TRUTH?

Dr. Khurshid Alam London 21/3/2012

I am in search to find a correct meaning of truth or the definition of truth. The more I read the more I get confused. The reason is the lack of knowledge. The other reason could be unless we can define lies or falsehood, we cannot define the truth. Or unless we can totally disengage subjectivity from objectivity we cannot define the two words definitively. But that is not an easy task to minus subjectivity from objectivity.

Science terms any thing true or fact which could be reproduce in its original form. But scientific evolution is an eternal process. Things that can't be proved to day the technology may prove it tomorrow. Who knows about the day that will have no tomorrow.

Theologists are least concerned to provide proofs and facts but ask us to believe.

The philosophers are working in the grey area between scientific facts and theological dogmas. As some one said they are masturbating with intellectualism.

To politicians, the opinion of majority is a fact unless proved otherwise. There is a big pre-conditionality attached. That also depends on our capability to observe and interpret. It can be termed as a collective wisdom but not truth. Statistics and acceptability to the social values has its part to play in this view. It will be difficult to give a blanket statement that the minority point of view is untrue. Things can be true but not provable.

Any how truth is definitely there in its absolute form because we cannot discord the reality. We know this for sure that any thing which accords reality is truth. But to know reality confront us with yet another challenge. We can give cautious opinion that something that does not change depending upon who is looking at it is reality and by the same token it should be viewed as truth.

We cannot correlate truth with humanity. It is mortal and change its character with passage of time. We can say some thing is good or bad for that period of time but cannot say it is true or false. To hold on to some thing could be termed not the whole truth but does not qualify either truth or false.

Nehru wrote to Indra that any thing which one cannot speak to the millions without guilt complex is not true. I believe the same was the opinion of Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as frontier Gandhi. But the feeling of guilt does not wash out the element of subjectivity and fall out of social values that hinders free thinking.

I have reached to this conclusion that scientifically it is not possible for a person like me to elaborate more than what Nehru has said. Truth does need some a degree of intelligence. As Bertrand Russell say that it is not wise to believe a stupid that what a wise man said? As he has understood what was said according to his intelligence and interpreted accordingly.

SLAVERY?

Dr Khurshid Alam 23/3/2012 London.

Slavery exists since the time unknown or as old as humanity. It might have changed its form in different time or may exist in different forms in the same period of time but the character remains the same. It may struck an individual or a group. It may be physical, social, cultural, economical Political or mental. But must have an oppressor and an oppressed or a victor and a victim.

Unless we have the knowledge of true freedom or the capability and wisdom to define freedom, the perception of slavery cannot be grasped in its entirety. The wiser have defined free man and freedom differently.

The imaginative and perceptive capability of human mind is boundless and the human knowledge has limitations. These limitations imparts relativity to our expressions.

The theocrats play in this grey area. Where human mind cannot reach, the dogmas are introduced. Divinity impose its own limitations.

Why freedom is so loved and slavery is so detested because in freedom we see the fulfilment of our aspirations. But is it the end? No, human mind keeps searching for new aspirations in changed circumstances and to acquire more freedom as Ghani puts it that human mind is the offspring of a change.

The very title of Bertrand Russell, article,"the worship of a freeman" has an intrinsic perception peeping behind the word worship. Worship in itself is a subjugation. But there is no doubt that in his essay he has been the nearest person to human aspirations.

If we keep aside the sand bags of words, can't we see the slavery in UNO. Human action is inherently coercive as said by a thinker. Living without governmental coercion is freedom, this is what he thinks. But the question of human nature's coherency has been ignored. He further adds that man is not free unless the government coercion is limited avoiding to take in to account of human nature, Devine philosophies and social injustices. Ronald Reagan say as government expands,liberty contracts. Though in his life time his actions were completely contrary to his words

To most western thinkers, democracy is the most sacred. No doubt we have yet to replace it with a better system but it should not be forgotten it is majoritarianism with no regards for minority. As I said it is better called collective wisdom in a particular circumstances. As some one pointed out there is nothing to check and protect the weaker or limit the obnoxious persons.

Slavery is the most heinous crime but it is unfortunate that it has the patronage of the powerful and mighty. It is practiced openly under the slogan to protect the free world.

It converts human aspirations in to a commodity what to say about physical body. It is bought and sold in a free market by the powerful owner. Power and indignation can result in submission of desires but not imagination. The imaginative process is responsible for human evolution.

To Gibran the real freedom lies in love. It is a state of mind that does not accept heavenly or humans inhibitions and limitations. He further adds that when our inhibition loose control on our conscious power we can aspire freely. To supplement his view he says, " if you see a sleeping slave, don't wake him up he might be dreaming of freedom." The great preacher of non violence Abul Ghaffar Khan, known as sarhadi Gandhi, does not agree with Gibran and say," no wake him up and teach him the real meaning of freedom so that he is not robbed of it again."

In my long discourse with him I have the impression that, to him the physical confinement was imprisonment but inhibition on free thinking was slavery. He used to emphasise on it with a great force that in any system or society where the imaginative power is curtailed and the expression of truth is an unforgivable sin that is slavery. Body in chains is a far lesser crime than chaining of mind and pen."

I cannot negate the relativity from objectivity in this statement but it is more near to human subconscious aspirations. Ghani thinks that human cannot survive in stagnancy but in a continuos search for a change. This search is the soul of freedom.

MORALITY?

Dr Khurshid Alam 25/3/12 London.

Certain words are repeatedly used but extremely difficult to give them a universally accepted definition. Morality is one of them. It is derived from a Latin word moralitas. It combines certain characters like manners,character and proper behaviour.

Some have described it as the differentiation of intentions,decision and action to differentiate between the good or bad. The other say it is the most important code of conductus forward by a society. Some gives it the name of principles concerning to differentiate between right and wrong. The principles and intentions are two different concepts. It sounds more like inter play with words.

If it is so important to the society then it should have universality. It should not change its form from race to race, colour to colour, country to country and religion to religion. The factors that constitute it should have universality. Those are also not universally determined. Civility is another commonly used and universally abused word. It should have been derived from knowledge not dictated by the society.

The west commonly considers civility as their property while east is showing pride in it's moral values. Who is the sole proprietor of these values cannot be ascertained? Both abuse the same values when it comes to their vested interests.

Human beings have certain extinct like hunger, sex and greed. In hunger no body cares for any conditionality but to get some thing to eat. In a poor society if you flung out a a dry piece of bread with fungus there will be many to run for it. But the dog of an affluent person will just smell and go away. Should we call those human beings immoral and non civil compared to that dog.

Sex is a human extinct when the stomach is full. As for as their mutual agreement it is not considered bad in the west. The only precondition is age. Minor for minor, major of major. Compare to sex, unpunctuality,irresponsible attitude and misuse of authority or public funds are considered bigger crimes.

In the east the sexuality or exhibitionism are considered the most heinous crime with mutual agreement. This again not applied to the far east. Education in sex is unthinkable. Homosexuality is unimaginable. But on the other hand non punctuality, abuse of power and bribery is a norm. Honesty and responsibility to the society is an exception not the rule.

What is good or bad is perception not a rule in my humble opinion. I think that any thing that does not hurt a person or damage the society is relatively good. I feel one has got the right to do good or bad limited to himself as for as it is it is not harmful to others and should be considered relatively benign.

Civility is politeness and social manners to avoid hurting or humiliation of someone else. It does not come with education. Education refines it but literally it is the brought up that is more significant.

Fear

FEAR.

By khurshidalam44@hotmail.com

Fear is the worst enemy of truth, honesty, and logical thought process. It sinks in body and soul and sits in. Destroy us organically and spiritually. Robs us of human dignity. Its nudity in its worst form.

The fear origins from unknown. As we start knowing the fear starts disappearing. Fear originates inside human beings or instilled by the surroundings. What ever may be the cause, the lack of knowledge is at work behind the screen. It is such a brutal weapon it destroy self esteem and wrecks the soul. It is a weapon used by every exploiter using different pretext to subjugate others.

To get rid of it, needs the provision of the opportunities to acquire knowledge. Those opportunities are denied to the wast silent majority of the humanity. From a family to the globe, this vicious weapon is being recklessly used.

Fear makes the person helpless and helplessness eats up the human society like maggot eats the bark of a tree. It has made the humanity an easy prey to oppression and subjugation, in the name of any rubbish slogan. To end the rule of fear globally, the only pill available to cure the sick humanity is to equip the people with knowledge.

Dated: 16th March 2012

CLASH OF FUNDAMENTALISM IN MIDDLE EAST

CLASH OF FUNDAMENTALISM IN MIDDLE EAST.

khurshidalam44@hotmail.com Dated:7/4/12 London.

While Arab world is in turmoil, after Arab awakening process and has yet to put their houses in order to get the desired result, another political storm is in offing to hit the area.

It is timed so precisely by the international players that it is the time for them to get what they want to achieve and on the other hand to struck pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities and nip it in the bud. No sane mind will support the proliferation of nuclear capability.

But the sanity will demand that standards should have universality, and any thing that is detrimental to the humanity must neither be allowed to develop nor anyone should have hegemony to stock pile these deadly arsenals.

No conditionality should be linked with this principle. Any thing that is destructive to human race and nature should be stopped by all possible means available to humanity. Conditionality like responsible or irresponsible, democratic or autocratic state should be abandoned. This creates loopholes and room for application of double standards.

This should be strictly in the domain of UNO and no country should have the right to apply these sacred principles for their own interests. The watch dog should be UNO and UNO only. No support should be lent to make UNO irrelevant. This decade should be devoted only to democratise UNO by getting rid of Veto concept and to bury the Infamous satanic Bush doctrine of pre-emptive strike.

This is naked state terrorism. It is rampant since the world has become unipolar. Unfortunately the Democrats who came for a "change" have yet to change this barbaric and Mr Bush, bushy legacy. This legacy will further push the people to bushes and mountains.

If all the clergy of each and every religious schools of thought are put to gather still Bush and Dick share, in the radicalisation of world opinion will be greater than any.

The axis of evils derived it's strength from the arrogance of the axis of Devils. It was the double standards and total disregard of the sole super power towards humanity in general , that stimulated the radicalisation and terrorism. Terrorism breeds terrorists. The non uniformity of the principle and tailoring it for national and international interest prepare the grounds for terrorist growth.

They are blind to history as well. The two black spots that were inflicted on the face of twentieth century was the same self proclaimed responsible and democratic country, USA. It is also to be remembered that that unforgivable sin was committed after cease fire and there was no elected government in the US itself.

The other question that arise in the minds of sane elements,is who will define responsible and irresponsible? Who will certify the arsenal of mass destruction and the capability of self defence.

Iraq and Afghanistan are the shining examples. Where did they find the arsenals of mass destruction after destroying and occupying a sovereign country. The twin tower were hit by Al-Qaeda but the Taliban were punished for the crime, they never committed. Both are the weepings wounds of the so called global village or empire of the chip technology.

The world was watching for the non aligned movement but it is saddening that the country of Gandhi and Nehru instead of spearheading the philosophy of peace and democracy became the contender of undemocratic and barbaric philosophy.

The syrian war continuation is not due to Russian and Chinese veto, but it's transformation in to sectarian war by American stooges in Middle East led by Saudi Arabia, resulting in the fragmentation of the opposition and continuation of the most heinous crimes. Now it is a war between two minds sets. I can see no early end to this Madness.

The visit of Israel prime minister at such crucial while America is in the grip of election fever and every one knows of the role of Jewish lobby in US politics. Barack Obama could not dare to reject the use of military might. He said that it is still on the table but the window of diplomacy should be given some more time but was quick to add that Israel is a sovereign state and has the right to defend its interest and sovereignty. Is it really in danger. Or a ploy being used to create fear that people loose the logical thinking.

The logic demands that the current stock piles must be reduced by the holders by certain percentage on yearly basis and the non proliferation should be applied universally. Israel has conventional superiority on all Arab states put together. One fails to understand that why the international fraternity is mum about its nuclear stock pile.

It will be a shear stupidity to deny the right of existence to Israel. They have proved beyond doubt that those who turn blind eye to this stark reality they have the conventional might to prove it and they have done so on many occasions.

Israel is the only democracy in Middle East. But their love for democratic value is only for Jews. Their external policy is based on barbarism and it is the only apartheid state left in the world. Still it is the corner stone of US foreign policy.

In my opinion the Muslim countries share responsibility for the continuous suffering of Palestinians. If we cannot be good friend we should not be staunch enemies.

We cannot achieve any thing by this animosity. Every time we had a war with Israel they have expanded it's geographical boundaries. The abandoning of intifada and accepting Gaza strip were their biggest political and strategical mistakes of Palestinians. The corruption is yet another factor.

The pre-emptive strike of Iran will have world wide repercussions. It will give birth to another Al-Qaeda more radical and more vicious. I am sure Israel has the capacity to destroy it. US has failed to squeeze any undertaking from Israel. But it will be putting the peace of the world at stake. Any thing that is bad for one is bad for all.

Why Civil Governments fail in Pakistan?

khurshidalam44@hotmail.com Dated:28 Feb. 2012

The slide of Pakistan to non-viability as a state and failure to have a delivering civil government has multiple causes. But few important ones, are like the absence of a political process and accountability. If the process would have been started since its genesis it would have resulted into established institutions. And the idea of collective leadership and democratic process would have automatically followed.

It was not in the interest of the rulers, so a particular mind set started ruling the country. They had a phobia towards democratic process. The country was run by dictators irrespective of khaki and Jinnah cap. The mentality was the same.
When the khaki wanted to give a chance to Jinnah cap they did so but the nucleus of power never changed hands. The chairs were given without authority.

The absence of the political process gave birth to opportunists and military created leaders. Majority of them have not been through a process. They erupted like mushrooms in military shavers and inherited the same mentality.
Neither they had a vision nor they had roots in the public. They considered themselves like military masters above accountability.
They were brought to power by masses but were never worked for the masses and of the masses. The system and the country had a huge vacuum that sucked in corrupt aristocracy. The army managed to further corrupt the roots in the name of democracy. The corruption became the norm and honesty was an exception.

F.M. Ayub, Zia and Musharaf played the pivotal role. The first one in the name of basic democracy and the last one in the name of the local government. Gen Zia committed the most heinous crime by radicalisation of the army and the masses. He introduced bribing the legislators. In fact they were hatched legislators, made in military shavers too.

This unhealthy practice on one hand disfranchised the 99 percent population and on the other hand made the legislators to forget about legislation and try to secure their own position and distribute the awarded money as a bribe to their own voters. The basic flaw was implanted in the roots. The legislators were given an extra role in local government to invest for the future elections and awarded a huge sum from public money.
The poor were disfranchised. They could not buy even the voters list. And the masses were corrupted and money became the all powerful.

On papers there was a limit to be spent on electioneering but a deaf ear was turned to the role of money. The moneyed persons had a free hand. It was the only trade with no danger of losses. Invest today in millions and get tomorrow in billions was guaranteed. Bribes and the use of the influence of the chair created a different class better called electoral tribe.
Party programs were made irrelevant. Those who struggled for basic human rights were flung out of the window. The moneyed elected persons after election made parties as Sheikh Rashid put it.

In my opinion unless these malpractices in the electoral system are rectified and in built mechanism of accountability is made an integral part of the system, it is beyond imagination that a common man will ever dream to reach to the corridors of power and be the owner of his own destiny. The present members are far away from the masses sufferings.
The political parties also said good bye to the democratic values to the intra party system. The result was the introduction of nepotism in the parties. They are as non democratic in their nature as the government.
Fear was created in the parties to silence the voice of dissension. It was tailored the sacred duty of the party workers to have unwavering loyalty to the party leadership and not to bother about the manifesto or core values. It resulted in dynastic politics. It was unsubtle attitude to nip free thinking in the parties.

Fear is the biggest killer of the logical thinking. These two factors can never live in one system. It gives holiness to the leaders and a status of dogma to their thinking.
The denial of free thinking is a slavery in its worst form. The slaves could not be expected to make a rationale decision. Like landlordism and industrial mindset, the intellectualism become a tool of exploitation. Dwarf starts growing and intelligence starts shrinking. The suppression of free thinking and the the unlimited role of money are the growing threats to the humanity and it's values. Unless checked in time it may lead to the collapse of the basic fabric of human society.

This is a painful fact that our society is standing on one leg. We are allowed to comment on an honest but we have no right to point our finger towards a dishonest. The denial of this very right has made accountability irrelevant. The corrupt and dishonest are scot free. They have no fear, because the system is providing them protection. They are unashamed of their blatant dishonesty and feel proud of it.

It is because the claw of power is corrupt. Corrupt cannot check corruption. I have seen people going to the parliament on bike or bare footed and coming back in bullet proof cars. Some were disowned by their parents but owned by the system and made fortunes. Corruption is the cancer of the body of humanity. It is every where but in Pakistan it is considered a norm.

Fear and money decay mental development and intellectual thinking. It makes a human myopic and mentally criminal. These two tools has turned human being in to a commodity. It is there for sale. The same factors have devalued the values of the humanity and has created a characterless class. It is like autoimmune disease killing its own body, that is the humanism.

We are Hippocrates of a superlative degree. We claimed to be the followers of Islam but having no Islam in our genes. In western democracy the parliament is sovereign and the members are answerable to the public. In Islamic democracy we have double accountability. The sovereignty lies with God. The parliamentarians are viceroys of God. They are responsible to God and the masses. But looking at the Muslim world we are the most corrupt and dishonest. We are scared of the powerful but have least bothered of God and the public. We are by nature autocratic and despots. If some of us have not been, they were probably denied an opportunity. We have disown the golden principle to be afraid of God and those who are not afraid of God. We are the most cruel to our masses and the biggest coward to our enemies.

The selection of the candidates is based on nepotism and bribery. The masses have no power to dismiss their representative for corruption or any other misdeeds. The power lies with the party leaders.
I would agree with Maulana Tahirul Qadri that if we want to introduce a sound political and democratic system we have to change the basic flaws in the election system. And give the masses a feeling that they are not born to be voters only to elect others but they have the right to be voted and elected too.

This needs change in the process of thinking. It needs mass education as Bacha Khan did in the beginning of last century. We have the means and the tools, and he had nothing except will, determination and the faith in his own honesty and integrity.
The free thinking should not be assassinated in the name of discipline. Discipline means the knowledge of forums allotted for different topics. No one would accept that one should wash the dirty lenin in the public. But intra organisational healthy discussion must be encouraged. The tolerance and patience are the key to the healthy organisation. Masses should have the feeling of ownership.

HOW AN AFGHAN LOOKS AT ARAB AWAKENING?

Every awakening for freedom of humanity should be welcomed. Masses involvement in any change is better than one-man show. It was a long overdue awakening. Nothing is more powerful than national uprising. It has been proved by history whether it was in Vietnam or Afghanistan. The denial of national rights divided USSR, Yugoslavia and Pakistan.

If there is an organised party with educated cadre then the change is usually for betterment. But if it is a sudden uprising like Arab awakening it can go any way. It may lead to anarchy; civil war or usually it is stolen by vested interests.

Now in this backdrop one can analyse Arab world country by country. Egypt had somewhat organised political movements. But they lacked the cadre and discipline. The Tahrir square made a history but the masses have to go a long struggle to cut down military to its size and finish their role like Turkey.

Almost the same phenomenon was observed in Tunisia. The leadership was more mature the transition was comparatively smooth unlike other countries. In Libya it was diverted to a tribal war. The lack of an organised movement on the back, after a lot of blood shed it took a shape of intra tribal rivalry. Both sides are well armed and having no central powerful authority to disarm these tribal gangs.

In Yemen there was the same vacuum. No one knows the direction it will take up in the coming months. Its strategic importance is such that any change is a matter of concern to USA and Saudi Arabia. Saudi monarchs are dribbling in their trouser looking at the change at their doorsteps. The Saudi involvement in Bahrain was on sectarian basis. The majority of population is Shia having no say in the government affairs. The Iranian clergy involvement was on this pretext that majority should be heard. It was logically a correct stand.

But subsequently their involvement in Syria cannot be understood? The Shia minority, Alawites are ruling the majority Sunni with iron hands. The most barbaric regimen is the Syrian, in Middle East. The opposition is fragmented on sectarian lines. The Sunni are being supported by all Gulf States led by Saudi Arabia with the backing of the west and Shia ruling party has the support of Iran backed by Russia and China.

In this sectarian rivalry and the tussle of the west and Russia the blood of Syrians is being shed. Russian involvement has only one logic, that it is the last foothold for Russian in the Middle East.

The Hashemite kingdom of Jordan is mum to save its kingdom. Most of the non-Arab Muslim countries have taken the same posture. There is contradiction in the stance of Pakistan. They are at loggerhead with USA for intervention in its sovereignty. But on the other hand supported the American resolution in UNO, to intervene in Syrian affairs. This is the problem with Pakistan it has no principle to run it's affairs whether internal or external, on definite thought out principle but relies on mere impulses. Any external intervention be it killing, abduction or extradition of its citizen having the hidden support of the establishment is considered non interference, however on the other hand, any action without their tacit support is considered the violation of the sovereignty of the country. Basically they would have not uttered a word if the press was not so vocal and the credit extends to stubborn radicalisation in the country too. In my view the present strain relations are for internal public consumption. But it goes without saying that the USA administration must show maximum restraint in the case of Pakistan and Iran, being the world sole super power. The slight irresponsible response will radicalise the public opinion and the hawkish element in the establishment of Pakistan, on the other hand it will make peace in Afghanistan almost impossible.

We are in no illusion that USA administration cannot stand the pressure from Israel and its lobby in Washington but Israel must consider its repercussion in the whole area very seriously. To strike pre-emptively will cost them dearly.

I am personally of the opinion that we cannot be friends with Israel but we should not be its enemy too. Israel is a fact and not to accept fact is insanity, this animosity is one of the factors of Palestinian miseries. Though the arrogance and stubbornness of Israel still top the list. I think Palestinian leadership is also responsible to certain extent. To agree to Gaza strip was strategically wrong, as striking Palestinians were made easier. Now they have one target while prior to it they used to look for the target.

The international community and Israel demand is illogical to ask equal concessions from beleaguered authority and a nuclear power. The present awakening of Arab masses and subsequent anarchy has pushed back the Palestinians issue. Israel must realise before the time turns against it that a democratic nationalist secular Palestine is more in the interest of Israel than anyone else.

The same was the dilemma in Afghan revolution. The lack of political leadership, an organised and educated party cadre and well thought out strategy and now we are paying its price with our own blood. As our great leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan said that for successful revolution there are three pre-requisite. Firstly, a political organisation, secondly a committed and politically educated cadre, and thirdly a centre that is a learning school and organisational academy. Most of the movements those failed lacked these three factors. They are inter-twined.

Any dictatorial regimen by any name creates a vacuum. This vacuum sucks in rogue elements and the same is being used by mighty powers to exploit for their own interests.

In the present unipolar world it is of paramount importance to give a second reading to the charter of UNO. There are basic flaws in it. The very concept of veto is undemocratic. It makes the whole body irrelevant except the five bigs. It is tilted so much towards the powerful that it has assumed a shape of anti less fortunate nations. Even in very highly intellectual circles the counter devil concept is gathering momentum till the veto is abolished. It was a matter of surprise and shock for all peace and democracy loving people that the country of Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru is aspiring to be one of the veto powers. Instead of spearheading a movement to fight this concept and make UNO a house representing the whole humanity.

Ideally speaking no nation should have an army but the global village should have an army. If all the nations have no army there will be hardly any threat to any body. If there is some thing on a small scale that can be dealt by UNO. The present policy is to make UNO more impotent and less relevant. It is sub servant to USA and other four bigs. It is an international coffee house.

The theory of pre-emptive strike is an open state sponsored terrorism. Democratic values are tailored to suit the powerful. This animalistic approach has turned the world a hunting ground for the powerful. It might suit the mentality of Bush in the bushes not the humanity. The attitude of the bigs and super has devalued the values of the humanity. It is the duty of the internationally known intellectuals and some living legends to rise and break their silence. The dream of global village without equality of the nations is insanity and in fact imperialism of chip technology.

The preacher of democracy, peace and prosperity has turned the whole world in to a jungle where there is no place for law and justice. The whole humanity is so badly fractured that it may take centuries to put the pieces together.

Another thing that keeps me more disturbed is the question of responsible states and the rogues one. Who will define it? It was the self-proclaimed responsible state that bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki after a cease-fire while there was unelected government both in USA and UK but elected government in Japan. The pre-emptive strike against Iraq without the approval of UNO is another example of irresponsibly responsible nation.

Let us abandon double standards. There should one law one rule for all.