Asian leader Article- Mumbai Attacks, Pakistan and the American Strategy

The below article was published in the Asian Leader Newspaper. The article looks into how the Mumbai Attacks have been used for justifications by India and America to achieve certain Political goals and are drawing Pakistan into a game which will have devastating effects for its future.





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

COMMENT: Mumbai Attacks- Is Pakistan now on the Defensive?

Published on the Asian News Website

By Majed Iqbal- Pakistan's weak government, despite claiming that we are not on the back foot on the Mumbai Blasts is surely feeling the heat.

Whilst the foreign minister argues that there was no reason for Pakistan to be on the defensive over the attacks, the President, Mr zardari went as far as offering a no first-use of nuclear weapons, ignoring decades of established policy.

The apparently off-the-cuff remark in an interview with Indian media astonished Pakistanis as much as Indians.

Whilst the Foreign minister talks about not being defensive, the President does exactly that.

With no consistent line on how to tackle the Mumbai blasts scenario, Pakistan will end up presenting itself a failed state who is unable to deal with the challenges it is facing- whether economic, political or Foreign affairs.

This case which is being built internationally against Pakistan as a failed state is a pre-requisite to any further action by outside powers in an Iraq style invasion. Before that, the rhetoric now drums up against this country which from being an ally of the US, now faces being the next casualty in the War on Terror.

Mumbai Attacks, Pakistan and the American strategy

By Majed Iqbal- "The terrorist attack on Mumbai is an audacious challenge to India's Nation State. While maintaining calm and unity, we must all resolve to break the back of India's enemies. Clearly, the terrorists have declared a full-scale war on India and sought to sever the country's economic nerve with their meticulously planned carnage across the metropolis".

The words echoed by India's Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani could sum up how the Indian nation is feeling after the unfortunate events in Mumbai that took place in the last week of November as well as providing us with glimpses of where the anger is being directed at.

The blame game over who was responsible for the attacks turned into internal chaos as Indian ministers came in the firing line. Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil and national security adviser MK Narayanan submitted their resignations amid growing pressure on the Indian government to explain why it was unable to prevent the strike in which at least 172 died.

Pakistan immediately became the first target for Indian officials to point the finger of blame on which began from the onset of the crisis with hardly any investigation done. India's Deputy Home Minister, Shakeel Ahmad, told the BBC it was "very clearly established" that all the attackers were from Pakistan. "Whether they had government backing or whether there was any official involvement in it - it will come to light after proper investigation," Mr. Ahmad said.

What Rochdale Muslims can learn from Reading Muslim (PVE) Crisis Group

By Majed Iqbal-Rochdale has been the target of clear government agendas with dedicated recruits from the local community under the banner of Preventing Violent Extremism. Communities minister, Hazel Blears after taking over her failed predecessor, Ruth Kelly, in this field has embarked on creating various 'larger than life' projects which singles out the Muslim community as being problematic in the pursuit of tackling 'extremism'.



We have therefore witnessed various 'publicity stunts' by Hazel Blears' local recruits in Rochdale, who themselves lack any standing in our community and are no where to be seen for debate and discussion on their views which they advocate, in an effort to publicise the government strategy in this area.

Spin, deception, manipulation of facts- whatever we would like to call it- we have seen it all lately in Rochdale- especially after Hazel Blears singled out this peaceful town as some form of Radical hotspot.

Despite being challenged on this fringe minority view held by individuals not known for their discourse abilities, no discussion has been really led in the public domain.

VIDEO- Hazel Blear's 'Off the mark' plans

Hazel Blears launched a dedicated campaign in her new report 'Preventing Violent Extremism: Next Steps for Communities' which builds on the cross-government strategy published in June.

[youtube=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk766OaqK-I]

She said "The Government has always been clear that communities must be at the centre of the response to violent extremism. Over the last year we have been working with communities and local authorities in developing their capacity to confront violent extremism effectively, marginalise and undermine those actively peddling these views and support vulnerable young people. "

One of her areas of work has been with women as shown in the video. Muslim communities must make a correct stand on theses issues. Whilst no one disagrees that women in Britain in general need support, guidance and oppurtunities, to single out Muslim women fro empowerment courses tells clear tales of how conniving ministers can be in their pursuits of twisting the rationale for violence and the link to the Muslim community.

Asian Leader Article- Pakistan and the Obama factor

The following article was published in the North West and Yorkshire Newspaper, Asian Leader which looks into the presendtial race winner, Obama and the implications of his election win for Pakistan.



Read the Full original article here and add in your comments on how you feel about the book and  the issues it raises. Alternatively, access the Asian Leader Newspaper online on the Look Asia Website to read the whole story.

Asian Leader Article- Controversial Book Scrapped

The following article was published in the North West and Yorkshire Newspaper, Asian Leader which looks into the Controversial book written on the life of the Prophet of Islam's wife Aisha.





Read the Full original article here and add in your comments on how you feel about the book and  the issues it raises. Alternatively, access the Asian Leader Newspaper online on the Look Asia Website to read the whole story.

Pakistan and the "Obama factor"

By Majed Iqbal- After a lengthy journey that started for Obama over 21 months ago and a record-breaking $700 million inputted to his campaign account, Barack Obama was elected as President of America. The showdown in the US was watched closely by Prime Ministers, Presidents, kings, Politicians and observers from all over the world as the implications of the results from the elections would have some and in other cases, serious implications for them and their countries.



The population of Pakistan, the Government and the parties operating in the country looked on speculatively and looked gloomy on hearing that Barack Obama had secured the Presidency. Obama's campaign had been rife with references to Pakistan when discussing America's future in tackling the so called war on terror.

In light of the new Political developments in the Middle East where America has categorically failed to bring about its version of peace and democracy to the region, an exit strategy is something that has been alluded to by many, from both the Democrats and Republicans.

The Jewel of Medina- Is this Sherry Jone's idea of "Honouring" Islam?

By Majed Iqbal- The passion of the Christ, The Satanic Verses, The Last Temptation of Christ, Danish cartoon of Prophet Mohammad and sketches of Hindu Goddess- recent times have seen plenty of controversies surrounding religion under the shroud of Freedom of expression.



In addition to these on-going debates lands the latest hot issue in the form of a Book titled "Jewel of Medina" by Sherry Jones that has made it one of the most controversial books of the season is the next showdown in this battle of ideas of religious sensitivities and the values of the 'free world'.

Jones book is based on the life and events surrounding the Wife of the Prophet of Islam, Aisha, a renowned and well respected figure head for all Muslims referred to as "The mother of the believers".

Sherry Jones has said, "I wanted to honor Aisha and all the wives of Muhammad by giving voice to them, remarkable women whose crucial roles in the shaping of Islam have so often been ignored – silenced – by historians. Anyone who reads the book will not be offended," Jones said. "I wrote the book with the utmost respect for Islam."

Exclusive Video- Stand For Islam Documentary

By Majeds Video Blog Team- The last few years have seen increased Propaganda and rhetoric issued against Muslims living in Europe. Despite quotations aired in scripted style by Politicians, Media and government on freedom, tolerance and pluralism, the reality seems to be far from Muslims when it comes to their treatment.



Publishing of the Insulting cartoons against the Prophet of Islam in Denmark and their consequent republishing in Europe, Geert Wilders film Fitna which asked for most of the pages of the Quran to be ripped out, Anti-terror legislation designed for the Muslims, Fake evidence to justify raids as in Forest Gate (UK, criminalising the Muslim community over voicing concern on Foreign policy issues, voicing he creation for a "British" and "European" form of Islam, the banning of the Hijab in France and numerous other examples clearly build a picture of an environment which is breeding intolerance and misrepresenting Islam and Muslims.

This exclusive documentary produced by Majeds Blog aims to give confidence to Muslims in Britain in upholding their identity and showing the host society as to how Muslims can make a positive contribution in society.

Additional Reading:

Are British Muslms attention Seekers?

Asian Leader Article- Are British Muslms attention Seekers?