War on ISIS

SAUDI Prince Khalid Bin Salman flying an F15 joined the attack on the IS thus giving the royal seal of approval on attacks against the so-called Islamic State (IS). Squadron Commander Mariam al Mansoori joined Khalid on her F16 fighter. Mariam is UAE’s first female pilot. Activities of the IS militia raised serious concerns across the world including the Islamic countries and it is a happy sign that Islamic states have joined the war on the IS. Lets hope that the IS is uprooted before they can establish in Afghanistan, which can be a safe haven. We’ve already had enough of Al-Qaeda.

Javier Solana does Islamabad the Honour

The visits from ambassadors, diplomats, and officials from America, NATO, Common Wealth and European Union are a routine for Islamabad. Recently, the ardent supporter of US attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq honoured Islamabad with his visit. Our history is replete with visits of people like this one..but meek voices go unheard and Islamabad is so much inclined to welcoming such people!!

Iraqi Prisoners

Bertrand Russell, the great philosopher, in his essay 'The Future of Mankind' mentioned the possibility of a unification of the world under a single government, possessing a monopoly of all the major weapons of war. Today we can assume that we are heading almost towards the same end. He talks about one world government which should be formed by the United States.
Russell's views could have been agreeable and correct about the United States of his time. But today the proceedings show how values change with the passage of time. How power corrupts is clear from America's invasion on Afghanistan and Iraq. I wonder what would have been Russell's views if he were present today.

Readers Column, The Nation May 27, 2004.