Withdrawal of US troops in Afghanistan: A bird of ill Omen for India

After a decade, on 22nd June 2011, the current US President Barack Obama has announced the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

A lot of speculation is being done about the various motives and outcomes of the withdrawal. And perhaps all this chaos, is not good news for India.

To start with, David Ignatius , the famous American journalist states, ‘The quick departure is a guarantee of failure. It risks repeating the mistake the United States made in the 1980s when, after pumping money and guns into Afghanistan to defeat the Soviet Union, America walked away — creating a power vacuum that was exploited by warlords and their regional patrons.’

This time, the power vacuum is being created for India. She would soon be exposed to a vulnerable spot by a Pakistan dominated neighbourhood and unfettered militancy. The precipitous withdrawal of the international forces rewinds the time back to Afghanistan of 1990s. It might turn worse this time. Especially when Al-Qaeda is all set to establish its existence after the death of Osama bin Laden and is engrossed in hunting for havens for executing jeopardising explosions.

Though, the deployment did not ensure that the instability in South Asia would be dealt with. But yes, the withdrawal certainly sounds like a modus operandi.

Harsh V Pant of Defence Studies Department from King’s College, London, states ‘New Delhi has been contemplating the impact of US withdrawal from Afghanistan. If the US left lock, stocks and barrel, India would be left to pick the pieces.’

In an attempt to mend ties with the post America Afghanistan, Indian PM Mr. Manmohan Singh also  pledged $500m in aid to Afghanistan, which comes on top of $1.5bn already promised to the war-torn country. Though, India is still the biggest regional donor to Afghanistan, a position which is highly appreciated by the Western superpowers, its high time when Mr. Singh should realise that aids and funding might not be the best way to combat extremism and terrorism.

‘Indian troops in Afghanistan’

Interestingly, there are around 1000 Indian paramilitary soldiers in Afghanistan. These forces belong to ‘Border Roads Organisation’ and ‘Indo-Tibetan Border Police‘. They play a vital role in safeguarding the large Indian consulates in Afghanistan. In fact, in 2010 itself, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had announced ‘India to send more troops to Afghanistan’.

Retired Indian Major General Ashok K. Mehta states in his Wall Street Journal ‘Pakistanis believe that Indians and Afghans, who share excellent relations, have a mutual interest against them and see India’s presence in Afghanistan as a threat.’

2006 onwards Pakistan has been frequently asking US to restrain the Indian presence in Afghanistan. So, the pull out of troops might prove to be an easy opportunity to finally cash upon the chance.

Unfortunately, the safety of Indian troops in Afghanistan is never talked about.

‘India’s future‘

No doubt, there is nothing heroic in stuffing pockets of enemies and reaching out for a global diplomatic stand. At the same time, there is no point in waiting for another attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul.

But perhaps, its would be wiser to realise who the real enemy is? Is it Taliban in Afghanistan or Pakistan? The answers wont come in a day or two. Till then, India should ‘wait and watch.’

The future of Syria after Bashar’s speech

96 Days have passed. 1300 civilians have died in the protest. And to add to it, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave a third speech which stated ‘ no development without stability, no reform in the face of sabotage and chaos.’

It reminds me of past Egyptian president Mubarak, who currently has now been diagnosed with cancer. The same tension, demand and proclamation during the eve of his speech which also proved to be marred with loopholes.

Speaking on the same fears as Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak did, during their penultimate public appearances, Assad blamed the entire protest on foreign intervention, reluctant opposition and above all, a small population which is exploiting Syria’s future.

‘Promises are lies’

Syrians are furious. Slogans like, ‘Its written on the tanks, Bashar’s promises are all lies,‘ have become a reality for the Syrian blood, sweat and soil. Few say that ‘Democracy can be tough and dangerous, especially for the minority’.

Others believe that the speech was meant only for the supporters and not for the opponents. But before engaging into any hard and fast judgement, my entire perspective is quite simple.

‘The future, the lesson’

If today, hundreds and thousands of Syrians believe that they do not want another Libya, Iraq or Afghanistan, then, what do they want? The Middle East uprising has stated the victory of Tunisia and Egypt. Unfortunately, in spite of conquering the electoral democracy, the conditions are still different.

The elections in Tunisia that were supposed to happen in July have been postponed. The Army which is in the interim control of the Egyptian government is criticized for its ‘insensitivity’. Initially, it did seem like ‘Justice delayed in justice denied‘. But unfortunately, both of them have interchanging meanings, now.

‘Fear and western powers’

Syrians are afraid to trust in the government again. Yes, no doubt, they will be. In fact, any opposition would be. It hardly matters whether Bashar stated that he would pass a law for the multi party democracy and call 100 leading personalities to discuss regarding constitutional reforms.

One must not also forget that Syria is also an oil exporter. Though, the industry has seen a decline, it still has the potential of exporting 400,000 barrels per day. This in itself means that the Western superpowers would soon be involved.

‘Where is President Sarkozy?’

Though, Bashar, in his 11 years of rule has chosen to win the trust of countries like Russia, Turkey, China and France. Interestingly, that is one of the reasons why President Sarkozy is not so strongly into international platforms regaring Syria. Though, Russia has state that another Libya is in the making and hence,  it would not let the history to be repeated.

The US and UK have condoned the entire proclamation and have stated that they want the Syrian president to surrender. Its all, talk, right now.

‘The common man?’

But ultimately, the average person has rights. And this fight is about his right. His right to be independent and survive. He cannot be called a ‘Saboteur’. He cannot be called as someone who causes destruction, disruption, subversion and obstruction.

It indeed is unfortunate to see that the Syrian President has been reduced to a game (Click to play)

What lies in front of Syria is a maze of convoluted thoughts. The days are numbered. But to what future, no one knows.

Delayed invitation for Libya in 2012 London Olympics, major furore starts

Is it justice to decline the attendance of Libyan athletes in the 2012 Olympic Games on the basis of the political chaos being witnessed by the country? Or, would it be a mistake to provide the tickets to Libyan Olympic Committee which is headed by Colonel Gadaffi’s son and risk the safety of the Games?

These two questions are literally haunting the British Government which has to bear the fact that 2012 Olympic Games have become a ‘PR Event‘. Just  as the Royal Wedding attracted millions of visitors, the Olypmic Games is going to be an even bigger event. The greater the event, the higher the responsibility that couples it.

Currently, the Libyan government is not welcomed at the 2012 Olympic Games.

‘Troubled waters for the IOC’

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is definitely in troubled waters, as of now. To start with, it was founded by French pedagogue Pierre de Coubertin and includes 205 national countries in its list. in 2012, the games would be held in London. Sarcastically, one of the reasons for starting this international tournament was to foster peace and international communication.

Article 2 of Chapter One of the Olympic Charter states that the main motto of the tournament is to promote Olympism and uphold the ethics in sports, encourage participation and support the development of the sport.

Thus, IOC had no option but to provide tickets to the Libyan Olympic Committee which is headed by Colonel Gadaffi’s son Muhammad al-Gadaffi. Recently, the leaked news that Muhammad demanded for 1000 tickets through his personal connections irrespective of the fact that Britain and NATO are involved in bombing his own country, caused a major furore.

Also, the Britons themselves would not take this news with maturity, especially when ‘one million Britons missed out on the tickets’

‘IOC in its Defence’

The David Cameron Government has certainly started putting pressure on the IOC regarding the entire ‘tickets fiasco’. To start with, other Pariah countries such as Zimbabwe and Burma have also been invited.

No doubt, this would be a huge embarrasment for Britain if these countries attend the Olympic Games, especially taking into consideration that the innocent citizens in these nations are being butchered in uprisings.

Hence, IOC stated in its defence that it had to adopt the neutral stand so that the athletes do not suffer the brunt of the uprisings and tensions being inculcated in these nations with the Western super powers.

Jacques Rogge, the head of IOC had declined to comment on the case. Though, Mark Adams, the director has stated that IOC is waiting for the ‘clear situations’.

‘Safety’

More than anything, even the safety of the 2012 Olympics is a matter of great concern. Its a thought worth pondering that if the members of the Libyan Gadaffi regime enter into the British capital, would they avoid causing any kind of disaster?

And if there is a doomsday, would the IOC take the responsibility of it?

Also, would this responsibility bring back the loss of lives, if it happens, in any case.

One of the IOC spokesperson have stated that ‘no ticket has been printed or paid for, till now.’

In a nutshell, is Libya in the condition of supportings its own athletes and training them, at this very moment? I doubt if the conditions would change in the coming months and days, with the entire country being eroded with bombing.

 

Ayman al-Zawahiri: the new leader of Al-Qaeda in old robes

23 years after its inception, today Al-Qaeda has two distinct options. The first one is to be a phoenix, to rise from its ashes. The second one, no doubt, is to surrender into anonymity.

Strenuously making an impact against the later, Al- Qaeda has selected a new leader, after the over hyped and demanded encounter of Osama bin Laden. An egyptian surgeon turned miliant Ayman al-Zawahiri is the new leader. He turns 60 this sunday.

Its indeed interesting how his name has suddenly become a hot debate in the international news. The US dismiss his appointment as ‘nowhere near to scary.’ Perhaps, they once again have forgotten that Al-Qaeda is not represented by one protagonist but the ideology behind it. Hence, the selection of a new successor or the interim governance leading it, hardly makes a different.

Secondly, Zawahiri has his own wounds to lick. His entire family, including a wife and two children, were destroyed in the December 2001 in US attack in his own residence in Afghanistann. Hence, there is no chance that he would not take a revenge out of it.

Thirdly, not many know that Zawahiri was the mastermind behind what Osama bin Laden did. One of them is the usage of suicide attackers inspite of Osama not being ready for using them. He called these suicide bombers as ‘marytrs of freedom’. A man who harbours this mindset should be scrtunised beyond what he speaks and what he avoids to speak.

Zawahiri’s journey’

During his initital days, Zawahiri was exposed to radical Islam through the teachings of Islamist Sayyid Qutb. 
In 1981, he was involved in the assasination of Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat. After being involved in mass arrests, he was released in
 1984. Soon he fled to Pakistan and joined the Afghanistan Mujahideen. In 1986 he met Osama bin Laden and after two years, he played a pivotal 
role in the setting up of Al-Qaida in Pakistan. Known for his argumentative and out-spoken language, Zawahiri is considered to be 'less charismatic' 
than Osama bin Laden. 

'Challenges infront of Zawahiri'
Especially after several key documents being raided by the US special forces during the encounter of Osama bin Laden, the task of Zawahiri to once 
again maintain the secrecy of the group is quite difficult. He also needs to work on uniting the Al-Qaeda chambers in the Middle East and the Saudi. 
Evading the American pursuers would be another herculean task. 

Since he is not the founder of Al-Qaeda, it is believed that Zawahiri has the challenging task to establish the second tier relationship with the group. 
Also, the group is going through a financial crunch right now. The strategic policies towarda countries such as Yemen, Egypt and Libya also need to 
be changed. Inspite of the fact that Zawahiri still used to call the shots even during the time of Osama bin Laden, he needs to prove that Al-Qaeada still exists, 
especially as 2011 marks 'ten decades' to the September 2001 terror attacks.

Though, age and seniority are at his side, the previous role of 'micr0-managing' al-Qaeda would demand a lot of immediate pursuits. 
He also needs to work on bringing together the cultural, sociological, geographic and ideological differences present in the militant group and 
unite them.

What he does and does not, will be revealed only by time and technology.

Insight into ‘land-grabbing’ in Africa and how management companies fight back

If there is ‘farmer’s suicide’ in India, there is ‘land grabbing’ in Africa. One week ago, I had no idea what this term meant.

Dictionary define it as ‘An aggressive taking of land, especially by military force, in order to expand territorial holdings or broaden power.’

And as usual, you need to read in between the lines. There’s a lot not stated. And avoided.

So, last week, once again, the Guardian newspaper bought out a new insight into one of those ignored topics. It explained ‘Land grabbing’ by famous American Universities like Harward and Vanderbilt in vast lands of Africa and how it would prove to be a major challenge for global food security.’

These ‘land grabs’ are massively advantageous to these institutes and foreign investors. Though, most of the poor countries where land grabbing is practised and invested in, the standard of economic development and job guarantee is very low.

The American Universities have declined to comment on the amount of investment done in the African countries, analysts reveal that most of the acquisition is channelled through the Emergent Asset Management located in London. This management team is run by former JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs Currency dealers.

‘Emergent’s rebuttal’

The CEO of Emergent Asset Management, Susan Payne wrote to me, stating ‘The allegations set out in the Oakland Report are grossly inaccurate.’

Later, Alex Glover, the PR of Emergent emailed me the rebuttal which said – the company states that ‘information is incorrectly reported throughout the piece and attempts to create an image of Emergent that is in direct contravention to our core principles and operating practices.’

The rebuttal also includes official declaration that the company ‘stands by its mission to increase food production involving commercial farms and smallholders alike, and uplifting communities through, for example, the provision of employment, access to agricultural support for improved crop production, clean water, various facilities and health care by deploying private pools of capital.’

‘Hot bet’

BBC once reported that Susan Payne  considers ‘Africa as a hot bet.’ I guess, it was two years ago when she said it.

Susan believes that low cost of land, change in the eating habits, increase in population and rising need of bio-fuels have enhanced the appeal of Africa as a financial reward to the world.

Some of the African countries where land grab is implemented are Zambia, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, DR Congo and Swaziland.

The Oakland Institute, based in California, has done several researches on the outcome of the grabbed lands. The results confirm that various US clients of Emergent Asset management have invested around %500 m in the most fertile lands in Africa with the hope of 25% returns.

In their defense, a spokersperson from the Emergent Management has stated that the acquisition of land is done in a responsible manner so that more jobs can be created.

‘Loopholes in the rebuttal’

The stated rebuttal by Emergent Asset Management does not clearly mention the name of the other alleged universities which are also involved in this case under the research published by the Oakland Institute.

At the same time, the in depth analysis with exact figures and statistics regarding the economic impact of the ‘land grabbing’ on the lives of local land holders is not dealt with.

‘Challenge for small land owners’

But there is another side to the entire investment of pension funds and endowment firms by universities and companies in Africa. Unfortunately, most of the local land owners are removed by force when foreign investment comes in.

Even UN has warned, stating that these local farmers and land holders do not have formal rights over the land which makes them pay a huge price.

In most cases, they are not even given compensation and consultation.

Frederic Mousseau, the policy director at Oakland stated that this would turn out to be ‘greater threat to global security, even more than terrorism.’

He also defended that a very integral part of the world’s population is dependent on farming and this kind of investment can seriously jeopardise their income and living.

Hence, high level of transparency and credibility is being demanded in response to the allegations made to the universities. Currently, the universities have declined to reveal their investment strategies.

Financing of SMEs can revamp the economy of South Africa, says Deputy Mayor Of Durban

In spite of contributing 40% of the GDP in South Africa, small and medium centre enterprises (SME) have been marginally avoided in the economic past of the country.

Logie Naidoo, the Deputy Mayor of Durban who attended the 2011 Construction Indaba advised the event attendees about the potential of SMEs and urged them to work more in the private sector. Talking about tendering bigger projects, Naidoo stated that the SMEs can gain experience and build their respective capability through contracts.

‘Two sectors’

No doubt, the economy of South Africa is currently divided into two major sectors. The first one deals with the investment of the international companies and their contribution in the revenue generation and GDP. On the other hand, the second sector includes these SMEs who do play a very pivotal role in both business and economic impact of the country.

Over the years, Durban has been playing an essential role in boosting the growth of the SMEs so that the small business profiles can be boosted and in return, revamped into major sector industries with higher economies of scale and more concrete business models.

But these SMEs are often ignored because of the risk involved in financing them. Most of the times, their business models include entrepreneurial assets, which definitely is challenging to incorporate since the recession effects are still not bygone.

‘The bank financing and loans’

Though, Amrei Botha, the head of the Standard Bank’s Africa SME Unit stated that during the past years, the banks have started to understand the potential of the SMEs and have been positive in investing in them.

For example, the Standard bank has started financing the loan worth $300-$30,000 dollars for a period ranging from three to twelve months. Another impact is also pursuing the entire finance of SME’s in a unique manner.

‘Porter’s Five Forces’

Taking into consideration the ‘Porter’s five forces’, the growing SME’s need to understand the potential of the new companies which are entering into the same market, the threat faced by the introduction of substitutes, the difference in the bargaining power of the consumers and the buyers and above all, the increase in the competitive rivalry.

Nevertheless, the avenues present for the venture capitalists and the tenders are increasing in the sector of small and medium scale enterprises. With innovation, technology and communication boosting the integration of functionality with business, the enterprises have a direct effect on the consumer spending.

Hence, tapping the wealth can be done through involving the right investment, especially by following the trademarks set by the Standard Bank and financing the SMEs which have the power to revamp the economy of South Africa.

East African Al-Qaeda suspect dead, Clinton commemorates in Tanzania

U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited the memorial of the newly constructed American embassy in Tanzania and commemorated the death of innocent civilians in the 1998 bomb attacks.

She also stated that the recent death of alleged al-Qaeda suspect Fazul Abdullah Mohammed had bought a ‘just end to a terrorist.’ Mohammed who had a five million bounty on his head was suspected for plotting terror attacks on Dar es Salaam and Nairobi in 1998.

Mohammed who has been shot dead in Somalia recently was also suspected to devastate the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, causing the death of 224 and injury of 5000 people, BBC reports.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmad, the president of Somalia has stated that ‘Al-Qaeda is now being defeated in the country.’

In response to the death of Mohammed, he stated that indeed, the execution was a major setback to the militant organisation.

‘Mohammed’s past’

Summoned by seven nicknames, Mohammed has been suspected for being the leader of the ‘East African’ presence of Al-Qaeda.

He was born in Comoro Islands and had joined Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan during the early 1990s.

Master of five languages such as French, Comoria, English, Swahili and Arabic, Mohammed not only became one of the most wanted terrorists in the FBI list, he was suspected of also living with Wadih  el-Hage, another noted al-Qaeda member who was allegedly involved in the 1998 US bombings.

Over the years, he had also become famous as the ‘master of bomb making, forgery and disguises.’

‘The encounter’

Along with a Kenyan extremist Ali Dere, Mohammed was driving a vehicle which also carried 40,000 US dollars along with medicines, laptops and phones on 8^th June. Both of them were killed when they declined to stop at an Ex-control checkpoint under Somalian military.

Mohammed’s body has been buried after the encounter. Investigations reveal that he was also carrying a fake South African passport.

His body was identified by the United States only after a thorough DNA analysis report.

 ‘Hillary Clinton’s prayer’

During the process of honouring the lost lives, Hillary Clinton offered a silent prayer. Along with Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mzengo Pinda, she planted seedlings at Upendo Women’s Cooperative in the country.

Meanwhile, Obama administration is planning to pump in $70 million into the agriculture sector of the country in the coming two years.

Nevertheless, with this recent encounter as ‘justice served’, Clinton believes that the potential of opportunities for Tanzania are now on the path of rejuvenation which would ultimately lead for the much awaited progress.

Death Of M.F. Hussain: A Tale of a religious, political and artistic injustice

M.F. Hussain, the most famous Indian painter, often called as the ‘Picasso of India’ died in London today morning at the age of 95. Unfortunately, the Muslim painter, who was into a self-imposed exile right from 2006, has been known more due to ‘venomous criticism’ rather than the purity of his art.

Often linked with Indian modernism, Hussain- the frail old man with white hair could not fulfill his last dream. The dream to return to India, his motherland.

Its still not decided yet, where would the body of the lost artist buried? Will he finally rest in peace in his motherland after his death, or would his dead body still face the punishment of not being embraced back?

Threats of death and violence, court cases and anger from the Hindus, unfortunately, not only threw away the painter out of his own abode. But it also caused destruction to his art, his name and above all, his ideology.

Ironically, Pablo Picasso himself says ‘Art is never chaste. It ought to be forbidden to ignorant innocents, never allowed into contact with those not sufficiently prepared. Yes, art is dangerous. Where it is chaste, it is not art.‘

In spite of being ‘One of the top 500 Influential Muslim in the world‘, ‘highest paid painter’ and above all, ‘ the renowned painter to get Padma Shri’, Hussain had to witness an era in his life in India, when his name entered cheap Page three gossip. Either it was about his fascination with Madhuri Dixit or Tabu- famous Indian actresses or the lack of meaning in his films, often being quoted as monotonous and undecipherable.

During my growing years, I used to recognise him as a ‘Old man who never wore slippers’

Situation worsened when Hussain was severly criticised for drawing the pictures of Indian Goddesses in a nude manner and also painting Mother India, with the names of several Indian states engraved on her naked body. Though, Hussain had to publicly apologise for his art, which I do respect, a simple question comes in my mind.

‘Kamasutra and naked paintings’

India, no doubt, is known for Kama Sutra. She is also known for those famous wall paintings and engraving, which I believe, to a very large extent, do not have fancy attire enveloping them. Both these cases are treated with respect, an epitome of Indian culture with massive study done in their regards.

Unfortunately, when Hussain, a Muslim, which by itself makes him an enemy to Hindu values, had to pay for more than his mistake. My entire question is ‘why to boast of being secular and having the freedom of speech and expression when a man, who is an artist, can not create his own belief?’

‘Clash of politics and religion’

Even Beena Sarwar, a Pakistani writer and documentary film-maker stated ‘He talks about being inspired by Hindu mythology and seeing purity in nudity, a belief reaffirmed by his study of the Hinduism.’

Rather than respecting the fact that Hussain got his inspiration from Mahabharata and Hindu mythology, he was hurled abuses for limiting the recognition of his art in what common people defined as ‘immoral’.

Sashi Tharoor, in one of this columns confessing his regret for not being able to attend Hussain’s exhibition stated ‘In much of Husain’s work, Hindu myths and epic narratives both contribute to and reflect the national consciousness that his own creativity has done so much to influence. In reiterating the epic, the artist and his audience both reaffirm the shaping of their own cultural identity. This is an important statement for Husain to make as a Muslim and an Indian: he is staking his claim to a heritage that some chauvinist Hindus have sought to deny to those not of their own persuasion’

‘How would you remember Hussain’

Interestingly, twitter is literally bombarded with several Indian dignitaries offering condolence to Hussain’s death. My question, in the end is, how to remember Hussain as- a man who bought international fame and recognition to abstract Indian art or a man who rebuked the foundations and beliefs of Hindu religion?

The answer, no doubt, is ‘To each, his own’.

What comes to my mind, instantly is the quote of Martin Luther King that states ‘I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. ‘

Iranian women Soccer Team disqualified from the 2012 Summer Olympics

Muslim player headscarves cause another controversy after the hulabaloo created in France by Nicolas Sarkozy. This time, it strikes as a clear cut form of differentiation.

Unfortunately, the defeats in the 2012 Summer Olympics have been granted even before the real matches begin. Its not about match-fixing, but definitely about prejudices. The Iranian women’s soccer team has been sidelines even before they would materialise their innocent dreams of competiting in the next year’s Olympics because of their headscarves.

The Washington Post reports that the International Football Association has cancelled their match against Jordan on the basis of their dress code.

Hence, the Iranian women paid the price of wearing a headscarf.

Iranian players had not option but to leave the field, crying.

Highly dejected by the rejection, Shahrzad Mozafar, the soccer head of the team stated that ‘this means that the soccer future in Iran is over.’

The doomsday melts into the ignominy of instant deletion of better opportunities because the Iranian government would definitely not support sending the women team for international soccer matches without the headscarves.

Adding more to the controversy, an anonymous official from the FIFA stated that the ban was imposed for the safety of the women. What safety does having/not having a head scarf implement does not make sense for me.

Definitely, the main matter of concern is the importance given to the dress code rather than the potential of the players. Sadly, Iran had to face similar problems in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games which were held in Singapore. Somehow, that issue got resolved. This one, being of more international nature and exposure would definitely be a challenge.

Also, its difficult to fight against the growing norm that the West is trying to impose their own lifestyle on other countries through these mandatory bans which are not explained in a professional manner. Also, the entire sudden act of not allowing the team to play, at the last hour, does not speak of justice.

‘Where is the future?’

Once Barack Obama had spoken about the right of women to wear what they want. But every country is not and can not be America. No doubt, the easiest bit is to empathise with those players who never got a chance to play. First of all, in countries such as Iran, the very fact that girls/women choose to play soccer is a big deal. This act of courage should be appreciated.

But instead, these women have to face the brunt of being lost between their religion and their international appeal. The dress code of any game should be aiming for protection and not deduction of the players. In the longer run, the story would be perhaps forgotten and other teams would be pushing and elbowing to carve their niche on the charts.

But Iranian women do not deserve it. In fact, no one does.

Credit: Photo from Reuters

Michelle Obama’s visit to South Africa, another first lady tradition of US

Michelle Obama plans to visit South Africa and Botswana in mid June

Michelle Obama has chosen to go beyond the front cover of the Vogue magazine to actually polishing her image of an adviser, a mentor and a change-maker who advertises healthy eating habits.

Interestingly, the American history reveals that the various first ladies have always connected themselves with one serious cause or the other. For example, Mrs. Reagan was known to work on the drug issues haunting the country. While, Barbara Bush was recognised for her work dealing with the education and literacy rates of the adults.

And now is Michelle Obama’s turn.

The United States First Lady Michelle Obama confirmed her visit to South Africa and Botswana from June 21-26, the White House officials notify.

Accompanied by her mother Mrs. Robinson and her two daughters Sasha and Malia, its the second solo foreign trip of Michelle Obama on her own.

Last year in an interview with The NewYork Times, Michelle Obama had revealed that it was also a challenge to help her mother and daughters settle in Washington DC after spending most of their lifetime in Chicago.

Hence, the trip definitely reveals that the first lady had been able to manage the family tasks and is now looking for bigger and better perspectives of enhancing her international essence.

‘The four main goals’

Youth leadership, education, health and wellness are the main goals behind the visit. Mrs. Obama also plans to appreciate the political governance, economic opportunity, democracy and impact of education which has been witnessed by the African countries in the past years.

Most importantly, the trip would also create awareness regarding the stable societies, vast natural resources and economy importance in Botswana.

Michelle Obama also plans to encouage the importance of international exposure and necessity of education in US and African through her visit. The trip is also perceived as an exemplary continuation of the Obama’s work in Chile, Brazil, India, Mexico and US.

This visit also coincides with the Youth month in South Africa which thereby would aid in the establishment of people to people communication and enhanced focus of energy.

‘Role model for women’

Clayson Monyela, the spokesperson of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation states that the trip would play an important role in encouraging the youth of the country.

Meanwhile,  Mrs. Obama would give a keynote address to the US Sponsored Young African women leaders in Africa. In the past years, Obama has emerged as a role model for women at the international platform.

Mrs. Obama was also lately in the news for comforting a South African war photograher Joao Silvia and his parents who were present in a hospital in Washington DC. She questioned about his therapy and the various injuries that he had sustained.

No doubt, Mrs. Obama who was has made headlines for the ‘hug with Queen Elizabeth’ and also ‘her great great grandmother being slave’ is all set to associate herself with long lasting humanitarian causes.