pema prepares to take by the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s chief the fi fth Dragon King Buddhist abbot, began on October as her husband. 13 at 8:20 am, a time deemed as lucky by royal astrologers.

Leading up to the ceremony Happy kingdom Patriotism fl ag next to a portrait of King Jigme Bhutanese decorate their houses in a show of support Buddhist monks prepare for the wedding. The majority of for the marriage. A Bhutanese teacher places a royal the small Himalayan country’s population is Buddhist. Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema a day before the wedding. 100-year-old man runs marathon Centenarian completes marathon, sets record Fauja Singh fi nished dead last at the City” printed across its front -- completing the same race in 2003 in Athens in 1976. miles a day. the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront a nod to his faith. at age 92. Singh says his secret “I have said it before: that I will Marathon on Sunday. He fi nished more than six hours But until now, the title of “oldest” is a life without carry on running, as it is keeping But even though it took him eight behind winner was the cause of some alcohol and smoking, a me alive,” Singh told hours, he had every reason debate. vegetarian diet the marathon to beam. The Association of curries website. By completing the of Road Racing and tea, 26.2 mile course, Statistician already and daily Singh -- nicknamed recognized Singh exercise. the Turbaned Tornado as the oldest for a He -- became the oldest marathon he ran walks undisputed runner to at age 93. But the or fi nish a marathon. Guinness Book of He is 100. World Records Singh, born in rural India in 1911, did not start running marathons until he was 89, after he moved to England following the death of his wife and son. Kenneth He’s completed eight now. Mungara of “He says no one is forcing him to Kenya, who won do it. It’s his desire to do it,” coach the event for the and translator Harmander Singh fourth straight said Sunday in an interview with year. CNN affi liate CBC. “He wanted to Then again, do one when he’s 100 and today’s Mungara is only the day.” 38. Singh was a colorful sight as he Singh, the started the race in his canary centenarian, already runs yellow turban and a matching held the World listed someone else -- up to T-shirt with the words “ Sikhs in Record for the 90-plus age group, Dimitrion Yordanidis, 98, who ran 10 20 Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 WEEKLY REVIEW OF PAKISTAN NEWS PM Gilani lays foundation stone for Diamer-Bhasha Dam In an attempt to reduce the prevailing energy crisis that the dam construction would open many jobs and the right and left side) No. of units 8, each of 560 in the country, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani contribute to the economic uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan. MW Average generation 16,500 Gwh/year on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of the Diamer Features: 8. ESTIMATED COST (YEAR 2008) US$12 Billion Bhasha Dam in Gilgit-Baltistan. 1. LOCATION: The Dam will be located on the River Benefi ts: The dam is being built about 40 kilometres from Indus in Northern Pakistan, about 315 km upstream Availability of about 6,400,000 acre feet Chilas on the Indus River and will have a capacity of of Tarbela Dam, 165 km downstream of the Northern (7.89×109 m3) annual surface face water storage for producing 4,500 megawatts of electricity. Areas capital of Gilgit and 40 km downstream of supplementing irrigation supplies during low fl ow Χ 15.0 m The construction of the dam will cost around $11.17 Chilas. periods 5. RESERVOIR LEVEL 1160 m Gross capacity billion and can store around 8.1 million acre- 2. MAIN DAM Maximum Height: 270 m Type Roller Harnessing of renewable source of clean and cheap 7,300,000 acre feet (9.00×109 m3) Live capacity foot of water. The dam will provide more than 6.4 Compacted Concrete (RCC) energy through installed capacity of 4500 MW 6,400,000 acre feet (7.89×109 m3) Min. operation million acre-foot of water to irrigate a large area of 3. DIVERSION SYSTEM 2 No. Diversion tunnels Reduction of dependence on thermal power, thus level El. 1060 m agricultural land. 1 No. Diversion canal Upstream and Downstream saving foreign exchange 6. OUTLETS Intermediate level 8 Low level 4 After the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Cofferdams Employment opportunity, particularly to the 7. POWERHOUSE(S) 2 Total installed capacity 4500 prime minister addressed a public gathering and said 4. MAIN SPILLWAY No. of gates 9 Size of gate 16.5 locals, during the construction and operation MW Location and type Toe of the Dam (one each on Opposition should wait its turn Shahbaz Taseer kept near until 2013 elections: Gilani Pak-Afghan border: Malik peaking to journalists at the private television on Saturday evening. Minister for Interior, Rehman SLahore Press Club, Gilani said that The prime minister said that the Pak- Malik on Monday said the all the institutions were working fi ne in US relations are getting better and that abductors have kept Shahbaz their capacities and the opposition is the government will not take any step Taseer near adjoining areas of threatened by the majority of the PPP in which will go against national interest. Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the Senate. He said that the People’s Party believed he is alive. He said that the opposition should in strengthening the nation and the “As per intelligence information, wait its turn until the elections. government will remain intact until the the kidnappers have kept the son of late Governor Salman Taseer Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani people supported it. in Pak-Afghan border areas, but I on Saturday condemned the politics Senate. “There are all the indications Gilani also said that the Balochistan want to tell the terrorist that their he was proceeding to his offi ce. of agitation by PML-N, which, he said, that PPP will emerge as a single largest package had been given to eliminate the coward action cannot weaken The Minister was talking to wanted the fall of PPP-led government party in the Senate after March elections grievances of the province. the government’s commitment mediamen at a ceremony before Senate elections in March, but with its coalition partners, and they Speaking on the media, Gilani said against extremism and terrorism,” organized here by workers the masses would not accept it and the (the PML-N leaders) want the fall of that the PPP believed in free media and he said. of National Database and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would government before March by hook or by that the media plays an important role Shahbaz Taseer was kidnapped Registration Authority (NADRA) emerge as a single largest party in the crook,” Gilani said in an interview with a in the success of a democracy. from Lahore few months ago when at its Headquarters. Showdown looms in NA over DHA bill President In what could be a deceptive lull laws, came three days after a landmark holds after a day of turmoil, the Pakistan private bill seeking to penalise anti- National Assembly quietly passed women practices like forced marriages informal two government bills on Friday, while and the so-called marriage with the awaiting a potential thriller to come holy Quran to deprive women of interaction when it meets next on Monday. heritance was put off until the next An almost unanimous vote, without private members’ day on Tuesday just with SAFMA any argument on the fi rst bills to go as it was about to be passed after some A delegation of the Pakistan through the house’s current session, lawmakers from both the opposition chapter of SAFMA and South was in sharp contrast to Thursday’s the PPP benches objected to perceived Asia Media Commission (SAMC) spectacle when lawmakers of the harshness of the intended minimum comprising prominent media opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N sentences and drafting fl aws. persons of the country called on and the government-allied Muttahida government agenda for the bill’s bill with a promise to bring it back on The fi rst bill of the day, piloted by President Asif Ali Zardari here at Qaumi Movement nearly came to blows adoption on Thursday, Chaudhry Monday after consulting the opposition Water and Power Minister Naveed the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday for mainly over the Karachi-based MQM’s Nisar had criticised the MQM as a as he and some other senior lawmakers Qamar, said in an accompanying an informal interaction. role in Sindh. “fascist and terrorist party”, provoking intervened to disengage the PML-N statement of objects and reasons that The over 60 strong delegation But the two bills — seeking to boost a strong response from the Muttahida, and MQM in their second exchange of the new law was expected to inspire of media persons included offi ce power generation by making the which, in turn, accused the PML-N of abusive language within four days. public and public sector “confi dence bearers of SAFMA (South Asian Private Power Infrastructure Board trying to cripple parliament by threats There was no indication on Friday if in the authority, credibility, effi ciency Free Media Association), Nusrat (PPIB) a statutory body and to provide to block the DHA bill, which the the PPP and PML-N had come any and permanence” of the PPIB, which Javed, Imtiaz Alam, Mustansar for the administration of a fund by opposition leader alleged would violate closer to settling differences that could was originally created under the 1994 Javed, Ms. Farzana Ali, Fakhar the human rights ministry to help the Constitution and give a preferential avoid a feared showdown on Monday power policy of then-PPP government KakaKhel and that of SAMC, Zia- women prisoners — are to be followed treatment to a private housing society on the DHA bill which has already been to act as a “one-window operation” to ud-Din and Saleem Shahid among by a controversial Defence Housing perceived to be associated with an cleared, by majority vote, by the house attract and facilitate private investment others. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Authority Bill for Islamabad that the army-run DHA having some land standing committee on defence, which in the sector. MNA, Secretary Information government put off until Monday after falling also in the Rawalpindi district is chaired by Azra Fazal Pechuho, a It said donor agencies had “time and Taimur Azmat Usman, and Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar of Punjab. sister of President Asif Ali Zardari. again” called for giving the PPIB a legal Spokesperson to the President Ali Khan threatened on Thursday that The chief whip of the Pakistan People’s Friday’s quick vote on the PPIB Bill status, which it added had even been were also present during the his PML-N would block it — physically, Party (PPP) and Religious Affairs and Women in Distress and Detention cited by the Asian Development Bank interaction. The President if needed. Minister Khursheed Ahmed Shah Fund (Amendment) Bill, which must as one of its conditions for its “multi- interacted informally with the While voicing objections to the then announced the deferment of the now be passed by the Senate to become tranche facility” to the government. participants over the dinner. Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 21 WEEKLY REVIEW OF MALDIVE NEWS Iran secretly executing hundreds Higher Subsidy paid to of prisoners: Dr Ahmed Shaheed fi shermen: President The UN special rapporteur on the human rights situation President Mohamed Nasheed has in Iran, former Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed said that a higher subsidy has been Shaheed has made serious allegations against the Iranian paid for fi shermen, than the amount government in his fi rst report detailing growing rights fi nalised by the parliament, by abuses in the Islamic republic. cutting down 50% from duty taken Iran’s authoritarian regime has secretly executed on diesel. hundreds of prisoners at Vakilabad prison in Mashhad in The President made this statement eastern Iran, according to the UN report. while speaking at the ceremony held Dr Shaheed, who assumed responsibility for the mandate in Noonu Ken’dhikulhudhoo Sunday on August 1, billed this as an interim report cataloging evening, to commemorate this year’s the most recent trends in the human rights situation in Fisherman’s Day and Farmer’s Day. Iran. Speaking at the ceremony, the The report, which is to be presented to the UN General President noted that the fi shing Assembly on Wednesday, details a raft of abuses from the industry was still one of the main denial of women’s rights to torture, but the most shocking income sources in the Maldives, data was the skyrocketing rate of executions. highlighting the many on going schemes in the development of the fi sheries sector. In his speech, the President also PPM not personalities-specifi c: Gayoom highlighted the sea-cucumber cultivation programme initiated ormer President Maumoon Gayoom expressed thanks to the participated. Apart from former in Ken’dhikulhudhoo, noting the Abdul Gayoom has said that party members and others present. President and his wife Nasreena, F profi tability of such aquaculture the new political party, Progressive He said that the party is being several MPs and some former projects, apart from the fi shing Party of Maldives (PPM) is for the formed for sake of the religion ministers were also present. industry being based on tuna fi shing whole nation and was not meant of Islam and will be steadfast on As required by the Election only. just for personalties. serving Islam and the nation of Commission, the Commission Refl ecting on the agricultural industry Maldives. Speaking at the Inaugural endorsed Progressive Party of of the Maldives, the President pointed Convention held at Dharubaaruge Meanwhile, the convention Maldives as the name of the party out that the reduction of 20% of all Sunday night, Former President was attended by offi cials of as well as the party’s objectives. imported agricultural produce has Gayoom who was elected as the the Elections Commission and The Convention also passed lowered the prices of produce in the transitional President of the Party monitored the meeting as required Magenta as its colour and a logo market. In his speech, the President by all members who were present, by the Regulation on Political depicting a crescent and palm tree. also underlined the importance of said that was selected as the Parties. members have set an example in The Charter and manifesto of the replacing chemical pesticides with transitional president and that the their unanimous support for him. 971 members of the party Party was also passed. natural means. UN climate talks ‘stupid and DRP to reject Dr endless’: Maldives Majeed’s appointment The UN’s talks on climate change are daft and crippled by fi nger-pointing and the need for consensus, the president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, was quoted on Thursday by Le Monde as saying. Nasheed also said emerging economies were as much to blame for global warming as rich nations. In an interview with the French daily, Nasheed pounded out the frustrations of vulnerable small island states with the 194-party UN Framework Convention He also criticised the rift in the UNFCCC would have done the same, perhaps on Climate Change (UNFCCC). talks over who was to blame for the more so,” he said. “The current negotiation process is man-made carbon emissions that stoke “If the West stopped their emissions and stupid, useless and endless. It is based global warming. China, South Africa and Brazil carried hief opposition Dhivehi scholars over the Religious Unity on this principle: two parties reach an Poor countries say rich countries bear on emitting on the basis of business as Rayyithunge Party’s (DRP) Regulation. agreement, a third one comes alone and “historical responsibility” as they were usual, we would still die. The Maldives C Parliamentary Group is to reject DRP stressed that it would work says it doesn’t agree and it reduces the the fi rst to burn the coal, gas and oil that would disappear.” the appointment of Dr Abdul to rally opposition support to the ambition of the others,” Nasheed said. cause the problem. Efforts to tackle climate change were Majeed Abdul Bari as the Islamic decision. “In essence, even if we reach an Rich countries say emerging giants such ravaged by the near-fi asco of the Minister for a third time. The opposition joint agreement, it will be an agreement as China, India and Brazil also have Copenhagen Summit of December The party said members parliamentary group earlier said its about nothing. It will be so diluted that to shoulder the burden as they have 2009, where world leaders squabbled of the Parliamentary Group members would also vote against it will be of no use,” he said bitterly, become huge carbon emitters in their over targets and burden-sharing. unanimously agreed on Thursday Dr Majeed’s appointment. calling for “an overhaul of international own right. They cobbled together a last-ditch deal, to reject Dr Majeed’s appointment The parliament last week organisations.” “Responsibility is shared equally,” said the Copenhagen Accord, which sets because the Islamic Ministry has assigned a parliamentary Nasheed, whose comments were Nasheed. down a voluntary approach of national not yet taken an action regarding committee to review the reported in French, was speaking during “If the emerging countries had had the pledges supported by fi nancial pledges the concerns raised by religious endorsement of Dr Majeed as the a visit to Paris. chance to emit as much carbon, they to help poor countries. 22 Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 WEEKLY REVIEW OF NEPAL NEWS MJF-D turns table on Maoists The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum- Ram Janam Chaudhary, the chief statement that no constitution can Democratic today urged the UCPN- whip of the MJF-D after today’s stop 22 Tarai-Madhes districts from Maoist, which leads the ruling meeting of the MJF-D’s political seceding if discrimination against coalition, to come up with an offi cial committee, despite the fact that the them continues. statement on the controversial Maoist parliamentary board under Another MJF-D leader Pramod remarks of Defence Minister Sharat Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Kumar Gupta, also a member of the Singh Bhandari, who represents the has already sought Bhandari’s political committee, quoted Defence MJF-D in the government. resignation. Minister Bhandari as saying at the “Either the Maoist central He further said the MJF-D will write meeting that he will resign only if committee or the Parliamentary to Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal a majority of central committee Party should make the party’s Dahal in a day or two demanding his members of the party seek his stance on the matter public,” said party’s offi cial view on Bhandari’s resignation. Tripathi defends defence minister Oppn parties obstruct House again Opposition parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, today continued obstructing the proceedings of Parliament for the second day demanding resignation of two ministers — Prabhu Sah, Minister for Land Reform and Management and Sharat Singh. They had obstructed the House meeting on Thursday with the same demand. However, Minister Sah later today tendered his resignation Irrigation Minister and senior leader ire on Bhandari by demanding his to Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party resignation. The opposition parties said they would continue obstructing Hridayash Tripathi today defended He informed that a meeting of United House until the prime minister clarifi ed Parliament about Defence Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari, Democratic Madhesi Front would the charges against the two ministers after sacking them. alleging that opposition parties were decide whether or not Bhandari should Three lawmakers from Congress and UML addressed running after Bhandari’s remarks as step down. the House to elaborate their concerns and then all the they had no other issue at hand. “The parties are demanding Bhandari’s lawmakers stood from their seats pressing Speaker Subas UML leader Bhim Rawal demanded prime minister’s Talking to mediapersons in Janakpur, resignation to overshadow the issues Nembang to call off today’s House business. The next clarifi cation on three issues — charges against the two Minister Tripathi claimed that of the peace and statute-drafting meeting has been scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow. ministers, prime minister’s statement that he was facing opposition parties, who were against processes,” said Tripathi. “Bhandari’s Sah is accused in the murder of then chairman of Hindu pressure not to take action against the murder of Islami the coalition of Madhes-based parties statement was not suggesting Tarai Youth Association Kasi Tiwari and Bhandari has been Sangh Nepal general secretary Faizan Ahmed and and UCPN-Maoist were venting their secession, but it was misconstrued.” dragged to controversy for speaking against national increment in the salary of Maoist combatants without taking sovereignty. Bhandari had made a public statement stating permission from the Special Committee (for Supervision, Sack ministers in controversy: UML that no law could stop if 22 Tarai district chose to secede. Integration and Rehabilitation of Maoist combatants). Nepalese see Pakistan as South Muslims enforce Asia’s greatest security threat chakka jam The results, based on a survey that powers, India and China, their rivalry ‘Shahid Faizan Struggle Committee’ Gallup conducted in mid-July and hardly registers as a security threat. comprising various Muslim early August for the South Asia With concern about terrorism organisations and right activists today Democratic Forum (SADF), appear to weighing heavily on their minds, enforced chakka jam for one and a half refl ect Nepalese respondents’ concern Nepalese look with unease at Pakistan hour in the Capital city to pressure the about terrorism. -- a country whose own president authorities to implement the deal they Nepalese are roughly twice as likely accuses past governments of having had reached with the government. to identify Pakistan as the greatest “deliberately created and nurtured” The government is yet to declare slain threat to South Asian security than terrorist movements. However, some Muslim leader Faizan Ahmed a martyr, Afghanistan or India. Nepalese respondents may have been bring the guilty behind his murder to Top UCPN-Maoist and CPN-UML of involvement in the murder of Kashi The results, based on a survey that thinking more locally than regionally book, induct a Muslim representative leaders held discussions on a number Nath Tiwari, chairman of Hindu Yuva Gallup conducted in mid-July and when answering the question about the in the judicial probe commission, of issues today. Sangh, Bhandari has come under fi re early August for the South Asia greatest security threat. More than fi ve provide education to the deceased’s Top UCPN-Maoist and CPN-UML from opposition parties, a section Democratic Forum (SADF), appear to years after Nepal’s decade-long civil children free and guarantee security leaders held discussions on a number within the UCPN-M and Madhesi refl ect Nepalese respondents’ concern war ended, local insurgent groups are of Muslims. Hundreds of Muslims, of issues today. Among others, the Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic about terrorism. Four in 10 Nepalese still fi ghting for the independence of human rights activists, professionals resignation of Land Reforms and for airing secessionist views. While choose terrorism as the No. 1 security certain regions in the country. and people from other religious faiths Management Minister Prabhu Sah addressing a function in the capital threat to the region. Crime places a Nepal’s leaders and others worldwide had taken out a rally from Ghantaghar and Defence Minister Sharat Singh before Dashain, Bhandari had said distant second, with 20% naming it as should take Nepalese worries about where Ahmed, general secretary of Bhandari, and Prime Minister no constitution can stop 22 districts the top issue. Pakistan and terrorism seriously. On Islami Sangh Nepal, was shot dead by Baburam Bhattarai’s upcoming India of the Tarai-Madhes if they choose to Fewer than 1 in 10 (8%) Nepalese say the one hand, policymakers need to gunmen on September 26. visit beginning October 20 fi gured in secede. nuclear weapons constitute the greatest step up efforts to advance the regional The rally that started at 1 pm traversed the talks. “We asked the PM to sack both the security threat and an equal percentage cooperation in South Asia sorely through various places before gathering The UML leaders demanded that the ministers as they do not deserve the (8%) say the same about rivalry needed to boost regional security. On for a corner meeting in front of Jame PM immediately sack Land Reforms posts,” Bhim Rawal, a UML leader, between India and Pakistan. Although the other hand, Nepal’s leaders must Masjid and Kashmiri Jame Masjid and Minister Sah and Defence Minister who took part in the bilateral meeting Nepal is situated between two rising improve security within the country. enforce chakka jam. Bhandari. While Sah has been accused this morning, said. Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 23 WEEKLY REVIEW OF SRILANKA NEWS

Deadline extended SL speaking language of peace to declare ri Lanka is speaking the transformed into a trilingual Slanguage of peace after society where English will be the assets decades of conflict that affected link language. thousands of Sri Lankans of all President Rajapaksa said Sri communities, said President Lanka is becoming a destination Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing of business, leisure and the 9th International Language tranquillity after the end of 30 and Development Conference in years of conflict. Colombo Tuesday. He added that holding this He said the government’s kind of conference in Sri Lanka primary focus is to ensure proves that peace prevails in the that all citizens of the country country. irrespective of their ethnicity The Elections Secretariat of Sri The President said language is learn the three main languages to Lanka has extended the deadline a means of communication and forge closer ties with each other. for the elected local government that Sri Lanka is committed to the people, pointed out that the understanding. members to hand in their assets The President while reiterating safeguard the language rights of country is in the process of being and liabilities declarations. The deadline that was set for October 15th has now been extended till Bharatha’s widow against Opposition to commence the 20th. Election Commissioner Mahinda daughter joining politics Deshapriya has called on the Hirunika, taking to politics. agitation campaign defeated candidates also to “Everyone knows what happened to submit their assets and liabilities our family because of politics”, she declarations to the Elections said. Mrs. Sumana Premachandra Department by the 30th. confirmed her daughter’s intention However, candidates representing to take to politics. “I advised her independent groups or parties against it as I fear she is inviting that failed to secure at least one trouble.” seat in any local government body Widow of slain politician, and Hirunika, even before her father’s are not required to hand in assets presidential advisor, Bharatha cremation announced she would and liabilities declarations. Lakshman Premachandra said that come forward to fill his place in she would object to her daughter, politics. Co-deputy leaders of Sri Lanka’s district parliamentarian Buddhika main opposition United National Pathirana and Western Provincial Vietnam pledges to stand by SL Party (UNP) Karu Jayasuriya and Councilor Shiral Lakthilleka. Sajith Premadasa are to commence Both Jayasuriya and Premadasa have Vietnam will always stand by Sri a protest campaign against the party objected to the party leader’s decision Lanka in the international arena, leadership’s decision to suspend the to suspend the two members. stated Vietnamese President Truong membership of two party members. UNP sources have said that Jayasuriya Tan Sang during his bilateral The party leader Ranil and Premadasa are to commence the discussion with President Mahinda Wickremasinghe last week decided to protest campaign after issuing a joint Rajapaksa at the Presidential suspend the membership and initiate statement condemning the action Secretariat yesterday. disciplinary action against Matara against the two members. He said Vietnam will always extend its assistance to Sri Lanka in the UN Assemblies, South-South corporation, Colombo Plan and any Sri Lanka to purchase other international event. He pledged Vietnam’s fullest more aircraft cooperation to Sri Lanka to ensure Sri Lanka plans to add five more civil aviation under the Mahinda regional security and elimination of state visit by a Vietnamese leader negative effects,” he said. aircraft to its national aviation service Chinthana vision and taken several terrorism. He appreciated President to Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa “Sri Lanka desires to strengthen within next five months, Minister measures to develop the aviation Rajapaksa for the first telephone call emphasized the close relations defence cooperation between the of Civil and Aviation Priyankara service. he had made to the then Vietnamese between the two countries which two countries in fighting against the Jayaratne has said. He noted that 60 percent of the President to inform of the elimination have “matured and strengthened on common menace of terrorism. In Participating in a programme construction work of Sri Lankan’s of terrorism in Sri Lanka in 2009. shared values and historical ties”. this context, the conclusion of the at the state-run radio Sri Lanka second international airport at Vietnam highly values the high He expressed his gratitude to the Defence Co-operation Agreement Broadcasting Corporation, the Mattala in Hambanthota district level political relationship that government of Vietnam for the between our two countries during Minister has revealed plans to has already been completed and exists between the two countries, support and co-operation extended this visit would enable to initiate purchase Three Airbus A320 aircraft the airport will be opened for the Vietnamese President stressed. to crackdown on illegal activities measures for practical cooperation,” and two more for long distance international flights at the end of He pledged to provide Sri Lanka carried out by the LTTE in the East he added. flights. 2012. with assistance in defence, defence Asia Region. Elaborating on trade and investment, Two of the planes will be added to Meanwhile, Katunayake training, fisheries, petroleum sector, “Although we have militarily President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka the service at the end of this year international airport will be disaster management, and search defeated the LTTE, the sophisticated seeks to engage with Vietnam and other three will be obtained by expanded to facilitate the handling and rescue missions. Vietnamese propaganda machinery supported to create a win-win situation for March 2012. of modern Airbus A 380 aircraft. multi-national corporations will be by some INGOs, operating to tarnish both countries, capitalizing on The government plans to expand the The government is expanding encouraged to invest in Sri Lanka, the image of Sri Lanka is of great mutual advantages. He invited the fleet of 19 aircraft currently in service air services to accommodate the he noted. concern to us. I look forward to your Vietnamese business community to up to 30 in the next four years. increased influx of tourists to the Appreciating the Vietnamese consistent support in the regional participate in the Expo 2012 Trade The Minister has indicated that the country following the end of the war President’s visit, the first-ever and multilateral fora to counter such Exhibition in March next year. government has given priority to in May 2009. 24 SPECIAL FEATURE Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 Salman’s Ek Tha Ranbir’s Tiger will release on talent hunt on EID, thanks to Aamir Facebook together Adi and Salman were Sanjay Dutt was scheduled to much pleased to accept the release on the same date. request and re-scheduled YRF’s ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ is based on a story written by Aditya Chopra and the Screenplay & Dialogues written by Kabir Khan theatres and Neelesh Misra. worldwide on EID Aseem Mishra, who has A friend in need is a friend earlier worked in the indeed! Well now this phrase 2012, and for this all credit goes to friend company of Kabir on comes totally perfect for one of YRF’s ‘New York’, is the the best buddies in the industry, Aamir Khan. In view of the fact that Aamir Director of Photography. namely Salman Khan and Aamir The music will be Khan. And better known as a Khan was desring to release his upcoming provided by Sohail Sen. great human being and a lovely Directed by Kabir Khan movie, directed The handsome lad Ranbir Kapoor friend, Salman can do anything and produced by Aditya by Reema Kagti, is launching a talent-hunt for for his close buddies. Chopra, the movie stars on June 1, 2012, he requested the chase for talent people Yash Raj Films’ romantic the release of ‘Ek Tha Salman Khan and Katrina Salman Khan and Aditya Chopra through Facebook and they will thriller Ek Tha Tiger, starring Tiger’ to Eid. Earlier Aamir had Kaif in the lead roles. to reschedule the release dates be interviewed on the social superstar Salman Khan and his re-scheduled his Reema Kagti’s The movie is at present fi lming of their movie ‘Ek tha Tiger’ if networking website itself. The ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif, was movie from 26th January 2012 in Dublin from where it shifts possible. talent hunt is going on for “New earlier slated to release on June to June 1st, 2012, just because on to Turkey for its after that Better known for the close Star of India”, a three-minute 1, 2012. However now it has been Karan Johar’s Agneepath movie schedule. rapport and mutual admiration movie. The heartthrob Ranbir shifted and will now release in starring Hrithik Roshan and all of them share for one another, says that no one has tried out something like this in past. The 29 year old actor, alongside Movie Review India Trying with Nissan India, is seeking out for 20 participators. The to Boost candidates can join the talent- Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge hunt contest, which will begin ‘Bollywood’ Film from October 19, by posting a ‘Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge’ is a short-clip of individuals. The 20 rollicking rom-com Industry in Israel lucky ones, who will be chosen by The ApunKaChoice movie review of online selection, will come into Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge. India’s $20 billion “Bollywood” sight next to Ranbir in the fi lm. Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge is a fi lm fi lm industry moguls are looking In a recent interview Ranbir by the youth and for the youth. It’s to Israel to scout out new ventures Kapoor said that he is very much a rollicking rom-com that revolves and fi lm location sites. thrilled to be caught up in this around a set of characters who fake India’s $20 billion “Bollywood” innovative fi lm with Nissan, their identities on Facebook to woo fi lm industry moguls are looking and as well nobody has tried out the person they harbour a secret to Israel to scout out new ventures anything like this in past. Further crush on. and fi lm location sites. added that he himself requesting The movie introduces four They will tour Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, to all Bollywood buffs out there, newcomers, two of which turn out Masada and the Dead Sea, with an that this is your once in a lifetime to be quite a revelation. eye to attractivefi lming sites. chance to join him in the magical Vishal (Saqib Saleem) is a loser The visit this week by some of India’s of the fi lms. Lastly he concluded when it comes to girls. But the lad largest and most lucrative fi lm and in saying that he is hoping to see has got brains and can pen some television companies coincides people’s auditions and just cannot darn good lyrics. The problem with the Jerusalem International hang around to get introduced is he’s got a crush on the most Film Festival Premiere of “Gangor,” with his co-stars. beautiful girl in the college, Malvika fun, confusion, banter, fl ared pace, though one gets a feeling that a fi lm by Indian producer Vinod The fi nalist will as well get an (Tara D’Souza). tempers and shocking revelations the things do get a bit stretched in Kumar. opportunity to produce the fi lm, Preity (Saba Azad) hates boys except in this youth comedy. The best the second half. And even though The Hollywood Reporter hailed decide its music, work on the one, Rahul (Nishant Dahiya), the part: it’s a fi lm that any youth can you can foresee how this rom com the Indian-Italian co-production clothing and name the characters rockstar and the heartthrob of many easily relate to. The language that will conclude, sitting through it is as “a moving personal account of too. “New Star of India” will be girls. The problem is that Preity is the characters speak, the situations entertaining nonetheless. the mass rape of India’s poor, tribal premiered in a range of cities a dowdy girl and she doesn’t know they fi nd themselves in are all too Take your Fraands along for this women whose voices are rarely, if across India in January 2012. why Rahul would even notice her. familiar for anyone who’s enjoyed one and have a ball! ever, heard.” Facebook provides the way out. his or her college life. How? The movie works primarily because Vishal has access to Rahul’s of the performances by Saqib Bookies bet on Aishwarya Rai’s delivery date! Facebook account and pretends Saleem and Saba Azad. The love- Aishwarya Rai’s pregnancy was a national news and now as her due date approaches, as Rahul to woo Malvika. On the hate relationship between them is the bookies are busy placing bets on the most favourable date for the delivery of the other hand, Preity fakes as Malvika tempestuous and that’s what makes baby. Aishwarya Rai is in the third trimester of her pregnancy and the baby is due on Facebook. Ironically, even as the fi lm a fun watch. The other two sometime in the second week of November. Since it is the eleventh month of the they become friends on Facebook, newbies, Nishant Dahiya and Tara eleventh year in the new millennium, bookies favour the date eleventh November. in real life Vishal and Preity can’t D’Souza are good lookers, but not Yes, 11.11.11 is the date where a lot of people are reportedly placing their bets. stand each other. as good performers. Another favourite date, we hear, is 14.11.11 which is the Children’s Day. Director Nupur Asthana takes this The fi lm’s music may not be a rage, However, the stakes may change as November approaches as then it would be clearer case of mistaken identities and spins but the songs gel in well with the when the baby is expected. Aishwarya Rai has lately been making public appearances a funny love story out of it. There’s theme. The story unspools at a quick but has been discreetly keeping her baby bump hidden beneath layers of clothes. Saarc international I Thursday 20 October 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE 25 Philanthropist Sarah Hashwani Inspires Uk Women To Empower Women In Pakistan

Chair of international NGO, and Enterprise, broadcaster and 500 Appeal’ and hope I can play a the Hashoo Foundation, Sarah presenter Yasmeen Khan and small part in helping to empower Hashwani, Wednesday celebrated leading make-up artist Zaynab and change the lives of these the launch of the Foundation’s Mirza. women.” UK chapter. The charity Also attending the

The evening was opened with an the work of the Foundation across address by Mr Sadruddin Hashwani the world. Guest of Honour at the event, His Excellency, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations closed the marked its entry into evening with a heart-warming the UK with a new appeal ‘500 for speech that highlighted the positive 500’ created to help empower the impact and value that must be women living in the remote regions placed on the work of NGOs in the of Northern Pakistan, with the help developing world. of 500 women from the UK. The evening also included an The 500 for 500 Appeal aims to exhibition of photographs invite and engage 500 women from the UK to join hands with 500 women in the Northern areas of Pakistan, through the foundation’s award-winning Plan Bee project. The campaign was launched on Plan Bee, which won the BBC World event was a young woman from the evening with the introduction Challenge in 2008, is Hashoo’s the Northern areas of Pakistan, of the campaign’s fi rst set of innovative project that provides Jamila, who has directly ambassadors, which include: women in the Northern region of benefi tted from Plan Bee. Adeeba Malik, Deputy Chief Pakistan with the opportunity to The Hashoo Foundation is a Executive of leading national become beekeepers. dynamic and progressive non- development agency, QED-UK; Leading make-up artist and profi t organisation which was model and TV presenter Gulzaeb entrepreneur Zaynab Mirza, one of set up by one of Pakistan’s most Beg; the UK’s youngest Muslim the appeal’s very fi rst ambassadors prominent families - the Hashwani’s female Councillor, Rabia Bhatti; said of the initiative: “After having in 1988. The Foundation’s vision and the fi rst screening of a top fashion designer Raishma read about all the fantastic work is to help create an ethical and in his role as Patron-in- special documentary fi lm created Islam; Dr Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, they are already doing in Pakistan inclusive society in which people Chief of the Foundation, in which by award-winning fi lm-maker a Director of the International I am looking forward to becoming live with dignity and have power he thanked and praised guests for Romaine Lancaster. Centre for Entrepreneurship an Ambassador for ‘The 500 for over their own lives. their support and commitment to Musharraf-Imran election alliance being brokered by common friends Important political developments of seats and emerge as one of make this happen is the mayor of to dinner at his residence. It has could be witnessed before the the major political force in the Paris (Texas, USA)) Dr Arjumand also come to light that he (Imran) general elections as political parties country. Hashmi, one of Musharraf’s stayed there overnight. are adjusting their positions in line These hints emerged as Tehrik-e- cronies, who is trying to broker a Dr Arjumand when approached with the prevailing scenario. The Insaaf Chief is now on a visit to the deal with all he is worth. The likely by media persons confi rmed the All Pakistan Muslim League chief United States. Well placed sources alliance is election specifi c. meeting and stay of Imran Khan at Gen (Retd) Pervez Musharraf said that Musharraf-Imran were Sources brought to fore that Imran his house. He however denied any and Tehrik-e-Insaf leader Imaran busy in forging a covert political Khan, fl anked by his close aide Dr telephonic conversation between Khan are being persuaded by alliance through their friends in Zai, on the sidelines of a recent the two leaders during the whole common friends to enter into an the US. political visit to US met with Dr time Tehrik-e-Insaf leader was his alliance to win maximum number One person in the forefront to Arjumand who had invited him guest. 26 SPECIAL FEATURE South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 Will Israel bomb Iran without notifying the US? The danger is that Netanyahu may seek to break out of the current political isolation by mounting a spectacular attack

The American, Saudi and Israel armies are on high alert following last week’s American accusations that Iran plotted to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington. The United States also reportedly is sending the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean. It provides combat support for ground troops and can plant mines on coasts of Middle East countries. Meanwhile Earlier on Monday a source close to prominent Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sader’s group said Israeli jet fi ghters had conducted drills at a military base in Iraq in order to strike targets inside Iran. According to the report a considerable number of Israeli The Iranian plot the US Israeli embassies in Argentina, as conspiracy,” the Asharq al-Awsat US military and civilian personnel warplanes, including F-15, F-16, government says aimed to murder well as opening Zeta traffi cking newspaper reported, citing a (and other interests) throughout F-18, F-22, and KC-10 jet fi ghters, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to routes for opium from the Middle statement from the kingdom’s UN the Middle East and beyond. Baer were seen at al-Asad base in Iraq. Washington allegedly fell down East through Mexico. mission. is no ordinary CIA operative. A spokeswoman for Israel’s army because a member of the Mexican Some reports accused Israeli secret Israel’s ‘Threat’ to Bomb Nuclear George Clooney won an Oscar for denied any knowledge of such a Zeta drug cartel hired to carry out service Mossad for being behind Facilities is Central to its Iran playing a character based on Baer report and said that the military the job for $1.5m was actually a the act of planned to assassinate Strategy in the fi lm Syriana (Baer also wrote did not comment on operational US informant. the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Earlier some months ago this the book). When asked about what matters. Earlier President Barack The informant told the Drugs order to provoke a war between year implicit warning in the would happen in the aftermath of Obama on Sunday offered tepid Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Washington and Tehran. In unprecedented public comments an Israeli attack Dagan said that: diplomatic and legal responses to May that he had been contacted September former Vice President by former Mossad chief Meir “It will be followed by a war with an alleged Iranian plot to detonate by alleged Iranian agent Manssor Dick Cheney in an interview Dagan and former Chief of Staff, Iran. It is the kind of thing where a bomb in a crowded shopping Arbabsiar. They held several with a Television said Israel will Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi warning that we know how it starts, but not how district in the nation’s capital. meetings in Mexico which attack Iran’s nuclear facilities Israel attacking Iran would be an it will end.” “Our fi rst step is to make sure were taped. Methods discussed if necessary to prevent it from act of spectacular self-destructive The Iranians have the capability to we prosecute those individual reportedly included a targeted developing a nuclear weapon. folly -- and lamenting that Prime fi re rockets at Israel for a period of [plotters] … I will leave to the assassination and a bomb. On the other hand Saudi Minister months, and Hizbollah could fi re Attorney General [Eric Holder] Arbabsiar fl ew to Mexico in Benjamin tens of thousands of grad rockets the task of describing how that late September Netanyahu and hundreds of long-range will proceed,” Obama said at a allegedly to serve and Defense missiles, he said. White House press conference on as a guarantee Minister Ehud Robert Baer also said but an Israeli Sunday day. “The second thing we that full payment Barak were attack on Iran would be different. will continue to do is to apply the would follow the both prone to It would endanger countless toughest sanctions and continue assassination. such reckless Americans (in the region and here to mobilize the international The Mexican whims. at home, too). It would kill off any community to make sure that Iran government has Mier Dagan economic recovery by causing is further and further isolated and confi rmed that it also said the oil prices to skyrocket. It would pays a price,” said Obama. denied him entry centerpiece engulf us in another Middle East and put him on a of Israel’s war. And it would threaten the Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah fl ight with a stopover Iran existence of the state of Israel. Ali Khamenei said on Saturday in New York, where strategy According to Shiekh Imran Hosein US accusations that two Iranians he was arrested. has been When Israel does launch an attack planned to assassinate the The Zetas are one of to cultivate on Iran’s and Pakistan’s nuclear Saudi Arabian ambassador to main protagonists in the belief plants, it is certain that the Judeo- Washington were “meaningless,” Mexico’s bloody drug that if Christian Zionists would respond state TV reported.”A meaningless wars, where they are sanctions by placing unbearable pressure on and nonsensical accusation has fi ghting rival cartels and other pressures fail to force USA, UK and NATO to join in the been raised against a few Iranians and a military-led Arabia has taken a fi rst step to Tehran to yield, Israel will feel war in support of Israel. in America, which was made offensive. Their stronghold is the have Iran reported to the United compelled to go to take military That war, as well as other possible into an excuse to present the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas, Nations Security Council, a move action, even without U.S. backing. wars to follow, would ultimately Islamic Republic as a supporter just over the border from Texas. that could lead to new sanctions, Israel said nothing at all before realize for Israel the status of of terrorism,” Khamenei told a They also have a presence in but Tehran dismissed allegations its 1981 attack on Iraq’s Osirak ruling state in the world. Israel crowd in the western province of Guatemala. The cartel is said to it plotted to kill a top Saudi envoy nuclear reactor. will then attempt to impose Pax Kermanshah.”It didn’t work, it operate traffi cking routes into as a ploy to isolate it. Back in July this year A longtime Judaica upon mankind. Only won’t work,” he said. Khameni, Europe as well as the US. “Saudi Arabia’s permanent CIA offi cer who spent 21 years in when that has been achieved - and who is on a nine-day tour of the Arbabsiar and the DEA informant mission to the United Nations... the Middle East is predicting that it does seem possible that it can be province, said the west repeatedly also reportedly discussed formally requested the United Israel will bomb Iran in the fall, achieved, can we expect Dajjāl to made unfounded accusations bombing the Israeli embassy in Nations Secretary General notify dragging the United States into appear in person in our world of against Iran. Washington and the Saudi and the Security Council of the heinous another major war and endangering space and time. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 BUSINESS 27 Etihad may join Virgin Iran, Pakistan to Atlantic in bid for bmi increase gas exports ehran and Islamabad have Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways is in talks with Britain’s “Discussions have been ongoing on this (partnering started a new round of Virgin Atlantic to join the UK carrier in its bid for for bmi bid) and a possible stake in Virgin,” said an T negotiations on the export of Iran’s bmi, the loss-making unit of Lufthansa, two sources Abu Dhabi source close to the deal who asked not to natural gas to Pakistan, with the familiar with the matter said yesterday. be named. aim of increasing the volume of Etihad and Virgin Atlantic declined to comment. exports. Etihad was earlier reported to have expressed interest in Virgin Atlantic, which hired Deutsche Bank to assess Iranian Deputy Oil Minister the market for a possible alliance with rival carriers or Javad Oji said on Wednesday a sale. the talks have been held in Iran’s managing director of the National Etihad cannot pursue a bid alone due to foreign capital city, Tehran, following a Iranian Gas Export Company ownership issues, the FT reported, stating that the request by Pakistani government (NIGEC) has announced Iran’s Abu Dhabi-based carrier and Virgin Atlantic had held earlier in September for raising the readiness to start the gas exports talks for a partnership if the UK carrier were to bid level of exports from the previously even prior to the agreed timeline. for bmi. agreed level of 21.5 million cubic According to the NIGEC chief, “The news is credible, I wouldn’t question it,” another meters per day to 30 million cubic Iran has completed 800 km of the top Abu Dhabi source said. meters. 960-km Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, German airline Lufthansa has said it is considering In June 2009, Tehran and and the remaining 160 km can be finding a partner for bmi and has mandated bankers Islamabad signed a 25-year laid by the next year; therefore, to sound out a potential sale. agreement, commencing from the country can even start sending Airlines are keen to get hold of bmi’s coveted takeoff February 2014, based on which natural gas to Pakistan in 2012. and landing slots at London’s Heathrow airport. Iran agreed to export 7.8 billion Iran ranks second in the world Asked if Etihad would take a stake in bmi, the first cubic meters of its natural gas to in natural gas resources after source said: “It depends on the outcome of the bid.” Pakistan per annum through a Russia with available gas reserves Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway said last multi-billion-dollar pipeline. estimated at over 33 trillion cubic week the group is still keen on buying bmi despite Iran has no restrictions to meters. waning growth across the aviation industry. raise the volume of its natural gas In addition to exporting gas to The fast-growing Middle East carrier is also discussing Bmi controls about 10 per cent of the take-off and exports to Pakistan, Oji told Mehr Turkey, Armenia, and Pakistan, a possible stake in Virgin Atlantic, said one source. The landing slots at Heathrow, the world’s second-busiest news agency. the country is currently negotiating Financial Times reported that Etihad is also looking at airport, making it second there only to IAG-owned Meanwhile, Hossein Bidarmaghz, as exports to Iraq. buying a stake in Irish carrier Aer Lingus . British Airways, which has around 45pc of the slots. Agencies cut Italy and Spain’s ratings Credit rating agencies have downgraded Standard & Poor’s analysts believe Italian trillion) in July, which is around double Italy and Spain’s government-bond banks will face higher funding costs its GDP. ratings over the concerns they may not be because of higher yields on the country’s Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s able to maintain their previously-owned sovereign debt while domestic lenders government has passed an austerity stability. will apply tighter credit conditions. package to balance the country’s budget Standard & Poor’s lowered its rating on Moody’s, in a statement, cited the by 2013. 24 Italian banks and Moody’s cut Spain’s “continued vulnerability of Spain to The Spanish government is aiming to cut credit rating by two notches to A1 which market stress” adding, “Moody’s is its deficit to 6% in 2011, from 9% in 2010. followed Fitch Ratings’ downgrade of maintaining a negative outlook on Spain’s But according to analysts, this target may Spain’s rating, over the two countries’ rating to reflect the downside risks from be missed, since little apparent progress looming economic crisis and fading a potential further escalation of the euro has so far been made this year. growth prospects The Wall Street Journal area crisis.” Italy last month, the country’s public debt Rating agencies also downgraded the reported on Tuesday. According to data released by the Bank of climbed to 1.911 trillion euros (USD 2.6 ratings of Egypt and Belgium on Tuesday. US stocks fall amid Euro rating decline US stock markets have 2012 deficit targets, which serious knock-on effects for the ended their week with marked prompted EU finance ministers rest of the world. lows following a credit downgrade to hold a decision on providing The crisis-hit European of Italy and Spain, and the crisis-hit Greece with its next Union has played on investors’ eurozone’s festering credit crisis. package of bailout funds worth fears that the US might also be On Friday, Wall Street’s eight billion euros. entering another recession, with Dow Jones Industrial Average If the Greek government few signs that strong growth will fell 19 points, the tech-heavy defaults on its debt, it would return soon. NASDAQ sunk over 28 points, cause the value of Greek bonds Protests against the and the S&P 500, a bellwether for held by European and US banks US financial system, bank the American economy, lost over to plunge in value, weakening the bailouts, foreclosures and high nine points, AFP reported. banks’ balance sheets and making unemployment have been seen Meanwhile, major bank it harder for them to loan money. on Wall Street since September stocks fell more than the broader In September, the 17, dubbed “Occupy Wall Street,” market, with Bank of America three” statistical rating agencies, warned that it could downgrade International Monetary Fund and have since spread to a number Corporation plunging 6 percent Fitch Ratings cut Italy’s credit Belgian government bond ratings, warned that the financial crisis in of cities across the country. -- the most in the Dow -- and rating from double-A minus to this as Brussels is trying to rescue developed economies had entered Major US unions have JP Morgan Chase & Company A-plus, and Spain’s rating to the troubled bank Dexia. a “dangerous new phase,” saying expressed support for the surrendering 5.2 percent. double-A minus. On Sunday, Athens declared a fall back into recession for countrywide protests of the dire The smallest of the “big Separately, Moody’s has that it could not meet its 2011- Western economies could have economic situation. 28 SPEACIAL FEATURE South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 Ten Major Signs of the Last Day - Has One Just Occurred THE SECOND (rather than the Pacifi c) may be the said, “An army would invade the up in the desert between Makkah detail, and it is to that book that I EARTHQUAKE IN THE location of the major earthquake Ka’aba and when the invaders and Madina.” now refer the gentle reader. WEST of the west that is to come. In case reach Al-Baida’, all the ground (Sunan Abu Daud) When a second massive the second major earthqake occurs would sink and swallow the whole It is quite clear from the above ONE FINAL WORD earthquake (with a sinking down, in the mid-Atlantic, the islands army.” I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! prophecy of Prophet Muhammad The destiny of Jerusalem is caving in, or displacement of the How would they sink into the (peace and blessings of Allah Most such as to give to Muslims the earth) eventually occurs in the Shiekh ground while amongst them High be upon him) that the third greatest confi dence and hope that west, after the recent one in the would be their markets (the people earthquake would take place at Truth will triumph over falsehood east, that would further confi rm the Imran who worked in business and not the time of the advent of Imam and oppression. ‘Jerusalem in the analysis presented in this essay. All Hossein invaders) and the people not al-Mahdi. But the Imam cannot Qur’an’ was written for precisely that would then remain to occur for belonging to them?” The Prophet emerge to liberate the Arabian this purpose — i.e., to explain Jesus to descend from the clouds replied, “All of those people would heartland of Islam until Israel to Muslims the strange world in would be the third earthquake sink but they would be resurrected has become the ruling state in the which we live today. in Arabia that would swallow an and judged according to their world. And Allah knows best! It is a world in which the cause entire army, and the fi re that would intentions.” of Islam appears to be a lost cause. come out of Yemen. We are so close (Sahih al-Bukhari) THE RETURN OF THE But having read the book the to that event that we can already Tribune Comment Narrated Umm Salamah, TRUE MESSIAH, JESUS, reader would know, if he or she feel the heat of that fi re. Although Ummul Mu’minin: The Prophet THE SON OF MARY had not already known it, that the what appears to be the fi rst of the said: “Disagreement will occur at Prophet Muhammad (peace and reality is quite different. three major earthquakes occurred the death of a Caliph and a man of blessings of Allah Most High be When they know for certain underwater and resulted in the of the Caribbean and the eastern the people of Madina would come upon him) has spoken extensively that it is the destiny of Jerusalem massive Tsunami in South East Asia, coast of USA and Canada as well fl ying forth to Makkah. Some of and in minute details about the to give a spectacular validation of it is not necessary that the second as South America would be likely the people of Makkah would come event of the return of Jesus (peace Islam’s claim to truth, Muslims that would occur in the west would to be affected. It could also be a big to him, bring him out against and blessings of Allah Most High should be able to summon the be similar. After all, we know that earthquake in California along the his will, and swear allegiance to be upon him). But that event is so strength to resist the present war the third and last major earthquake fault. him between the Corner and the rich and complex that it lies beyond on Islam in which the godless world would have its epicenter on land THE THIRD Maqam. An expeditionary force the scope of this paper. However, is making the greatest possible just north of Makkah in Arabia. But EARTHQUAKE IN ARABIA would then be sent against him my book, ‘Jerusalem in the Qur’an’ effort to destroy their faith in Allah it would seem that the mid-Atlantic Narrated Aisha: Allah’s Apostle from Syria but would be swallowed has dealt with the subject in some Most High.

were corrupted by your love of money at the Pakistan pacer rocks Cricket spot-fi xing trial expense of the game you profess to love.” Butt replied: “No.” Continued from page 32 >> delivery of no-balls at specifi c times during Sri Lanka that match. The tenth day of the spot-fi xing trial promised previously for agreeing “I realised what kind of a man Majeed saw banned fast-bowler Mohammad Asif’s Continued from page 32 >> to repair the damage before a rank to cut the ribbon at the Afters ice cream was,” said Butt, who along with Majeed lawyer accuse the player’s former captain bad decision by Tony Hill ended Salman Butt of ‘pressurising him’ to ‘run Lahiru Thirimanna and Tharanga parlour, in Tooting, which was part-owned and the bowlers Mohammad Asif and Dilshan’s vigil. faster’ before he bowled his allegedly pre- Paranavitana meandered to 48 by Majeed. Butt was due to open the shop Mohammad Amir, is accused of accepting Then came the dream spell from determined no-ball at the Lord’s Test last without loss with a couple of after the match, he told the court. corrupt payments and cheating at gambling. Junaid Khan, who fi rst had the year. overs left before the lunch break Asked if he knew anything about the “I thought I knew him but when it experienced Jayawardene caught Butt and Asif are facing charges and his pace trio of Umar Gul, fi xing deal done to bowl deliberate no balls, came out I realised I had misjudged someone in the slips by Hafeez for a gritty of conspiracy to cheat, and conspiracy to Aizaz Cheema and Khan failing to Butt said “not at all” Butt and Mohammad completely. I took his word and trusted him. 28, and three balls later yorked the obtain and accept corrupt payments, when drive home any advantage on the Asif deny conspiracy to cheat and accepting I’d known him so long but I didn’t know other Jayawardene (Prasanna) for they allegedly conspired with agent Mazhar greenish-brown wicket, it looked corrupt payments in the Lord’s Test last there could be another side to him.” Butt and a duck, getting the crowd on their Majeed, and fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, like a long, hard day under the sun year. The case continues. Earlier Pakistan Asif deny the charges, and neither Majeed feet. Khan then struck again with to bowl pre-planned no-balls. Butt and Asif for Pakistan. cricketers were ready to throw one-day nor Amir is currently standing trial. the fi rst ball of his next over, when deny the charges. But Saeed Ajmal struck the internationals and Twenty20s in a bid to The trial at Southwark crown court he had Rangana Herath plumb in The court was played the over opening blow when Younus undermine then-captain Shahid Afridi and heard that after the News of the World article front for another duck to leave Sri in question bowled by Asif in which he Khan latched on to a low catch make “a hell of a lot of money”, a London broke, Majeed had cleared out the fi ling Lanka in real trouble. delivered the no-ball, after which Asif’s to send back Thirimanna for 20 court heard on Tuesday. cabinets at his offi ce, including one headed Angelo Matthews scored a lawyer Alexander Milne pointedly said to and Misbah’s men seized the Mazhar Majeed, an agent for several “Pakistan cricket team”. Jafferjee further gutsy half-century and put on Butt: “You had been talking to Asif through initiative. Pakistan players, told an undercover challenged Butt over why he had emptied an 54 for the eighth wicket with this over and pressurising him.” First breakthrough reporter last year that the players wanted account he held in Pakistan of US$180,000 Suranga Lakmal and another 25 The court had previously heard Asif A fi ery spell by Cheema saw Afridi replaced by then-Test captain Salman (£115,000) on 3 September last year, the day for the ninth wicket with Chanaka say in a police transcript from an interview him strike with his fi rst ball after Butt and were prepared to fi x matches to do of his police interview. Welegedara. But Junaid got rid of a year ago that he is “never pressured lunch to get rid of the dangerous it, Southwark Crown Court heard. “My mum wanted some money,” said Welegedera and debutant Nuwan by anyone” but on that occasion he was Kumar Sangakkara and he then The court also heard how a shadowy Butt, adding that it is “not a straightforward Pradeep to fi nish with a fi ve- referring to the notion that he was being put peppered the equally solid Mahela Indian contact offered the agent $1 million process” to access money quickly. wicket haul, before the openers under pressure to fi x, not to run faster. Jayawardene with his searing (740,000 euros) to ensure Pakistan lost a “So if anyone came after you for Mohammed Hafeez (17) and However, Butt denied the suggestion. pace and bounce. Jayawardene Test match against England. cash it was in your mother’s account,” said Taufeeq Umar (8) saw Pakistan “I’m not there to pressure him, just to did counter-attack when he pulled Former Pakistan captain tells London Jafferjee. safely to the close. encourage,” replied Butt. Cheema for a six, but it was clear court he had suspicions Mazhar Majeed was “I must say this is a very bad Sri Lanka fi rst innings: But Milne responded: “Before Asif who was in the ascendancy. involved in a spot-fi xing conspiracy presumption on your part,” said Butt. “You • T. Paranavitana c A. Akmal b bowled his no-ball, you said to him, ‘run After Cheema and Ajmal had The former Pakistan captain Salman are trying to judge what other people are Gul 37 faster, you are running too slow’.” softened the Lankans, Gul came Butt turned on his former agent, Mazhar doing in the Muslim culture.” • L. Thirimanne c Y. Khan b Again, Butt denied that such a back to end Paranavitana’s patient Majeed, on his second day in the dock at the Jafferjee also focused on the thousands Ajmal 20 conversation had taken place. innings. Another short ball saw the cricket match-fi xing trial. of pounds, dollars, rupees, rand and other • K. Sangakkara c A. Akmal b “If you have played cricket you would opener fending to Adnan Akmal Butt also spoke of his suspicions about currencies found in cash in Butt’s hotel room Cheema 2 know that these things are never said. It’s no who took his second catch behind a conspiracy between the agent and his own by police at the time of the alleged crimes. • M. Jayawardene c Hafeez b term. There’s no suggestion in cricket as ‘run the stumps. bowlers to fi x elements of the Lord’s Test The money was found in a locked suitcase, Junaid 28 faster’. At 79 for three, skipper between England and Pakistan last year. alongside a notebook that detailed Butt’s • T. Dilshan c A. Akmal b Ajmal He’s not running the 100 metres, he’s Tillakaratne Dilshan joined Butt’s counsel, Ali Bajwa, asked him cash movements. 19 bowling. Asif has never been about pace, he Jayawardene and the two began • A. Mathews not out 52 his reaction to the News of the World exposé Noting that Butt had a number of that accused Majeed of predetermining the expensive watches, Jafferjee said: “You is a rhythm bowler.” South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 COMMENT 29 Will Israel Bomb Iran? Patrick Seale Israel’s Defence Minister Ehud Post that Iran would stop producing been urging the United States community against his “Greater Barak, Panetta said: The United uranium enriched to 20 percent if to respond positively to Iran’s Israel” ambitions, he may think States is “very concerned, and we foreign countries would provide the overtures. “Why not test Iran’s that the time is ripe to seize the n recent weeks, intense will work together to do whatever is fuel needed for the Tehran Research seriousness?” asked Reza Marashi in initiative. discussions have taken necessary” to keep Iran from posing Reactor, which makes medical an article in theHuffington Post on His calculation may be that a lethal place in Israeli military and I “a threat to the region.” But doing so isotopes. Some 850,000 Iranians are 30 September. Marashi is a former blow against Iran would weaken an intelligence circles about whether or “depends on the countries working said to depend on such isotopes for Iran desk officer at the U.S. State already deeply troubled Syria and not to launch a military strike against together.” He repeated the word cancer treatment. Department and is now Director of leave Hizbullah orphaned. Israel Iran’s nuclear facilities. Apparently, “together” several times. In other Late last month, Iran’s chief Research at the National Iranian would have killed three birds with the key question in the debate was words, Israel should not act without nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, sent American Council, one stone. how to ensure that the United States an American green light. a letter to Catherine Ashton, the In an article in the International took part in the attack or, at the very Will Israel seek an American In recent years, Israel has often EU’s foreign affairs chief, requesting Herald Tribune on 29 September, least, intervened on Israel’s side if green light if it decides to attack Iran threatened to attack Iran. Why fresh talks with the P5+1 to try to Charles Ferguson, president of the the initial strike triggered a wider or might Netanyahu believe that has the subject been revived this resolve the longstanding dispute. Yet Federation of American Scientists, war. Obama, enslaved to Israeli interests, time? Is Israel worried that Iran another overture was made by Iran’s and Ali Vaez, director of the would have no choice but to follow Reports of these discussions is close to acquiring the capability Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi Federation’s Iran Project, urged the suit? have caused considerable alarm to manufacture a nuclear bomb? when, in an interview with Asia United States and its allies to take According to the 6 October in Washington and in a number of Most intelligence experts agree that Times on 29 September, he said that Ahmadinejad at his word. They edition of TTU, a French intelligence European capitals. Some Western Iran has not yet made a decision to Iran was “prepared to undertake the even suggested that the Western bulletin, the United States and Israel military experts have been quoted build nuclear weapons. A more likely necessary efforts to restore mutual powers should provide Iran with are planning an unprecedented joint as saying that the window of Israeli motive is its concern that confidence, and if there is a specific 50 kilograms of fuel for the Tehran land forces exercise next May with opportunity for an Israeli air attack the five permanent members of the concern, it should be addressed in Research Reactor as a humanitarian the goal of establishing a common on Iran will close within two months, Security Council plus Germany -- talks... We must look for innovative gesture that would buy Washington “intervention force” ready for action since the onset of winter would make the so-called P5+1 -- may accept an proposals.” goodwill with the Iranian people, in the event of a major regional such an assault more difficult. Iranian offer of renewed talks. while curtailing Iran’s enrichment Fereydoun Abbasi, head of Iran’s war. Admiral James Stavridis, Concern that Israel may decide activities. Israel’s greatest fear is that the Atomic Organisation, has invited head of Eurocom -- America’s to attack without giving the United P5+1 will reach a compromise with Yukiya Amano, Secretary-General None of these appeals is likely to European command -- paid a recent States prior warning is thought to Iran which would allow it to continue of the International Atomic Energy be heard. President Barack Obama unpublicised visit to Israel for talks be the main reason for the visit to enriching uranium for civilian Agence (IAEA), to visit Iran and has collapsed in the face of pressure with General Benny Gantz, Israel’s Tel Aviv on 3 October of the U.S. purposes. This might then lead in inspect its nuclear facilities. “Our from powerful pro-Israeli lobbies chief of staff. According to TTU, the Defence Secretary Leon Panetta. His due course to the world agreeing to recommendation is that Mr Amano and a fervently pro-Israeli U.S. plan is to set up American command aim seems to have been to rein in the co-exist with a nuclear Iran. If that accept this invitation... Today, the Congress. As he is seeking re-election posts in Israel and Israeli command Israeli hawks. were to happen, Israel’s monopoly situation is that we are again read next year, we will hear nothing more posts in Eurocom. Cooperation Amos Harel of the Israeli daily of nuclear weapons -- a key asset to consider the fuel swap,” he said. of the call he made during his 2008 between the two powers has rarely Haaretz summed up Panetta’s in maintaining its regional military (This was the proposed swap of campaign for the need for diplomacy been closer. message as follows: America supremacy – would be lost. a large quantity of low-enriched with Iran. These are dangerous times in the is standing by Israel, but an uranium for a small quantity of Iran has, in fact, made several The danger is that Prime Minister Middle East. uncoordinated Israeli strike on Iran recent overtures to the United States 20 percent enriched uranium for Binyamin Netanyahu may now Patrick Seale is a leading British could spark a regional war. The and its allies. When he was in New medical purposes.) Mr Amano’s seek to break out of Israel’s current writer on the Middle East. His United States will work to defend York last month to attend the annual IAEA board is due to meet in Vienna political isolation by mounting a latest book is The Struggle for Arab Israel, but Israel must behave meeting of the UN General Assembly, on November 17-18, a meeting that is spectacular attack on Iran. Independence: Riad el-Solh and the responsibly. Iranian President Mahmoud keenly awaited. Having lost Turkey and Egypt, and Makers of the Modern Middle East At his joint press conference with Ahmadinejad told the Washington Several influential voices have facing a revolt by the international (Cambridge University Press). USA to Russia: We don’t care what you want. We just do what we want ichael McFaul, Barack Obama’s said that Washington simply ignores European shores. The Aegis system Mnominee for US ambassador Russia’s concerns and continues to with SM-3 interceptor missiles are to Russia, released the statements, build the missile defense system. capable of destroying the ballistic which destroyed the last hope for the Thus, the USA has refused to provide missiles with the range from 3,000 to possibility of diplomatic maneuvers any legal guarantees to Russia saying 5,000 kilometers. at the US-Russian talks, the that its missile defense system would In September, Washington signed Rossiiskaya Gazeta wrote. McFaul not target the Russian territory. the missile defense agreement with virtually accused Russia of blackmail Obama’s nominee for US ambassador Turkey and Romania. The US-Polish and acknowledged that the talks on to Russia, Michael McFaul, said agreements about the deployment of missile defense reached a deadlock. during his speech at the Congress the army base near Russia’s borders The tone of the new ambassador that the United States could not in the Kaliningrad enclave also came can be explained with the strong accept Russia’s requirements in the into effect. political pressure, which the Obama talks. Therefore, it is impossible for Russia has been criticizing all actions, administration has to deal with the two countries to conduct the which the USA has taken so far to when discussing the issues related to dialogue on such a sensitive issue as build the missile defense system in Russia. missile defense. Europe. Moscow was particularly It is obvious that the Americans According to McFaul, the talks have impossible to discuss anything during unsolved. In this case, the official concerned about Washington’s intend to build the missile defense come to a deadlock because Russia is the Russia-NATO summit, which is added, Russia will have to take agreement with Madrid to deploy system and they are not going to ask asking for a legally binding agreement to take place next year in May. countermeasures to guarantee its four US vessels outfitted with SM-3 Russia’s opinion about it. Russian from the USA saying that the missile Russia’s Ambassador to NATO, own security, Interfax said. interceptor missiles in the south defense officials acknowledged defense system will not undermine Dmitry Rogozin, stated that Russia The USA has practically finished of Spain. Official spokesmen for the failure of the negotiations with the Russian potential of strategic would not be able to discuss USA’s the first stage of Obama’s European Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed the United States at the end of deterrence. McFaul acknowledged suggestions if such fundamental plan. America has deployed the sea- that the USA’s accomplished facts September. The Russian officials that the discrepancies make it questions as missile defense remain based missile defense system near practice was unacceptable. 30 SPECIAL FEATURE South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 Evidence suggest attack on Benazir Procession on 18th Oct 2007 was MQM’s planned operation: Zulfi qar Mirza Former Sindh home minister Zulfi qar Mirza said on Monday that he wanted to investigate the October 18 attack but federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik had “misguided” President Asif Zardari and stopped him. Mirza said that when he insisted Malik said, “The October 18 investigation will create problems for us. Let us investigate December 27 before jumping into the October 18 incidents, otherwise we would not be able to expose the real culprits involved in BB’s assassination.” He said that some people allegedly involved in switching off the lights on Sharae Faisal were arrested but later released. Mirza also alleged that 2009 Ashura shops and dozens of automobiles Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Karachi blast, ensuing incineration at Boulton were torched after the bombing, and commemorated the fourth anniversary Market were planned operations’ c l a i m that those who of the Karsaz terrorist attack of as MQM terrorist planned the October 18 during suicide attack Benazir Bhutto’s also anticipated homecoming the mob parade, which killed violence. 180 people. Earlier last week On 18th when South Asia October 2011 Tribune interviewed leaders of the Dr Zulfi qar Mirza PPP visited regarding 2002 the families Karachi Bomb blast and graves and killings of French of activists engineers, he indicated who lost that he is confi dent that their lives. t h e r e is strong All fi ve possibility districts of of MQM Karachi will hold a Quran Khwani, Ajmal Phari in his including at the site of the blast. involvement and also confession claimed that his group of Other areas include Benazir Bhutto 18th October bombing target killers were informed of the plan Shaheed Appartments in Malir, the was another terrorist two days before they were supposed district offi ces of PPP at Habib Bank, activity of MQM, as to execute it. “We were instructed in Moosa Lane, Lyari, and in he sees similarity of to prepare a team of more than 100 evidences that MQM men, and was involved in 2006 Nishtar park bombings in which at least 57 people have died at a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth in Dr Zulfi qar Mirza with Karachi Pakistan, and More than 80 BB after bomb blast. people were injured. He said Sunni Tehrik held MQM home minister and governor responsible for fl owers on the pictures of the martyrs of karsaz incident on the Women shower Nishtar park event on their 4th death anniversary, at Shuhda Yadgar. bomb blast Nusrat Bhutto Colony. saying that they all of them In the evening, activists will gather were not only were to be dressed in black clothes,” at Karsaz, Shahrae Faisal, where a involved in this he said. “We knew fully well the documentary was screened. At around attack but were exact location of where the bomb 6 pm, a vigil was held at Karsaz also behind the was planted, since this information for all the martyrs. A photography past attacks had been communicated to us by our exhibition will also be held there with against Sunni high-ups.” In 2009 Ashura bombing 400 pictures of Benazir Bhutto from Tehreek. Shi’ite religious procession, killing at different phases of her life, taken by Dr Zulfi qar least 43 and injuring more than 100. Agha Feroz Akhtar. A dua and prayers authorities say that more than 1,000 held at around 7:30 pm. South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 ADVERT 31

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DEFINITELYDUBAI.COM 32 South Asia Tribune I Thursday 20 October 2011 Cricket spot-fixing trial The Pakistan captain accused of cream parlour. balls to be bowled at the Lord’s SAT fixing cricket matches admitted he Salman Butt, 27, claimed he had Test last year. Giving evidence at took £2,500 worth of “bung” money no idea that the News of the World the cricket corruption trial, Butt by his agent - but said he thought it had paid £150,000 to his agent, said it was an innocent payment Sports was a payment for opening an ice Mazhar Majeed, to arrange three no Continued on page 28 >> Afridi announces comeback, says he never retired coach Waqar Younis while on tour in the West Indies in May. Afridi had also wanted Waqar and manager Intikhab Alam replaced. Waqar quit last month citing health problems and Alam has been made director in the PCB, changes which paved the way for Afridi s return. When he retired, the PCB suspended his central contract and revoked permission for him to play abroad. Afridi then went to court, but the dispute was resolved after a private meeting with Butt. Afridi appeared before a PCB disciplinary committee and was fined $53,000 but his permission to play abroad was reinstated. Afridi, who starred with the ball for Hampshire in the Twenty20 earlier this year, said he was in peak physical condition. “I have been playing regular cricket and want to play the one-day series against Sri Lanka as I am in good shape and have been working hard on my batting and bowling,” said Afridi. Pakistan is playing Sri Lanka in the first of three Tests, which began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. They will also play five one-days and a Twenty20 during ll-rounder Shahid Afridi on developed serious differences with Afridi decision of taking back his retirement the series, relocated to the United Arab ATuesday reversed his decision to in May. from international cricket on Tuesday, Emirates over security fears. Pakistan retire from international cricket, saying “Since the board chairman has said the all-rounder can be considered captain Misbah-ul Haq last month said he wanted to play for Pakistan since the changed, I take back my retirement for selection once the Pakistan Cricket he was ready to welcome Afridi back to chairman of the cricket board has been decision and am available to play for Board (PCB) gives him the clearance for the team. replaced. Pakistan,” Afridi told reporters. “I selection. “First he has to make a decision over Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari had said I will never play with Butt as The 31-year-old all-rounder announced his retirement, then the matter will go to last week appointed banker Zaka Ashraf chairman, so things have changed now.” his retirement from international cricket the PCB and only after that I can decide. chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Acting chief selector Mohammad after being dumped as one-day captain He has been playing well and has enough (PCB) to replace Ijaz Butt, who had Ilyas, while lauding Shahid Afridi’s following a row over selection with team cricket left in him,” he said. Pakistan pacer rocks Sri Lanka Junaid claims five wickets in first Test wenty-one-year-old Junaid balls, helped his side bowl out Sri TKhan, a surprise inclusion Lanka for 197, while at close of play for only his second Test, repaid Pakistan were 27 for no loss. his skipper Misbah-ul-Haq’s faith It was a bold decision by Misbah with a spell of five for 38 to help not only to pick Khan, who took Pakistan take control of the first just one wicket in his debut match Test against Sri Lanka at the Zayed last month against Zimbabwe, but Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi also to ask Sri Lanka to bat first yesterday. after winning the toss. Khan’s spell, which included When Sri Lankan openers three wickets in the space of five Continued on page 28 >>

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