Listening to Romney and the likes criticizing Obama's foreign policy approach is baffling. For anyone who has followed world events and America's response in the last couple years can say that there has been plenty accomplished since George Jr. left the Oval Office in 2009. Here are just a few that come to mind:
-Improvement and in some cases creation of Arab League relations during the Middle East civil unrest movements including the Libyan civil crisis. Through constructive and pragmatic dialogue, President Obama and his foreign diplomacy team were able to protect 'humanitarian rights' (or oil-rich political interest) in Libya until the fall of Ghaddafi - leading to a relatively short climactic shift of power in the region and one without notable US military involvement.
- An upfront, brutally honest relationship with Pakistan which has led to a step-child but child nonetheless, kind of relationship in which truth is expected, conveyed and evaluated openly. For the first time in eight years, US has formally acknowledged instability in Pakistan and its vulnerability to fall prey to terrorist organizations.
-Transformed Egyptian leadership without long term goals to be present in the region
-A stern and solid yet relatively calm approach with Iran which has led to diplomatic restlessness within the Iranian regime now cracking under sanctions. Hostility between Israel and Iran continues to rise though, which means a detoured approach will now be demanded.
-Renewed relations in Asia with China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan including hosting the VP of China, Xi Jinping in the US. This trip was strategically planned to collaborate expectations from American/Chinese leadership as well as the importance of fairness in the global marketplace when he takes over as the leader in the PRC in the next couple years.
-Ended the war in Iraq as and when promised during his election campaign.
Just the regions I mentioned above account for more than half of the world's population..I think that's a modestly aggressive approach to foreign policy for a 3 year old president. Just saying.
Showing posts with label pakistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pakistan. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, July 11, 2011
High fives for fair dives...
The American legal system might be disappointing consistently, but it seems that some parts of the public service system have their agendas clear and fair. After the Defense of Marriage Act 'defined' that marriage is a union exclusively between a man and a woman, it was concluded that same sex couples were not to receive any federal benefits including Social Security and health care. Highly unfair and let me add, unconstitutional since we are all about 'separation of church and state.' But just like the abortion issue, debates concerning same sex marriages are a hot social topic that are used to deviate the less informed electorate from the facts and get votes.
But the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has found a solution to get their way with the feds. In order to make up for the unfair treatment of homosexuals and the cost of lost benefits, the city has decided to offer additional pay to gay workers. Being in a gay relationship can cost from $1500 to $3500 a year, and the city is paying their gay employees the appropriate amount so that there is no added burden on not being straight. Amen! If the federal government is bent on socially conservative policies, local governments can take matters in their own hands, and effectively. It shouldn't be anyone's business to define how I should live my life or even worse, punish me if I don't fit the norm. America - the land of the free? Free to do as you please. And if violence, sex, and crime is okay to air any time of the day, then defining the boundaries of 'true love' seems highly contradictory. 17 companies have joined the city in their efforts to fairly compensate gay workers. Hopefully this will catch on, and across the board.
There was also some fairness and credibility in the realm of international affairs. US has decided to withhold $800 million dollars in aid to Pakistan until they resolve their 'trust' issues. Just like a betrayal in an exclusive relationship, US finding Osama bin Laden in Pakistan has led to estranged feelings of mistrust and doubts. Tensions have escalated and relationships have strained following the raid on May 2 and to be honest, rightly so. Until Pakistan shows that it is indeed against the Taliban (even though this is contrary to documented evidence) and that they are willing to contribute to the demolition of terrorist groups across eastern Asia including Afghanistan, providing millions of dollars in the name of security assistance will only be used for unclear, controversial causes. It has now been uncovered by Admiral Mike Mullen that in order to snap at critics, the Pakistani government is believed to have been behind the abduction and killing of journalist Saleem Shahzad who wrote about the infiltration of Taliban militants in the Pakistani military. Clearly, once again, Pakistan has something to hide. US is acting appropriately given its crucial and self-vested monetary and security interests in the region and using the $$ card might add some strain for better talking points.
The US Justice system has its share of work cut out to provide fair and correcting justice, but perhaps certain parts of the government do have their priorities straight. Let's get some eyes and ayes on that..
But the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts has found a solution to get their way with the feds. In order to make up for the unfair treatment of homosexuals and the cost of lost benefits, the city has decided to offer additional pay to gay workers. Being in a gay relationship can cost from $1500 to $3500 a year, and the city is paying their gay employees the appropriate amount so that there is no added burden on not being straight. Amen! If the federal government is bent on socially conservative policies, local governments can take matters in their own hands, and effectively. It shouldn't be anyone's business to define how I should live my life or even worse, punish me if I don't fit the norm. America - the land of the free? Free to do as you please. And if violence, sex, and crime is okay to air any time of the day, then defining the boundaries of 'true love' seems highly contradictory. 17 companies have joined the city in their efforts to fairly compensate gay workers. Hopefully this will catch on, and across the board.
There was also some fairness and credibility in the realm of international affairs. US has decided to withhold $800 million dollars in aid to Pakistan until they resolve their 'trust' issues. Just like a betrayal in an exclusive relationship, US finding Osama bin Laden in Pakistan has led to estranged feelings of mistrust and doubts. Tensions have escalated and relationships have strained following the raid on May 2 and to be honest, rightly so. Until Pakistan shows that it is indeed against the Taliban (even though this is contrary to documented evidence) and that they are willing to contribute to the demolition of terrorist groups across eastern Asia including Afghanistan, providing millions of dollars in the name of security assistance will only be used for unclear, controversial causes. It has now been uncovered by Admiral Mike Mullen that in order to snap at critics, the Pakistani government is believed to have been behind the abduction and killing of journalist Saleem Shahzad who wrote about the infiltration of Taliban militants in the Pakistani military. Clearly, once again, Pakistan has something to hide. US is acting appropriately given its crucial and self-vested monetary and security interests in the region and using the $$ card might add some strain for better talking points.
The US Justice system has its share of work cut out to provide fair and correcting justice, but perhaps certain parts of the government do have their priorities straight. Let's get some eyes and ayes on that..
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
And the prize goes to...
The world has seen some eventful last 7 days. The 'Royal Wedding' extravagant affair took a lot of attention from all around the world, President Obama finally released his long form Hawaiian birth certificate, and then the President produced Osama Bin Laden's death certificate. So now we can all sigh in relief. Or something like that.
The least interesting event of the three is definitely the wedding. Not only did it symbolize a gruesome waste of taxpayer money in a country that's struggling financially but it also showed how senselessly bedazzled the world is with unconcerning fancy parties. No, I'm not British so I probably don't understand the "true meaning" of what this might symbolize but while the world is in the midst of multiple wars and unrests, genocides, poverty, tsunamis and tornadoes, the fact that two normal people decide to tie the knot does not excuse ALL the news channels to air this event. There are enough people who find this a very important happening, but in the grand scheme of things it means nothing to people like you and me. We won't at all be affected by what happens and neither does it symbolize 'true love' as some people have been suggesting. 3 out of 4 of the Queen's children, including Prince Charles, ended their grand weddings in grand divorces. So let's get real. They're pretty normal, and raising them on a pedestal isn't going to change anything except belittle the issues that so need attention and action.
Of course we all heard about President Obama's birth certificate fiasco. A humorous reminder that ignorance can never be diminished and seeing how he's been questioned on the authenticity of what he provided, it's pretty clear that some people are never going to be satisfied with his responses. I hope he learned his lesson well and won't stoop down to prove the crazies right again. Maybe not until election time at least!
The death of Osama bin Laden was pretty big news, though. Aside from the exciting-spy-thriller-movie-like-mystery about covert and clandestine operations by the CIA and Navy Seals, it was just a 'wow okay' moment. Millions of dollars spent and thousands of men looking for this al-Qaeda kingpin for the last fifteen years, and this guy is sitting in a mansion 60 km from the capital city of Pakistan. I mean if the Pakistani government had no clue that he was there (as they are claiming) then the term Pakistani Intelligence is definitely an oxymoron rather than an organization. I was watching the news anchors on all major networks last night speaking with either Pakistani journalists or some members of the Pakistani government and they are in complete denial that this is even possible. Pervez Musharaff, an ex-President of Pakistan, was quoted in an article yesterday stating that the United States, by entering Pakistan and attacking Osama's mansion, committed a breach of sovereignty and is irresponsible. Hello! We only gave them, what, ten years and ten billion dollars each of those years to strengthen their infrastructure, army, weaponry, and "intelligence" so that they could help us catch this guy. He's been sitting under their nose and they have no idea and yet they are talking about irresponsible breach.
So out of the three events, due to the nature of mystery unraveled and questions raised with meaningful answers that can shape diplomatic relations across the world for decades to come, the prize for the best happening this week goes to the blowing up of Osama bin Laden. No offense to any Pakistanis, and I know tons of them coming from Chicago, but this episode is a blunt indication of the shadiness that exists in this country. India has been screaming on the top of its lungs for the last four decades regarding Pakistan's credibility and their leanings towards housing terrorists. President of Afghanistan, Hamad Karzai has been pointing his finger towards Pakistan as the major terrorist State. No one listened. Now Pakistan has to answers some very difficult questions without posing to be a victim of the circumstance, which is what's usually done. Good luck Gilani, where are you going to hide now?
The least interesting event of the three is definitely the wedding. Not only did it symbolize a gruesome waste of taxpayer money in a country that's struggling financially but it also showed how senselessly bedazzled the world is with unconcerning fancy parties. No, I'm not British so I probably don't understand the "true meaning" of what this might symbolize but while the world is in the midst of multiple wars and unrests, genocides, poverty, tsunamis and tornadoes, the fact that two normal people decide to tie the knot does not excuse ALL the news channels to air this event. There are enough people who find this a very important happening, but in the grand scheme of things it means nothing to people like you and me. We won't at all be affected by what happens and neither does it symbolize 'true love' as some people have been suggesting. 3 out of 4 of the Queen's children, including Prince Charles, ended their grand weddings in grand divorces. So let's get real. They're pretty normal, and raising them on a pedestal isn't going to change anything except belittle the issues that so need attention and action.
Of course we all heard about President Obama's birth certificate fiasco. A humorous reminder that ignorance can never be diminished and seeing how he's been questioned on the authenticity of what he provided, it's pretty clear that some people are never going to be satisfied with his responses. I hope he learned his lesson well and won't stoop down to prove the crazies right again. Maybe not until election time at least!
The death of Osama bin Laden was pretty big news, though. Aside from the exciting-spy-thriller-movie-like-mystery about covert and clandestine operations by the CIA and Navy Seals, it was just a 'wow okay' moment. Millions of dollars spent and thousands of men looking for this al-Qaeda kingpin for the last fifteen years, and this guy is sitting in a mansion 60 km from the capital city of Pakistan. I mean if the Pakistani government had no clue that he was there (as they are claiming) then the term Pakistani Intelligence is definitely an oxymoron rather than an organization. I was watching the news anchors on all major networks last night speaking with either Pakistani journalists or some members of the Pakistani government and they are in complete denial that this is even possible. Pervez Musharaff, an ex-President of Pakistan, was quoted in an article yesterday stating that the United States, by entering Pakistan and attacking Osama's mansion, committed a breach of sovereignty and is irresponsible. Hello! We only gave them, what, ten years and ten billion dollars each of those years to strengthen their infrastructure, army, weaponry, and "intelligence" so that they could help us catch this guy. He's been sitting under their nose and they have no idea and yet they are talking about irresponsible breach.
So out of the three events, due to the nature of mystery unraveled and questions raised with meaningful answers that can shape diplomatic relations across the world for decades to come, the prize for the best happening this week goes to the blowing up of Osama bin Laden. No offense to any Pakistanis, and I know tons of them coming from Chicago, but this episode is a blunt indication of the shadiness that exists in this country. India has been screaming on the top of its lungs for the last four decades regarding Pakistan's credibility and their leanings towards housing terrorists. President of Afghanistan, Hamad Karzai has been pointing his finger towards Pakistan as the major terrorist State. No one listened. Now Pakistan has to answers some very difficult questions without posing to be a victim of the circumstance, which is what's usually done. Good luck Gilani, where are you going to hide now?
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Who needs diplomacy when there's cricket!
So much craziness happening in the world right now. I generally refrain from commenting on big happenings such as Egypt, Libya, Japan like incidents because there is just too much being said already. You can't possibly do justice to such occurrences without being at "Ground Zero", if you will.
However, being in New Delhi and witnessing the madness surrounding the India-Pakistan World Cup Semi Final cricket match is an experience, to say the least. The 'sophisticated' cricket fans try to be politically correct and state that this is after all just a game and that someone has to lose, no matter what. But scratch a little bit beneath the surface and it becomes ample clear that this is SO much bigger than just a game. It is a build up of every political, cultural, social disagreement, event, misunderstanding between the two conflicting countries and this match actually signifies who is the weak one to succumb to pressure.
I am not a cricket lover. I have actually always found the game quiet long, drawn out and boring. But I have totally fallen prey to the hype of this upcoming match and it's really amazing to see myself get dragged in to the 'mob mentality'. People have dropped their important meetings, plans, deadlines just so they could witness this happening live. This is so extreme that the local vegetable seller who comes to our house on his little cycle cart has called off work too! That's when I knew it was serious.
Perhaps we should not downplay the importance of this game. It is indeed wise to acknowledge that this is just a sport and that it can't possibly do justice to decades of conflict between two countries. But this claim is also incorrect. Cricket is the only mainstream sport in India. Let's get real. Yes, there are hundreds of great athletes who indulge in other sports, but as a mass population cricket is the true winner in getting audiences together. So is the case in Pakistan. They are actually much more attached to the game, according to a recent documentary I saw about the country. A non-terrorist civilian (which accounts for 95% of Pakistan, believe it or not!) has not much going for him and he has no voice in government or social issues. His only motive is to survive and take care of his family. For this class of people, which accounts for a huge chunk of the Pakistani population, cricket is most likely their only activity for leisure. Watching, that is. So Pakistan's performance in the sport has high expectations and is the driving force for a lot of people to turn their television sets on.
Because of past unresolved issues between India and Pakistan that are so in our face now, direct confrontation is a no-bogus competition. Maybe they will never get issues such as Kashmir or Taj bombings or terrorist funding or money laundering resolved in a diplomatic manner, but this cricket match will surely determine who is leading, for now.
Go India!
However, being in New Delhi and witnessing the madness surrounding the India-Pakistan World Cup Semi Final cricket match is an experience, to say the least. The 'sophisticated' cricket fans try to be politically correct and state that this is after all just a game and that someone has to lose, no matter what. But scratch a little bit beneath the surface and it becomes ample clear that this is SO much bigger than just a game. It is a build up of every political, cultural, social disagreement, event, misunderstanding between the two conflicting countries and this match actually signifies who is the weak one to succumb to pressure.
I am not a cricket lover. I have actually always found the game quiet long, drawn out and boring. But I have totally fallen prey to the hype of this upcoming match and it's really amazing to see myself get dragged in to the 'mob mentality'. People have dropped their important meetings, plans, deadlines just so they could witness this happening live. This is so extreme that the local vegetable seller who comes to our house on his little cycle cart has called off work too! That's when I knew it was serious.
Perhaps we should not downplay the importance of this game. It is indeed wise to acknowledge that this is just a sport and that it can't possibly do justice to decades of conflict between two countries. But this claim is also incorrect. Cricket is the only mainstream sport in India. Let's get real. Yes, there are hundreds of great athletes who indulge in other sports, but as a mass population cricket is the true winner in getting audiences together. So is the case in Pakistan. They are actually much more attached to the game, according to a recent documentary I saw about the country. A non-terrorist civilian (which accounts for 95% of Pakistan, believe it or not!) has not much going for him and he has no voice in government or social issues. His only motive is to survive and take care of his family. For this class of people, which accounts for a huge chunk of the Pakistani population, cricket is most likely their only activity for leisure. Watching, that is. So Pakistan's performance in the sport has high expectations and is the driving force for a lot of people to turn their television sets on.
Because of past unresolved issues between India and Pakistan that are so in our face now, direct confrontation is a no-bogus competition. Maybe they will never get issues such as Kashmir or Taj bombings or terrorist funding or money laundering resolved in a diplomatic manner, but this cricket match will surely determine who is leading, for now.
Go India!
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