http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/world/middleeast/29marriage.html?th&emc=th
It's a common thing in Yemen apparently since the average age to get married is 13. It's not uncommon for girls in India and Pakistan to be married young either, for the expense of a dowry, of course. In the end, unfortunately, it all revolves about money. The girls are being literally sold to their future husbands. Poverty does have that effect on households across the Middle East. Another reason, saddening as well, is for protection. The example in this article was for the sake of the daughter. The man was a father trying to protect his child. But before she even knew what 'pregnant' meant or how to 'be a wife' was, she was married off. His other daughters were kidnapped and had forced marriages. This being the only other alternative.
Nujood, the 10 year old daughter in this case, came off lucky. The judge she had approached was extremely sympathetic. Not all women can be lucky in circumstances. Tradition is a tight rope that binds daily life to these people. How can they turn back on tradition? Their roots? It would be disgraceful to even defy what their ancestors have been practicing for centuries.
Quite depressing. This day and age, girl of 13 panic if they switch schools or move out of town. Girls in Yemen are blindsided and married off. Change is a natural thing. To make [a positive] difference, one must turn away from tradition. It's not so easy for those who live uneducated, uninformed, and sheltered to stray dangerously away from a preserved culture.
So live life to the fullest. When you feel like something must be done for the better. Stand up. Nujood did. She gets a second chance to be a kid.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Cooling Tower says, "Boom!"
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/world/asia/28nuke.html?th&emc=th
This is the perfect opportunity for North Korea haters to start throwing out the accusations. What great chance to refer to the other three towers that North Korea is hosting. I personally don't have the history of North Korea on my bookshelf, but what I've read just seems like a publicity stunt. Kind of sketchy to me.
Onishi states, "North Korea’s declaration did not specify how many nuclear bombs it had."
I feel like laughing. Do we even have any evidence that the cooling tower even worked?? It could be empty for all we know. "In North Korea itself, however, the explosion was a nonevent." Mmm...curious why they would think that.
On the flip side, some are taking this as a positive step. They're trying to concentrate on the development of their economy. I must agree that North Korea has taken the first step in possible nuclear disarmament. And did I hear about Bush lifting up penalties under the Trading with the Enemy Act? Woooh! Go North Korea!
This is the perfect opportunity for North Korea haters to start throwing out the accusations. What great chance to refer to the other three towers that North Korea is hosting. I personally don't have the history of North Korea on my bookshelf, but what I've read just seems like a publicity stunt. Kind of sketchy to me.
Onishi states, "North Korea’s declaration did not specify how many nuclear bombs it had."
I feel like laughing. Do we even have any evidence that the cooling tower even worked?? It could be empty for all we know. "In North Korea itself, however, the explosion was a nonevent." Mmm...curious why they would think that.
On the flip side, some are taking this as a positive step. They're trying to concentrate on the development of their economy. I must agree that North Korea has taken the first step in possible nuclear disarmament. And did I hear about Bush lifting up penalties under the Trading with the Enemy Act? Woooh! Go North Korea!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No Charge in Pakistan
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/world/asia/24pstan.html?th&emc=th
As in my other posts, I've stated my nationality...so naturally I take interest of the country, Pakistan. It's hard to see the nation crumble under the fate of a reckless ruler.
Bad rulers are just inevitable, it seems. But somehow, when they do come down- they cannot come down with dignity. They must always struggle. Musharraf is doing his best to hold onto any hope of keeping power. Issuing the state of emergency was probably the most embarrassing and shameless decision.
Apparently the four months after elections have left the country without a leader. Violence is taking its opportunity to spread across the regions. An image appears in my head when I think of this:
If you've seen Escape From New York with Kurt Russell, you probably know what I'm talking about.
Nobody is in charge and nobody is willing to take charge...then again- its a prison.
But Pakistan has no leader and militants are taking their chance and tribal areas that carry the Taliban and Al-Qaeda are finding sanctuary.
What's interesting though is when I went to Pakistan, everybody was ok. I went to Islamabad all the time and had no worries. The news always scares people out of their wits making this country sound like Manhattan in Escape from New York.
Another issue is that there is a big split of communication between the federal government and the central government. The big folks won't let the smaller people in on some of the deals that's been going around.
I think this is being very poorly handled. How do you function a democracy if there is not a set strategy.
The definition of democracy is:
The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.
You have to gain the people's respect to ensure their safety, most importantly. Musharraf very publically denied them this. Thousands of people were arrested and confined to their home. The supreme court lost many judges and many were harmed.
I remember watching this horrific happenings on the Pakistani news channel. As political opponents were leaving a building, Musharraf had his men stone, beat, kick those who did not vow to accept his laws.
Now there isn't any communication between the government and the people, the power for leadership still floating freely, militants are slowly taking over, and nobody has a plan.
As in my other posts, I've stated my nationality...so naturally I take interest of the country, Pakistan. It's hard to see the nation crumble under the fate of a reckless ruler.
Bad rulers are just inevitable, it seems. But somehow, when they do come down- they cannot come down with dignity. They must always struggle. Musharraf is doing his best to hold onto any hope of keeping power. Issuing the state of emergency was probably the most embarrassing and shameless decision.
Apparently the four months after elections have left the country without a leader. Violence is taking its opportunity to spread across the regions. An image appears in my head when I think of this:
If you've seen Escape From New York with Kurt Russell, you probably know what I'm talking about.
Nobody is in charge and nobody is willing to take charge...then again- its a prison.
But Pakistan has no leader and militants are taking their chance and tribal areas that carry the Taliban and Al-Qaeda are finding sanctuary.
What's interesting though is when I went to Pakistan, everybody was ok. I went to Islamabad all the time and had no worries. The news always scares people out of their wits making this country sound like Manhattan in Escape from New York.
Another issue is that there is a big split of communication between the federal government and the central government. The big folks won't let the smaller people in on some of the deals that's been going around.
I think this is being very poorly handled. How do you function a democracy if there is not a set strategy.
The definition of democracy is:
The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.
You have to gain the people's respect to ensure their safety, most importantly. Musharraf very publically denied them this. Thousands of people were arrested and confined to their home. The supreme court lost many judges and many were harmed.
I remember watching this horrific happenings on the Pakistani news channel. As political opponents were leaving a building, Musharraf had his men stone, beat, kick those who did not vow to accept his laws.
Now there isn't any communication between the government and the people, the power for leadership still floating freely, militants are slowly taking over, and nobody has a plan.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Hunger Strikes in Morocco
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/21/world/africa/21morocco.html?scp=4&sq=June+21%2C+2008&st=nyt
This is such a hard place to put myself in thought. I want to take a side, but cannot. I honestly can't bring myself to forgive those who take part in suicide/terrorist bombing. Killing hundreds of other innocent people just to make a point across. Violence is never the answer. The accusations fly freely however, taking those who may be innocent into custody.
Hundreds of charged prisoners of Morocco are taking a hunger strike pleading to have fair trial. What is so difficult about this situation is that, who really deserves the fair trial...and who does not? Hunger strikes have been taking place in 11 prisons. How corrupt can man be to take part in a justified strike, and he does not deserve it? It is yet AGAIN one more issue with today's morals.
This is such a hard place to put myself in thought. I want to take a side, but cannot. I honestly can't bring myself to forgive those who take part in suicide/terrorist bombing. Killing hundreds of other innocent people just to make a point across. Violence is never the answer. The accusations fly freely however, taking those who may be innocent into custody.
Hundreds of charged prisoners of Morocco are taking a hunger strike pleading to have fair trial. What is so difficult about this situation is that, who really deserves the fair trial...and who does not? Hunger strikes have been taking place in 11 prisons. How corrupt can man be to take part in a justified strike, and he does not deserve it? It is yet AGAIN one more issue with today's morals.
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Big Beef
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/washington/20trade.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc=th&adxnnlx=1215577509-x8QNjuo6BHBtZdDEu7mKoA
I find it interesting how thousands of people in South Korea can protest over the matter of beef. Imagining that millions of people die from mad cow disease. I can definitely see the S. Koreans' point of view, however. Americans don't realize how toxic this meat appears to them. But this is just another issue added on to the list of anti-American sentiment. South Korea is the world's third largest importer of American beef. At least...before five years ago. Is the US really going to make a small issue in result of losing such a big business? I must say that President Lee took the deal with the US not regarding the public's opinion. But I suppose the US should just let the South Korean's have their less than 30 month old beef; its not much safer.
Then again, the issue at hand is the product of beef, in the eyes of the U.S.
But if you step into South Korea; the issue is the mad cow disease.
I decided to look a little bit more about the disease to look at South Korea's point of view. It has been reported that Mad Cow is airborne, can be caught through cosmetics and diapers, and that Koreans are 3x more likely to catch it than Westerners.
Does this change your point of view?
I find it interesting how thousands of people in South Korea can protest over the matter of beef. Imagining that millions of people die from mad cow disease. I can definitely see the S. Koreans' point of view, however. Americans don't realize how toxic this meat appears to them. But this is just another issue added on to the list of anti-American sentiment. South Korea is the world's third largest importer of American beef. At least...before five years ago. Is the US really going to make a small issue in result of losing such a big business? I must say that President Lee took the deal with the US not regarding the public's opinion. But I suppose the US should just let the South Korean's have their less than 30 month old beef; its not much safer.
Then again, the issue at hand is the product of beef, in the eyes of the U.S.
But if you step into South Korea; the issue is the mad cow disease.
I decided to look a little bit more about the disease to look at South Korea's point of view. It has been reported that Mad Cow is airborne, can be caught through cosmetics and diapers, and that Koreans are 3x more likely to catch it than Westerners.
Does this change your point of view?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Rio Slum; Militia Criminality
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/world/americas/13brazil.html?th&emc=th
When the reporters were said to go undercover Batan, which militia took control and drove out a drug gang...I knew there was a catch. When I continued to read, I was shocked to say the least. I knew I would have to expect something horrid, but the limits a malitia, this one status have degraded their rank and shamed themselves.
Barrionuevo says "Brazil is undergoing an economic boom that is lifting millions out of poverty." But the disgrace posed by the militia and its on growing danger and endless corrupt bribes to police and politicians has shed light on the issues at hand. May 14, when the reporters where attacked by anonymous hooded figures, believed to belong to the militia, I just thought how easily they must have gotten to do this. They have so many powerful connections and gained community popularity and gain their "sympathy". These men "battle drug overlords", but I wonder if anyone knows that they're just a facade to the truth: they are the drug overlords.
The saddest part is that people feel more secure under the militia. Once police leave, the fear of new drug gangs would move in.
" “No one here accepts drug factions anymore,” said Mr. Perreira, 30. “This is going to be hell. We are in the hands of God now.” "
When the reporters were said to go undercover Batan, which militia took control and drove out a drug gang...I knew there was a catch. When I continued to read, I was shocked to say the least. I knew I would have to expect something horrid, but the limits a malitia, this one status have degraded their rank and shamed themselves.
Barrionuevo says "Brazil is undergoing an economic boom that is lifting millions out of poverty." But the disgrace posed by the militia and its on growing danger and endless corrupt bribes to police and politicians has shed light on the issues at hand. May 14, when the reporters where attacked by anonymous hooded figures, believed to belong to the militia, I just thought how easily they must have gotten to do this. They have so many powerful connections and gained community popularity and gain their "sympathy". These men "battle drug overlords", but I wonder if anyone knows that they're just a facade to the truth: they are the drug overlords.
The saddest part is that people feel more secure under the militia. Once police leave, the fear of new drug gangs would move in.
" “No one here accepts drug factions anymore,” said Mr. Perreira, 30. “This is going to be hell. We are in the hands of God now.” "
Friday, June 13, 2008
Zimbabwe Aid is Stopped
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/world/africa/12zimbabwe.html?th&emc=th
Food sent by American aid was seized from local Zimbabwe government. The food was suppose to go to poor poverty-stricken school children, in fact 26 primary schools where children only receive one meal a day. The food captured was instead passed out to supporters of Mugabe at a political rally.
This makes my blood boil. It really does. Dugger quotes, " “This government will stop at nothing, even starving the most defenseless people in the country — young children — to realize their political ambitions,” said the ambassador, James D. McGee, in an interview."
I am not political for the reason I'm afraid of never seeing the opponent's point of view. To maintain a healthy political awareness, one should always look at both sides of the argument. The only side I can see is the power thirst of Mugabe and his goons. What has this achieved him? There is no respectable victory in suspending food that will save the lives of innocent children. What accomplishment is there in that? You've made your point. Congratulations. You devastated children belonging to 26 primary schools.
One of the Zimbabwean truck drivers was stopped by authorities and accused of handing out bribes. What hypocrites! You accuse a good cause, seize them for what they have, and then proceed to act on that accusations you make! Why should children suffer for that! Zimbabwe has suffered enough in the hands of Mugabe.
Food sent by American aid was seized from local Zimbabwe government. The food was suppose to go to poor poverty-stricken school children, in fact 26 primary schools where children only receive one meal a day. The food captured was instead passed out to supporters of Mugabe at a political rally.
This makes my blood boil. It really does. Dugger quotes, " “This government will stop at nothing, even starving the most defenseless people in the country — young children — to realize their political ambitions,” said the ambassador, James D. McGee, in an interview."
I am not political for the reason I'm afraid of never seeing the opponent's point of view. To maintain a healthy political awareness, one should always look at both sides of the argument. The only side I can see is the power thirst of Mugabe and his goons. What has this achieved him? There is no respectable victory in suspending food that will save the lives of innocent children. What accomplishment is there in that? You've made your point. Congratulations. You devastated children belonging to 26 primary schools.
One of the Zimbabwean truck drivers was stopped by authorities and accused of handing out bribes. What hypocrites! You accuse a good cause, seize them for what they have, and then proceed to act on that accusations you make! Why should children suffer for that! Zimbabwe has suffered enough in the hands of Mugabe.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Words Cannot Express My Sorrow
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/world/asia/03pstan.html?th&emc=th
I am Pakistani. Both my parents and brother were born, [my parents raised] there. My heart lurches when I read this news. It also makes me so furious that sometimes I resent representing my heritage and culture. How embarrassing it is for those of us that are trying to make a living and find security for our families to hear that our own blood is being shed in the streets we grew up in to harm a few foreigners. Their result of the bombing was killing their neighbors, their own blood people. The blast was near a Danish embassy carrying 110 pounds of explosives. Dangerous to the whole street that homes schools for children. I shudder to even process the thought of the possible victims.
Perlez says , "In March, after Danish newspapers reprinted cartoons satirizing the Prophet Muhammad, Osama bin Laden issued a threat in an audio message posted on the Internet, saying, “Publishing these insulting drawings is the greatest misfortune and the most dangerous.” "
Now I'm not saying I support Bin Laden or anything. But his audio message is probably the only thing I say is quite sensible. Prophet Muhammad is a very very sacred being to the Muslims. You cannot expect less from their retaliation after that. I'm not saying this action in particular was even close to the right response, because violence is never the answer. But ignorance STRIKES AGAIN when idiots like Danish comic artists go and humiliate a religion's highly regarded figure.
Perlez also mentions, "A bomb thrown over the fence of an Italian restaurant in Islamabad on a Saturday night in March when many foreigners were eating on the terrace injured five Americans.."
Tears literally sprang to my eyes, for I remember that night. I was in Pakistan, attending a family wedding. My brother was to leave that same night. When news reached to us that night, I was among my family praying to keep my brother's journey safe...he had to go back to Boston to attend his University. Thankfully he made it without any problem...but I cannot imagine the loss of those who have actually been subjected to the death of a sister, a brother, an uncle, or a mother during these bombings.
I am Pakistani. Both my parents and brother were born, [my parents raised] there. My heart lurches when I read this news. It also makes me so furious that sometimes I resent representing my heritage and culture. How embarrassing it is for those of us that are trying to make a living and find security for our families to hear that our own blood is being shed in the streets we grew up in to harm a few foreigners. Their result of the bombing was killing their neighbors, their own blood people. The blast was near a Danish embassy carrying 110 pounds of explosives. Dangerous to the whole street that homes schools for children. I shudder to even process the thought of the possible victims.
Perlez says , "In March, after Danish newspapers reprinted cartoons satirizing the Prophet Muhammad, Osama bin Laden issued a threat in an audio message posted on the Internet, saying, “Publishing these insulting drawings is the greatest misfortune and the most dangerous.” "
Now I'm not saying I support Bin Laden or anything. But his audio message is probably the only thing I say is quite sensible. Prophet Muhammad is a very very sacred being to the Muslims. You cannot expect less from their retaliation after that. I'm not saying this action in particular was even close to the right response, because violence is never the answer. But ignorance STRIKES AGAIN when idiots like Danish comic artists go and humiliate a religion's highly regarded figure.
Perlez also mentions, "A bomb thrown over the fence of an Italian restaurant in Islamabad on a Saturday night in March when many foreigners were eating on the terrace injured five Americans.."
Tears literally sprang to my eyes, for I remember that night. I was in Pakistan, attending a family wedding. My brother was to leave that same night. When news reached to us that night, I was among my family praying to keep my brother's journey safe...he had to go back to Boston to attend his University. Thankfully he made it without any problem...but I cannot imagine the loss of those who have actually been subjected to the death of a sister, a brother, an uncle, or a mother during these bombings.
Monday, June 2, 2008
No Jew Love in Baghdad
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/world/middleeast/01babylon.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=thhttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/world/middleeast/01babylon.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th
Reading this makes me even more depressed how corrupt our world is becoming. Farrell states, "the “Israelite community,” then numbering about 120,000," and now only eight to ten remain. Families are concerned for these people's well being and these few men that stay in Baghdad express how they have no "purpose" to leave. They have been offered refugee in Israel but unfortunately, those lingering around were "brainwashed" to not trust Israel, growing up. The few that do want to migrate to Israel are fearful of what consequence they must face after hearing all the anti-Isreal propaganda they've been fed.
I suppose not everyone can be lovers, but it's quite upsetting that 80% of this world have to resort to violence. One hundred years ago, a third of the Baghdad community was held by the Jews and held high status/reputation. Now they must fearfully keep to themselves because of their religion. Unfortunately, I being Muslim, have seen how my religion has been subjected to those of ignorance. Now I must regretfully witness the offense towards other religions. Power has a terrible consequence and ignorance is it's sidekick.
Reading this makes me even more depressed how corrupt our world is becoming. Farrell states, "the “Israelite community,” then numbering about 120,000," and now only eight to ten remain. Families are concerned for these people's well being and these few men that stay in Baghdad express how they have no "purpose" to leave. They have been offered refugee in Israel but unfortunately, those lingering around were "brainwashed" to not trust Israel, growing up. The few that do want to migrate to Israel are fearful of what consequence they must face after hearing all the anti-Isreal propaganda they've been fed.
I suppose not everyone can be lovers, but it's quite upsetting that 80% of this world have to resort to violence. One hundred years ago, a third of the Baghdad community was held by the Jews and held high status/reputation. Now they must fearfully keep to themselves because of their religion. Unfortunately, I being Muslim, have seen how my religion has been subjected to those of ignorance. Now I must regretfully witness the offense towards other religions. Power has a terrible consequence and ignorance is it's sidekick.
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