From the monthly archives:
So most of you have already heard about the arrest of Egyptian blogger Alaa and other Egyptian activists… their crime?? Simply protesting peacefully and voicing their opinions. THAT’S IT! Simply protesting peacefully. Click on Alaa’s picture to get information on the developments. You can also check out sandmonkey’s and BP’s updates.
Anyways whities don’t get surprised … this happens the whole time where we live…! Let’s hope they get freed quickly so the reform can continue =)
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Yes, yes that’s money but don’t get the wrong idea. He’s not paying her to strip! It is tradition in Sudan that money gets thrown on the couples during their wedding. It is a blessing signifying, the wish for the couples to have a successfull and prosperous life together.
To check out all the pictures you can see them here.
I just find it amazing and truly lovely how Westerners can come to Sudan and enjoy the life there. I love it because it’s this sort of people who help in bridging the gaps and spreading goodwill. Moreover I love it because ignorant stereotypes and biased reports created by the media about my country become exactly what they are, distortions and misperceptions . Something magical happens when people put aside sensitive issues like politics and religion to just simply celebrate love and friendship together.
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So after the Darfur peace deal has been signed, the government of Sudan is now welcoming the UN peacekeepers in Darfur. Seems like things are moving smoothly… so far that is. The burden will now be on the UN’s shoulders mostly so let’s hope they do a good job. On the other hand, a French UN aid worker shot in eastern Darfur. I hope she recovers.
Anyways, now that the Darfur issue is more settled and under control (I hope), I will finally have the time to write about other important issues such as the Iraq war, the war against terror, America’s foreign policy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yeah yeah, I know, I know… There are already enough bloggers out there talking about them, but guess what… I have my own unique views too so stick around.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: It turns out that the reports claiming the Sudanese government is welcoming UN troops are FASLE. Yes that’s right the reports are false. The government still has not given any permission for UN troops to set foot in the country. Sweeet right?! Anyways, I think it’s only a matter of time before they make a decision.
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Aaaah Finally! This is truly a happy day for me and many other people. The main and most powerful rebel group has agreed together with the Khartoum government on a Darfur peace deal. This could not have happened if it wasn’t for the efforts on all sides and the compromises that the Khartoum government made. Only 2 small rebel groups haven’t signed yet but nevertheless a peace can now be easily secured and things can go back to normal.
But wait… normal? This whole thing started because the rebels weren’t happy with the “normal” conditions. The whole region was and still is impoverished. Now is the time to seriously pump money into the Darfur region and develop it. I just hope those rebels who will take up powerful positions won’t end up being corrupted as many officials already are in the Khartoum government. They better have an honest heart and build a tiny well equipped hospital for a start.
Regardless though, I’m very happy now and satisfied. Time to start thinking about the eastern rebels immediately 
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The Qur’anic description of Jews is quite impartial; praising them in some occasions where they deserve praise and condemning them in other occasions where they practice blameworthy acts. Yet, the latter occasions outnumbered the former, due to their bad qualities and the heinous acts they used to commit.(doesn’t explain verses based on the historical context and events of the time)It was for these traits that they found no warm reception in all countries where they tried to reside. Rather, they would either be driven out or live in isolation. It was Almighty Allah who placed on them His Wrath and made them den of humiliation due to their transgression. Almighty Allah told us that He’d send to them people who’d pour on them rain of severe punishment that would last till the Day of Resurrection.
(I’ve always found problems with believing prophecies that leave no room for peacefull options. I’m still searching for answers though and haven’t made up my mind. Every religion contains a number of prophecies eg. Messiah)
[Quran 5:82] You will find that the worst enemies of the believers are the Jews and the idol worshipers. And you will find that the closest people in friendship to the believers are those who say, “We are Christian.” This is because they have priests and monks among them, and they are not arrogant.This verse should not be used by any mean to negate the fact that among the Jews (and Christians) will be righteous people who can be good friends as explained in the
above verses, they do not fight us in our religion or our homes. They can be our neighbors, colleagues, friends, co-workers…etc We will be good to them as they aregood to us. We, all the righteous people of all religions ,can make the difference and make this world better by respecting each other, respecting the freedom of choice of each other, and remember that we all have the One and the same God.
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And still my choice remains the same.
I’d choose Las Vegas over Talibani era Afghanistan…
Maaaan… When’s the reform gonna start?? It’s the 21st century for the Lord’s sake. Where’s the balance? Where are the moderate interpertations… Oh wait here they are…
“During the past fourteen centuries, traditions, customs, and myths have crept into the religion of Islam (Submission). Many of you, have already objected to many ideas and practices you see around you. You will be happily surprised to know that all of these non-sense practices do not belong to Islam (Submission) but they were man made additions. Islam (Submission) today is like a precious jewel that is buried
under piles upon piles of man-made innovations. Together we will show you the
true and beautiful religion of Islam (Submission) in the light of the Quran, God’s final scripture to the world, including you, personally. ”
FORCED MORALITY IS NOT TRUE MORALITY!
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Yup, unfortunately there’s nothing new. Seems like this is going to end up where it started and probably even worse. The rebels are still begging and pleading to America oh great America for help. They want what most hungry people want… more, more & MORE! Unsatisfied with the conditions, they still refuse to sign the draft and want changes made. What’s nicer to know is that it seems all along they were unhappy with the talks (that’s right for the past 2 years) and actually wanted them to be mediated by the UN or US instead of AU.
I thought the rebels actually cared about their people and would have signed imediately. Apparently they don’t. Their hatred for the Khartoum government is intense and is not going away anytime soon. They’re intent on giving them a real headache.
The rebels don’t want to compromise as the Khartoum government already has by offering to sign. The rebels want to be stubborn… stubborn at the expense of the lives of their own people.
Hi, I’m mister rebel… I’m hungry… Khartoum government don’t give me money… I want food… They don’t give… Waa… I tink I betta start war… Kill kill kill… people pay attention and then I take power…
1- Khartoum government must seriously come up with a long term plan for the development of the impoverished regions in Sudan or else this is going to continue to happen.
2- The rebels must stop pretending they’re fighting against the Khartoum government for the cause of their people. They’re only fighting for themselves.
SIGN DAMN IT!
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Since one of the central issues causing the disagreement is the vice-president position, why not just amend the constitution to allow 2 more slots. One for Darfur and one for the east since the eastern rebels are now growing angrier by the day. The current slots are occupied by:-
1- Vice President Salva Kiir
2- Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha
Seems like those rebels are going “give us some money, power & politics or we’ll frame you by killing some more innocent villagers”. Sweeet! Can’t we all just get along? I wish it was that simple.
Anways folks mark my word, when the much awaited election time comes in about 3 years, the current ruling party in Khartoum will win again and they will win fairly for one simple reason… There is no better alternative. Hell, I’ll even vote for them. Let’s just hope Turabi stays out of the picture.
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I find it deeply moving that there are so many blogs out there discussing the Darfur issue. However I find it also funny that many of them got many of the facts wrong and are easily putting the blame on this and that person. I don’t really blame most of them since it’s the mainstream media’s fault for reporting news infected with misperceptions. The issue is so complicated you won’t believe it but if you really want to know what started it all out including the 21 year civil war between the north and south then we will have to rewind a few decades back and SURPRISE! We realize it’s all the British’s fault! Well not fully obviously but it did start with them.
During their colonial rule they divided Sudan into south and north and focused their development efforts mainly in the north. Some Sudanese think this was a conspiracy done purposely so that the southerners will start a war decades later to demand their share of the wealth and development (retarded if you ask me). Anyways so after the British left Sudan wasn’t geographically equally developed and the development was mainly concentrated in the north.
Also there is no such thing as Arabs VS Africans ethnic cleansing happening and it’s all a misconception. I think it has been marketed this way in the news so that it will create more buzz and make the Sudanese government look more horrible that they already are. Probably this attitude towards the Sudanese government stems from the fact it did support and harbour Bin Laden back in the 90’s (later they kicked him out of the country). Thank God they did that because I hated and still hate that Santa Claus looking delusional freak. No wait I forgot! He doesn’t like wearing red. He does like the color red though. But hey if he likes the color red then why doesn’t he wear it? Help, I’m confused! Never mind moving on…
Putting blame is a very easy thing. Most of the blame and anger is being targeted at the Sudanese government which is definitely responsible in a major way but not fully however. The rebels aren’t simply a bunch of sincere people fighting for their rights at a fair share of “money, power & politics”. They are essentially attention seekers. Many of them have attacked whole villages and terrorized them to make the situation look worse so that the international community will support them against the “bad guy”. If you ask me both the government and rebels are the “bad guy” in this situation for not respecting the lives of innocent villagers and making them so miserable. As for Bush, I don’t really blame him that much. I mean the poor guy has to worry about the mayhem caused by his mismanagement of Iraq and with his low ratings. Don’t forget Hurricane Katrina too and now Iran. Plus he can’t just simply send troops to Darfur or bomb the Janjaweed like some weirdo American bloggers were seriously demanding of him. I’ll leave the Americans to comment about this. If I blame someone besides the rebels and the Khartoum government then it’s defintely the UN. As a body representing the different member nations, it hasn’t done nearly enough. Don’t even bother ask me about Arab countries who are too busy hating Israel and America (and some silently worrying about Iran). To be fair though, an Arab country that has provided a lot of aid to Darfur is UAE. Their efforts weren’t well publicized though. Also Japan recently provided $18 million to Darfur.
Anyways the latest development is ANOTHER 24 hours have been given. Yes, yes I know first it was 48 hours and now it’s 24 hours and then tomorrow it’s another extra 76 hours and bla bla bla. I have a feeling the rebels might not sign anytime soon and might end up divided over their “satisfaction” concerning the peace draft.
We’ll see.
UPDATE: The rebels are still not satisfied and haven’t signed. They still continue to pressure for a third vice-president position which the Sudan constitution doesn’t allow.
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I am so sorry for inflicting these pictures onto you. I know it’s not appropriate but what’s more inappropriate is pretending this crap doesn’t exist.
Both the above and below pictures are of Sudanese kids. Spot the difference if you can. I swear I can’t stand this freaking crap.
Those damn rebels better make reasonable demands and sign the freaking draft quickly. They are STILL insisting on the vice president position. Can you believe this sh*t?
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American Tunisian blogger Leilouta attended the rally and posted some nice pictures of it on her blog.
The LAN in my campus has been screwed for the past couple of days so my connection is freaking slow. Anyways off to sleep now, I got a test early morning. No wait damn it’s already morning, 4.35 AM Sweeeet!
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Those freaking rebels are still insisting on the vice president position which is already occupied by Christian southerner Salva Kiir.
“Rebels are still pushing the government to accept their demands for autonomy and a vice president.”
There is still no progress and there is only one day left. They better start making some reasonable demands. Do they want the war between the north and south to start again? Vice president position my butt!
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SudaneseThinker
SudaneseThinker