Hunt of Colonel Gaadaffi Vs the tranisition of Libya by rebels

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 didnot signify arrest of Saddam Hussein which consequently took place after 8 months. Unfortunately, it looks the same for Colonel Gadaffi’s hunt, which might too turn into a protracted affair. But what ultimately matters is not the mere arrest of the strongman but the fact that what step would his loyalists take. Would they too join Al-Qaeda as Saddam Hussein’s supporters did or would they be ruled over by the rebels who have somehow gone quite eccentric with the sudden access of power.

Consensual and inclusive transition by the Libyan people looks difficult till the hunt for Colonel Gadaffi does not lead concrete results. Though, after the surrender of the military commanders, hundreds of political prisoners that were jailed in the prisons of the country have been set free. Also, UN has been urging the rebels to control the jeopardy that it being caused. Also, $1.5 billion frozen assets of Libya is set to be given to the National Transitional Council (NTC). NTC called as the ‘political face of the revolution’ has declared, ‘we are entering a phase which we would call the phase of managing expectations.’

‘Evidence of war crimes’

Another inspiring news is that now Amnesty International and Human Rights watch do have evidence for supporting that Colonel Gadaffi and his loyalists were involved in war crimes. Dr. Moez Zeiton from Manchester who has volunteered to play an integral part in serving the patients and documenting the war crimes stated that recently 17 more injured and dead bodies were bought to the hospital in Tripoli. One of the sole survivors, Mansur Al-Ahady, revealed how they were jailed by loyalists of Colonel Gadaffi in a nearby school and targeted with machine guns.

‘Rebels Vs Loyalists’

In the meantime, the loyalists of Gadaffi and the rebels have entered into another tussle. Steve from Kenya tweeted that black people are being targetted by rebels because they were supposedly considered to be a commuity that empathised with the dictator. While, the Al Arabiya TV states that the loyalists have already bombarded the airports. Fighting continues in Rass Al Jadeer, Regdalen, Aljamil and Alagelat in the West of Libya in between these two sides.

‘Role of NTC’

Another intriguing aspect is now who would lead Libya after Colonel Gadaffi is gone. To start with, the NTC itself is made from loose connection of different genres of rebels who have different demands. The current chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil who was the former justice minister is considered to be the perfect choice. Jon Leyne from BBC states ‘NTC will have a few hundred million dollars in a matter of days to pay salaries, get food and water along with essential services.’ Though, we all know that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The rebels have started to move from Benghazi where the NTC came into establishment to Tripoli so that their stronghold can be maintained and also enhanced.

In Libya, there is foreign intervention but no ruling power. Also, like Tunisia and Egypt, there is no army that can play a very pivotal role in avoiding chaos or instilling the sense of discipline through fear or rules. No doubt, more than anything, the immediate and most enterprising challenge is to prevent the massive killings of Gadaffi loyalists by the hands of rebels so that the country does not continue to exist in bloodbath.

In a nutshell, no one knows if the civil war in Libya is over after the surrender of the dictatorship.

The future of Libya: Why Gadaffi’s surrender does not make a difference in Arab Uprising

‘ In spite of the fact that the Arab people themselves felt considerable enthusiasm for pan Arab causes, the individual regimes were never able to agree on what kind of unity they should strive for and what institutional structures it would be based on,’ says Roger Owen, the famous British historian who has written several books on the Middle Eastern causes.

Adding another chapter to the ambiguity of the lost unity comes the sudden absence of Colonel Gadaffi after 42 years or dictatorship, further defining how Arab world politics has become a ‘double edged sword.’ 

No doubt, the termination of Gadaffi and the stronghold of rebels in Tripoli comes as a major boost to Anglo French forces, NATO and western intervention. But the fact remains that is Libya getting converted into another Iraq?

Though, the rebel minister of Libya, Mahmoud Shammam, declared that the chief military commanders have surrendered their guns, it can be clearly stated that the country is in ruins.

Anthony Cordesman, the representative from the Center for Strategic and International Studies has stated that though the Gadaffi regime has witnessed an end, it would be difficult for Libya to flower into democracy any time soon.

No doubt, it was essential for the Libyan revolution to gain independence, especially after taking into consideration the number of martyrs that have been produced, the investment done by the western countries and the level of international news created in this time frame.

But in the larger context, the picture is still deluded.

‘Economic crisis’

To start with, the power of a nation, its strength to bounce after suffering a shattering collapse, heavily depends on its economic potential. The ongoing uprising in Libya has certainly degraded the oil exporting capacity of the African nation. Unfortunately, Libya no longer can produce 1.6 million barrels per day. Also, it depends on how much time and trust would the international oil companies demand to invest again in Libya taking into consideration the kind of security situation existing in the region.

Though, at the same time, the European market, which has suffered more because of Libyan oil not being present in feasible quantity, it would, if intelligent enough, make most of this dire situation for its benefit and work on ending the jeopardy.

‘Workable government’

Secondly, the definition of the ‘workable government’ which needs to be established in Libya is another herculean task. If Libya craves to be another reflection of Egypt where the trial of surrendered dictator Mubarak has itself become a massive controversy, this form of short term euphoria does not matter. A proper constitution set across with elective procedures would not occur in chaos. At the same time, one needs to register that these rebels come from different states and hence have various different mentalities. To start with, the rebels from Tripoli function differently from the rebels from Benghazi. Hence, the concept of ‘unity in diversity’ would be impractical to attain so soon.

‘Humanitarian crisis’

Thirdly, Libya is undergoing a massive humanitarian crisis. Moussa Ibrahim, the spokesperson from the Libyan government revealed that currently 5000 people have been injured and 1300 are dead. Hundreds of civilians are present in the hospital for treatment. There is a stupendous scarcity of blood and oxygen. In such conditions, it would be another spectacle for Libya to stand strongly for its growth and development.

‘International assistance’

Fourthly and most importantly, who will help in healing Libya? The main foundations are definitely Nato, UN, European Union, Arab League and the African Union. US has clearly stated that it would, if it does, play an essential role in humanitarian aid of the country rather than sending boots on the ground. Also, the continuous condition questions how much more finance can these countries invest in Libya again after the ‘no fly zone’ already costing millions per day.

In a nutshell, the termination of Gadaffi to unknown shores does not make much of a concrete difference in the capacity building of the country against the fight. Yes, the one common enemy has been defeated but the real fight does not end with the surrender of a dictator. Libya needs to give importance to political pluralism and individual rights of every citizen  who have fought for something they believed in. At the same time, the citizens should once again unite and delve on who the ‘enemy’ actually was.

Till then, the absence of Gadaffi does not make any difference to a sympathetic country in exile.

India against Corruption- Why Anna Hazare can not be stopped

With the furore in India transcending the boundaries of ‘constitutional’ and ‘democratic’ logistics, the revolution for banishing corruption is definitely converting into the nation’s second freedom struggle.

Though, the silent absence of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of Congress Party that boasts of stupendous stronghold in Indian Parliament, is further igniting the mayhem. Rahul Gandhi’s immediate discussion with PM Manmohan Singh to cancel the ambiguous arrest of Anna Hazare reveals that he knows how volatile the situation can be.

‘Bureaucracy, past and UN’

The emergency of 1975, if implemented in a country that is more populous, educated and hyper, right now, might not be easily subdued. Also, the entire renaissance for democracy and independence that has infected the world through the Middle Eastern uprising is definitely a lesson that reveals that revolutions cannot be surpassed.

Similarly, its quite interesting to question why UN has still not intervened or made any kind of concrete statement after Anna Hazare’s arrest. One of the main reasons why the Jan Lokpal Bill criticised the rampant modifications made by the government in the course of suiting its own parliamentary needs, states that if in any constitution, the judiciary and the bill is not taking the judges of Supreme/High court in consideration, it leads to the violation of UN Convention against corruption.

‘The One man Army’

The fact made by Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal stands right that Anna Hazare, who is not a representative through elected process, can not demand changes in the parliament through fasting. But at the same time, its high time he realises that Hazare is no longer ‘just one man’.

I am not talking about how dignified the Team Anna is. Yes, it does include Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Swani Agnivesh and Prashant Bhushan but the power of that one man who decided to sacrifice his entire life for public good when he was just 38 years old, can not be dominated.

‘Nabbed Politicians’

Undoubtedly, the politicians are striving to cover each other, justify the arrest, act a superficial game of fake empathy towards citizens by nabbing them in constitutional words. Right now, a common man, after the enactment of government’s lokpal bill does not know whom to report if he complains against a scam. Also, how can the sense of justice prevail in any country which creates a visible difference between the common man and the head of justice, government bodies, president and the prime minister.

It is high time that India needs an answer after the scams. 2011 and 2010 has seen the worst of it all. Be it the Commonwealth scam, the radia tapes controversy, UP government health ambulance scandal, Hasan ali Khan scandal, the 2G spectrum scam, etc.

It takes a lot of compassion, courage and demand for justice to start a revolution. Right now, 1300 protesters have been detained. There is no clear idea about what they would eat and where would they be locked. Obviously, everyone can not be detained. Time is less as everyone is getting on the streets.

Revolution in India: Anna Hazare’s fight to end corruption begins again

Revolution in India: Anna Hazare’s fight to end corruption begins again

Anna Hazare, the 74-year-old activist who has emerged as the national icon representing the revolution against corruption has refused to leave Tihar Jail. Hazare was arrested for using undemocratic means for causing breach in section 144 of Indian constitution through his pledge of starting an indefinite fast on 16^th August.

Prashant Bhushan, a lawyer and one of the members of ‘Team Anna’ has stated that the Gandhi follower is waiting for the government to surrender to the demands of Jan Lokpal Bill. Hazare went on a five day fast from 5^th April to demand the establishment of Jan Lokpal Bill in the Indian constitution that would erase corruption from the country.

‘Twist by the government’

The government has then agreed there the bill would be passed in the Indian parliament and the committee would be governed by a political chairman Pranab Mukherjee and non political chairman Shanti Bhushan.

But rather than passing the discussed version of the bill, the parliament witnessed a modified and politically correct diversion.

This caused rampant hullabaloo in the country with the national capital New Delhi becoming the hot stop for the revolution, often referred to as India’s second freedom struggle.

‘Criticism against lokpal bill’

The main criticism against the government’s lokpal bill which is currently supported by the politicians includes that it does not provide sense of direction to the common man if he wants to report a scam. Also, the critics find the bill against the dalits, workers, peasants, farmers and the middle class men. The president, prime minister and the judges of the Supreme Court and High Court are not included in the purview of the bill that adds to its unjust practice.

‘Government’s defense’

Pranab Mukherjee, the Finance Minister of India stated that the arrest has converted India into a pandemonium. He also stated that there is a method to protest which should be followed while defending the government’s stand in arresting Anna Hazare.

P. Chidambaram, the Minister of Home Affairs called the arrest as completely justified and stated that ‘parliament’s right to make laws cannot be ignored.’

While, Kapil Sibal, the Minister of Human Resource Development called Anna Hazare as a man who is not elected through democratic means demanding the enactment of a law in the parliament.

Though, Anna Hazare and his team have stated that these protests would be completely peaceful rather than being violent or massive gatherings that do not have a purpose.

Hazare had stated that the agitation is against the parliament and not the government. Currently, 1300 supporters have been detained in New Delhi. It is also dreaded that if the protests continue in the way they are, at the moment, it might cause the same situation that lead to the enforcement of emergency in India in 1975.

 

 

London Riots: The fault of the government and parents in raising the youngsters

‘The limitation of riots, moral questions aside, is that they cannot win and their participants know it. Hence, rioting is not revolutionary but reactionary because it invites defeat. It involves an emotional catharsis, but it must be followed by a sense of futility,’ said Martin Luther King, Jr.

But the riots in London, engulfed by wide spread mob mayhem has turned life threatening. Tariq Jahan, who performed CPR for his 21-year old son Haroon in Birmingham ultimately lost his child’s life. Haroon died after being injured in a hit and run case when he was protecting the mosque and business in Birmingham from the mobs.

Hence to avoid such occurrence, 500 people have been arrested over night as the violence spread from London to neighbouring Birmingham, Salford, Manchester and Gloucester.

Meanwhile, a petition demanding that anyone who has been convicted for rioting in London should be stripped from benefits have already amassed 69,000 signatures. Though, looting in Wood Green, Brixton, Walthamstow and Enfield continues.

British PM David Cameron calls ‘London riots’ as ‘opportunism by violent minority’ while the Deputy PM Nick Clegg calls it ‘needless, opportunistic theft and violence.’

Slowly, the ‘riots’ are converting from acts of looting to propaganda and politically correct presentation.

As more and more analysts tried to discover the real reason behind these riots, there are two major concerns that emerge.

‘Responsibility of the Government’

The riots started from Tottenham which has been facing egregious downfall in jobs, spaces to live and decent means of survival. Youth are often questioned by the police and constantly checked. The youth have been ignored and marginalised for years.

Laurie Penny reports on her blog, two months ago, 2000 Black population marched to the Scotland Yard Station to protest in a peaceful protest. Unfortunately, their grievances were not heard until the riot started.

The 2008 report also mentions that Britain has the burgeoning gap between the have and have-nots, which is more than three quarters of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

Professor Mike Hardy, a member from the Institute of Community Cohesion has stated that ‘it is not that the division that caused the problem but the fact that these two sectors stay so close to each other.’

No doubt, the greater visibility of difference has played an integral role in fuelling the riot.

‘Responsibility of the parents’

At the same time, several analysts are questioning the role of parents in failing in brining the right responsibilities and fears in their children.

No doubt, UK has one of the most generous benefit systems. The low or no income people have access to housing council, free compulsory education, health care benefits and much more.

The fact that Sky reports that ‘16K worth of alcohol and cigarettes have been stolen from the Croydon store’ reveals that the loot has turned into a ‘freedom to exercise illegal act for fun and entertainment.’

Thus, it all gets back to the parents. Have they failed to raise responsible kids? The mere fact that youngsters here are looting Plasma TVs and gadgets shows that they simply cannot be compared to kids of their age in the other eastern countries who are trying so hard to make the ends of their families meet.

The question also boils down to the basic inculcation of fear, discipline and respect in the teenagers. There are several other youngsters in London who chose to play an active role in cleaning after the riots rather than causing them.

A very popular tweet of Waterstone in Ealing states ‘We are staying open late night. If they want to steal out books, then they might learn something.’

In a nutshell, the situation perhaps goes beyond just the responsibility of the government and the parents. It reaches out to serious issues dealing with the civil society and how capitalism fails in a democratic country.

 

Languishing in the Looted London, clean up starts

A three day voyage of obscure looting in London goes beyond its superficial lurch. Not only the sudden death of Mark Duggan turned into an opportunistic endeavour to slice off illegal plasma TVs and technical gadgets from the best brands, it somehow reveals incoherent patterns of the time bomb London is turning into.

To start with, the media with stupendous influx from social network media, like facebook, twitter and real time feeds, literally went to a black-out loop. The riots were ‘exaggerated’.

Last night, someone tweeted to be fully aware before confusing the violence in Brixton and Hackney with Egyptian uprising as few viral videos which were being circulated were deceptive. Anxious judgements, loud words, conversations, hash tags- London now had something to talk about.  What exactly, no one knows in detail about. Shops closing down, brands being looted, police being deployed, etc, made the stories. And it was enough to cause ‘fear’.

‘Humane Spirit’

Secondly, after the much broadcasted hulabaloo, one must applaud the ‘humane spirit’ of Londoners.

Today, hundreds of Londonders had gathered at Clapham Junction (one of the affected areas) to clean the roads, help the shop owners, collect the broken pieces and move on. The festive spirit with music thumping in the background takes off the pressure. The smashed glasses of famous brands like Carphone Warehouse, McDonalds, Marks and Spencers, Boots, etc, seem distant.

Starbucks even had their staff giving free coffee and water to the volunteers. This spirit of rejuvenating the essence of the city was infectious. Few volunteers who had come to the clean-up did not even stay in this location but they did that for goodwill.

‘The missing link’

Thirdly, one needs to speculate and find the missing link in between the regular riots that are breaking in the capital. Be it the angry students protesting against tuition fees, the elderly criticising the pension and NSS cuts, the loss of jobs-every thing leads to one basic fact.

This definitely is London is getting more and more divided into the abyss of have and have-nots. A dark, needy and claustrophobic side of the capital is emerging, irrespective of how much the politicians try to ignore it.

‘Whom to blame’

So, whom to blame? How can the police officers be blamed for not controlling the violence when they themselves are literally languishing in job cuts? Why will the young youth feel that their government cares for them when all they hear is about education cuts and policy changes that do not support them?

One of the popular tweets stated ‘The youth in Egypt fought for democracy and independence. While, the youth in London fights for Plasma TVs.’  This is not true. The western countries have their own bitter share of credit crunch, market collapse and inequality of wealth that is being showcased by the youth in this manner.

No doubt, the capitalism will fail or just become another brick in the wall. For example, the entire loss of these riots have come up to £100m which would be paid by the reserves of the Metropolitan Police. This reserve mostly is made up by the money of the tax payers. The government is not even facing the brunt, in sheer practise.

Well, 16000 more police officers will be deployed in London tonight. Whether this entire ‘riot’ is futile or not, depends on the manner in which it is broadcasted, believed and blamed.