| 23 November 2004 | Tuesday | 10 Shawwal 1425 |
Of Sindh's progress
Bush's war mandate
Remembering Arafat
DHA and DHA
A question on Kashmir
Trafficking in humans
Public holidays
'Enlightened moderation'
Road accidents
Garbage dumping
KESC contract employees
Kolkata ODI
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The conduct of the US-led forces in Fallujah vindicates the view that George W. Bush will continue to adhere to his Iraq policy even in his second term. The aim is to reshape the Middle East in line with the strategic interests of Israel and the United States. The plan for the Iraq war, which erupted in the face of opposition from the entire world, was drawn up by Israeli strategists in the 1980s.
An ambitious report "A strategy for Israel in the 1980s", which appeared in the World Zionist Organization's periodical Kivunim in February 1982, disclosed a plan aimed at making the whole of the Middle East a kind of "living space" for Israel.
The report, prepared by Oded Yinon, an Israeli journalist and formerly attached to his country's foreign ministry, set out a strategy for a communal division of Iraq (into Shias, Sunnis and Kurds). Thus, the Gulf War of 1991 was fought by the US to pave the way for the present Iraq war.
Contrary to popular belief, the plan to attack Iraq and overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime was prepared and placed on America's agenda long before the 'war against terrorism' began. The first indication emerged in 1997.
A group of pro-Israeli hawkish strategists in Washington D.C. began to put forward the scenario of an invasion of Iraq by manipulating the neo-con think tank called Project for The New American Century (PNAC).
The most notable names on the PNAC staff were those of Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney who as defence secretary and vice-president would be the most influential figures in the Bush administration.
Peace activist Uri Avnery, who knows Israeli Prime Minister Sharon well, has written that Sharon had long planned grandiose schemes for restructuring the Middle East and that "the winds blowing now in Washington remind me of Sharon..."
Israeli commentator Akiva Eldar recently observed in a Ha'aretz column that [Richard] Perle, [Douglas] Feith and their fellow strategists "are walking a fine line between their loyalty to American governments and Israeli interests".
Eventually, however, as Israeli foreign policy expert Yehoshafat Harkabi says in his work Israel's Fateful Hour that Israel does not have the power to achieve its goal, given the influence of the Arab states, the large Palestinian population involved and the vehement opposition of world opinion.
S. Q. AFZAL RIZVI
Karachi
Of Sindh's progress
Many people think that Sindh is lagging behind in progress just because of mismanagement of its affairs by the provincial administration but, in fact, there are other several reasons that are responsible for the province's economic crisis.
A major reason is that Sindh has always been remote-controlled by the centre which never allowed its genuine representatives, who constitute the majority, to form the government.
The incumbent chief minister of Sindh has recently admitted that his own group consists of four members in the Sindh Assembly. Despite this the president had asked him to form a government in a house of 169 members. So, he is "thankful" to the president.
By not allowing its due share in the NFC award, Sindh has deliberately been made financially weak, though it contributes 70 per cent revenue to the national pool. Sindh gets only 23 per cent in return and is thus pushed into an economic crisis.
The federal government has constructed motorways in Punjab and the NWFP but omitted Sindh. The Nawaz government had offered to take control of the existing Karachi-Hyderabad superhighway by labelling it a motorway instead of constructing a new one. This would have deprived Sindh of its much revenue. So, Sindh did not agree to the proposal.
The PPP government had announced the Keti Bunder project in Sindh but the then federal government abandoned it and shifted the funds to the Lahore-Islamabad motorway project.
It is the federal government which is responsible for the economic crisis in Sindh as it is always installing governments of its choice to achieve its particular interests.
The Jam Sadiq Ali government was the choice of the centre at a time when Jam Sadiq had the support of only one member (self) in the house. This put Sindh in a financial crisis, and the provincial government had to borrow about Rs12 billion as overdraft from the State Bank.
During the last five years the finance ministry, headed by the present PM, remained hesitant about releasing funds to Sindh, including Rs13 billion which was announced by the president himself for revamping of the irrigation system. Thus the establishment in Islamabad and the installed provincial governments have remained a source of Sindh's problems.
The situation can be rectified only when the centre decides to grant provincial autonomy in letter and spirit and desists from intervening in the affairs of the province.
IMRAN KHAN SIAL
Karachi
Bush's war mandate
President Bush's re-election for another four years means another four years of war and destruction in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and many more places. We may sometimes see destruction on a rather small scale in places like the US, UK and other western and European countries because of these actions, with tremors shaking the rest of the world, of course.
The re-election certainly portrays the collective thinking of the Americans who are divided and feel insecure even in their homeland. This mandate to President Bush is an endorsement of his actions, including the US-imposed wars on Iraq and Afghanistan and the resulting deaths.
A policy change on part of the US is the only hope to avoid any big catastrophe, and a more sensible, moderate approach towards the international issues is required rather than an aggressive, extremist approach.
ANAS A. KHAN
Edmonton, AB., Canada
(II)
Although John Kerry proved a formidable adversary, Bush Jr. outgunned him and succeeded in retaining the top slot. Money, as usual, did play its role in recent elections but two very important and key issues regarding "social" and "moral values" have escaped mention in Pakistan's print and electronic media.
The Republican Party's rigid stance against same sex marriages and abortions paved the way for Bush's second term. True to their traditions, the American electorate has also once again demonstrated firm resolve not to unseat the incumbent while the US is at war. Perhaps the Americans want to provide ample time to the president to complete his unfinished agenda.
Hopefully, the US president will utilize his fresh mandate for an amicable resolution of the Palestine and Kashmir issues and thus improve the United States' image in the Muslim world.
SURGEON M. HANIF AWAN
Mirpurkhas
Remembering Arafat
As a leader of a fiery people, where even small children are seen hurling brick-bats in defiance at the mighty Israeli tanks and bulldozers razing their homes, Yasser Arafat will always live in the hearts of the Palestinians for the fire of freedom he kindled in them. His successors have a great responsibility to further their just struggle and remain unified at this juncture.
It is sad to see that Arafat's last wish for his burial was not honoured by the Israeli leadership. This shows their degree of animosity. Their Justice Minister, Tommy Lipid, has gone to the extent of welcoming Yasser Arafat's death. You have rightly termed this as in "bad taste". On the other hand, there is a rabbi who has publicly declared his admiration for the departed soul (Dawn, Nov 13).
Israel should show some pliability in its thinking and actions if peace is to be brought to the Middle East.
M. SHAFIQUE AHMED
Karachi
(II)
Israel may now deny him his right to be buried in Al Quds, his birthplace, but it cannot deny Mohammad Abdel Rawf Arafat al-Hussaini his place in history (Dawn editorial, Nov 12).
Even his worst denigrators cannot take this achievement away from him - all his lapses and failures notwithstanding - (Muhammad Ali Siddiqui, Dawn, Nov 12). Hopefully, Dawn readers also share these compliments paid to the man who devoted his entire life to the cause of a Palestinian state.
GHEEWALA A.G.M.
Karachi
DHA and DHA
In response to Mr Akram Sadiq's letter of Nov 3, the Karachi DHA public relations officer came out with the good news of complete renovation of various systems in Defence (Nov 6).
We, the residents of DHA, have been listening patiently to the tall claims and rhetoric of the high-ups of the DHA and the Clifton Cantonment Board for a long time. When after moving to Defence in early 1992 I visited the DHA and Clifton Cantonment Board offices to complain about an acute water shortage, I was given the good news that soon a water desalination plant would be installed and there would be water everywhere. But the plant is still a dream.
Declaring DHA as the biggest set-up of its kind in Asia is of no use to the residents until and unless the water shortage is overcome, streetlights are lit and dilapidated, worn-out streets and roads are carpeted.
At present most streetlights are out of order, and at night the entire DHA gives the feel of a "blackout". The residents cannot wait for five year or 10 years for the DHA plans to mature.
The heavyweights of the DHA and the Clifton Cantonment Board should emulate the policies of the elected civilian city government which is doing a great job for this mega city.
SHAUKAT RIZVI
Karachi
A question on Kashmir
Reference is made to the letter: "A question" by Mumbai's Anu Soman (Nov 17) and subsequent rejoinders by Sayed S. Jehan, Ms Zainab Zaidi and Mr Khurram Haneef, all from the US (Nov 19).
The short, relevant, reasonable and logical replies prove how deeply Kashmir is embedded in the psyche of Pakistanis. The simple question as to why India being bigger in size, economy and military strength should give up 'some part of it' for Pakistan needs a simple answer.
First, Kashmir is not a part of India, no matter India may keep it firmly clutched in its military talons as it has done since 1947. Secondly, India knows it, the world knows it, so does the UN, that India will lose Kashmir one day.
When that day will be is yet to be decided. India does not want to lose it to Pakistan - it will be too embarrassing for it as the larger and stronger country. Now ways and means are being found to save India from embarrassment.
As for the question of recorded instances in history, I would like to add the examples of the US and Israel. The US had attacked the Philippines, Panama, Germany, Japan and Cuba but vacated territories except some parts of Cuba, Japan and Germany. Israel, though smaller in size but stronger militarily than Arabs, had to give up the Egyptian Sinai desert after the 1956 and 1967 wars.
Ms Zaidi has given a face-saving suggestion to India: that the question of Kashmir is not that of ceding territory to Pakistan; instead it is of self-determination for Kashmiris.
S.M. KAZIM NAQVI
Karachi
(II)
I beg to differ with Mr Sayed A. Jehan, Ms Zainab Zaidi and Mr Khurram Haneef on the question of whether "there is any recorded instance in history where a stronger nation has ceded territory to a weaker adversary" (Nov 19).
The British after the Second World War were a spent force as was most of Europe. World War II sounded the death knell of European colonialism, forcing Europe to relinquish control over much of Asia and Africa. The Hong Kong question was purely a legal issue.
The 99-year lease for the island expired and hence lapsed into Chinese control. The Timorese movement, however, is different. It was abetted by the West, most notably Australia.
As regards Kashmir, a few key differences exist. In spite of the Kashmir issue, India has grown stronger both economically and militarily, so much so that Japan, Brazil and Germany have associated themselves with India in the latter's demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The strong democratic credentials of India have ensured that the world views Kashmiri separatists as nothing more than terrorists. This idea was further bolstered after 9/11. So, given the current circumstances, will India make concessions and move from its 50-year-old stand? I very much doubt it.
BRIJESH ROBINSON
Troy Michigan, USA
Trafficking in humans
Dawn's report on the plight of the 602 Pakistani job-seekers deported from Muscat and their arrival in Karachi (Nov 11) will shock every Pakistani. I appeal to the minister of state for overseas Pakistanis to order an immediate inquiry into this scandalous episode which revives memories of the gruesome-slave trade of bygone centuries.
Human trafficking is on the rise in Pakistan because the government has taken no effective measures to put a stop to it. The gangs of human traffickers who operate the racket take their gullible victims in rickety launches on the high seas and then dump them at night on foreign beaches to die or languish in jail on rotten bread and dirty water. The gangs easily escape the government's dragnet through bribes and other devious methods.
The federal Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis, Senator Tariq Azim Khan, should give this agonizing problem top priority. Instead of jailing the returning deportees, is it not possible to settle them as cultivators on fallow and untilled land in Pakistan?
This is a matter of national importance and it deserves the attention of our prime minister also.
QUTUBUDDIN AZIZ
Karachi
Public holidays
There is serious concern that the annual gazetted holidays earlier reduced from 14 to 11 by the government in 1999 are again on the rise. Our economy cannot afford this luxury as it has to become internationally competitive, especially as it has to face the challenges of the World Trade Organization regime and ensuing stiff competition with other more productive regional economies.
There is also a trend to declare local holidays for one reason or the other, which we can ill-afford. This must be avoided in the interest of industrial production, industrial peace and harmony. To top it all, they are usually announced at the eleventh hour which causes confusion.
We hope all those interested in improving our economy with hard work and improved productivity will agree to a minimum number of national holidays.
PROF M. MATIN KHAN
Secretary General, Employers' Federation of Pakistan, Karachi
'Enlightened moderation'
"Enlightened moderation" - these two words are often heard these days like inseparable twins. But the question is what about the benefits of enlightenment for our ills that have taken root in society, like bonded and child labour, human smuggling and death in police custody. Even the enlightened ones have so far not cared to act effectively against the dishonouring of women and gang-rapes.
Z.A. KAZMI
Karachi
Road accidents
The number of road accidents in Karachi has increased in Karachi and heavy vehicles are found involved in many of these accidents. Is there any law which can stop trucks and other heavy vehicles from entering busy city areas, especially during daytime?
MUHAMMAD ASIF KHAN
Karachi
Garbage dumping
This is with reference to the letter "Garbage dumping" (Nov 18). Karachi has been expanding for over 50 years. Obviously, the garbage produced by over 10 million residents must be dumped somewhere.
What I have observed here in Virginia is that mega cities like New York purchase a large tract of land from the surrounding state governments and create a garbage disposal site, where garbage is processed and dumped under local supervision.
Similar plans may be considered for Karachi. Tracts of land in the vicinity of the railroad system, north of Karachi, may be acquired and garbage may be efficiently transported by rail and disposed off under controlled environment.
SYED SAULAT SHERE
Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
KESC contract employees
This is with reference to the latest increase in the wages of KESC employees, according to which wages of permanent officers and non-officers have been increased up to 25 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.
I would like to highlight a great discrimination that has been done to the contract employees, who number about 6,000, almost more than 50 per cent of the total. These contract employees have been neglected and no increase in their wages has been made, though last year they were given the benefit of increments along with the permanent employees.
Will the relevant authorities look into the matter and do the needful?
OWAIS AHMED ARAIN
Karachi
Kolkata ODI
Indian batsmen mercilessly whipped the Rawalpindi Express and Mohammad Sami in the one-day international played in Kolkata on Nov 13. Rana Naveed also seemed to be frightened by the high-class batsmen. All of them were bowling like street bowlers. They should take a lesson from Bangladesh where players have improved their bowling and fielding.
Our players seemed to take the field with slippery palms, spill simple catches and let the ball cross the boundary. Dropping of catches by close-in fielders is acceptable as the ball comes in a flash, but to drop a catch in the outfield is deplorable. Tendulker got a chance from Razzak but was unlucky to be run out.
Inzamamul Haq failed to place the fielders according to the bowling. Can the chief executive of the PCB explain why despite the hiring of expensive coaches these weaknesses have not yet been rectified?
SARFARAZ ZIA ANSARI
Karachi
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