Why the War on Terror is Designed to Never End

Nine years old, the USA conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan show no signs of abating even as they morph monthly. There is widespread political discontent and a shattered economy in the United States to which these conflicts have made a major contribution. Several million refugees in three countries and one million displaced Iraqis living outside their country add their voice to a crescendo rising to the skies that pleads for peace. Will these huge, destructive and misguided wars ever end?

Iraq -
The rationale for the so-called Iraq War was a pack of lies as has been thoroughly exposed. Years late to the reality check, the western media has finally explained how VP Cheney knew there were no WMDs in Iraq, but that oil reserves in the country might well be the second highest in the world. Bingo, and then Bin Laden provided a vicious, traumatic attack upon the Twin Towers in NYC in 1991. The Neocon cabal had what they needed to simultaneously attack and invade Iraq and accelerate the ongoing extreme make-over of the United States government and economy. This second set of objectives prioritized: a) relentlessly completing wealth transfer to the upper elite millionaire class in tandem with extracting the last pennies from the working and middle classes via a plethora of ‘new’ programs.

These “programs” (shall we say backroom ‘deals’ made in the White House?) a) continued the transfer of political powers to the Presidential branch of government and the military, and b) accelerated the concentration of corporate power and wealth in the military industrial complex the Fortune 500, and the elite highest tier banks and financial institutions. The latter “complex” lives and breathes “products and services” that only support the goals of a hypnotic fascination with high rolling ‘toxic paper’ via hedge funds. Yes, there are two sectors of the USA economy that are booming.

As America proclaims the withdrawal of combat forces from Iraq, the “lie” in that self-congratulatory oratory is immediately apparent. The USA leaves 50,000 well armed troops in Iraq for a period of time that the White House will not explain. Tens of thousands of military contractors will continue to roam the country, no doubt doing good deeds everywhere. Obama, Biden and Petraeus should be ashamed of their media explications that reached a crescendo in early September 2010, but arrogance, conceit, and a maniacal obsession with the dream of imperial America leave no room honesty. (Five stars to General Stanley McChrystal… seriously.)

Again, think oil. Interesting that the American bidding on the first oil development contracts that are mostly in Kurdistan was not competitive, and the Iraqis had no interest in a “deal” to make American access to Iraqi oil any easier. After 3 trillion dollars, an obscene expenditure in human lives – be they American, Iraqi or European (NATO) – creation of a refugee problem that exceeds one million by financing one faction (Sunni) in a religious civil war, devastating cultural and political destruction within a sovereign state who was/is pursued as a strategic ally in the war on terrorism, the USA has only one thing to show for this cruelty. America has its largest embassy in Baghdad, and dozens of large important military bases and airfields throughout the country. These serve the objectives of global imperialism, are essential to developing a strategic militarized circle around Russia and positioning for the long run against China.

Afghanistan -

Although vastly different on the nightly non-news, the situation in Afghanistan bears similarities to that in Iraq including the creation of a very large, international refugee population. Afghanistan’s underground wealth may be $US One Trillion in iron, copper, cobalt, gold and critical industrial metals like lithium, although the report about these reserves is old and controversial. More important, the strategic asset value of Afghanistan to the United States and NATO remains its central position within Pipelinestan, a gigantic, complex oil and gas pipeline project that would traverse Central Asia. Which routes are chosen to bring Kazakhstan’s enormous oil reserves to market after production starts in 2013 will determine who controls the world’s strategic energy supplies for the remainder of this century.

Badly Injured Girl re Terrorist Attack on Judiciary Complex in Peshawar, November 19, 2009

If the USA leaves Afghanistan, the Taliban will soon control two thirds of the provinces, perhaps Kabul and the sovereign state itself. The Taliban provide a long-term, secure sanctuary for Al Qaeda from which to plan, plot and kill in other countries. The Taliban win and AQ wins, we are endlessly told but is that true? USA loses unless it realizes that at the end of the day, an AQ sanctuary in Afghanistan is not important. AQ is embedded in many countries, any of which can serve as GHQ for planning the next bomb attack. Afghanistan is not essential to the war on terrorism, except within the megalomaniac fantasies of USA governments.

Recently the United States has opened serious talks with the Afghan Taliban, perhaps because the economic and public punishment at home has finally become too much too bear. Believe it, that if America does withdraw from Afghanistan in the coming year – which is hardly certain – it will return before long.

Pakistan -

Not dependent on an Al Qaeda sanctuary next door is the situation in Pakistan. Karachi and Peshawar are cities with endless alleyways. Pakistan has come apart at the seams this summer of 2010 as the result of massive floods and the inability of a corrupt government to cope with the situation. Powers abhor a vacuum and the Pakistan military have done their best with nation-wide disaster relief. Nonetheless, the Taliban deliver serious humanitarian aid in the regions they control and are now expanding into.

Bribed and bullied by the USA once again, Pakistan will soon see an all-out war between the establishment military and the Taliban factions that Al Qaeda supports. The Pakistan establishment military and its powerful intelligence service (ISI) have long supported their Pashtun brothers in the Taliban. Whatever war might be conducted, as with the military actions of the past two years, it will have a labyrinthine complexity that is beyond the understanding of the United States presidencies and military. Pakistan was rebranded several years ago as the essential ally in the war against terrorism. Look at the map and then think about the fantasies of Petraeus and COIN.

The USA will never leave Pakistan because at the end of the day,
the Pakistan nuclear arsenal must be secured. The world stood at the brink of nuclear war between Pakistan and India in 2001 and that possibility must never occur again. Now, we have finally reached the last station on Stage Managing the War on Terror railroad. Yes, Al Qaeda unleashes suicidal terrorists that can wreck mayhem and kill brutally, be they trained abroad or one off home-grown jihadi’s who co-opt the AQ brand for immediate status. Immersed in the dynamics of George Orwell’s 1984, the world struggles with a reality more terrifying than yet another mad jihadi. With the Pakistan nuclear arsenal, we have reached something that carries ultimate death potential and is in a class by itself.  By: Merlynne

Why is Karzai hiding Bramdagh Bugti who holds an Indian passport?

President Karzai who was called for a dressing down to Islamabad made the usual noises in Pakistan, and gave a less than satisfatory response on Bramdagh Bugti who resides in Kabul under an Indian passport. Mr. Bramdagh Bugti is a known terrorist who speaks up against Pakistan every opportunity he gets.

Bramdagh Bugti, grandson of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti runs the banned Baloch Republican Party (BRA) in Balochistan.

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday sought to dispel fears in Pakistan about Afghan territory being used by India to stir trouble in the restive province of Balochistan. In Pakistan with a high-level delegation to discuss ways to root out terrorism from the region ahead of the planned pull out of international forces from Afghanistan, Mr. Karzai and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari maintained the two countries had a common cause in regional peace.

Asked how Afghanistan could accept Pakistani hospitality for years and yet allow India to destabilise Pakistan from Afghan soil, Mr. Karzai said: “I will speak with a clear voice and a clear conscience. Afghanistan will be committing a great wrong to itself if we allow our territory to be used by any other country against Pakistan. This is not in the interest of Afghanistan. Please trust us on that. We will not allow that.”

As for the specific charge of Afghanistan providing refuge to leading Baloch insurgency leader Bramdagh Bugti — who is said to have an Indian passport — Mr. Karzai said if Pakistan thought he was a criminal and provided evidence, Kabul would act on it. Various news sources including “The Hindu”.

The five banned groups in Balochistan are Balochistan Republican Army, Baloch Liberation Front, Balochistan Liberation United Front, Baloch Defaee Tanzeem and Lashkar-e-Balochistan. As for the Indian hand in the strife in Balochistan and insurgents making their way into the province from Afghanistan, Mr. Malik said: “We have not only raised it with the two governments, we have lodged our protest with them.” Further, he said Bramdagh Bugti — grandson of slain Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Akbar Bugti who heads the Balochistan Republican Party and is regarded as the fiercest face of the insurgency — was in Afghanistan. Pakistan has time and again flagged his Indian passport as evidence of New Delhi’s support for the insurgency in Balochistan.

Balochis believe that Nawab Bugti was murdered by the then federal government and a major grouse is that no enquiry was ordered into his assassination. He is the father of Bramdagh Bugti whose Indian passport has become a sore point in relations between India and Pakistan. The matter had come up for discussion at the Foreign Minister level engagement last month as Pakistan remains convinced about India’s role in the ongoing strife in the province.

Balochistan, Bugti, fourth anniversary, Black Day, Pakistan

Muslim Scholars invite Pastor Jones to Global Televised debate on Islam

Muslim Scholars invites Pastor Jones and his kind to a Global Televised debate on Islam.

The Pastor shows his inability to communicate and discuss Islam or his “lack of knowledge” to discuss Islam on a scholarly level.

Therefore like a media sensationalist he marketed himself as a Christian crusader and called for the burning of Al Qu’ran Furqaan (Naudhbillah).

Here is a man promoting himself as a man of God, a man of Peace promoting the teachings of our beloved prophet Esa (Jesus) Al Masih (The Messiah).

A man who hails from the “most developed” nation in the world yet he used the most incomprehensible means to vilify the religion of Islam.

What does this tell you, it to me shows two things;

1) Continued Intolerance and Ignorance of a wide portion The American public – largely the offspring of the foreign invaders of this good land – The White Caucasians from the infamous Southern States.

2) More specifically it shows a “lack of faith” on part of the Pastor and an inability to eloquently communicate his misgivings or more directly his misunderstanding of Islam and Al Qu’ran. If he is a follower of the Sunnah of our beloved prophet Jesus Al Masih then surely the method to put his point across had to be in sync with the manner and conviction of the prophets of the Children of Israel a trait which exist in Jesus (pbuh) as well as Muhammad. By this I mean an “informed discussion” through knowledge of the “superior” faith in this instance the belief or idea of Christianity Pastor Jones adheres too.

Which prophet from among the children of Israel burnt a holy book? Which prophet from among the children of Israel was unable to converse and communicate the sovereignty and beauty of their monotheistic faith with those who were seen as believing otherwise.

We Muslims still today adhere to those very principles of Tawheed and always invite people to
The “oneness of God” in the Sunnah of not just prophet Muhammad (SAW) but similarly the sunned of our Israelite Prophets.

Surely if you hold the truth then the fundamental thing about the truth (haq) is that;

“It stands firm alone” a lesson from Al Qu’ran that there is “no compulsion” in religion invite those to your faith because our faith is the truth and the truth stands firm on its own.

Muslim Scholars are inviting Pastor Jones to a debate – all over the world.
He as an ambassador of Christianity has placed himself forward to defend his belief and instruments that make up his faith as practiced “today” under the guise of the same faith brought by our beloved prophet Jesus (pbuh).

Islam believes the following about Prophet Jesus (pbuh);

1) He (pbuh) is the promised Messiah sent “only” to the lost sheep from among the house of Israel.
2) He Jesus (pbuh) had a miraculous birth – a virgin Birth and he was born to a pious and honourable woman who has among the highest status in Heaven. However it is important to note that the similitude of Jesus (pbuh) as poetically described in Al Qu’ran Furqan is that of Adam (pbuh). Both were commanded by the benevolent and masterful creator “To Be” and they came into being. One created from dust and the other in the womb of his honourable, pious beloved virgin mother (pbuh). equally similar to the birth of Isaac (pbuh) to Sara a barren old woman bears a child in her womb (note look up the age of Sara p.b.u.h when she conceives her son) and more specifically the “miraculous” birth of John The Baptist (pbuh) – son of our beloved prophet Zecharriah (pbuh) to his wife – a barren old woman who was unable to bear a child. It was the miracle and majesty of our benevolent creator and his mercy and love for Prophet Zechariah (pbuh) that the prophet’s prayer was answered. In Islam it was more important to remember where that prayer was made, close to where our honourable mother of Prophet Jesus (pbuh) Mary the most high and honourable (pbuh) would retire in solitude to pray to God alone.
3) He brought with him Injeel (Evan”jeel”) which Christians today refer to The Gospel which we debate over authenticity and not we Muslims alone but a whole sway of academics and scholars who subscribe to The Christian faith.
4) The message of Jesus (pbuh) was NOT A NEW law but a Re-Affirmation of the LAW that was sent to Moses (pbuh) and what was sent to David (pbuh). Why was he sent a message which was essentially a Re-Affirmation of all that was previously sent. Well the reason was clear and if one looks into Christianity and you will see Jesus (pbuh) was at odds with the priests in the temple from a very early age. The scribes were altering the word of God by pen and misguiding the believers hence the “lost Sheep”.
5) Thus an eloquent preacher, messenger and prophet was sent who we describe just like the Christians as the “word of God”. What do we mean by this, well he did not come with a physical book, message on paper but it was through his words and teachings that he was able to challenge the evil scribes and priests who were changing the revelation. He like the prophets before him was “the word of God” – he Re-Affirmed all that was before him and brought glad tidings of things to come. Thus Injeel was not only re-affirmation of the laws/Message sent to prophets before Jesus (pbuh) but it brought good news of what was to come. By this we mean he mentioned the “praised one” or the “praised worthy” who would come after him.
This word praised one or praise worthy simple means in Hebrew and in the language of Christ – Aramaic – Achmed the rot word defining Mchmed or in Arabic Ahmed is the root word of Muhammad.

Ahmed is the name and title by what prophet Muhammad (SAW) is known in the Heavens and Muhammad (same meaning as Ahmed) is the name attributed to the seal of prophets or in Hebrew shiloh the last messenger/prophet. The discussion of prophet Muhammad (SAW) prophecy in the OT and NT is a discussion in itself. But to give those Christians who may read this to read or investigate. In the Book of John it is written – the inquisitive Jews approached our beloved prophet John the Baptist (pbuh)and asked him in very candid and specific terms not in parables but very directly and precisely;

Who are you;

1) Are you Elias? – To which prophet John (pbuh) said NO.
2) Are you then The Promised Messiah? – to which prophet John (pbuh) said NO.

..After a pause he was very directly and specifically asked a third question;

3) Are you then “That Prophet” ?. To which prophet John (pbuh) replied NO.

We learn from Christian apologetics and scholars “centuries” later that John was in fact Elias (which is hard to believe and never confirmed by the prophet himself but again a discussion in it self). We know that Jesus (pbuh) was The Promised Messiah and rightly so. But tot his day no Christian has answered who “That prophet”, the praised one, praised worthy, from the princes of Kedar (Kedar was a region outside Madinah/Yathrib as well as the son of prophet Ismael p.b.u.h). Who is this prophet was that has come from the mountains of Paran, these mountains that overlook the valley of Bacca or Makkah. Who is it that came with a fiery law which he did not stop until was implemented, a prophet from among the brethren of the Israelites like unto Moses. Who is this Prophet that glorified Jesus (pbuh) and all prophets before him and came from the desert i.e. from Kedar, from Paran. Only one came and he was Muhammad (SAW) his name means the praised one or the praiseworthy and no prophet has been showered with love and praise as much as Muhammad (SAW) with over 1.5 billion Muslim today in the world practicing the faith as it was perfected 1400 years ago.

Now going back to the topic in hand, Pastor Jones deplorable act and venomous words must not go away without due reference and correction.

Muslim Scholars are rightly so – asking for a debate. I believe this debate is a long time coming on this grand scale. It needs to be televised, globally and marketed and advertised to build up the hysteria similar to the manner the hysteria around Pastor Jones venomous words and act of desecration was widely promoted.

I think the Muslim world must unite and put forward “one champion” to meet Pastor Jones and dispel the Bush Neo Con evil Era of lies and misconceptions about Islam used to blind & divide the American public.

I recently read about how Pastor Jones came on a private televised pod cast at the ugly truth pod cast and his thin argument was torn to shreds.

Hosted by Mark Glenn, and co hosted by nashid Abdul Khaliq of http://www.ascertainthetruth.com the ugly truth invited the Pastor to actually discuss his mis-understandings on the religion of Islam.

The pastor keen to get his mug in front of a camera to discuss his church’s planned desecration of Al Qu’ran, was then asked to debate the issue in an intelligent, civil manner with Dr. Hesham Tillawi, President of the Islamic Center located in Lafayette, Louisiana, host of the weekly television program Current Issues.

When asked Pastor Jones became dumb founded -speechless and completely went ont he defensive by saying he does not “debate”, choosing instead to continue forth with the same tactics made famous by Communist and Fascist regimes of the last century–burning books.

http://theuglytruth.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/pastor-terry-jones-all-bark-and-no-bite-when-it-comes-to-speaking-the-truth/

http://theuglytruth.podbean.com

You can reach Mark Glenn on

nomorewarsforisrael@gmail.com

So Pastor Jones here is a message to you and your kind who we call ignorant uneducated bigots and promoters of hate. Sheeple individuals who are not prepared to think for themselves but happy to tow the “mainstream” line even of the source is inaccurate.

The message is clear and simple “Put your money where your mouth is”.

The Muslim world invites you to a televised debate on national and International television.

We wish to hear your powers of deduction calling the faith and practice that began with Adam (pbuh) but became an organised religion through Abraham (pbuh) and perfected by Muhammad (SAW). A faith practiced and revered, loved and held sacred by 1.5 billion people and growing across the world. How did you deduce your understanding of Islam. By what means, what is the physical evidence that you used to make your wholly unacceptable conclusion.

Discuss the tenants and teachings of Islam through Qu’ran and Sunnah and just how your powers of deductions calculated the unwarranted, despicable comments against Muslims, Islam and Al Qu’ran.

I call on ALL Muslims who read this to go forth to all American blogs related to pastor Jones and direct them to this challenge.

We are waiting for a scholarly, academic, civil debate on Islam with Pastor Jones and his kind. A debate that we call to be televised public and live across the world.

We The Muslims the followers of the covenant that began with Abraham (pbuh) and the faith that was perfected through Al Qu’ran Furqaan taught to mankind by Muhammad (SAW) “the praised one” / “praised worthy” prophet prophesised to The Children of Israel.

Do you the western world accept our challenge are you sincere enough to learn about Islam to rid your self of the demons of misconceptions creating divides and causing conflict and bloodshed to untold millions of people across the world.

Is America ready to rid itself of the ghosts of The Neo Con – Fascist regime.

We invite you to discuss Islam in a civil and academic way and dispel yourself of all that you do not comprehend and wrongfully associate with Islam.

‘US cannot leave Pakistan alone’

KARACHI/THATHA/MUKLI—US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has said US can not leave Pakistan alone in this hour of trial and will continue to provide assistance to the flood affectees. Richard Holbrooke said this while talking to media men Wednesday during his visit to flood ravaged areas and he also went up to relief camps set up in collaboration with US. He arrived in Karachi Wednesday on four days visit while a 4-member team of US experts was also accompanying him. After his arrival in Karachi, he visited Thatha, Mukli and other flood hit areas. He held US was the first country which had started dispatching relief goods for flood victims and relief inflow was still continuing. Relief aid of over Rs 25 billion in the form of cash, goods, transport and helicopters had been provided to Pakistan so far, he pointed out. US had been helping Pakistan in the past and now when the flood affectees were facing hard times his visit to Pakistan was aimed at ascertaining the requirements and assessing the loss caused to the affectees by disastrous floods so that his country could provide more assistance in line with the needs of affectees, he underlined. Holbrooke told he would meet President Asif Ali Zardari and prime minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. US would expand its projects pertaining to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood hit areas, he added. “Besides we want that aid which is coming for flood affectees be utilized in transparent manner”, he held. Richard Holbrooke will visit flood stricken areas of South Punjab and later he would address joint press conference with foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Australian foreign minister. During his talks with journalists after arrival at Karachi air port he said his country had already extended aid of 300 million dollars for flood victims and 8 helicopters had also been provided for carrying food to the flood affected areas. Cooperation would be extended to Pakistan in the long term projects for rehabilitation of flood affected people, he told. —Agencies

Altaf offers role on Balochistan

— Seeks army’s guarantee for talks

— Fears country’s dismemberment

— Says ties with Musharraf severed on Balochistan handling

— Accuses govt of criminal neglect

— Lends support to people to overthrow unpopular rulers

— Asks Haris to capture fields from landlords

Salim Bokhari

LAHORE – Chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain is more than willing to lead any effort aimed at resolving the Balochistan crisis as he strongly feels that any further delay in launching “such an effort will be criminal and may lead to dismemberment of the country”.“If no early solution is found, Gwadar would be occupied by the American forces with active support of the Indian agents. God forbid, if such an eventuality takes place, Gwadar would be converted into a US naval base and would be used against China. Let’s not allow this to happen”, Altaf Hussain told The Daily Mail in an exclusive telephonic interview from London.Recalling Bangladesh’s tragic separation, Mr Altaf regretted that our successive governments have learnt no lessons from the past. “The present leadership was either not aware of the density of the issue or was guilty of a criminal neglect.”The MQM chief said that he had been in consistent touch with the top Baloch leadership. “I have always stood with them for their genuine and legal demands and would continue to do so in the future,” he said, adding: “I can persuade the angry Balochs to come to negotiation table provided they are not deceived or cheated again. In the past when such an atmosphere was created for talks, the ruling elite betrayed them due to which they are not willing to believe anyone from Islamabad.”According to him, foreign hands were at play in Balochistan only because the nationalist Baloch leaders were forced to leave the province. “Most of them were either in Afghanistan or in Western capitals. I am in touch with them on regular basis and they trust me.”Asked if at any stage the MQM would work closely with former president and COAS General Pervez Musharraf who has recently launched a political party under the name of ‘all Pakistan Muslim League’, Mr Altaf Hussain said he had a good working relationship with him, but he developed differences with him over the manner in which he handled the Balochistan situation. “General Musharraf was wrongly advised by his close associates and he took a wrong approach to eliminate insurgency, which further complicated the issue”, he said.Without mincing his words, Mr Altaf said the army’s top brass and the ISI chief must provide assurances to disgruntled Balochs that they would not be defrauded again like in the past. “My heart aches to see the prevailing situation in Balochistan where the list of missing person was swelling and a series of target killing was unleashed, eliminating the renowned Baloch nationalist leaders. In such an environment, how can normalcy return,” Mr Altaf questioned, urging for “the right decision at the right time.”To another question, the MQM chief said he had all along been against the military operation in Balochistan and advised General Musharraf not to take that course. “He did not listen to me since he was vulnerable to others’ advice. There have been several army operations in Balochistan in the past and nothing got resolved. Instead, the grievance increased resulting in serious credibility gap”, he said.To a question, Mr Altaf said present and the past rulers have all been sold out to the Americans and were compromising on national interest to serve their foreign masters. “The country was bleeding at the hands of unprecedented floods and suicide bombings and our ruling elite and the opposition were playing in the hands of Pakistan’s enemies,” he said, and warned that it is about time that they change their attitude or get ready to pay the price for their deeds.On flood relief, Altaf Hussain said his party workers had spread across the country and were engaged in relief and rehabilitation operation. “I am personally monitoring the entire activity and would not rest till the last affected person was provided shelter and environment where he could earn his living with respect and dignity.”About the role of Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation in relief activities, the MQM chief praised that members of this organisation were working round the clock with a missionary zeal and warned of series consequences to those who were out to hinder their efforts. He said the Foundation’s network was working across the country selflessly and people in these areas were fully appreciating their contribution. The MQM chief reiterated his earlier statement when asked what was the possible solution of rehabilitation of flood victims, saying the ‘Haris’ should return to their respective villages and towns and capture the cultivable fields of the big landlords. “Time has passed for ‘Jagirdars’ and ‘Waderas’ to continue suppression of “Haris’. “It is in their interest that they distribute their lands among ‘Haris’ otherwise they would take possession on their own.He said the situation was ripe for a revolution and if the rulers did not change their attitude and policies, masses would make them accountable on the crossings and streets across the country. He said his party would lend full support to the people in their bid to overthrow unpopular rulers paving the way for a healthy change. “Gone are the days when the ruling elite could hoodwink poor people of Pakistan.”g

Musharraf to launch party next month

HONG KONG—Former president Pervez Musharraf said Wednesday he would launch a new party on October 1, as the retired general plots a return to the frontlines of the country’s turbulent politics.Musharraf also accused Afghan President Hamid Karzai of lacking “legitimacy” but urged the West to stay the course against the Taliban and not to abandon the restive region. “I’m going to declare a party on October 1… We have to bring about a new political culture in Pakistan,” he told reporters in Hong Kong after addressing an annual investors’ forum organised by the CLSA brokerage.The 67-year-old Musharraf, who lives in self-imposed exile in London, shrugged off the threat of possible legal action arising from his years of military rule of Pakistan. “There are elements opposed to me, political elements, and they are the ones who engineer these cases. One has to face that. I’m very confident nothing can happen (on his eventual return home),” he said.Musharraf, who plans to stand for parliament at the next general election in 2013, did not say where he would launch his new party —called the All Pakistan Muslim League.But reports in Pakistan have said the October 1 event will take place in London. “I’m totally against the system where it becomes a family domain in all political parties. The essence of democracy is not there in Pakistan,” he said in Hong Kong.He had a dismal relationship with Karzai, who regained power last year in an election that was widely decried as fraudulent. “There must be a legitimate government in Afghanistan… He does not have that legitimacy,” Musharraf told the CLSA forum.—Reuters

Zardari, Karzai vow to fight against terror

ISLAMABAD—Leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday vowed to expand scope of their talks aimed at greater cooperation in the fight against terrorism and collaboration at bilateral political and economic levels.Addressing a joint press conference here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Zardari and his Afghan counterpart said both the countries suffered from a common enemy of terrorism that need to be tackled with closer collaboration between their security and intelligence agencies.President Zardari said, “we have a common cause and suffer from this cancer of terrorism. They are friends of nobody and are our joint enemies.”He said the two countries need to “raise the bar” and have more indepth cooperation to fight terror networks. President Karzai said the objective of his visit was to have an open dialogue that was substantive, realistic and issue oriented and part of the ongoing campaign against terrorism. Responding to a question about recent remarks made by his National Security Adviser in which he alleged that Pakistani intelligence agencies were helping the terrorists, Karzai said the matter was discussed during the talks. “This is ongoing dialogue and the fact and the ground reality is that both the countries are suffering from terrorism. They [terrorists] have to be based somewhere. They did not come from Ivory Coast or Bakina Faso. They came from our soil.” He said the issue was how to tackle the sanctuaries, training, finances and resources used for the acts in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “Openness in dialogue is a step forward, that is substantive, realistic in the ongoing campaign against terrorism.” He mentioned the recent spate of attacks in Pakistan and said Afghanistan too faced such gruesome and inhuman acts. He said it was a problem for both the countries and they must find a solution for stability of both countries and the region. To a question about involvement of India in acts of terrorism in Pakistan, Karzai said his country would act if provided evidence of use of its territory in the acts of terrorism in Pakistan. “I speak with a clear voice and conscience. Afghanistan would be committing a great wrong to itself, if we allowed our territory to be used by any country against Pakistan.” He said it was not in the interest of Afghanistan. “If you have any evidence give it to us,” he said and assured that his country would definitely act if it finds any proof. Regarding talks with the Taliban and his offer of peace to Mulla Umar, President Karzai said apart from campaign against extremism and terrorism, his country was also engaging other means to bring peace and stability to his war torn country. “We will engage with those who are not part of al-Qaeda and terrorist network and abide by the Afghan Constitution and the gains made in the 10 years … and have no enmity with us.” He said his government was trying to seek all means to defeat the Taliban who were not “reconcilable” while engaging in a substantive dialogue to bring security and stability to both Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Zardari said his country stands against terrorism and was part of the solution and its democratic government was not part of the problem.—Agencies

Indian leaders fail to develop consensus on IHK

NEW DELHI—No consensus was reached on the dilution of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir to control violence in the Valley at the all party meet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. At the meet it was decided that an all party delegation would visit the state to assess the ground situation before arriving at any decision. Expressing satisfaction over the result of the meeting, Union minister for new and renewable energy Farooq Abdullah told the mediapersons that an all party delegation will visit the state. “The home ministry will organise the visit of the delegation and the state government will facilitate the delegation to meet the various groups. A meaningful dialogue must begin.” Abdullah also told the mediapersons that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has no trust deficit in Omar Abdullah’s government in Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition leader of J&K and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that mere words are not enough. The government should take a concrete and not a cosmetic step forward in this direction. “Unconditional dialogue is crucial and separatists should be included in the talks to find a meaningful solution to the crisis.” Meanwhile, in a statement issued by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi urged all political parties to put aside their ideological and political differences. She said, “The challenge is too serious to allow differences to get in way.” Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday he was “shocked and distressed” by deadly protests in Indian-administered Kashmir and called for calm to enable talks on the crisis to take place. “I was shocked and distressed to see young men and women — even children —joining the protests on the streets,” Singh said at the opening of a meeting of political parties called to debate ways of easing tensions in the region. Leaders of India’s main political parties debated Wednesday whether to ease harsh security laws in Indian-administered Kashmir as the government searched for a strategy to end months of increasingly violent protests in the region. Under the laws, army officers in the region can search homes and make arrests without warrants, can shoot at anyone suspected of being a separatist and can blow up a building or a home on suspicion insurgents are using it. The fate of Kashmir is one of the most volatile issues facing India. Control of the territory is divided between India and Pakistan, which both lay claim to the whole region and have fought two wars over it.With no resolution in sight to the six decade dispute, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets over the past three summers, stoning troops and demanding independence from India or a merger with Pakistan. In the worst violence so far this year, 18 protesters were killed in street battles on Monday, exacerbated by reports of Quran desecration in the United States. In response, authorities slapped a round-the-clock curfew across the territory and threatened to shoot violators on sight. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with top politicians in New Delhi and appealed for ideas to end the violence. ‘’I have said this earlier and I say it again: The only path for lasting peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir is that of dialogue and discussion,’‘ he said. Singh accused separatist groups of orchestrating some of the violent protests, appealed for calm in the region and said the government was willing to talk to any group that did not espouse violence. The chances of reaching a consensus over Kashmir is extremely unlikely, with political leaders deeply divided over how to proceed. Kashmiri politicians, hoping to regain some credibility with their people, have pressed for the lifting of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the region. But some Cabinet ministers and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party oppose even a partial lifting of the law, which they say would lead to even more violence. ‘’We want peace to return to Kashmir. But it cannot return if separatists have a free hand and the army’s hands are tied,’‘ BJP leader Arun Jaitley said Wednesday. Even if the government agreed to lift the restrictions on Kashmir it would not necessarily appease separatist leaders. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a leader of the umbrella grouping All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has demanded India declare Kashmir an international dispute, withdraw hundreds of thousands of troops from the region and release all political prisoners as a precondition for talks.—Reuters