The biggest political robbery

The biggest political robbery? After a long colonial subjugation, followed by decades of authoritarian rule the muslim world at large and the middle east in particular, is swimming in its own blood. Those who had a bit of background knowledge of the muslim world with particular reference to middle east had the fear of "knowingly unknown", as the Arab uprising started.The celebrations of the uprising were mixed with gloom in case the direction of the uprising is changed. The fear was the sectarian fundamentalism and the politically aspiring army that was nagging the minds of the students of history. The long authoritarian rule had created a political vacuum and any thing could happen in this vacuum. Neither there were organised political organisations nor mature leadership, to nip the mischievous role of the two beasts in the bud and give the mass awakening a proper direction and to educate the masses of the possible dangers. Now the masses are paying a heavy price. When the second world war broke the spinal cord of colonial powers and they could no more retain their grip, they made it sure that the new indigenous rulers should be of the same mind set. With little bit geographical changes some old identities were abolished and new were created. The tactics applied were different in different places according to the objective conditions but calculated steps were taken that the required results should be the same by implanting the logic of conflict. The was a fundamental requirement to keep the pot boiling and ensure their interests, when the need arise . Outwardly it should not look to be a clash between east and west to avoid blame and retain a position of truce makers. It was crafted in such a beautiful way that in some places it was sectarian while in others it was a confrontation between the authoritarians vs masses. Basically both were the clashes of mind sets. The clash of mind sets are usually bloody and inhuman. And now this is quite visible in the present blood let, to achieve the desired results by the world's mightiest. They have no sleepless nights for blood shed but each is pushing it's own agenda. The card were played intelligently. The two local leading powers of sectarian doctrine, Iran and Saudi Arabia clashed in Syria, Bahrain and Iraq for hegemony. While authoritarians had a frontal assault on civilians in Egypt and Libya. The tactics used were different but the aim was the same that was to rob the the masses of their freedom and the dream of self governance to shape their own destiny. It is the biggest political robbery of the century and will have long repercussions on history and geography. In the majority Muslim countries the armed forces are the makers of national destiny, having not only a final say in politics of the respective countries but own a huge chunk of the countries economies. They are less professionals and proved their incompetence on many occasions. They have zero tolerance for collective leadership. They are industrial magnets and not ready to surrender their stakes so easily. This is true in the case of Egypt, Syria, Iran, Yemen and Pakistan. Most of the policy makers in the armed forces have been allotted the huge states from public owned land, for recognition to their services to protect the vested interests. They are basically landlords cum industrialists. The most damaging factor is the creation of a mind set, who refuse to surrender their authority. This is a class above law, if there is any and with no accountability. The vicious dictatorial philosophy has many disadvantages but the worst is the political vacuum it creates that sucks in international surrogate criminals and provide a chance to the international players to play their vicious role, in the name of democracy, human rights and peace. They jump in, to end the anarchy to restore calm and stop blood let but in fact it is to mould the situation to suit their national interests. Egypt is the mother of Arab world. I don't see that the army is ready to surrender their unique status they enjoyed for decades and to accept civilian authority of accountability . It looks like, that it is the beginning of a long struggle. The fear of "knowingly unknown" has surfaced. Yemen has a lull that could lead to a storm. Bahrain and Yemen is home to the US naval force. The success of revolution in these two states will be a great set back to American strategists and will shake the foundation of the Saudi Arabian monarchy, the closest ally or crony of US imperialism. They cannot tolerate civilian control at the door step of the most allied ally, the Saudi nor they can afford to put the huge reserves of oil and other energy at stack. The monarchy has acquired over the years a masterly command on spreading sectarian venom and to sabotage the popular uprising. The clergy are readily available to sanctify it. The worry of the western world is the distribution of oil and gas reserves through out middle east which, is a lifeline for western industrialised nations. Looking at the demographic distribution of the energy resources, majority are the in Shia enclaves. The west know that irrespective of the citizenship, their loyalty lies in Iran. They are scared that Iran may take over the control of the energy resources and will dictate its terms. They are lunatics in their pursuits if decided. There are multiple factors at play in this vicious game. The location of the sources of energy, the grip of dictatorial and sectarian mind set are few of them. Adding to this existing complexity is the international tug of war between the stack holders. Lack of the organised political parties with credible support in the masses and an alternative program is another source of concern providing conducive environments to foreigners to push their nefarious agenda. The genesis of uprising was a sudden and an impulsive phenomenon, so is it's march forward, to the logical end. At the moment the focus of world attention is Syria. The blood let is going on unabated. The masses are crushed, butchered by the most repressive regimen in middle east. The mass uprising has changed its character in to sectarian war led by Iran and Saudi Arabia. The opposition is also fragmented on these lines and the movement has been stolen. The poor Syrian have been left to the sufferings of unthinkable atrocities. Though a small country but strategically most important. The most heinous crimes are being committed by Asad government backed by Iranians. The small minority is holding hostage the vast majority at a gunpoint. Aerial bombardment, the use of armoured and artillery against the innocent citizens is a routine. Even if the government claim is true and there are good reasons to believe, that the opposition is being supplied weapons by Saudi Arabia, It is totally condemnable but one wrong does not justify another wrong. Asad is a ruthless dictator. The majority of the Syrian army hails from his clan. They are blood thirsty monsters. It needs the UNO to take a bold initiative and put and end to this butchery. If it is left to saudi and Iranians they will bleed Syria till the last drop of blood as the American. British and Pakistani did in Afghanistan. The failure of Kofi Anan is not the end but the beginning towards the peace. He enjoys tremendous good will off the people around the world. The sectarian killing is on increase every where and having no boundaries. The present unleash in Pakistan against Shia minority in the northern areas is not unexpected but the matter of great concern. So for it was sporadic target killing but now it has assumed the shape of highly organised and systemic cold blooded murders. It is serious matter unless addressed properly may spread across the country. Dr. Khurshid Alam. London Dated: 17/5/2012