Royal Wedding, why I dont give a damn!

London has gone crazy.

Tubes, hotels, restaurants, roads- everywhere, Royal wedding has become a fever. I see pizzas, cakes, dolls, comics, films being made on the royal couple. BBC and other news channels I am addicted to, have pompously broadcasted the countdown for the wedding.

As this week dawned, hundreds of ardent supporters have been camping around Westminster Abbey. There are fans grumbling, pushing elbowing for space, amidst cameramen and reporters. As the dress rehearsals start, everyone literally jumps in. When Prince Harry comes in his royal car, it becomes a breaking news, as if nothing else is important.

Be it Sainsbury’s, Tesco or even local shops, hundreds of cups, cards, souvenirs of the royal wedding are flooding everywhere, trying their level best to coax the customers. Indeed its a gala affair. Indeed.

After Prince Charles and Lady Diana married, the Britons have been eagerly waiting for this new auspicious revelry. More than them, its William and Catherine who have faced the twists and turns, the rebukes that sarcastically commented their relationships, the frivolous comment of Kate Middleton’s family not being royal, so and so forth.

Eventually, as a simple lady as I am, I do respect the fact that their love story is finally approaching towards a happy ending. And they, indeed have come a long way. It does seem like a fairy tale.

But then, I do not give a damn. And I have my reasons.

To start with, the journalist in me has been quite disturbed by the media space given to this ceremony when other important issues, rather deaths have been causing rampant bloodshed in the Middle East. In Syria, around 450 pro democracy protesters have been killed. In Libya, I cant even count the numbers, anymore. But when you look at the front page of the tabloids and local newspapers, the judgment of giving away most of the page presence to the wedding, sometimes, does boil my blood.

But then, thats what commercialization does. Thats a business now, more than a national celebration. Human emotions are being sold and purchased. And thats when, the beauty dies.

Secondly, its a wedding. For me, marriages are very sacred and private affairs. It can also be because of my deep rooted trust in the Indian culture. Sadly, I do not see the value in such a massive public display of a love marriage. But then again, to each, his own.

Thirdly and most importantly, what disturbed me was the expenditure on the royal wedding. In one of the tweets I read ‘spending up to $60M on a #RoyalWedding when you owe $1 trillion in national debt? There’s hope for you yet, British Empire.’

Hundreds of people are facing the employment cuts, everyday, in London alone. Several are living in the most egregious circumstance. Britain herself is plunging into recession and still fighting it for the past 2 years. There are NATO officials who are not able to be precise in their operations because they do not have finance to invest in fighter jets.

Sadly, Royal wedding is not an investment. Its just an episode, a process, a ceremony or an event.

But then, I shall go and attend it. Its also a history in making, a part of royal essence, at least to some level. And more than that, a happy ending to a beautiful love story!

Syria, you are not invited to the Royal wedding

It looks like the Royal wedding has become more like a judgment to UK’s diplomatic relations with other countries along with being a national revelry.

For example, the Syrian ambassador’s invitation for the royal wedding has been withdrawn in the light of brutal uprising leading to the death of 450 pro-democracy protesters in the country. There has been no update about the invitation, if sent to other ambassadors, like that of Libya, Egypt or Tunisia.

In agreement with the Buckingham Palace, the Foreign Minister William Hague has stated that the invitation to the Syrian ambassador would be unacceptable.

Dr. Sami Khiyami had also been called to the foreign office earlier this week to show how Britain did not appreciate the massive killings that are taking place in Syria.

The Permanent Under Secretary Simon Fraser had also asked the Syrian government to halt the insensitive butchering of the pro-democracy protestors in Syria.

In the meantime, the respective Syrian officers present in France, Italy, Germany and Spain were also called to their government offices to demand the halt in the killings.

‘Spectre of bloodshed in Syria’

The Labours MP had also criticised the fact that since former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair had not been included in the invitation list, chances of Dr. Sami Khiyami’s name would cause aggravated debates.

Recently, Kevan Jones, the British Labour Party politician had also warned against the damage which would be caused if the Syrian ambassador is invited to the royal wedding irrespective of the spectre of the bloodshed and manslaughter currently going on in the streets of Syria.

Though, the Foreign office has stated that the members of the countries with which United Kingdom shares diplomatic relations have been called.

Denis MacShane, the Former Minister of Europe used severe words and defined that walking on the red carpet for tyrants who kill their own people by sending tanks and chopping off the arms of people is definitely ‘Bordering on the grotesque’

‘Not William’s and Kate’s fault’

Michael Dugher, the MP from Barnsley East also stated that the wedding might be a private occasion but it is also a national celebration. Hence, the invitations should be sent after careful consideration.

In the meantime, around 250 ministers have boycotted the Baath party in Syria to criticise the action of the President Assad’s crackdown.

At the same time, there are rumours that representatives from countries like Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, Swaziland and Brunei have been invited.

Though, the list of the invitation for the royal wedding is still kept a secret as of now.

Moreover, it has been revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton should not be blamed for the invitation. It is, in fact, the decision of the officials from the Foreign Office and St. James’s Palace and hence, they should be more careful.

In the meanwhile, the representative from the Malawi government has also been declined from the invitation after Malawi expelled the UK envoy due to the incident of leaked cables in the country.

Credits: Photo from Reuters

Obama breaks his silence!

And finally, Obama has broken his golden silence.

US President Barack Obama has posted an online copy of his ‘birth certificate’ confirming that he was born in Honululu, the capital of Hawaii rather than Kenya.

According to a vague clause in the US Constitution, only ‘natural born’ citizens can become presidents of the country. Just as British newspapers are flooded with the news of ‘Royal Wedding’, the American media has flaunted the questioning on Barack Obama’s birthplace as a catalyst.

Polls were taken, real time feeds were added, Obama was criticised for his silence and even rebuked. It was another reason to laugh at him, as always. A reason to put the blame on.

Over the past few weeks, there was a long simmering controversy, famously called as the ‘Birther movement’ in which Republicans like Donald Trump had repeatedly questioned Obama’s birthplace. The controversy also takes importance as America would witness elections in 2012.

The movement took a fierce and widely speculated form as only 38% of the Americans stated in a poll that they did believe that President Obama was born in US. The rest simply sidelined to believe in him.

So, to silence this conspiracy, the birth certificate has been posted on the official website of White House, neatly showing the sign of his mother and staff officials.

‘Sideshows and carnival barkers’

A televised broadcast followed the release of the birth certificate in which President Obama clearly stated that ‘he had better things to do.’

Speaking to the audience at the news conference, President Obama has stated that the Hawaii officials have confirmed the authentic nature of the birth certificate.

Dan Pfeiffer, the communications director at the White House has stated that President Obama has also authorised the respective officials to release the birth certificate documents broadly.

Barack Obama has also stated that his move is to end the ‘silliness’ and he also quoted that the entire controversy is distracting the country from the real issues that it faces right now.

Though, he also said that there is a segment of people who would not rest irrespective of the online publication of the birth certificate.

President Obama, without using names, has called Republicans like Donald Trump as ‘sideshows and carnival barkers.’

‘Accomplishment’

On the other hand, Donald Trump has said that he feel proud of himself and believes that he challenged the administration, a risk that no one else could take.

Further continuing with his defence, Trump said that a lot of people need to still look at the birth certificate and it should be real because the country faces real problems.

Donald Trump, who is a New York property developer, has been raising this entire controversy of Obama’s birth place, in order to enhance his political strong hold in the Republican circle.

The entire controversy only reveals how easy it is to influence the American population and how swiftly Donald became the boss! Sad for an economy which is currently facing so many axes but still have stamina to show distrust to its own president.

Credits: Photo from Getty Images

‘We want a home’ complains a Tunisian against France and Italy

‘When we were fighting the war, they treated us as heroes. Today, when we want a home, they throw us away,’ complains a Tunisian.

He is not alone in this grievance which has culminated into an abominable turmoil for migrants. They have been flocking towards France because Tunisia was a French colony.Some of them even have families in Italy and France.

But today, they have no where to go. The conflicts in their own country have devastated the chances of proper life and those countries where they thought they would get support are wearing an insensitive cloak around them.

In the past few months, tens of thousands of migrants, mainly Tunisians have been absconding from their respective nations, seeking asylum and security in the European Union.

This move has been severely criticized by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Both of them, in a recent political discussion at Rome have demanded strict changes against the free passport travel regime which is functional in 22 European countries, including Switzerland, Iceland and Norway.

The Immigration emergency and the Tunisian influx is definitely a problem for the European countries but my simple question is, ‘what next?’

The entire movement which now seems like a ruckus was inevitable. What is the entire aim behind investing millions, both by the Obama administration and the coalition forces if you can not take care of the migrants?

No story of political warfare has ever ended by just supplying arms and air strikes. 

At the same time, I do agree that its a great sense of humility that these countries, first France and now Italy have started to play a pivotal role in Libya. But then, let us be very honest. Oil refineries and burgeoning oil prices can make any leading developed country cautious of its move, nevertheless, how much drenched are they in recession and its doomsday.

My concern, as it was in the case of Egypt, is in the case of both Libya and Syria. Even after Egypt won their independence, the Tahrir Square still witnessed protests for change in the government. What lacked in that protest was presence of ‘clear cut’ strategies.

I hardly see the doubt of ‘what next’ getting solved. The Hamas Massacre can be repeated, in no time.

Once again, no fight serves any purpose if it is just a ‘copy cat’ tactics. Gadaffi is not Mubarak or Ben Ali. We all know it, by now. Its high time when the resolutions should be set, seriously.

Credit: Photo from Getty Images

Debate on air strikes worsens in Libya, International politics slaps

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has stated that the situation in Libya is further intensifying with probable establishment of a ‘long overhaul’

The questions regarding how long would Britain be able to support ‘the high tempo operations’ in Libya is a growing concern. The implementation of stupendous defence cuts has further aggravated the situation.

Britain has been sending body armors, telecom equipments and military officer in Libya as the coalition forces have entered the sixth week of air strikes in Libya.

The main countries forming a part of the coalition forces believe that it would take another 12 months to topple Gadaffi.

Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy has been questioning the future of British airstrike operations in Libya. And ofcourse, the concern is genuine as one day of air strikes costs millions of investment.

In the meanwhile, the Obama administration has granted 25 million US dollars to opposition in Libya. The aid would be used in the non lethal manner to support Libya’s Interim Transitional National Council.

The White House has stated that the aid would include supply of vehicles, body armour, radio, medical equipments and ambulance.

Meanwhile, the refugees in Misrata, have been complaining against NATO stating that it safeguards only the bigger population while the plight of the minority is not paid attention.

‘Target Gadaffi’

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has openly criticised the aim of killing Colonel Gadaffi without him undergoing a legal trial.

The International political divisions on what judgment should be bestowed to Gadaffi are becoming a matter of debate.

It has also led to further controversies on the supply of legal aid in Libya.

Robert Gates, the US Defence Secretary has once again stated that the aim of NATO or the coalition forces is not to target Gadaffi.

Though, Foreign Secretary William Hague has stated that there are no legal constraints under the UN resolution in supplying aids in Libya.

He also stated that this would lead to the building of diplomatic, political and military pressure on Gadaffi.

‘Stop air strikes’

The African Union, in a move to take control over the uprising has urged the coalition forces to suspend the air strikes.

This was followed after the bombing of two buildings in Gadaffi’s compound in Tripoli by the NATO forces.

The African Union is all set to hold an extraordinary meeting in May to work under the AU Peace and Security Council.

Though, Zubedi, a Libyan ambassador has stated that everyone does agree that’s its high time when Colonel Gadaffi should surrender.

In the meanwhile, chiefs of 61 tribes in Libya have issued a letter stated by the French writer Bernard Henri Levy that the ‘divide and rule’ policy will not work in Libya and nothing will divide them.

Credits: Photo from Reuters

Ivory Coast joins the league of political blame games

Political blame games, have somehow, become an identity for covering horrendous fiascos in every nation. Unfortunately, Ivory Coast, also joins the league.

Paul Yao N’Dré, the president of Constitutional Council of Côte d’Ivoire, has rejected the blames of manipulating the elections results of 2010.

This Ivorian politician and magistrate had rejected the election results declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (ICE), confirming the victory of Alassane Ouattara by 54.1% votes, last year.

When Youssouf Bakayoko, the President of ICE had revealed the results of the elections Paul Yao N’Dré immediately challenged them and declared them invalid because ICE had missed the deadline.

Hence, the final results were announced by the Constitutional Council on 3^rd December 2010, totally opposite to ICE’s result and supporting the past President Gbagbo’s victory.

This overturning of the election results caused the Ivory Coast to plunge into treacherous times culminating into massive manslaughter and ethnic violence.

‘Solidarity, love and fraternity’

Recently, when Paul Yao N’Dré met the incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, he stated rejected the blame of overturning the results and rather, blamed Ivorians for the tumultuous outcome.

The visibly tense Paul Yao N’Dré also stated that everyone was responsible, starting from the two presidents to the media which inflamed the issue and even the common civilians.

Though, he also mentioned that it’s time to rebuild Ivory Coast through the spirit of solidarity, love and fraternity.

‘Ouattara’s power’

After the arrest of past President Laurent Gbagbo, Alassane Outtara has taken over the control.

Though the actual date of official swearing to the post of the President is yet not disclosed, it is believed that the new president would be sworn in the coming second half of May.

In a recent public appearance on the TCI television, Alassane Ouattara has stated that the government needs to be formed after the swearing takes place.

‘Sign of normalisation’

The suspension of Ivory Coast by the African Union on 9^th December 2010 has been lifted.

Alassane Outtara, on the other hand, has vowed on the policy of reconciliation. The would be official president of Ivory Coast has been receiving allegiances from several top military and government heads of the country.

‘Die hard pro Gbagbo militia’

The turmoil in Ivory Coast is still not over, especially in the northwestern district of Yopoungon, where the pro Gbagbo supporters have declined to surrender arms.

In the mean time, several families are trying to flee away from the militia laden districts of Ivory Coast to secure their lives.

Currently, Past president Gbagbo is placed under serious house arrest at a location which is not disclosed.

Thus, Ivory Coast, with its past of ethnic and religious violence, is definitely going through a hard time, irrespective of the change in political governance.

Credits: Photo from Getty Images

Humanity and military, a new fight for Libya

The lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has often been blurred by treacherous attacks of wars, conflicts and violence, culminating into odious proceedings.

The same, might or might not, happen in Libya, if given a chance.

Valerie Amos, the UN Under-secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has stated that there is no immediate need to accept EU offer providing military escorts in Libya.

She stated that aid shipments of water, food and medicines are getting to the needy Libyans without the necessity of the military escorts.

Civilian assets are currently being used to evacuate the people and to provide the aid to the victims. Military help, she said would be needed only if the situation worsens.

She also stressed on being vigilant and respecting the boundaries between aid and military, without blurring them.

The NATO and EU need to take the permission of the UN before sending military escorts to Libya, she further announced.

Though, she did mention that security situation for the aid workers itself is very dangerous due to the continuous bombing in Libya. But she also revealed that the Colonel Gadaffi forces have agreed to allow the required access to the aid workers.

Amos went on a trip to Libya to meticulously observe the current status of the conflict. Unfortunately, the humanitarian deal does not provide security to the aid workers who are entering the city.

‘Libya Military mission’

In a major development yesterday, France and Italy have agreed to send senior military officials in Libya to give needed advice to the opposition forces.

In a report issued by Reuters, 27 countries in the EU have agreed to launch the military mission to support the humanitarian work in Libya.

This mission would involve the task of security the aid workers, guarding the transport channels and also guarding the Tunisian Egypt borders where several refugee camps are set up.

The French and Italian officials had stated that around ten military advisors would be sent to Libya under this decision.

This move was influenced by President Obama’s announcement of providing $25 million to non lethal force decision in Libya.

Meanwhile, Oxfam, the British aid group has also warned EU against sending military officials in Libya.

Jamie Balfour-Paul, Oxfam’s spokesperson in the Middle East also said referring from the past experiences, blurring the lines between humanitarian aid and military operations has only bought more controversies.

‘Two Award winning journalists dead’

Meanwhile, two award winning photo journalists Briton Tim Hetherington and US Chris Hondros were killed in a motor attack in Misrata.

According to few other journalists, these two were trying to pull back from the front line when they came under fire.

The Libyan government has expressed ‘sadness’ over the sudden death of these two photographers.

Credit: Photo from Getty Images

‘God, Syria, Freedom is enough’

The protesters are measurless, mushrooming in random but closely tied lines at the ‘Clock Square’ in Syria. Few cases of self immolation have been reported.

Angry revolutionaries burn the posters of President Bashar al- Assad. They yell in unison ‘God, Syria, Freedom is enough.’

’29 years’

Syria, locked in emergency for the past 48 years, was perhaps waiting for this renaissance of change. It was difficult to emulate Libya, Tunisia and Egypt. To start with, Syria is not as wealthy as Libya. Secondly, it does not have so many people, as Egypt had.

But the worse was the scar of the past.

In 1982, thousands of protesters were mercilesly killed by the current President’s father Hafez al- Assad. An event, perhaps similar as Jallianwala Bagh Massacre which India witnessed on 13th April 1919.

It has taken 29 years for Syria to revolt again. This time, the revolt is led by students, journalists, young academics, writers and family members of political prisoners.

Just like, one after the other, military coup in Syria, makes it difficult to embrace the governance in the country; the brutual and sometimes, meaningless arrest of activists, makes it impossible to understand Syria.

Some call it liberal and stable, while others call it one of the most authoritarian countries in Arab. Whom to trust? No one knows.

Strected within vast villages, no one in Syria is allowed to speak with outsiders. There is the security force of ‘Mukhbarat’ which closely follows every single human trail. Interestingly, though the posters of Assad are present here there, everywhere- there are few villagers who do not know who he is.

There are people who did not know they are under the emergency rule.

While, others paid price of revolting against it. Years back, a 19 year old girl Tal was once called to the Syrian government, just because she used to blog about the causes. She never returned after that day. Till now, no one knows where she is.

One of the Human Rights activists says ‘Fragmentation has replaced unity. Repression has replaced freedom in the country.’

When on 30th March, everyone expected Assad to come and speak. He did do. But spoke the monotonous blame game, complaining the US and outside forces to cause problems in his country.

What is interesting is how Israel would deal with Syria’s new changes in government. Questions like, will Assad surrender, would emergency end, would prisoners be set free– all lies in a turmoil, silent vaccum as of now.

Credits: Picture from AP Photos

Why Nigeria might shatter after elections?

What will happen to a nation, which frantically awaits for justice, after being robbed off peace, security and priviledge? To what extent, can voting be defined as the ‘greater good’ or even ‘the good’?

The Presidential elections which took place in Nigeria last saturday, have as usual, declared the same old monotonous results of corruption, rigging and manipulation.

Nigeria-the most populous country of Africa, is now inflicted with riots, violence and complains. Here, goes the news report.

95% Victory for Goodluck Jonathan

As the count for the election votes in Nigeria approach a definite end, chances of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan winning grows inevitable.

Though, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to publish the official results, it is clear that Jonathan would easily avoid a runoff.

In the meanwhile, the African Union has declared that 2011 elections was few of the most credible election processes that took place in this most populous country of Africa.

Well, several journalists, analysts and observers, do not agree to it.

Nigeria has a past of violence, vote rigging, manipulations and corruption during the electoral processes.

Unfortunately, the supporters of presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari are frantically unhappy with the expected voting results. Some disturbance has already started inflicting the volatile northern region of Nigeria, mostly occupied by Muslims.

I wonder, would the military ruler Buhari, be able to impose justice in Nigeria when the entire of middle east is froth with mansluaghter under the rule of dictators.

But many believe, he will.

In case, you are a newcomer, without the sligtest idea of what Buhari is, your research will be filled with ample analysis revealing how ‘corrupt, intolerant and wrong’ he is.

But in reality, Buhari was perhaps the best leader Nigeria had, decade ago. Someone, who was so strict that the law and order, itself got maintained in the country. The discipline got imposed.

But as soon as People’s democratic party came into being, the rules became relaxed. And slowly, there were no rules at all, anymore.

Violence, death and corruption increased in Nigeria, as if it knew no bounds.

Though, Jonathan, a Christian from the oil producing Niger Delta– became the president of Nigeria in 2010, after the sudden death of then President Umaru Yar’Adua. He was serving as the vice president during that time.

‘Victory in 24 States’

According to INEC’s regulations, the victorious presidential candidate needs to have 25% of votes in at least two thirds of the 36 states in Nigeria.

So far, the regional results have revealed that Goodluck Jonathan has been able to secure the votes in 24 states, as of now.

Starting from his home state of Bayelsa, Jonathan secured 99.63% of the votes while over all winning chances range to 95%.

Though, the officials from the People’s Democratic Party have clearly stated that there would be no claim of victory, till INEC itself announces the results.

Oronto Douglas, the senior adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that this is not the time for triumph but for deeper reflection.

Suspicion over 95%

Though, Jibrin Ibrahim, the representative from the Centre for Democracy and Development, stated that figures of 95% and above are definitely fabricated.

At the same time, Goodluck Jonathan also needs to ensure that the innumerable expectations associated with his tenure are met, in both long term and short term basis.

Moreover, the oil production is going to affect the oil production in Nigeria, which had been shut due to the unrest.

Challenge to results

The supporters of Muhammadu’s Congress for Progressive Change have been questioned of malpractice in some areas. It is believed that few of the members did not sign off on the voting sheets.

Though, these supporters are all set to question the credibility of the current elections if INEC declares it in the favour of Jonathan Goodluck.

The party has the time to file the election petition in the Court of Appeal within 21 days.

In the meantime, the last stage of election voting would take place on 26^th April for the governor seats in Nigeria.

Credits: Photo from Getty Images

Humanitarian crisis in Libya intensifies

‘There are thousands of people waiting to be evacuated and thousands of people who are in immediate need of medical aid,’ said Baroness Amos, the head of UN humanitarian relief in Libya.

Right now, its quite unsafe, even for the UN aid workers to function in Libya.

The condition of sanitation, medical attention, drinking water conditions have degraded to further low levels in Libya.

Even, the International Organisation of Migration has stated that the number of migrants who have to be evacuated will overwhelm the capacity of the International sea rescue operation.

The Human Rights Watch has declared that 267 dead bodies were taken to the morgues on 15^th April 2011.

Most of them, as reported, are civilians.

But Colonel Gadaffi’s son Saif al-Islam has openly declared that the Libyan army has not been targeting the civilians at any cost.

He even stated that ‘this has never happened and will never happen.’

Taking into the stupendous increase in the number of deaths, Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General of United Nations has demanded immediate cease fire in Libya.

Under the ‘dire’ hour of humanitarian crisis in Libya, it is becoming very important to provide protection to the rebels and the civilians from the intense shelling, cluster bombs and sniper fire.

Though, British Prime Minister David Cameron has openly stated that coalition forces are under the strict restriction of the UN Security Council resolution of 1973.

He also stated that since the coalition forces are not aiming to invade and conquer Libya, the restriction is for the good.

Though, right now, NATO has few options to take, which more or less, are very ambiguous in their execution.

One of them is to deploy well trained military troop on the grounds- a decision which is not very welcomed by the coalition forces.

Sending military troops to Libya will not only tarnish the reputation of western countries in the Arab world but will also, cause drastic protest from their own home fronts.

In the meantime, Qatar has announced that it would help the rebels in training them for better fight against the pro-Gadaffi forces, in terms of financial value.

But it’s still not clear which country would be ready to provide the needed expertise to the rebels.

The Obama administration has started the intense search for a country which would take Colonel Gadaffi.

Interestingly, Colonel Gadaffi has still not mentioned anything about surrender.

While, the rebels have started criticising the action of the NATO air strikes and calling them feeble in their attempts, as shelling intensified in Libya.

Currently, the forces of Colonel Gadaffi have started to advance against the rebels held grounds, especially Misrata and Ajdabiyah.

The crisis, no doubt, is witnessing no point of termination. More than a blame game and a stalemate, the crisis is taking the form of a free license to murder the innocent, in the most merciless manner, possible.

Credits:  Image from Getty Images