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.

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.

 

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

UK grants asylum to the man who tortured people in Zimbabwe

Does justice mean punishing the ‘wrong’ for committing sin or safeguarding the ‘wrong’ from inevitable torture that can be done to him.

Phillip Machemedze, the man who is suspected of carrying horrible acts of torture under the Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe has been granted asylum in Britain.

This action has been under taken to protect his human rights, states the British News reports. In the meanwhile, the horrendous defiance of the same human rights that Machemedze once caused, is not being questioned to the same level, it should be.

The judges of Immigration Tribunal did find that Phillip Machemedze has caused ‘savage acts of extreme violence’ which included the terrible injuries that were inflicted on the opponents of Mugabe.

Others included smashing the jaws of a man with a pair of pliers along with innumerable odious acts. But the judges said he could not be deported. The online web is flooded with acts of violence committed by Machemedze, many which would be shameful to even mention, again.

But judges voiced that this 42-year old HIV positive suspect would himself face the torture if he returns home, especially since he turned his back against the Zanu PF regime of Mugabe.

Also, the court documents have declined the torturous activities committed by Machemedze under the state sponsored crime list.

‘Enjoyed the job’

In one of the official statements by Machemedze to the judges, he stated that ‘initially he enjoyed the job but later had enough of the torture.’

That is when in 2000, Machemedze decided to come to Britain on a visitor’s visa. Currently, he lives in Bristol along with his wife Febbie. There has been no scrutiny done on how his vistor visa got extended and what is his current source of livelihood.

The judges have declared that if Machemedze is deported, he would be definitely tortured by the Mugabe regime. Hence, it would be against the European Convention on Human rights article 2 and 3.

‘Zimbabwe elections of 2000’

The 2000 elections in Zimbabwe left an indelible scar in the country’s past. The Central Intelligence Organisation of Mugabe was blamed for causing horrendous violence against the opponents of the dictator Mugabe.

Around 90 people were killed while 80 were tortured.

‘Condemned judgment’

Several nationals believe that the judge who fell for the sob story of Machemedze should have been wiser. Also, they believe that Machemedze came to UK for economic reasons.

Home Secretary Theresa May is also very shocked after the judgement and plans to fight against it.

Also, Machemedze has been seen going on the lash with random girls at the Hush Hush Club recently. Dressed in orange cap, bling watch and suede waistcoat, Machemedze’s judgment is definitely going to cause more ado.

However, the judges currently choose to stick with their decision in an attempt to protect the life of the torturer and grant him asylum in Britain, safeguarding his longevity.

Credit: Photo from Google

‘Abyei’ conflict might spark another North South civil war, experts fear

With South Sudan ready to secede on 9^th July, the disputes over who controls Abyei turn violent.

Around 15,000 people have fled from the Abyei region as the Northern troops seized the area, the Guardian reports. In response, the Southern Sudanese President Salva Kirr has demanded the intervention of international troops to reach political solutions.

Experts fear that the North-South conflict might reignite the abhorrent battles in between the two sides. This largest African country has already witnessed extensive civil wars due to military, political, ethnic and religious reasons.

As the tension mounts, the memories of 1.5 million people who were killed in the previous conflicts have started haunting the civilians.

‘Why to control Abyei?’

Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), Abyei had been granted the ‘special administrative status’ in 2004.

One of the reasons why both Northern and Southern Sudan are ferociously engrossed in animosity on the ‘Abyei’ topic is due to the geo-political location of the area. Situated in the Muglad Basin which is a massive oil reserve for Sudan, Abeyi had been credited as the major ‘investment point’ for Sudan’s oil industry.

Also, the Greater Nile Oil Pipeline, one of the important pipelines, also runs across through Abyei, further enhancing its importance.

After the commencement of this pipeline, the export of oil reserves in Sudan has witnessed a dramatic increase. Hence, it indirectly proves to be one of the main revenue generators for the country.

‘Not that sad civil war again’

Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir has stated that South Sudan is waiting for its independence and does not want to resume the ‘sad civil war again.’

He also stressed on how the South Sudan army plans to maintain peace with the Northern troops controlled by President Umar al-Bashir.

Present Salva, recognised for his cowboy hat, has played a dynamic role in guiding his homeland Southern Sudan through innumerable challenges after the 2005 peace deal.

‘North Sudan speaks for citizens.’

While the North Sudan’s Defence Minister Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein states that North Sudan would not withdraw the troops from Abyei until and unless an official and peaceful negotiation is reached. The freedom to the citizens and stability to the administration should be guaranteed.

President Omar al-Bashir has stated that any form of ‘provocation’ from the side of Southern troops would be met in a ferocious manner.

Currently, 22 people have been killed in this ambush, BBC reports. Also, when the White House stated that this seizure would lead to future changes in debt reliefs, President Omar stated that he was not interested in America’s funds.

In a nutshell, a peaceful transition looks doubtful over coming days, as both the North and South Sudan being politically and militarily involved.

 Credit: Picture of South Sudan’s President from Reuters

President Obama visits London- What next?

US President Barack Obama’s visit to Europe witnesses its second destination after Ireland. The President arrived at London, 12 hours before his schedule, avoiding the ash flight delays. He was welcomed at the Buckingham Palace with royal pomp and show as ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ was played in the background by the Scots Guards.

But to anyone who has been scrutinizing how Obama was welcomed in Ireland and the royal treatment he got in London- the British style of offering honour and delight will get more than obvious. Also becaus I am currently reading Barack Obama’s auto-biography, I am able to understand, though to a very less degree for sure, what is going on in his mind.

And yes, its humor for me.

His words come in my mind, during the days when he was trying to establish himself in the Democrat role, ‘I tried my best to keep my mouth shut and hear what people had to say. I listened to people talk about their jobs, the local school, their anger at Bush and democrats, their dogs, their back pain, their war service and the things they carried from their childhood.’

Thus, I can imagine Obama listening about ‘the royal wedding, concern over Joplin, recession, Middle East, back pain, London’s weather, war service and of course, Afghanistan.’

As the US President and his wife meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the essential changes in the relationship between US and UK get highlighted.

Recently, both President Obama and British PM David Cameron had written a joint article mentioning the relationship between US and UK is ‘essential’ rather than just ‘special.’

‘Key Issues’

The emerging world issues integrated with the brutal protests going on in the Middle East prove to be the core underlying reasons behind the Europe tour. This is President Obama’s eighth trip to Europe.

Currently, the priority of this Europe trip is to definitely clarify and function on the West’s role in the Arab uprising. Promotion of financial stability and democracy are the other major concerns.

‘Rift in US-UK relations’

Over the past few years, the US-UK relations have definitely witnessed the emergence of rift. Though, it started with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year. Moreover, the unilateral announcement of UK to withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan came as another major jolt to the relationship.

The recent stand of US in not taking a very upfront stand in Libya has also widened the differences. Moreover, President Obama not being invited to the Royal Wedding, a subject which was not much debated on, did show another crack.

‘Houses of Parliament’

President Obama would be addressing the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday and speaking about the role of western countries in Afghanistan.

Following the speech, both President Obama and PM Cameron would have private talks related with the current Middle Eastern uprising.

‘Group of Eight- French Summit’

Later both the politicians would join the French summit ‘Group of Eight’ which has already been confirmed by President Obama’s recent speech on the Middle-east.

The summit would focus on the economic and market integration of the Egyptian and Tunisian financial conditions so that they witness an upliftment.

Meanwhile, Obama’s departure would take place on Sunday. He would also visit France and Poland in this trip.

The entire trip tends to hold international importance as it would follow the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in the later month.