Would Obama administration protect Chen, the blind Chinese human rights dissident?

Ever wondered why Chinese authorities- the Communist Party of China (CPC) and even the PLA, never give press conferences? 2012, being the election year, is creating hullabaloo from everywhere from France to India; China remains quiet. The international community’s intelligence fails more when it comes to discerning about China than even Iran or North Korea. But the silence before the storm did end. And the man that did so, was  blind dissident Chen Guangcheng. 

The self taught lawyer was placed under house arrest for 4 years. He had gained fame and massive empathy after fighting against the inhuman trends used by Chinese government to retain ‘One couple, One child policy’. Be it sterilising, abortions or even vasectomy, the Chinese government left no stone unturned. In the province of Shandong, 500 km south of Beijing, the entire concept of social contract theory, liberty and right to life failed. While the atrocities of China in Tibet and Taiwan have been in limelight, these brutal cases of population control hardly received media attention.

Chen Guangcheng and his wife, both in their 40s, have been in house arrest for Chen’s human rights activism. But last week of April, he somehow managed to escape by bluffing the Chinese guards that he was ill and hence, they had decreased the vigilance. With the help of his other activist colleagues, Chen travelled 500 kms north to the US Embassy in Beijing. Now, there are two loopholes in this narration. First, if Chen was in house arrest, how did he manage to communicate about his run off to his colleagues? Secondly, why was US embassy chosen?

Anyways, as the story goes on, Chen goes to the US embassy, talks with the embassy officials there and reveals about his four year long arrest. He also talks to Hillary Clinton who promises him that he and his wife would be getting protection from America. But justice is not that simple. Chinese dragon glared at Uncle Sam. US has no right to intervene in the political matters of China. Criticism started and the rivalries got difficult to contain. Sadly, the wrath of it all, was faced by Chen’s wife who was nearly beaten to death in her house after her husband escaped.

Chen on the other hand, was ‘suggested’ to leave the premises of US embassy as his story got international attention. US officials took picture of him, revealing how happy he was to go to the hospital. One of the embassy staff even mentioned that Chen was so pleased with American response that he exclaimed he could even kiss Hillary Clinton. The photographs were preserved, less like a souvenir but more like evidences for defense. Chen was consoled that he would be having officials at the hospital with him. There was nothing to worry. But that’s exactly when the story changed.

When Chen arrived at the hospital, he was all alone. He had no idea that his escape has caused so much of impact. He had no idea what his wife was going through. Now, there comes another loophole in the story. When Chen was in the embassy, how come, he did not communicate with his wife? He also had fellow colleagues in Shandong who would certainly know what was going on. Anyways, the US embassy stated that Chen did not seek refuge for protection but for medical emergency. Also, they stated that he wanted to head to the hospital and it was not the suggestion of US officials. What exactly happened, very few people know about.

This entire case of human rights has emerged during the election campaign time for Obama. So, would he provide safety to Chen or ignore him? The issue took graver position as Hillary Clinton would be in Beijing next week to talk about trade relations. China might simply back off in anger if Chen’s issue is given more attention. After all, US- China ties have been going through worst confrontational period due to the Syria and Iran issue. Another addition to it can further fire up the volatile issue.

Only time would tell if Chen, the human rights dissident gets justice or is his story simply forgotten?

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

And what did Obama finally speak on Middle East

‘Spending all day at the White House helping to draft Obama’s big Mid East speech tomorrow. So far we’ve agreed on “God bless America‘, says the tweet of Henry Kissinger, 56th United States Secretary Chairman. (The account is a parody)

Irony.

Explicitly throwing light on how America ended combat mission in Iraq, the recent return signal for US soldiers from Afghanistan from July and condemning of Osama bin Laden’s defiance against democracy, President Obama finally gave the much awaited speech for Middle east and Africa on Thursday.

Promising a new chapter in US foreign policy in the Middle-East, President Obama suggested that US is no longer going to support the atrocious dictators in the Middle East for the benefit of oil supply but rather would introduce long term economic and democratic changes.

‘Self immolation of a street vendor in Tunisia’

Speaking about how the entire Middle Eastern conflict started, President Obama spoke about the young vendor Mohammed Bouazizi from Tunisia who set himself on fire after the egregious police officer confiscated his cart and no government officialy paid heed to his need.

Giving more weightage to global economy than international politics, President Obama talked more about innovative technology, growing need of integrating the market economies and impact of business entrepreneurship.

Adding humane and naked ground realities of a common man’s world, Obama stated that ‘Politics alone has not put protesters into the streets. The tipping point for so many people is the more constant concern of putting food on the table and providing for a family.’

‘Initial goal of America’

Obama clearly mentioned that few important aspects of foreign policy of America in the region dealt with countering terrorism, free flow of commerce, protecting Israel’s security and guarding the security of the region.

He stated that ‘Societies held together by fear and repression may offer the illusion of stability for a time, but they are built upon fault lines that will eventually tear asunder.’

‘Current Obama plan’

President Obama stated that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund would present a plan in the coming G-8 summit to aid the economies in Tunisia and Egypt.  Also, to avoid the democratic Egypt to be saddled by its past, America agrees to grant a one billion aid to the country. He also informed about the enterprise funds which the White House is trying to chalk out with the Congress to help the Middle east economy.

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation(OPIC) aims to launch a 2 billion facility for financial empowerment.

‘Israel-Palestine Issue’

Undoubtedly, this part of Obama’s speech has been making headlines. Firstly, the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the White House on Friday. Secondly, Obama’s endorsement of Palestinian demands putting Netanyahu in a very unviable position in the international politics.

Though, he clearly stated that ‘Symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September won’t create an independent state. And Palestinians will never realise their independence by denying the right of Israel to exist.’

‘Lessons from the past’

Bringing the wide ranging audience back to the world of upheavel, President Obama stated that ‘there is no straight line to progress, and hardship always accompanies a season of hope.’

Reiterating the belief of United States of America, President Obama spoke how the government always supports to people who govern themselves. Thus, as he said, America would stand by the side of those brave protestors who chose to fight for their rights and existence.

Credit: Photo from Getty Images