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?

Why did the US soldier kill 16 Afghans?

On 12th March, Jon Snow wrote a blog on ‘The remoteness of modern war‘ where he discusses the war in Afghanistan.

He states, ‘It is when a soldier goes berserk and kills 16 Afghans, nine of them children, or a when direct hit steals six British lives from an “impregnable” armoured vehicle, that war lurches back into awareness.’

The rift in US-Afghanistan relationship started mushrooming after the Quran burning incident by NATO. Soviet style rallies and protests carried on for a week, demanding apology and eradication of the soldiers. Unlike his stand in Libya after NATO bombed civilian tanks, President Obama did apologise. It does not matter for the Pathans/ Pasthuns anymore because their radical indifference and nonchalance has been catalysed by stupendous momentum from such enraging acts of the west. Sectarian violence and civil war, and above all, the usage of Afghanistan to devastate Al-Qaeda soon after the country was breaking out from USSR’s clutches, leaves an indelible memory of pain. An opprobrium.

But the recent, almost paroxysm of epilepsy in which a US soldier killed 16 Afghans, nine out of whom where children, speaks another story.

This incident did not happen in response to answering back the ‘barbaric’ Afghans after their showed the mettle to protest against NATO. Rather, it goes back to the very moment the respective US Soldier was forced into mandatory conscription service. An average cosmopolitan American, patriotic and not just loyal to his American identity, took the risk. Life in Afghanistan is difficult, and different from life in a colonised country. This soldier knows nothing of Shia-Sunni strife, Pathans and their Taliban links, Al-qaeda and its locations, customary laws, culture and above all language. For him, Afghanistan is barbaric and he carries the burden of cleansing the blemish. Something similar to what Europeans believed when they captured Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in 1652. Benn Morris defends such attitude, stating ethnic cleansing is better than genocide against yourself.

Now, armed with flawless hi-tech arms and ammunition, this US soldier, ignorant but brave, has been given the order to shoot anyone/anytime, if he feels danger. There is a difference here. He can shoot when he ‘feels’ danger rather than when he ‘faces’ it. Tightly grouped in his units, he shares loyalty to other soldiers, their safety and perceptions. War becomes the pornography of violence for him. Just like teenagers play with fast, animated war games, his deployment gives him the same adrenaline rush. No one questions him. No one orders him. The Afghans are anyways ‘illiterate‘, ‘poor‘ and ‘meaningless‘ creatures for him. Life becomes abstract and so does its values and principles. That US soldier, initially did not know that he would cause deaths of several innocent civilians. He also did not know that one day, he will reach to a point when it wont matter to him. One day, one of his own soldiers would die after being killed by Pathans/Taliban. Second day, perhaps the IED would explode exactly where he stood, saving him in the nick of time. Blood, vomit, alcohol will be all he sees. And slowly life and death, would prove unnecessary to care about.

When one reads newspapers, one knows about the figures involved in such a mad spree. How many died and who killed whom? But it is never publicly mentioned about the psychological condition of the soldiers. We will be shocked to know how many of them suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. The life they would live after they are sent back to US would not only change them, but also their relation with their country. Many veterans and retired soldiers find it hard to be patriotic after they witness how diplomacy actually functions.

Modern warfare and cold peace are still struggling to find answers to such a phenomenon. Perhaps, one day, we might have one.

The value of 4th of July- America’s struggle for Independence

Questioning on ‘Why Americans should still celebrate 4th of July’, Daniel Greenfield, an Israel based columnist writes ‘Every year the firework gets bigger and we lose more freedom.’

Even Telegraph’s US editor Toby Harnden writes that the mood in US is a little bleak at the moment. American citizens are caught in the limbo of questioning whether the ‘American Dream is still alive’ or it is better to just celebrate the awaited fireworks at ‘July 4th American Holiday’ and carry on with ‘who cares’ attitude.

Several people question what American gained after the legal separation from Great Britain took place in 1776?  Many conservatives still doubt the role of massive bureaucracy, suspension of legislatures and mockery of the constitutional liberties which they believe is going on in the country.

‘The American dream’

To delve deeper into these doubts, one needs to know what the American dream means.

Well, James Truslow Adams, the American author who coined the term ‘American Dream’ explained it as a ‘life which is better, richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to their achievement.’

Since the Declaration of Independence, America has been adapting to the changes. The influx of multicultural society, financial conundrums, unemployment issues, terrorism, federal policies and most importantly, the bolstered image of ‘Yes We Can.’

But rather than questioning if this 4th July holds special significance or not, Americans should scrutinise the indelible achievements reached this year. The encounter of Osama bin Laden after a decade is definitely the right answer.

‘Against all odds’

Undoubtedly, this sought after laurel does not solve the job crisis or collapse of economy but no country in this world has the strength to rebound after such a phenomenal loss in just a year or two.

The fact that the American dream is still alive can be seen that irrespective of its failures, the economy is ready to provide aids to African countries for development, invest in the market growth of Middle Eastern countries like Egypt and Tunisia who demand it, withdraw forces from the Afghanistan border and still work for the ‘inclusive growth’ of the citizens.

Also, rather than getting lost in the abstract maze of how the politicians and diplomats perceive the 4th of July, it is also essential to listen to the common man.

Interestingly, the common man in America believes in the ‘life, liberty and pursuit of happiness’.

Many believe that 4th of July means a day to choose the right to live, to exercise freedom, spread God’s love and survive in the country. Interestingly, people do surive in America irrespective of the horror stories that often hit more headlines.

The recent confession of Jose Antonio Vargas, a Filipino journalist on ‘The New York Times’ for being an ‘undocument illegal immigrant’ in America, speaks about the ‘American freedom’.

It would have been impossible to take such a bold step in any country. In fact, there are even examples of such braveness in any other society, irrespective of how liberal it calls itself.

The formal legal permission for gay marriages becoming legal in New York give another hope for Americans. In the larger society, inclusive growth is guaranteed through the respect given to what people value and crave for. This law definitely bestows this basic necessity which several other countries in the world are still debating on.

In a nutshell, the greater hope revolves around utilitarianism and greater good for greater number of people. Thus, the 4th of July continues to be more than just fireworks because the execrise of freedom is also a choice. And fortunately, Americans still have the power of choice.

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