Eid mubarik everyone hope you have a good eid and hope you had a good Ramadan. Remember to factor in the 24% inflation level while giving eidi.
Now i didnt really post much in Ramadan but i want you to know that was only because i was really busy from now on there will be more (intresting) posts. Well untill then goodbye and take care all.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Stories...
Just yesterday(the 25th of September) two NATO helicopters crossed into Pakistani area of Sadgai, Ghulam Khan sector, North Waziristan from Afghanistan.Pakistani troops fired warning shots at the helicopters which were escorting ground troops of the U.S army. The helicopters and the ground troops replied by firing warning shots of their own at the Pakistani troops. The skirmish lasted five minutes and ended with the NATO helicopters and U.S troops returning to Afghanistan. Their were no casualties or injuries on either side.
Now their are multiple "versions" of this story.Presidnet Zardari stated while in New York that Pakistani soldiers fired flares up into the sky to "warn" the NATO helicopters about the Pakistani border and that the helicopters took note of the flares and returned to Afghanistan.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said that the NATO helicopters were not in Pakistani territory and that the Pakistani troops just opened fire without any reason and that the helicopters retreated back into Afghanistan withour firing a single shot at the Pakistanis, even though Rear Admiral Greg Smith stated that U.S ground forces fired warning shots at the Pakistanis.
The Pakistani army states that they fired on two NATO helicopters which returned fire and then they simply retreated back into Afghanistan.
Bryan Whitman also stated that "We avoided a serious incident" and that "The Pakistanis have to provide us with a better understanding of why this took place".
As one can see from these multiple and conflicting stories there is a lack of co ordination between the American and Pakistani Intelligence agencies they couldnt even talk enough to come up with a single story.One could expect an incicdent like this to take place since last week as Pakistan was seriously upset about unilateral action by the U.S in Pakistan and the government and army both issued statements about Pakistans sovereignity and how Pakistan would defend its borders...This incident can be seen as a message to the U.S with regard to previous statements of defending Pakistans borders. We can only hope both sides come to their senses before more incidents like these take place or before the situation escelates into an all out war.After all death and hate are the only results of war.
Now their are multiple "versions" of this story.Presidnet Zardari stated while in New York that Pakistani soldiers fired flares up into the sky to "warn" the NATO helicopters about the Pakistani border and that the helicopters took note of the flares and returned to Afghanistan.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said that the NATO helicopters were not in Pakistani territory and that the Pakistani troops just opened fire without any reason and that the helicopters retreated back into Afghanistan withour firing a single shot at the Pakistanis, even though Rear Admiral Greg Smith stated that U.S ground forces fired warning shots at the Pakistanis.
The Pakistani army states that they fired on two NATO helicopters which returned fire and then they simply retreated back into Afghanistan.
Bryan Whitman also stated that "We avoided a serious incident" and that "The Pakistanis have to provide us with a better understanding of why this took place".
As one can see from these multiple and conflicting stories there is a lack of co ordination between the American and Pakistani Intelligence agencies they couldnt even talk enough to come up with a single story.One could expect an incicdent like this to take place since last week as Pakistan was seriously upset about unilateral action by the U.S in Pakistan and the government and army both issued statements about Pakistans sovereignity and how Pakistan would defend its borders...This incident can be seen as a message to the U.S with regard to previous statements of defending Pakistans borders. We can only hope both sides come to their senses before more incidents like these take place or before the situation escelates into an all out war.After all death and hate are the only results of war.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Blood stained capital...
Now, I was in the capital with my friends when this happend, and I can safely say that this was the biggest and baddest suicide bomb attack on the capital(the windows of the building infront of us were shattered) and the one that will create the biggest shock waves throughout Pakistan and elsewhere.
Apparently a car was first used to ram through the gates of Marriott hotel in Islamabad and then a truck packed with high grade explosives was driven into straight into the building...Never have I seen a building so badly damaged(except the world trade center of course) because of a suicide attack people a good distance from where it occured heard the sound of the blast and felt the ground shake. Initial reports say that some 30 people have died and 60 have been severely injured. Among the victims were tourists, foreign diplomats, jounalists, and local politicians and hotel staff.
What amazes me and many other people the most is that this, the most violent attack in the history of the capital took place in the most heavily guarded area of the capital as today President Zardari was addressing parliament about some issues(mainly economic military e.t.c).
Terrorists(if they are the ones responsible) will have gained confidence due to the success of their operation and will probably increase the deadliness of their attacks and shorten the time between the attacks.
Its safe to say that the backlash from the government will be pretty strong and unfortunately more civilians will die after military force long term measures must be taken to combat terrorism.
Please read my previous post here:http://pakireport.blogspot.com/2008/09/bajaur-mission.html to get an idea on the kind of steps the government should take to combat terrorism.
Apparently a car was first used to ram through the gates of Marriott hotel in Islamabad and then a truck packed with high grade explosives was driven into straight into the building...Never have I seen a building so badly damaged(except the world trade center of course) because of a suicide attack people a good distance from where it occured heard the sound of the blast and felt the ground shake. Initial reports say that some 30 people have died and 60 have been severely injured. Among the victims were tourists, foreign diplomats, jounalists, and local politicians and hotel staff.
What amazes me and many other people the most is that this, the most violent attack in the history of the capital took place in the most heavily guarded area of the capital as today President Zardari was addressing parliament about some issues(mainly economic military e.t.c).
Terrorists(if they are the ones responsible) will have gained confidence due to the success of their operation and will probably increase the deadliness of their attacks and shorten the time between the attacks.
Its safe to say that the backlash from the government will be pretty strong and unfortunately more civilians will die after military force long term measures must be taken to combat terrorism.
Please read my previous post here:http://pakireport.blogspot.com/2008/09/bajaur-mission.html to get an idea on the kind of steps the government should take to combat terrorism.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Over the line?
Some of the most recent unilateral operations conducted by the U.S army within Pakistani territory have resulted in a number of civilian deaths. These attacks were of both aerial and ground assault type. About 20 or so civilians including women and children are said to have been killed by U.S troops. However the strikes did result in the death of a senior Al-Quaeda member who was one of their weapons experts.In the most recent aerial attack on a school(converted into a guesthouse) was attacked as it was being used by the Al Bader militant group. About 12 people were killed in the attack while 14 others were injured.
The white house has refused to comment on any of the strikes so far stating that they did not want to comment on the rules of engagement with the enemy. But as one can see from these latest strikes one can figure out that these new rules dont value civilian lives.
This most recent strike was especially embarrasing as Pakistans ambassador(husain Haqqani) sated that he had been assured by top level Washington officials that their would be no further unilateral strikes in Pakistan.
The chief of Pakistans army General kayani stated that both the government and the army agreed on the fact that Pakistans territorial integrity had to respected and that they will both fight to ensure that.
While the fact that the United states does have to defend itself is true is it right if it means that non-americans have to die?Civilian losses could be minimized if the CIA actually shared intelligence with Pakistan, but that doesnt seem like a possibility since they're so suspicious about the ISI and how they "help" the Taliban.
It seems more like the Bush administration is desperate to find prize from its "war on terror" before their time comes to an end and that is causing them to make rash, careless, and rather inhumane decisions. The fact that the Bush administration is more hated than ever just adds fuel to the fire and with things going the way are it seems some sort of confrontation between Pakistani and U.S forces that can easily be avoided is becoming inevitable.Only time will tell what happens who knows maybe the Bush administration will come to its senses but that does not seem like a possibility...
The white house has refused to comment on any of the strikes so far stating that they did not want to comment on the rules of engagement with the enemy. But as one can see from these latest strikes one can figure out that these new rules dont value civilian lives.
This most recent strike was especially embarrasing as Pakistans ambassador(husain Haqqani) sated that he had been assured by top level Washington officials that their would be no further unilateral strikes in Pakistan.
The chief of Pakistans army General kayani stated that both the government and the army agreed on the fact that Pakistans territorial integrity had to respected and that they will both fight to ensure that.
While the fact that the United states does have to defend itself is true is it right if it means that non-americans have to die?Civilian losses could be minimized if the CIA actually shared intelligence with Pakistan, but that doesnt seem like a possibility since they're so suspicious about the ISI and how they "help" the Taliban.
It seems more like the Bush administration is desperate to find prize from its "war on terror" before their time comes to an end and that is causing them to make rash, careless, and rather inhumane decisions. The fact that the Bush administration is more hated than ever just adds fuel to the fire and with things going the way are it seems some sort of confrontation between Pakistani and U.S forces that can easily be avoided is becoming inevitable.Only time will tell what happens who knows maybe the Bush administration will come to its senses but that does not seem like a possibility...
Monday, September 8, 2008
Obama and Pakistan
The U.S democratic presidential nominee Sen.Barrack Obama has made his position on Pakistan extremely clear. He has issued several threats of taking unilateral action in Pakistan if elected and has constantly blamed Pakistan for not participating enough in the war on terror, considering the fact that we are the ones who have sufferred the most casualties and that we are one of the few countries that are actually in direct war with terrorists I would say we have done our share. Recently Obama made a statement on the O'Reilly factor in which he stated that Pakistan has been using the military aid it has been recieving from the U.S.A to prepare for a war with India, but did he provide any evidence for the claim? Not suprisingly, he did not.
The fact is that Sen. Obama is afraid that his lack of experience and his Muslim background might lead to his loss in the presidential elections.So, to counter this he is hitting tough and sensitive subjects and making bold statements like threats of taking unilateral action in order to make himself look charismatic and knowledgeable, but such subjects require tact and skill and can not and should not be handled by Obama and his methods. The fact that he is taking such a tough stance against Pakistan(a majour muslim country) could be his counter to his muslim background.
Sen.Obama seems more like a talker then a doer.He stated that action not experience matter but then he went and picked Joe Biden(an experienced politician who knows alot about foreign policy) as his running mate, while this is a logical choice it should not have been his choice after he acted like he was not concerned with his lack of experience.The fact is that the post of the President of the United States of America is not a job for on the spot training and for a person who is so openly aggressive and somewhat insecure.
The fact is that Sen. Obama is afraid that his lack of experience and his Muslim background might lead to his loss in the presidential elections.So, to counter this he is hitting tough and sensitive subjects and making bold statements like threats of taking unilateral action in order to make himself look charismatic and knowledgeable, but such subjects require tact and skill and can not and should not be handled by Obama and his methods. The fact that he is taking such a tough stance against Pakistan(a majour muslim country) could be his counter to his muslim background.
Sen.Obama seems more like a talker then a doer.He stated that action not experience matter but then he went and picked Joe Biden(an experienced politician who knows alot about foreign policy) as his running mate, while this is a logical choice it should not have been his choice after he acted like he was not concerned with his lack of experience.The fact is that the post of the President of the United States of America is not a job for on the spot training and for a person who is so openly aggressive and somewhat insecure.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Bajaur mission.
The army announced on Monday that it had killed over 500 militants in Bajaur, and thwarted an attempt by militants to convert the area into a militant stronghold.About 20 security personnel died in the operation while 30 are still missing.
However this latest "victory" of the armed forces of Pakistan against the militant threat came with a heavy price. Many civilians were killed due to the fighting and many fled from their homes, even leaving loved ones behind in order to escape bombardment.Over 300,000 families have been displaced due to the fighting and many families have lost loved ones.
The army also announced that it had just missed capturing some key Taliban and Al-Quaeda leaders such as Ayman al Zawahiri(Al-Quaedas second in command) and that most of the survivors from the incident fled to Afghanistan(which very conveniently allowed them to cross their borders when just a few weeks ago they were issuing threats of taking unilateral action against militants in Pakistan) or N.W.F.P.
One can not help but feel mixed emotions over this latest military action as many Pakistani's died and many were displaced however a certain amount of military force is required to combat militants in Pakistan. However, it should be kept in mind that brute force is a temporary solution and should only be used to clear the path for long term solution's, brute force alone is pointless and just increases anti-government feeling among the people.
The government should work to solve the reasons because of which Pakistanis join extremist organizations like the Taliban and Al-Quaeda, I mean it's not like they join them for fun, it's not like they enjoy blowing themselves up.The two main reasons are lack of employment opportunities and illiteracy. Some youths just join up with the militants for money, its plain and simple, it's impossible for them to get jobs due to lack of employment opportunities while others are manipulated into thinking they are fighting for Islam, this idea is burned into their brains and they cant help but be manipulated because they just don't know any better as they are mostly uneducated.
Think of using military force to suppress militants as a pain killer, it makes the pain go away but it doesn't solve the problem.But by using methods such as spreading education and increasing employment opportunities the government will be solving the problem. One thing that the army can do to produce quick results is to increase the number of troops along the Pak-Afghan border and stop militants from entering Pakistan and "converting" Pakistanis to their side.
However as I said before, any of the long-term solution's cant be implemented without a certain degree of military action.
However this latest "victory" of the armed forces of Pakistan against the militant threat came with a heavy price. Many civilians were killed due to the fighting and many fled from their homes, even leaving loved ones behind in order to escape bombardment.Over 300,000 families have been displaced due to the fighting and many families have lost loved ones.
The army also announced that it had just missed capturing some key Taliban and Al-Quaeda leaders such as Ayman al Zawahiri(Al-Quaedas second in command) and that most of the survivors from the incident fled to Afghanistan(which very conveniently allowed them to cross their borders when just a few weeks ago they were issuing threats of taking unilateral action against militants in Pakistan) or N.W.F.P.
One can not help but feel mixed emotions over this latest military action as many Pakistani's died and many were displaced however a certain amount of military force is required to combat militants in Pakistan. However, it should be kept in mind that brute force is a temporary solution and should only be used to clear the path for long term solution's, brute force alone is pointless and just increases anti-government feeling among the people.
The government should work to solve the reasons because of which Pakistanis join extremist organizations like the Taliban and Al-Quaeda, I mean it's not like they join them for fun, it's not like they enjoy blowing themselves up.The two main reasons are lack of employment opportunities and illiteracy. Some youths just join up with the militants for money, its plain and simple, it's impossible for them to get jobs due to lack of employment opportunities while others are manipulated into thinking they are fighting for Islam, this idea is burned into their brains and they cant help but be manipulated because they just don't know any better as they are mostly uneducated.
Think of using military force to suppress militants as a pain killer, it makes the pain go away but it doesn't solve the problem.But by using methods such as spreading education and increasing employment opportunities the government will be solving the problem. One thing that the army can do to produce quick results is to increase the number of troops along the Pak-Afghan border and stop militants from entering Pakistan and "converting" Pakistanis to their side.
However as I said before, any of the long-term solution's cant be implemented without a certain degree of military action.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Prices supply and Ramadan
As one of the most important months of the year approaches for Muslims ,one can smell the panic of the consumer in Pakistan in the air.What are they panicked about?Well it might have something to do with the fact that during Ramadan consumption actually increases and profiteers take advantage of the need of the Pakistani consumers and amazingly prices sky rocket.However this year the month of Ramadan will be unmerciful to anyone's pockets as inflation has already increased prices by 22% and thanks to hoarders the prices of essential items such as sugar, wheat, and cooking oil will probably skyrocket.Even though the government has introduced "fixed rates" and "discounts" it wont be of much help as the economy cant let anyone sell at the rates the government has introduced.For example:The government told all millers to sell 1 bag of wheat for 325 Rs., however since 1 bag of what cost 475 Rs. to make the millers simply stopped the supply.
It is clear that this will be one long and hard Ramadan for most Pakistanis.Even though hoarding has been a problem for a long time in Pakistan no major steps have been taken to find the people responsible.
To anyone reading this post:If you are from a well to do family in Pakistan please try and help out some of the poorer people who are fasting as it will be difficult for them to buy sufficient food due to ridiculous prices.
It is clear that this will be one long and hard Ramadan for most Pakistanis.Even though hoarding has been a problem for a long time in Pakistan no major steps have been taken to find the people responsible.
To anyone reading this post:If you are from a well to do family in Pakistan please try and help out some of the poorer people who are fasting as it will be difficult for them to buy sufficient food due to ridiculous prices.
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