Our New Orders 

Israel’s scorched earth policy in Gaza could prove fatal

The recent Israeli pounding on Gaza reminds us of the brutal Gaza invasion in 2009 that resulted “in between 1,166 and 1,417 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths (four from friendly fire)”. The human toll and the destruction of the infrastructure in Gaza nearly five years ago still reverberates. The current bombing spate by the Netanyahu government from the air and sea is again turning Gaza into rubble.

This, according to the Israeli government, is in response to hundreds of rockets fired at Israel by Hamas from Gaza, that has created fear amongst the Israeli population and claimed three Israeli lives. But this is asymmetric warfare: The death toll in Gaza has already crossed 100, including many women and children.

Israel says it is only targeting selective targets with “surgical precision”. But its claims are not substantiated by facts: The majority of victims are innocent civilians. Despite some pressures from America and Britain, Israel is massing its troops near Gaza; a ground invasion seems possible.

The Gazan people’s back has been to the wall for some time; they have been subjected to inhumane conditions under almost total siege by Israel for some years - something considered illegal under international humanitarian law.

According to a UN report, Gaza in 2020: A liveable place?, “Israel’s Operation ‘Cast Lead’ in 2008-09 ‘caused a total of US$181 million in direct and US$88 million in longer-term costs for Gaza’s agriculture; generated about 600,000 tonnes of rubble and US$ 44 million in environmental costs.”

The trauma it created is irreparable and the conditions are dismal. As late as 2010, British Prime Minister David Cameron termed Gaza as a prison camp and the former US President, Jimmy Carter, called Gaza a prison.

Atmosphere

of despair

Beyond Gaza, the situation in historic Palestine is not much different. Israeli land grabbing, illegal settlements and ethnic cleansing in occupied territories, forced removal of families from their homes, the increasing refugee problems, massive unemployment, daily humiliation of Palestinian people in the crossings, the erection of the “apartheid wall” - have all created an atmosphere of despair.

As in its 2009 operation, Israel is trying to match its overwhelming military might with its superior media outreach in the western world. As a result, and due to what seems to be America’s depressingly unquestioned support for Israel, many in the West buy in to the Israeli narrative claiming Hamas as a “terrorist” organisation.

Sadly, people have a short memory. They forget that Hamas, for all its flaws, formed the legitimate Palestinian government after winning an internationally-accepted election in 2006 (but they were conveniently dumped by the US and other western governments).

The fear of being accused as anti-Semitic has inhibited many in the West from publicly criticising Israel’s historic injustice to the Palestinians. Some try to be ambivalent; in order to prove their neutrality, the only thing they do is offer some advice to Israeli and Palestinian politicians to sort out the mess on the negation table.

However, an overwhelming majority of people in the Muslim world and many in Asia, Africa and Latin America consider Israel a Pariah state, supported by the world’s sole superpower, the United States. Many consider Israel as a Goliath when it comes to the Palestinian people.

The US and other western governments have failed to publicly criticise Israel for its iron-fist policy on Palestine. That has made them incapable of becoming honest peace-brokers between the two sides. The so called “road map for peace”, initiated by the US in 2002, was rejected by Israel and did not see the light of the day.

The recent call from some western leaders for a “de-escalation” of the crisis by asking Hamas to stop firing the rockets and pleading with Israel not to wreck “international support” only shows impotence. There is a clear lack of leadership from western leaders, particularly the US administration.

Military might

Israel has massive political and military might and the Israeli leadership is also known to be politically smarter than the Arab leaders. Israel has become a garrison state with conventional and weapons of mass destruction that include nuclear bombs (although not publicly acknowledged). It has the unconditional backing of the largest military power on earth. This has blinded Israel’s judgment and made it arrogant.

But in the greater scheme of things, the Israeli leadership lacks strategic wisdom that is needed for its future. With all its military, diplomatic and media advantage, time is not on Israel’s side. History also teaches us that the days of injustice do not last long.

The Palestinian people may be underdogs now, but people with insight can see they are the ones who are setting the future agenda. Whatever Hamas is doing - out of madness, desperation or a long-term strategy - Israel seems to be falling in their trap of an un-winnable, long and protracted war.

The Israeli strength so far has lain with the disunity and incompetence of the Arab regimes. But things are changing within the Arab world, as we all know. Plus the tectonic plate of world economic power is shifting towards the East; with it the global political and military power may change at some time in the future.

During the 2009 Gaza crisis, two prominent Muslim countries - Turkey and Egypt - carried little weight in the world. Now they are trying to assert their rightful place. Their position on the Arab-Israeli conflict is now clearer. For the first time in many decades, the world attention has focused on Egypt. Whether its President Morsi succeeds in bringing the two sides to a ceasefire agreement will be interesting to see, but a new chapter seems to be dawning in the Middle East.

A just and lasting solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is not only essential for Israeli and Palestinian people, but also for the whole world. This needs a clear “thinking outside the box” by the Israeli leadership and their backers in America. And it must come soon.

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari is the former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (2006-10). He is an educationalist, community activist and parenting consultant. He is a founding member of The East London Communities Organisation (TELCO) and currently Chairman of the East London Mosque Trust.

 

Export Knitted Garments

Pakistan always condemns terrorism in all its forms

Pakistan on Wednesday reacting to execution of Mohammad Ajmal Kasab‚ the lone survivor in the Mumbai attacks said Pakistan's position on terrorism has been very clear and consistent and it always condemns terrorism in all its forms.
In a statement issued in Islamabad on Wednesday Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ali Khan said we are willing to cooperate and work closely with all countries of the region to eliminate scourge of terrorism.
While clarifying a report of Indian press about not receiving a note from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad regarding the execution of Ajmal Kasab‚ the Spokesman Moazzam Ali Khan said these reports are incorrect and baseless.
He said the Deputy High Commissioner from Indian Embassy visited Foreign Office on Tuesday evening with the note regarding the execution of Ajmal Kasab and Director General South Asia‚ Ministry of Foreign Affairs received that note and acknowledged the receipt.
It may be mentioned that Ajmal Kasab‚ the lone survivor of a Mumbai attack in 2008 in which 166 people were killed was executed on Wednesday in Indian jail.
Kasab's execution came after the Indian President rejected his mercy plea.
The Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said that if family of Ajmal Kasab demands the handover of the body‚ the request could be considered seriously.

Pak-India Champions Trophy match tickets sold out

DUBAI  - The first allocation of tickets to see two of cricket's biggest rivals - India and Pakistan – clash at Edgbaston in the ICC Champions Trophy sold out in just three hours after going on general sale.

It is the first of the 15 matches in the tournament to have sold out its initial allocation of tickets. Additional tickets for this match may be released to the public via official outlets nearer the event, a release from the international governing body stated on Tuesday. The tickets were set on sale from Monday morning.

The sub-continental rivals will meet at Edgbaston on June 15 next year. Warwickshire's home ground will host five games in total, as will the other two venues -- The Oval and Cardiff Wales Stadium. Tournament director Steve Elworthy said: "The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the biggest tournaments in world cricket, and with India and Pakistan meeting in the group stage at Edgbaston, we've seen a huge demand for tickets in the first day of sales.

"Any additional tickets that become available for this fixture will be sold via www.icc-cricket.com, so be sure to visit this site regularly for further information," he said. Fans are strongly urged not to purchase tickets through secondary resale websites. Tickets appearing on these sites have broken the terms and conditions, and action is being taken against the perpetrators, the release warned.

Tickets for the remaining matches of the ICC Champions Trophy, including the final, can still be purchased at www.icc-cricket.com or via the ICC Champions Trophy Ticket Hotline -- 0844 249 2013, it added. Adult tickets for the ICC Champions Trophy range from 20 pounds to 60 pounds, while tickets for under-16s (providing they are accompanied by an adult) are priced at five pounds for the entire event.

A new pricing structure has also seen the introduction of tickets for under-21s, which can be bought for between 10-25 pounds.

United, Barca eye Knockout stage

ARIS - Manchester United can avenge the embarrassment of last year's Champions League group stage exit with a victory in Braga on Wednesday, while Barcelona can also secure their passage to the knockout stage by beating Celtic.

The fourth round of matches holds great significance for several teams in this year's competition as defending champions Chelsea face a crunch encounter against runaway Ukrainian league leaders Shakhtar Donetsk, with beaten finalists Bayern Munich vying to keep pace in Group F when they host Lille.

United recovered from an early two-goal deficit to beat Braga 3-2 at Old Trafford a fortnight ago to record their third win in as many matches in Europe's top club competition, having yet to reach top gear. Successive league wins over Chelsea and Arsenal has seen United climb to the top of the Premier League table and defensive stalwart Rio Ferdinand believes there is more to come from the Group H leaders.

"I don't think we have hit a real purple patch yet, which we are really searching for," he was quoted as saying on the club's website. Despite a solid defensive display in Saturday's 2-1 triumph over the Gunners, United's profligacy in front of goal prevented a more convincing scoreline and Ferdinand stressed the importance of "getting it all in one package and doing it all in ninety minutes at the right times".

"We're still aiming for that and it will come soon, don't worry," added the 33-year-old in an ominous warning to upcoming opponents. Spanish giants Barcelona also have maximum points after three rounds and may welcome back long-term absentee Gerard Pique after the defender was included in the squad for Wednesday's tie in Glasgow. A 3-1 win over Celta Vigo at the weekend propelled Barca to their best start to a league season and the Catalans own the distinction of being the only side to have defeated Celtic at Parkhead in the tournament's modern era.

Jordi Alba's stoppage-time winner broke Celtic hearts at the Nou Camp two weeks ago and another triumph for Tito Vilanova's side would secure their progression to the last 16, leaving Celtic with plenty of work to do after a promising start to Group G.

Chelsea will be out for revenge at Stamford Bridge against Shakhtar after their first taste of Ukrainian opposition ended in a 2-0 defeat on matchday three. Group E leaders Shakhtar are searching for a first victory on English soil, while second-place Chelsea know they cannot afford to cede any more ground if they are to repeat last year's improbable success.

The Blues are just a point ahead of Juventus, who are in action against Danish minnows Nordsjaelland, and must still travel to Turin later in the month. Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata billed Wednesday's clash "like a final", underlining the importance of collecting three points "if (Chelsea) want to finish first in (their) group".

Meanwhile last season's runners-up Bayern Munich find themselves level with Valencia and BATE Borisov, who meet at the Mestalla in midweek, on six points in Group F. The German heavyweights will be aiming to regain control of the group when they host strugglers Lille at the Allianz Arena, while Rudi Garcia's French charges must avoid defeat to prevent an early elimination.

Romanian outfit CFR Cluj can tighten their grip on the second qualification spot alongside United in Group H as they welcome bottom side Galatasaray to Transylvania. Elsewhere Benfica are out to stop the rot against visiting Group G rivals Spartak Moscow in Portugal.

Spartak's 2-1 win in Moscow earned Unai Emery's side their first points of the campaign, while Benfica -- who have lost two consecutive European home fixtures -- are bottom with just a point to their name.

US federal court dismisses Dr Aafia Siddiqui appeal plea

US court has dismissed the appeal plea  by Dr Aafia Siddiqui against her conviction and sentence and upheld 86-year prison term awarded on her by a New York court.

A New York court had sentenced Dr Aafia Siddiqui to 86-year jail term in September 2010 for shooting FBI agents and US army personnel during her arrest in Afghanistan. Counsels of Dr Aafia had filed appeal plea against her sentence in federal court at New York seeking fresh trial of the case.

They had taken the ground in the appeal plea norms of justice were not met in the case against their client and she was awarded punishment on the basis of charges lacking evidence.

Pronouncing a 42-page verdict, US court declined to accept the plea that what  Dr Aafia Siddiqui had done was due to her being in state of mental disorder.

The court ruled in the decision that element of terrorism could not be ruled out from the case. District judge gave full opportunity to Dr Aafia before rendering judgment that she should fully keep in picture the consequences of the statements given by her in the court. But she gave no indication at any stage for her withdrawal from her statements, court added.