September 2006

If you’ve been a long time reader of my blog or visited the “About me” section, you would have definitely seen the “NOT a fan of double standards within America’s foreign policy” statement. I guess some of you are wondering what exactly I mean by that. This post is intended to be an elaboration of that statement. It contains my raw “straight to the keyboard” emotions and thoughts. Before I start elaborating, we have to make a deal. When you’re done reading this post, could you please not give me that whole lecture about being an anti-American basher? I’m not anti-American, far from it. If anything, I am to a certain extent anti-Bush. I’ve got a lot of respect and admiration for America but just like everybody else, I’m critical of certain issues, namely the thing that affects me i.e. US foreign policy, especially current US foreign policy under Bush. Let’s get the rant started shall we? Here we go.

The Iraq war is a topic of intense debate even in America. First it was about the WMDs and the threat Saddam Hussein posed. Ya, sure thing the WMDs weren’t found! The excuse made was that Saddam hid them or gave them to other countries. Bwahaha sure! If he had WMDs he wouldn’t have hesitated to use them against invading US troops. There were no WMDs. Even UN inspection teams said there was no evidence supporting the existence of WMDs. Hell, it was also recently announced that Saddam Hussein had no connection to Al-Qaeda.

Clearly Cowboy Bush and his girlfriend Tony Blair screwed up big time. Unsurprisingly and suddenly the Iraq war became about bringing democracy. Yaaay democracy! I personally don’t fully buy the whole we went to Iraq to bring “democracy” argument and I have my suspicions. I believe it’s now a combination of democracy and long term oil interests, mainly securing reserves for years to come. Or maybe as a friend put it, it’s probably about “revenge” but hey what the hell do I know right?

The reason I don’t buy the whole “democracy thingy” is because it’s one major “in your face” double standard and hypocrisy. All major US allies in the Middle East are non-democratic countries strongly supported by America, namely Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and the king of Jordan. They’re all oppressive, corrupted and disgusting dictators. Now people don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that it’s America’s duty to eliminate dictators around the world. What I’m saying is directed at American foreign policy makers and I have a message for them: (STOP BEING HYPOCRITES). Don’t give me that crap about democracy in Iraq when you clearly support the opposite of democracy in other places. Consider this post part of the answer to that post 9/11 question “Why do they hate us?” Well like DUH it’s partly because some are rotting under dictators that YOU support. Two billion dollars of aid to Hosni Mubarak annually anyone? It’s for democracy. Raaaaight. Yes, I’m certainly sure Mubarak doesn’t swallow it or split it up amongst his friends.

Hear me out my dear American and pro-US readers, I support democracy and I’m all for democracy but either spread it in all places or in none at all. Moreover if you want to spread it, do so the right way. Don’t immediately go for the “democratize or I’ll shoot you” methodology. It’s not very nice. I’m a big supporter of the war on terror (my support is mainly for Afghanistan as to me it’s very different from Iraq’s case) and believe me the day that I hear Bin Laden got captured will be a joyfull one for me unlike for many “Muslims”. I just don’t fully support the way it’s being fought. I have my doubts. Read this previous post entitled America You’re Making a Mistake You Might Regret and you’ll know what I mean. It’s a “which comes first, the chicken or the egg” kind of situation as somebody there commented.

That being said, I support the current operation in Iraq. Oh yes I do. It has already been invaded whether we like it or not so let’s face that reality positively shall we? I believe US troops withdrawing now will cause a major disaster. Hence, I support their presence and I wish all troops and the Iraqi people good luck in forming a healthy functioning democratic Iraq.

What I am against is the dirty and deceitful manner in which Bush started the war. What I am against is the way Bush totally disregarded the UN. What I am against is the “blurry” pretexts this war is being fought under. What I am against is the absolute horrible mismanagement of this war. What I am especially against is the SICKENING, DISGUSTING and IMMORAL tactics employed by the Bush administration in their war against terror and tyranny. Guantanamo, secret CIA prisons and torture anyone? How about when Bush gave Israel one more extra week to bomb the crap out of Lebanon?! Cluster bombs anyone?

Sami al Hajj is still in Guantanamo and his health is worsening. In Iraq killings are occurring almost daily but it would be wrong to put the full blame of the current Sunni-Shia violence solely on America. The deaths are a result of our own violent culture and on the other hand the war’s mismanagement.

In general I believe the foreign policy of the United States of America is distorted by oil and economic interests. I feel some of Bush’s central policies in the war on terror have tarnished America’s image and frankly, they disappoint me. Moreover Europe disappoints me with its aiding of the secret CIA prisons.

What puts a smile on my face though is hearing news about a US judge announcing that Guantanamo military tribunals are unconstitutional. What puts a smile on my face is when US Senators like Republican John McCain bring up a bill opposing Bush’s policies and giving Guantanamo detainees more rights. I mean this man actually wants to give suspected terrorists more rights during their trials. He says not doing so will not be justice. It’s amazing, I swear it really is.

Those are just a few of the good things I could talk about for days. It’s things like this that keep all the good things about America still in perspective and make me admire it. Again, I’m not bashing and I’m not being anti-American. I’m simply sharing my honest point of view with you.

In case you’re confused, let me summarize my 2 main criticisms of US foreign policy especially under Bush again.

1- I dislike the hypocrisy of “spreading democracy”.

2- I dislike the “undemocratic”, inhumane and immoral methods used to fight terror and spread this democracy.

Beyond that, I don’t really have much criticisms.

The above are the humble opinions and “external views” of a 20 year old Sudanese college student. Point #1 is open for discussion and if you think I’m mistaken, correct me. I wholeheartedly welcome your comments and views. Point #2 on the other hand isn’t really that open for discussion if you know what I mean.

Pfffffff… Alright I’m done.

PS: I’m just curious. Where would I be on the American political spectrum with my kind of views. Would I be considered a right winger, a leftist, Democrat, Republican etc.?

UPDATE: I just watched the latest speech by Bush in the Rose Garden. I loved the way he was focused and how he answered the swarm of questions directed at him. The guy sure loves to joke a lot. I wasn’t satisfied with his answers when he was questioned about the torture bill and the relation of Saddam with al-Qaeda. His answers sucked and they were very vague. Basically he didn’t even answer the questions. Anyways, I still stand by my points. If I could, I would give Bush a big hug for the success achieved in Afghanistan. No, seriously I would. Thank God those Taliban and Al-Qaeda fascists are gone. However I think he deserves a kick in the ass for the mess in Iraq and his screwed up “torture” policy.

People; get read for a new “cartoon” crisis. I just watched some “cool” report on Al-Jazeera.

The Pope has made statements already considered controversial and offensive about Islam. Apparently he considers Islam violent and incompatible with thinking. In light of this, I want to offer a piece of advice for the Vatican. Get more bodyguards for the Pope before some loony Muslim gets to him.

Now seriously though, all jokes aside. What was up with that? It amazes me how much stereotyping there is surrounding Islam but what amazes me more is that this latest statement isn’t coming from anybody but rather coming from the POPE himself!

I can understand it when an atheist makes such statements or is anti-Islamic but I certainly don’t get how a well educated Christian can make such a statement. Has the Pope forgotten what happened during the various Crusades? Has he forgotten all the sick and disgusting acts committed back then in the name of Christianity? Would he consider them to be truly Christian?

Hell, even I myself as a Muslim don’t. Christianity and Jesus aren’t evil. In fact, I sincerely believe all the vile blood thirsty acts committed during the crusades were very unChristian. Doesn’t someone like the Pope understand that today’s violent Muslim extremists are literal interpreters of the Quran? Doesn’t he understand that they’re carrying out very unIslamic acts?

It’s also very funny that he says Islam is incompatible with thinking. Doesn’t he know who it was that brought enlightenment to Europe when it was drowned in the dark ages? Ops, no wait, probably the history books he read forgot to mention that part.

Apparently he doesn’t know much about all those things and I certainly disagree with the ideas he brings up. Am I offended? No, I’m not. I respect the guy and I absolutely support his right to freedom of speech. I’m just surprised at his lack of knowledge concerning Islam.

The majority of today’s Muslims are not following the true Islam. The Taliban, Al-Qaeda and even many aspects of Saudi Arabia are not in accordance with true Islam. Sadly we, Muslims are now in our own period of dark ages. However our negative actions or inactions should not be attributed back to Islam. It is the not-so-welll practicing Muslim society that should be blamed for its lack of true practice. Period!

UPDATE: The new “cartoon” crisis has BEGUN! I’m serious people, the Pope should get more bodyguards. Apologies are already being demanded. This is not going to be pleasant.

UPDATE: Esra’a echoes my views about Islam in her post at Mideast Youth. Read it ALL.

UPDATE: What are we going to boycott this time? The Vatican doesn’t produce any cheese now does it? Sigh!

Thank you Jodetoad. Your post is the best I’ve read all day.
People, read it ALL here.

This is lovely news isn’t it?

Grai Commanders from the only rebel group that signed a peace accord in May for Sudan’s Darfur region are prepared to resume fighting if African Union peacekeeping troops leave as scheduled at month’s end and are not replaced by a United Nations force, according to more than a dozen senior rebel officials interviewed Wednesday.

Since the peace accord was signed, rebel forces allied with Minnawi have been assisting in some government military operations, often providing crucial on-the-ground intelligence, but his commanders are increasingly reluctant to help.

The commanders interviewed Wednesday said they were so angry about recent attacks on civilians, including the bombing of villages by Antonov planes and rocket attacks by Mi-24 helicopter gunships, that they were prepared to abandon the peace deal. They said they would not be swayed even if Minnawi decided to keep his senior job with the government in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

Great! So if the UN doesn’t come, it will be war and if the UN does indeed come, it will be a bigger war.

Donors to WFP’s 2006 Sudan emergency operation are: the United States (US$378.8 million), carry over from previous operations (US$63.9 million), the European Commission (US$52 million), United Nations Common Humanitarian Fund & CERF (US$32 million), Canada (US$12.8 million), Japan (US$8.4 million), Multilateral donors (US$7.2 million), Sudan Government of National Unity (US$6.2 million), Libya (US$4.5 million), Australia (US$3 million), Germany (US$2.5 million), private donors (US$2.2 million), Norway (US$1.8 million), Denmark (US$1.7 million), Switzerland (US$1.6 million), Ireland (US$1.2 million), Italy (US$1.2 million), New Zealand (US$925,000) France (US$788,000), Belgium (US$604,000), Luxembourg (US$255,000), Greece (US$251,000), United Kingdom (US$43,000).

(source)

What’s wrong with the above list? Can someone please tell me?

Dear Muslims, bash the West all you want but pleeease oh pleeeeeease don’t forget to bash our own leaders and foreign policy makers. We need to bash them too you know. Why? Simply because they are worse. Alright? Let’s just bash them a little bit shall we? Just a little? No? Come on not even a little tiny bit? Ah, who am I kidding? Apparently the West and America are always the “worse” ones.

The violence in Darfur is halting food aid to 355,000 people. If this continues all those people could probably be bye bye.

The first time I was able to truly absorb the reality of how horrific 9/11 must have been, was when I stood at Ground Zero while visiting New York City 2 months ago. I pictured the planes smashing into the towers and imagined how the scene must have looked like when they started collapsing. It gave me freaky chills and they were NOT nice. That was just my imagination so think about how it must have felt for the others who were there.

My heart goes out to all the victims’ families. I pray that nothing of 9/11’s magnitude ever happens again. I really do but maybe that’s just my wishfull thinking. Has Bush really been able to make America safer? How do you measure success in a war like this where the enemy has no country, no infrastructure or even an actualy base? The war on terror isn’t close to being over. In fact I think we’ve only gotten over with the warm up stage. Do you know why I think that? One word - IRAN.

1- Do you like the look and the contents of your blog?
Unfortunately I’m never satisfied so I just try not to think about it. I guess that means no huh? I love my new banner though.

2- Does your family know about your blog?
Yes, they all do. My mom wants me to stop because she fears I’ll get thrown in jail and tortured if I go back to Sudan for a holiday.

3- Can you tell your friends about your blog? Do you consider it a private thing?
Not all my friends because it is indeed kind of private.

4- Do you just read the blogs of those who comment on your blog? or you try to discover new blogs?
I read all kinds of blogs all the time.

5- Did your blog positively affect your mind? Give an example.
Hell ya. I’m not as anti-Israeli as I used to be. It turns out Palestinians are not completely blameless.

6- What does the number of visitors to your blog mean? Do you use a traffic counter?
Reach. Yes.

7- Did you imagine how other bloggers look like?
Oh ya defintely, especially the Israeli ones, Big Pharaoh and Richard of Hyscience.

8- Do you think blogging has any real benefit?
Defintely. It’s set to change the world. Never before have we as individuals been able to reach out to the “enemy” only to discover that this enemy isn’t really an enemy. The true enemy is ignorance about the enemy.

9- Do you think that the blogsphere is a stand alone community separated from the real world?
Nope , it’s not.

10- Do some political blogs scare you? Do you avoid them.
No and no.

11- Do you think that criticizing your blog is useful?
Yes, it is. Criticism is what enables a person to improve. Constructive one that is.

12- Have you ever thought about what happen to your blog in case you died.
Now that you mentioned it, ya.

13- Which blogger had the greatest impression on you?
It’s a bunch of bloggers really. Big Pharaoh and Sandmonkey had a considerable effect though.

14- Which blogger you think is the most similar to you.
None. I’m unique but there are defintely some bloggers out there who share many similarities like mine I guess. Some of them are Omar Basawad, Halalhippie and Tsedek.

15- Name a song you want to listen to?
The Fray - How to Save a Life

Yes, I’m done. So has my blog had a positive effect on YOU?

First it was the Arab League to back Sudan’s stance on Darfur and now it’s African Leaders who are joining in too.

Sept10, 2006 (SERTE) — African leaders reaffirmed their rejection of the internationalization of Drafur crisis. They also appealed the African Union to continue its effort in Darfur peace process

The African heads of state and government have renewed their total rejection to the internationalization of the crisis in Darfur and affirmed their support to Sudan’s stance rejecting UN force into Darfur without its consent.

I think it’s time to pursue Plan B. Like Ingrid Jones of Sudan Watch said, get the the AU to stay and strengthen it. A change in their mandate could be discussed too.

Hat tip- Sudan Watch (Hi Ingrid, I hope you’re doing well)

=)

In the past week, I was a little busy with a humble project that I hope will go miles. Esra’a the founder of Mideast Youth invited me onboard to become her official partner for the project. I agreed instantly as I had similar plans to launch such a project anyways. Mideast Youth underwent a makeover. Part of it was restating our mission more clearly. Esra’a and I crafted the new mission statement. Check it out here.

Mohammad Wardi, is undoubtly one of the best Sudanese singers of all time. The man is a singing machine but only after consuming more than 2 liters of whiskey. I love his songs. His lyrics and melodies are so powerful and as Sudanese as “Sudanism” can get.

Check out this live accoustic performance by him. It’s very traditional. The song speaks about a man who had to leave Sudan and the love of his life behind when things got too harsh. It’s sort of a conversation between him and the girl he misses. Enjoy it.

Growing up, I could have never asked for better parents. I owe both my mom and dad so much because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

The Islam they taught me is very different from the notorious one you always hear about in the news today. They taught me to practice mutual respect and do unto others as I would like them to do unto me.

There are so many stories I could share with you just to show you the kind of people they are.

The school I studied in back in Qatar had some elements of the notorious type of Islamic interpretation being practiced. Everyone hated Israel and anything related to Israel. There was once this biracial kid who got beaten up pretty badly one day. Hid dad was Qatari and his mom was American. My friends beat the crap out of him because his watch had the Star of David incorporated into its design. I just stood by confused and watched as it happened. I felt sorry for him and I wondered to myself if he deserved it or not. After all in my mind and the minds of all my school mates, Israel was an evil devil, an evil devil that wanted to destroy us all.

I went back home that day and told my mom what happened. She was disgusted, firstly because what happened was wrong and secondly because it was totally absurd to beat up an innocent kid for how his watch looked like. Israel apparently was evil towards Palestinians but that didn’t justify what happened. Plus, simply wearing such a watch didn’t mean you supported Israel.

On another occasion that happened in the same school a few years later, my friends and I discovered that a Lebanese kid who chilled with us was a Christian. All my friends wanted to stop befriending him because apparently it was “wrong” to befriend a Christian. I went back home that same day and told my mom about what happened. Again she was disgusted and told me that all my friends were stupid for acting the way they did. She explained that Islam never said it was wrong to befriend non-Muslims. “You can befriend anyone as long as they’re sincere and good to you” she said to me with a reassuring tone. She even took the time to tell me all the wonderful stories about her dear Coptic friends back in Sudan. I felt comforted knowing the voice shouting deep inside my head was right.

The next day I went to approach my Lebanese friend who looked at me and sarcastically said “oh look who’s here. It’s Drima the greatest friend in the world”. I told him what I thought of the stupid action the other kids took against him the day before. He was touched and we continued being friends. Also thanks to me (ehm ehm), the other kids eventually stopped their stupid attitude and everything went back to normal again.

Seven years ago too, I had the pleasure of learning a deep lesson from my dad. He found out that his American friend was coming down to Malaysia for some work, so he invited him to stay over with us in our house for a few days. “Dad who’s this white dude who’s going to come and stay with us?” I asked. “Oh son, this guy used to be my professor back in America. He’s a real nice guy and a good friend” replied my dad. “What kind of work is he coming here for? Is he coming for a conference?” I asked again. “No son, he’s coming down for missionary work. He doesn’t teach in the university anymore. He’s an Evangelist Christian missionary now” my dad replied back. I was puzzled. Why were we going to let a guy doing missionary work come and stay with us? Won’t he feel the need to convert us? Doesn’t he mind the fact that we’re Muslim? “Dad, please explain” I said. My dad knew what I was thinking and very calmly replied “son, to him is his religion and to us is ours. We both share mutual respect towards one another and we have a very special friendship. He’s a nice guy. Believe me you’ll like him”.

My dad’s old friend arrived and we all sure did like him. There were no weird awkward moments or anything like that at all. Hell, my dad would even excuse himself to go perform the five obligatory prayers only to come back, chill and continue his conversation. It was such a nice and wonderful experience indeed.

God, I can go on and on but I have to go hit the books now. Oh ya and apparently my dad had a Sudanese Jewish friend back in the University of Khartoum. More about that another day. Anyways, all I want to say is “thank you mom and dad for helping shape me and making me the person I am today”. This post is dedicated to both of you.

Cheers

Me support.

Check out this Democracy Now interview with Alex de Waal. The man certainly knows what he is talking about and I support what he says.

Hat tip- Black River Eagle and Joerg