Oakley speaks out against America's Colonisation of Pakistan

By Majed Iqbal- ‘We've alienated them tremendously. Whether we agree or not" says former US ambassador to Islamabad Robert Oakley. Airing his views on Americas role in Pakistan, Oakley was responding back to a host of views presented by Obama and his team on dealing with this ‘hotspot' in the world which has drew international attention in the last years.



Americas increasing role in Pakistan through the Bush administration and the man of ‘change', Obama, the new President of America who singled out Pakistan in his presidential campaign and within days of coming into office resumed drone attacks has clearly highlighted that Americas next target is Pakistan

"If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will" Said Obama in 2007 outside the Woodrow Wilson Centre in his Presidential run up campaign.

Oakley, who served in Islamabad from 1988 to 92, has criticised Americas approach to Pakistan airing views which present a clear picture of a structured policy to colonise Pakistan.

MUSLIMS.NET ARTICLE- Britons against sex classes for children

(Part of Al-jazeerah publishing)- CAIRO - With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world's largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.



"We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used," campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed "Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds" to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe' rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable."

The government has unveiled plans to offer sex classes for pupils as part of efforts to protect children from early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

ISLAMONLINE Article- Britons Against Sex Classes for Children

CAIRO - "Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong," Iqbal said. With the British government planning to offer sex classes in primary schools, a campaign has been launched on the world's largest social network Facebook to counter the move, reported the Rochdale Observer on Saturday, April 25.

"We believe the teaching of SRE (sex and relationship education) in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached as well as the resources used," campaigner Majed Iqbal said.

Iqbal, a British Muslim, has launched a Facebook group themed "Rochdale Muslims against Sex and Relationship Education for 5 year olds" to campaign against plans to introduce sex classes in primary schools.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behavior ‘safe' rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behavior acceptable."

The government has unveiled plans to offer sex classes for pupils as part of efforts to protect children from early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

During the classes, children will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

Children, between the age of eight and 11, will also be taught about the biological aspects of sex.

They will also be taught to talk about peer pressure and their feelings.

A signature campaign has been also launched by Muslims to demand the dropping of the scheme.

Britain is home to nearly 2.4 million Muslims.

Values

The government argues that the classes are important to shield the children against abuses.

"Effective and early PSHE (personal, social and health education) lays vital foundations for sex and relationships education (SRE) in the future, because it involves the development of the personal and social skills necessary for positive relationships," said Terry Piggott, Rochdale's executive director of children's services.

He said all schools are required to set a policy outlining the provision of sex education, but each school creates its own individual program.

"Rochdale primary schools recognize the vital role they play in building on the learning established within the home and early years settings and in laying the foundations for more detailed SRE later on in secondary school.

"Parents and carers who have concerns should contact their child's school if they need further detail with regards to this aspect of the curriculum."

But the Muslim campaigner disputes the argument.

"Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong," Iqbal said.

"They need to be shown and taught what the boundaries of acceptable behavior are."

SOURCE: Islam Online

VIDEO- UK Youth Parliament- "Key" Promoters of SRE for 5 Year olds

The UK Youth Parliament has been a key force behind the introduction of Sex and Relationships Education for Primary Schools. As a body, they firmly believe that learning around this topic for children as young as five years could provide the answers for the serious social problems that Britain is facing today.



Unfortunately, none of the Muslim Representatives of the Youth Parliament have raised any concerns or issues about the proposals. Despite the Youth parliament having 15 Muslim members, with 7 alone in the North West and Yorkshire region, protest against this new project has been absent.

ROCHDALE OBSERVER ARTICLE- School sex class faces opposition

The following article appeared in the Rochdale Observer Newspaper highlighting the Rochdale Campaign by the Muslim Community on the SRE issue.

A CAMPAIGN has been launched against government plans to introduce sex and relationship education to primary school children as young as five.



Majed Iqbal, a Rochdale Muslim community activist, has set up a Facebook group and created a campaign video, which can be seen on the internet video site YouTube, to challenge the plans and he is urging both Muslim and non-Muslim parents to join.

He believes the onus is on parents to teach children about sex and not teachers.

The department for children, schools and families announced plans last year to make sex education and lessons about the dangers of drugs and alcoholcompulsory in primary and secondary schools under government moves to protect young people from pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

Under the proposals, which are still in the consultation process and are unlikely to come into force until next year, children will learn to talk about peer pressure and their feelings, in sex and relationship education (SRE) lessons.

They will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

Between the age of eight and 11 they will be taught about the biological aspects of sex.

Mr Iqbal, who says he hopes to ‘mobilise’ women to take an added interest in their children’s education, wants to engage with religious institutions such as mosques and churches to challenge the social values presented in the studies.

He will also be posting leaflets in English, Urdu and Bangla throughout Rochdale.

He said: "This is an issue that affects parents throughout Rochdale and the rest of the UK.

"We believe the teaching of SRE in schools is inappropriate, both in terms of the philosophy which underpins the way it is approached and the resources used.

"There is a misguided belief that children will engage in sexual relations, all of the solutions look at making this behaviour ‘safe’ rather than challenging the lack of values which make this behaviour acceptable."

He added: "Children do not need information, they need to be taught what is right and wrong.

"They need to be shown and taught what the boundaries of acceptable behaviour are."

Mr Iqbal, who is inviting people to get involved via his blog www.majedsblog.wordpress.com, will also be holding awareness sessions so parents can understand SRE classes.

He said: "Though the campaign has a Muslim focus it does not mean that the wider community cannot get involved.

"These are concerns for all parents and we want to work with everybody to get the message to the government that this proposal is not welcome."

Terry Piggott, Rochdale’s executive director of children’s services, said all primary schools are required to have a policy that outlines the provision of SRE but each school creates its own individual programme.

The broader personal, social and health education and citizenship, including SRE – which includes learning about gender differences, relationships and feelings – would be made compulsory for the first time under the government proposals.

He said: "Effective and early PSHE lays vital foundations for sex and relationships education (SRE) in the future, because it involves the development of the personal and social skills necessary for positive relationships."

He added: "Rochdale primary schools recognise the vital role they play in building on the learning established within the home and early years settings and in laying the foundations for more detailed SRE later on in secondary school.

"Parents and carers who have concerns should contact their child’s school if they need further detail with regards to this aspect of the curriculum."

COMMENT- Nawaz Sharif gaining 'good graces' of the West

By Majed Iqbal- The long march held in March in Pakistan was a ripe opportunity for Nawaz Sharif and his party PML-N to present itself as still a major stake holder in Pakistan's politics after being sidelined and zardari being more favoured by outside powers.



As a US led undeclared war in Pakistan continues to create the malaise of problems, US political leaders are apparently thinking of changing their protagonist midway.

The Wall street Journal quoted senior US officials as saying that President Zardari's in-effectiveness in curbing the Taliban threat and his lack of political tact in swaying public opinion in favour of fighting the militants is the reason behind this change of heart.

US and European officials now believe that Nawaz Sharif's longstanding ties with religious parties could position him better to convince the Pakistani public of the need to confront the Taliban. Recently, western leaders have been upping their contacts with the PML-N which is obvious from the traffic of envoys seen at Raiwind.

COMMENT- Oh Goody! Now it's Jade the Musical!

By Majed Iqbal- Jade Goody's name is once again set to 'shine' in the limelight as a new Musical venture is in the makings of her life. News about "Jade Goody: The Musical" has been revealed by Friends and family weeks after her death from cancer as a way of telling the story of her life. Already, searches are being made for auditions on who is going to play Jade

'It's going to be the story of her life and we're going to be on the search for who is going to play Jade', said Danny Hayward who runs a photographic agency and was one of the best men at Goody's wedding. He said the musical would premiere this year.

Choreographer Victoria Hayward said of the casting process "Obviously, there is nobody else I'm sure in this world quite like Jade, but hopefully we'll have a panel of not only creative experts but people that were close to Jade to be able to pick somebody that has to be able to dance and sing".

Just a snapshot of Jades life is enough for any movie, never mind a thatrical play at the West End. Introduced to drugs at an early age by her lesbian mother, she was surrounded by criminals and violence during her early days. Her father was found dead from a heroin overdose in the toilets of a KFC take-away. At the age of 17, Jade was caught stealing from Selfridges.

ASIAN LEADER ARTICLE- Muslim Community says no to Sex Education for five year olds

The following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper tackling the response of the Muslim Community up and down the country so far on the Sex and relationship education proposals for five year old Primary School Children.



The full article canbe read HERE. Access the Asian Leader Newspaper to read online on the Look Asia Website.

Muslim community says NO to sex education for five year olds

By Majed Iqbal- Government plans to introduce Sex and relationship education to five year old primary school children have been heavily contested by campaign groups up and down the country by the Muslim community.



Once these studies are in fruition, parents will not have the choice to opt their children out of the lessons which will teach that Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-sexual relationships are perfectly normal.

The studies were designed with the perceived wisdom that ‘good sex education' leads to better informed children and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and teenage pregnancies.

The sexualisation of society in the form of media, film, songs and the internet has opened up a new wave of issues for everyone. Britain remains the lead country in Europe with the highest figures of teenage pregnancies whilst number of abortions carried out on girls aged under 18 in Wales was at a five-year high, in new government figures released this week

A recent UNICEF report placed Britain at the bottom of the league of 21 developed countries for children's well-being. The Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV reported in June 2007 that UK teenagers are facing a "sexual health crisis", describing the increase in sexually-transmitted infections and high teenage pregnancy rates as "disturbing".

ASIAN IMAGE Article- Sex education for five year olds?

A campaign has been launched in Rochdale following a new government project for primary schools which is set to be rolled out later this year.

The controversial Sex and relationships (SRE) studies, aimed to open up the minds of five year old primary school children towards understanding sexual behaviour, orientation and managing relationships is currently in the consultation process but has already sparked debate in many communities across the UK.



Rochdale residents have shown growing concern as many people had not been made aware of these plans for their children's education.

Further, once in fruition, parents do not have the choice to opt their children out of the lessons.

The studies were designed with the perceived wisdom that ‘good sex education' leads to better informed children and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), teenage pregnancies.

Britain remains the lead country in Europe with the highest figures of teenage pregnancies whilst number of abortions carried out on girls aged under 18 in Wales was at a five-year high, assembly government figures show.

Majed Iqbal, a Rochdale based blogger and community activist has embarked on a campaign to challenge the SRE project to be taught at primary schools.

Sex at five? No thanks!

By Zaythoun Suleman- When I was five, all I wanted was to play with my friends and enjoy my childhood under the cloudless skies and fields full of daisies. I was unaware of the dangers and evils of this world and if it was up to me, I would have loved to have it kept that way for as long as possible.



Do our children really need to begin knowing about sex and relationships at 5 years old? Is making them aware of their body parts and sexual acts preparing them to make informed decisions for the future or is the Government opening Pandora's box even further? A box filled with evil unleashed to plague the innocent mind is surely doing more damage than good.

The evil spreading reminds me of nuclear bombs dropped in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the effect of which is long-term devastation and destruction for many years to come. Instead of equipping them to protect themselves from the monsters of society, Isn't SRE making them more vulnerable with this knowledge?

Children are an amanah (trust) given to us by Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala; with their minds fresh and like sponges, they absorb information from all around them. They are like a handful of clay that can be moulded to form any shape. It is up to us as parents or carers on how we should mould them.

So how do we as parents reply when our children come and ask us "Mum/Dad where do babies come from?"

FACEBOOK SRE CAMPAIGN- Sign the Online Petition

Sign the petition against Sex and relationship Education which as part of new Government plans can be introduced soon to be taught at Primary school to children as young as 5 years old. Show your support to stop this initiative. Sign the Petition by clicking on the link Below.



Join the Campaign and become active in a very important community issue which can affect the future of your children, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters and grand children.

SIGN THE PETITION- CLICK HERE

ASIAN NEWS ARTICLE- Sex education is parental responsibility says campaigner

The following article was published on the Asian News Site covering the Rochdale campaign against SRE for 5 year old primary school children.




A MUSLIM community activist is campaigning against government plans to introduce sex and relationship education to primary school children as young as five.

Rochdale blogger, Majed Iqbal set up a Facebook campaign this week and has created a campaign video which can be seen on you tube to challenge the plans and is urging both Muslims and non-Muslim parents to join.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families announced plans last year that sex education and lessons about the dangers of drugs and alcohol will become compulsory in primary and secondary schools under government plans to protect young people from pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and substance abuse.

Under the proposals, which are unlikely to come into force until next year, children will learn to talk about peer pressure and their feelings, in sex and relationship education (SRE) lessons. They will learn the names of body parts and about animal reproduction.

PASSION ISLAM MAGAZINE ARTICLE- Muslim Parents face prosecution over school ‘Gay Week’ protest

The following article was published in the Passion Islam magazine April edition 2009. Passion Islam is an upbeat monthly publication aimed at Muslims going out across the UK.



With 15,000 copies of the magazine being sent out each month to Muslims across various Islamic establishments the magazine is a voice to many Muslims, whether they are students or working or taking time out the magazine is widely read and respected.

Click here to get the Online Magazine Version- Article is on Page 6

Join the Facebook Campaign for Rochdale Muslims against SRE for 5 year olds

Join the Facebook Campaign for Rochdale Muslim against SRE by adding yourself onto the group. Keep informed over the developments to be made in Rochdale on this important community agenda.



Participate in the campaign and protect the Islamic social values for your future generation.

If you're ready for action, then Click Here

VIDEO AD- Rochdale Muslims against SRE

Th Rochdale Muslim community is planning to challenge the Sex and Relationship education which is set to be delivered to Primary School children as young as five years old. Watch the Video Advert. Want to join the campaign?



Simply fill in your contact details on the contact tab on the blog and join in a host of activities which include firstly to raise awareness on this issue, get petition signatures, mobilise women to take an added interest in their children's education and the values departed to them at school, engage with religious institutions like mosques and churches to challenge the social values presented in the studies, attract the online community through a face book campaign and posting video adverts on YouTube and distributing and posting leaflets in English, Urdu and Bangla throughout Rochdale.

ASIAN LEADER Article- Muslim Parents face prosecution over school ‘Gay Week’ protest

The following article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper drawing attention to a new project on Sex and relationship education (SRE) to be rolled out at primary level and to be taught to 5 year olds.



The full article can be read here. The newspaper can be read online on the Look Asia Website.