Does Democracy And Economic Prosperity Have A Chance In Tunisia?

My American and British friends often ask me, "does democracy really have a shot at success in North Africa?" They are referring of course to the so-called Arab Spring uprisings three years ago, which began in Tunisia on December 17, 2010, when a young fruit vendor, Mohammed Bouazizi set himself afire to protest ridiculous laws that made it impossible for him to earn a living. Incredibly, only 28 days later the government of the dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali collapsed. Ben Ali and his wife fled to Khartoum with a plane-full of gold bars.

Of course, I am only an observer of these events from Senegal and France, though I feel, like all Africans, that I have a vested interest in the success of these democratic changes in North Africa, in the hope that they will be the harbingers of positive change throughout the continent.

Western donors and lenders were quick to respond to these changes in Tunisia. The interim government reached agreements with the EU, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank for emergency monies to create and support the new democratic government. The cash started pouring in, about $3 billion so far for Tunisia. It came also with a swarm of international policy advisors in Tunis to help leaders with little or no public sector experience run the ministries from whom most of the Ben Ali government had been fired. Unfortunately, much of their advice has been ignored by Tunisia's new crop of inexperienced politicians.

Excluding so many talented people from the Ben Ali regime was a mistake. Tunisia is especially blessed with talented technocrats who were no more responsible for Ben Ali than most American civil servants were responsible for Richard Nixon. Only one holdover from the Ben Ali regime, Abdelhamid Triki, a gifted manager and technocrat with no political baggage, was allowed to be a part of the new government. He had previously served as minister of planning and international cooperation. It was largely under his leadership and with his powers of persuasion that the Tunisian government was able to generate so much international financial support so fast.

Impossible To Be Broke If You Know This Secret

There is a law, older than the hills, practiced for thousands of years and recorded for posterity: it is the Universal Law of Financial Sustainability. It is enshrined as a foundation pillar of all monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam; yet many people, including millions of practicing religious zealots, misinterpret and teach the principle selfishly. As a result: many teachers are blessed, but their students remain poor.

Think of this: the Covenant of Abraham, an everlasting tenet which offers: in alphabetical order--all spiritually obedient Christians, Jews and Muslims--preferences in wealth, health and other things, would make their God look like a liar if you were to judge by the lifestyles of many adherents. How many poor and sick Christians do you know? How many sick and poor Jews do you know? How many poor and sick Muslims do you know? Got the picture? Someone, somewhere is either not teaching the laws correctly, or there are millions who are appearing religious but are deficient in their part of the bargain. I can speak to those issues because I affirm that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Esau, Jeshua and Mohammed is alive, a permanent covenant-keeper and most of all cannot lie. Nowhere in any of His dictates can you find the word "maybe." He makes specific promises; you meet the requirements and HE MUST FULFIL THEM. It is written: "Let God be true, but every man a liar." In other words: the entire world can make statements that are incorrect; however, for our God, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO LIE.

Choice Of Law In Syndicated Loans And Bonds

INTRODUCTION:

Any relationship between two entities, either persons or institutions, cannot be established except in accordance with some set of rules. These rules may be unenforceable norms or customs of a group or society, or some explicit laws having a binding and enforceable authority. A contract is a formal structure of a relationship between two or more parties, binding them together into a contractual relationship; and imposing upon them certain obligations and granting them certain rights over each other. In case of any problem with these obligations or rights, law of the land would come into action. But if the contracting parties belong to different lands, then there would arise a question as to law of which land should come into force. If the contracting parties have no earlier consensus over this issue, then it is more likely that the problem would remain unresolved; and one or more parties would suffer the loss. Hence, the need to decide at the time of making contract, as to which law would be followed.

CHOICE OF LAW IN SYNDICATED LOANS AND BONDS:

Similar is the case of the financial contract. 'Every legal issue under a financial contract must be determined in accordance with a system of law. An aspect of a contract cannot exist in a legal vacuum.'(1) Syndicated loans and bonds are mostly international in their character. They usually involve borrowers and lenders from various countries; and 'the greater the number of countries involved the greater the number of municipal systems of law which have to be considered.'(2) As there is not single set of International laws that could effectively govern the syndicated loans and bonds, it is necessary for the parties to these contracts to choose an agreed system of law.

Historical Hampi Provides A Soul-Soothing Experience

It is not every day that one gets a chance to break free from the clutches of mundane, unexciting and routine life in the city and holiday at an exotic locale far away. There was a feeling of sheer exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the monotony of our urban existence. The combination of Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th century ruins of Hampi - the globally renowned heritage holiday destination sited 355 km from Bangalore.

We were team of five hardcore adventurers, campers and heritage admirers. Our team comprised of Kishore Patwardhan, Shiva Kumar, Sree Krishna, Mahesh V and myself. Fully fired up with anticipation we embarked upon our sojourn with an aim trek among the rocks and cliffs of Hampi, the headquarters of the Vijayanagar empire during the 13-15 centuries.

Hampi - a world heritage site

Hampi is a world famous heritage tourism destination and one of the 16 Unesco recognised World Heritage Sites in the country. Once home to a cultural efflorescence involving sculptors, musicians, artists, and artisans who worked together to translate the lofty vision of the Vijayanagar princes into enduring monuments, Hampi is currently an underdeveloped village which doesn't even have a proper tar road. The ruins sprawl over an area of 26 sq. km and are evocative of ancient Hindu kings' pomp and glory. The opulent palaces, temples and massive fortifications are built with such ingenuity that they blend naturally with their surrounding rock formations, and appear as though they have just grown out of them.

Sited on the banks of the graceful Tungabhadra, amidst massive boulders and craggy hills, Hampi was the capital of the ancient Vijayanagar empire which controlled the Deccan for over 200 years from 1336-1565 AD, and reached its zenith during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, its most famous emperor. Following the death of Krishnadevaraya in 1529 AD the neighbouring Muslim Bahamani rulers coalesced and attacked Hampi. The invading armies ran amok in the town, destroying its beautiful temples and monuments left the once grand city in ruins.

I Worked in Saudi Arabia

In 1985, I traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for being hired as project accountant. I worked for a company engaged in trading large emergency generators (500 to 1000 KVA) installations and spare parts, projects for Airport and airfield lighting installations, and residential electrical connection installations. In this company, I worked with Saudis, Britons, French, Germans, Lebanese, Egyptians, Syrians and other Asian nationals.

During that time, there was a recession in the Middle East. Salaries of employees payments were being delayed for about two to three months. Some workers were sent back to their own countries, some companies just released their foreign workers to look for temporary jobs around the neighborhood to save air ticket and accommodation costs.

Some Asian foreign workers illegally left their employers for being not paid for their wages up to six months. They were illegally working secretly in other places in order to survive, through the help of Asian friends and other Arab nationals who were benefited for paying very low wages, sometimes not being paid for being illegal.

After working for one month, I was about to be sent back home to my country. I must do something to show that the company needed my services. I found out that they have no annual company budgets, wherein the preparation of budgets was one of my expertise in my previous employers.

While waiting for my airline flight departure schedule, I voluntarily worked on preparing budget for one of the company airport/airfield lighting installation, without any instruction from the management to do it.

While I was analyzing my budget presentation, the sales manager (Christian Lebanese) entered our office room and inadvertently seen what I was working. He became interested and told me to continue doing it and he will present it to the board of directors.

Marketing Criticism, Who Is To Blame?

Due to its close relationship with the customer, Marketing has been often criticized. From being misleading, to exaggerating, applying the corporate view only while focusing on the organization's benefit solely. This criticism may sound true to most, and is definitely worth to be responded to by marketing professionals.

Before discussing any type of criticism, let's start by the basics. What is marketing? While reviewing the definition on the web, I found mainly those that refer to marketing as the process by which companies determine what products or services may be of interest to customers, and the strategy to use in sales, communications and business development. The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines marketing as the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.

As the head the business department of my company setting the marketing policy is one of my tasks. I surely do not find anything offensive at the first glance by reading the first definition. Some however may regard this as a proof that marketing exists for the sole purpose of executing a company process that targets customers. The answer to that however is found in the AMA definition, the marketing activity can be initiated by a person and not solely by a company. AMA sets the product as an offering that has value and not as a product or service that may be of interest.

Someone who has an offering (idea, product, belief...) and wants to put it out for the grabs is getting involved in marketing. It is an open invitation to be part of the offering. They can have a simple process or a series of complicated ones, which include communicating, delivering and exchange. The understanding of this simple definition does not mean that some corporations do not indulge into unethical activities; it simply reminds us that not all those who are involved in marketing are aiming to deceive the public.

Face the Ancestors

Artistic Discontinuity

Humanity has witnessed a sad interruption in the progress of human sciences and arts starting around the forth century A.D. This gap of almost a thousand years mainly started as a result if the restrictive nature of the Roman or Byzantine Empire which ruled much of the world in the middle ages. By the 3rd Century A.D., man was standing on the verge of unlocking the great mysteries of the universe surrounding him. Greco-Egyptian scientists in Alexandria had theorized significant scientific frameworks to mathematics, geometry, physics and astronomy. Philosophy, art, literature, drama and religion have also reached new heights with the marriage of Greek philosophy and the vast body of Egyptian knowledge accumulated and stored by Egyptian monks and scholars over 4,000 years of tedious progress on the banks of the Nile.

The Fayum portraits stand witness to the validity of the artistic side of this argument. The Fayum portraits date back to 1st to 3rd Centuries A.D. They represent a development of the Egyptian funerary tradition which had manifested itself before in wall carvings, masks, ornaments and artifacts found in tombs of ancient Egyptians. But the portraits are so advanced in their artistic style, that can only be compared to paintings of the masters who came 1,500 years later! ''It is not until 15 centuries later, in the faces painted by Titian or Rembrandt's depiction of his own features as he saw them reflected in the mirror, that the same artistry that characterizes many of the anonymous painters of the Fayum is witnessed again,'' Euphrosyne C. Doxiadis, a Greek artist and author of ''The Mysterious Fayum Portraits,'' wrote in an essay in the catalogue accompanying an international show for the Mummy Portraits titled ''Ancient Faces'' in 1997. So, how, when and why did the art of painting stood still, indeed seemed to be "forgotten"?

Sinful Art

Addicted to Oil

"America is addicted to oil" - George W. Bush

In today's corporate culture, the consumer's voice resonates deeply. If a company engages in immoral or illegal behavior, the consumer can choose not to buy the company's products, and stage a boycott as a show of protest. This is not a new phenomenon; it occurred in Colonial America after the British government monopolized tea, and it is currently being used against Coca-Cola for it's immoral practices, including poisoning drinking water, murdering union members, and racial discrimination. Consumer responsibility entails the following: purchasing products from a company like Coca-Cola signifies condoning and indeed supporting their actions; boycotting a company's products sends a message to them that their practices must stop and attempts to hurt their sales enough that change becomes necessary.

What is the difference between tea, Coca-Cola, and petroleum as consumer products? The difference is that the world economy is addicted to petroleum. In President Bush's state-of-the-union speech, he proclaimed, "America is addicted to oil". He further stated that he wants replace more than 75% of America's Middle Eastern oil imports by the year 2025.
Currently, the plausibility of such a goal seems doubtful. As of March 2006, the United States' third-largest source of crude oil was Saudi Arabia. Our dependence on Saudi oil is deplorable; the credentials of the Saudi Arabian government are horrendous: it has a theocratic and despotic government, oppresses women and perpetrates human rights' violations, and created terrorists and extremists. Doing business and maintaining a strong alliance with the Saudi Royal Family greatly hurts America's reputation for pursuing justice and democracy, particularly in the Middle East. In this sense, America fails as a responsible consumer.

When examining consumer responsibility in dealing with oil, it is necessary to see what is done with the unbelievable profits these countries receive as a result of recent skyrocketing oil prices. Some of this money is used to economically develop these petrol states (as in Dubai). But in many cases, this money is used to fund terrorism (Iran), prop-up oppressive regimes (Saudi Arabia), and spread anti-American rhetoric (Venezuela). In this essay, three countries from the Persian Gulf will be examined: Bahrain, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. Why the Persian Gulf? The Gulf is said to possess 2/3 of the world's oil reserves, and an arguably great share of undemocratic and oppressive governments. I will examine the political and social atmosphere of these states and conclude that we must not support their policies by ending our dependence on oil in order to achieve American foreign policy goals of democracy and freedom.

The 1 Difference Between Sunni and Shiite Muslims

The immense carnage of WWI was caused by one gunshot in Yugoslavia, "The shot heard round the world." The Apocalypse, the sudden violent end of life on Earth forever has now been set in motion by people ignoring their 100 things in common and focusing on their 1 difference.

Prior to 911, how many Americans knew where Afghanistan was? Today, Feb. 23, 2006, how many Americans know the difference between a Shiite and a Sunni Muslim? The cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad triggered a world wide Muslim stampede which is now escalating into an Iraqi civil war between the Shi'a and the Sunni Muslims, and the Christian Americans are caught right in the middle of it. If the Sunnis win, then they will free Saddam Hussein, and he will likely go into exile with his Swiss Oil Billions in a friendly Muslim country, until his triumphant return to power in Iraq, as did the Ayatollah returning to replace the American Iranian puppet the Shah of Iran. Had George Bush spent 3 cents on 1 bullet and executed Saddam in his rabbit hole, this never would have happened. Imagine Scott Peterson coming into court in his underwear, constantly standing up and calling the Judge a puppet of the Americans, and winning. Saddam Hussein has got to be laughing his head off at George Bush right now, Mr. "Mission Accomplished.", the son of his father Abu George, Mr. "Read my lips, no new taxes." Unfortunately the Democrats are such weaklings, like Hubert Humphrey Dumptey and Walter Mondale that they can't knock out the Republican Party that has already knocked itself out on the domestic and world stage, plunging America into bankruptcy and making it the black sheep of the World. Don't worry because soon it will all be over.

Of Snakes and Terrorism

With the passing of Arafat, the Middle East will take on a slightly different face, allowing the possibilities for prophetic fulfillment to speed up. The pathway is now open for renewed efforts to procure peace in the Middle East, using the avenue of the formation of the promised Palestinian State. But this window of opportunity may not remain open for long. Indeed pressure is now mounting from the United States, encouraged by Britain, to get on with the steps necessary to implement the terms of the "Road Map."

January 9, 2005 has already been scheduled for Palestinian elections. The emerging line-up of candidates all have questionable backgrounds harking back to their various roles during the Arafat era.

It goes without saying, the achievement of the Palestinian goals will be a power struggle fanned by the more radical insurgents and hard-liner Islamic regimes. Hamas has already stated it is planning to increase pressure on Israel by escalating their terrorist activity in Gaza and the West Bank, whereas Islamic Jihad, Fatah, and the Al Aksa Brigade ( now being referred to as the Arafat Brigade) have issued statements they are planning to halt all atrocities until the election is over.

And, while Egypt and many other Arab League countries applauded Arafat's apparent achievements on behalf of the Palestinians, Kuwait is appalled that anyone would be so short-sighted as to give any honor to an avowed terrorist murderer. So, the Arab world has many issues to address, if they are to appear to mount a united front against the West

But, will sane, cool heads prevail? Will Israel use this opportunity to take decisive steps to maintain hold on her Covenant Land, or will she instead doggedly continue down the destructive path Sharon is still insisting upon? Israel has the option of being strong in the face of her enemies, or giving in to international negative pressures.

Terrorists: A New Ethnic Group Constructed And Demonized By America

Terrorism was first explicitly used as a political tactic during the French Revolution. (Bovard,2003:6) But an exact denotational definition of terrorism is also a matter of controversy. For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism in the following manner: "The unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."

With modern sociopolitical systems started, the terrorism got new faces and motivations. Now there are some various definitions and classifications of terrorism from different angles. Walter Reich in his "Origins of Terrorism" divides it in to two categories, Secular terrorism and the Holy one , (Reich, Walter,1998) Some scholars also classify it into domestic and international ones. (www.vaemergency,November10 2006)

There are also sociopolitical conditions which affect the process of terrorism evolution in many respects. The revolutionary violence in different periods of history such as French revolution and the social theories like Marxism and anarchism, which are based on making a utopia, may prepare the grounds or flourish terrorism. (www.terrorism-research,November10 2006)

American War and Terror

In America "war on terror" refers to 1981 when Reagan proclaimed that fighting terrorism was his administration highest priorities." (Bovard, 2003: 6)So, Americans believe that terrorism existed and now got new perspectives, especially from the late 1980s and 1990s when new terrorist groups like Al Qaeda took more power putting operations into action.(Strasser , 2004:425)Americans consider themselves historically the target of so-called terrorist actions, particularly the holy terrorism as Reich called it. For instance, bombing U.S Embassy in Beirut by Islamic Jihad or bombing of a restaurant with many U.S. armed forces customers in Soain by the Iranian-backed so-called terrorist group Hizbollah,etc.(Strasser,2004:423)In an American perspective, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Somalia and Libya are the main terrorists sponsors. (Bovard,2003:5) And they believe if they intend to defeat terrorists they should be able to collapse their supporters.(Strasser,2004:419)

A Review of "The Road to 9-11 - Wealth, Empire, and the Future of America"

Peter Dale Scott, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of California, Berkeley, has written numerous books over the years examining what he terms the "deep state" of American politics. His newest book, The Road to 9/11: Wealth, Empire, and the Future of America, looks at the current crisis in America manifested through the current War on Terror, but with a thorough discussion of the roots of Islamic fundamentalism, the role of the deep state in supporting the growth of extremism, and how these relationships have served to "blow back" at the United States. Even this, though, contributes to furthering the plans of the deep state, though, always at the expense of the public state.

The book provides an overview of how elements hidden in the American government, throughout the past thirty years at least, have continually supported short term oil or security interests at the expense of the public's (and their own) long term interests. Scott's 423-page book is nearly half-filled with endnotes, which gives the reader many further avenues of study, because the book itself is densely packed with information. An important aspect of the book is that, like other studies he has done, Scott does not name specific parties as guilty of one crime or another, accuse the U.S. government of facilitating the attacks of 9/11, or rely on untested and untestable hypotheses to come to his conclusions. As the book states, "this book makes a more general argument that the bureaucratic paranoia inside the American deep state, undisciplined by the available wisdom of the public state, helped years ago to create al Qaeda and then to create the circumstances in which, almost inevitable, elements in al Qaeda would turn against the United States." Throughout the work, he meticulously connects the dots between the same players, institutions, and concepts that have so influenced American foreign and domestic policy.

Connect These Dots: Unilateral Withdrawal, Egypt, Collapse of the South Wall, Raised Taxes and the..

There is a prophetic mosaic that few have attempted to explain, because it's fulfillment appears to be shrouded in a cloak of elusiveness, and at the moment, seeming improbability. Yet we know it must be fulfilled sometime within the next few years, or other prophecies which directly hinge on it will not be able to be fulfilled. This prophetic anomaly revolves around how, and when, Israel will regain absolute jurisdiction over The Temple Mount long enough to allow them to build their Third Temple. After all, according to the book of Daniel, there will soon arise a world leader who will desecrate the Temple mid-Trib. Therefore, it logically must be assumed that in order for him to carry out this treachery, a Temple, complete with all Temple worship priestly activities in operation, must first be erected on The Temple Mount!

There have been occasional attempts by well-meaning, but somewhat fringe individuals, to free The Temple Mount from the Muslims. But none of these attempts have been successful, because the LORD does not honor those who take matters into their own hands. Rather, the LORD Himself will bring about fulfillment of specific prophecies which will free The Temple Mount from the pagan presence of Islam, and place it undeniably within Israeli control.

The political and religious mechanisms necessary for this to be accomplished are already in the process of unfolding. The current situation in The Middle East is complex, and even though we do see the unfolding of prophecy as the Quartet (the USA, the UN, the EU, and Russia) is attempting to do everything possible to bring about peace by trying to form an independent Palestinian State alongside Israel, we are able to conclude that such an eventuality will not procure a lasting peace in the region, so long as there are equally strong Islamic forces which desire to annihilate Israel.

The True Story of the Unified Gulf Currency

Very famous are the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, recounted repeatedly since their compilation during the Islamic Golden Age. Composed of interweaved stories collected over the centuries, the epic tale never ceased to introduce new episodes as it progressed. Throughout the plotline, the storyteller, Scheherazade, would every dawn leave her King tantalized with yet another cliff-hanger, postponing what seemed to be the tale's finale to the following night.

Nowadays, a saga of multiple twists and turns is strikingly similar to these ancient Arab folk tales. The Gulf dream to create a unified currency among its states stands as a story of numerous chapters linked together by cliffhangers that leave spectators wondering why this dream has not yet been achieved.

The idea of a unified Gulf currency initially surfaced with the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981 as one of the group's primary future goals. Based on the notion of a strong economic bloc, in 1982, the six-member group ratified an agreement "to coordinate their financial, monetary and banking policies and enhance cooperation between monetary agencies and central banks, including an endeavor to establish a joint currency." Apart from establishing a free trade zone in 1983, progress was modest. As time went by, the goals of the past did not seem in any way foreseeable in the near future.

It was not until 20 years later that the idea was put to a second and significantly more serious discussion. Inspired by the success of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) through which 11 European nations adopted the Euro as their unified currency in 1999, the GCC members decided to resurrect their reverie. In January 2001, the members agreed to draw up legislation that would unify their monetary policies as a primary step towards currency unification. A timetable for the synchronization of Gulf monetary and banking policies was formed whereby the creation of monetary union legislation was scheduled for 2005 followed by a monetary and currency union in 2010. This in turn entailed an agreement to peg GCC country currencies to the US dollar until the new currency took effect.

Islamophobia and the Militant Europe

Islamophobia is a new tool at the hands of the far-right which they are using, quite successfully, to gain political ground. The question is not why they are using Islamophobia, but the question is, why is it working? Why are people buying the hatred for a certain religious group and rejecting peaceful multi-cultural parties. Hatred and Xenophobia is breeding & thriving within the large masses of European population and we might see another fascist Europe, with segregation laws against Muslims in effect, with in the next 10 years. But again, the question is: Why is hate working?

The Present Situation
The present situation Europe depicts largely a pre-War Europe suffering from The Great Depression, with unemployment and inflation on the rise. Strong dictators came forward to seize the power with great public support. Such situation might happen in present day Europe, with anti-Semitism swapping places with anti-Muslim sentiments. Many of the European countries are already implementing laws which specifically designed to have their effects only on the Muslim population. Legislations prohibiting the wearing of Hijab and Burka and the Swiss law prohibiting the construction of Minarets may give way to further legislations that confine the freedom for Muslims. Such laws are no different than the draconian Nuremberg laws that the Nazi Germany applied over Jewish population. Five of the states in Germany ban the female Muslim teachers to wear the headscarf but allow the wearing of Christian symbols such as a nun's habit. Such legislations raise concerns whether the European republics are discriminating in their behavior towards a specific religious group, especially Muslims.

Where the Islamophobes stand?

The Politics Behind the Candidates in Iran

As you know, prior to election in Iran, I wrote in our blog that I did not believe that anything good will come as a result of the current election. Looking at the Guardian Council's decision of selecting Ahmadinejad for president, I would have preferred a one candidate election. Why put all these old revolutionaries who have profited from the Islamic regime on the stand to run for president, when at the end of the day the average Iranian has no say in the election?

Unfortunately, absolute power corrupts absolutely under any regime. This is evident in today's Iran more than ever. As the election debates took shape the week before the election, the profiteering of Muslim ex-revolutionaries became obvious. In the debates Mr. Ahmadenijad accused the reformers of systematic theft and looting of nations wealth by reform candidates and its supporters. I was surprised that why a sitting president that had this information for 4 years while being in office did nothing about it until election night. Why Aytolah Khamenai would give these men the right to run for election if they or the immediate family had done some of these looting. For the average Iranian it has been obvious for years that Rafsanjani and Karubi had enriched themselves with public wealth. Still for many this was an awakening to see beyond the mask of religion and billions that these folks have taken from the Iranian nation's wealth. It is clear that ideologies are served for the masses while mass looting of country's wealth has taken place over the past 30 years under these old guards.

An Analysis of Iran's Trade Regime, and its Economic Ties to Key Global Players

As Iran continues to move forward with its nuclear program, and as attempts at diplomacy have given way to more aggressive rhetoric, the specter of economic sanctions has once again stepped out on to the international theatre's main stage. Unlike previous sanctions, though, the current US proposal being circulated among UN Security Council members would reportedly call for an outright ban on specific transactions between UN countries and the Islamic Republic, in an attempt to more precisely target the banking, insurance and shipping sectors under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG).

The debate rages on, however, over how effective a new slate of sanctions would be in halting or even deterring Iran's uranium enrichment efforts. While most Western powers have come out in favor of the proposed sanctions, support from Russia and China remains critical. Not coincidentally, both hesitant, veto-wielding countries also have significant economic interests within Iran's borders.

The debate may be shrouded in political discourse, but it's unquestionably driven by economics. And while experts and policy-makers may continue to disagree over the capacity of sanctions to bring about real political change, the only way to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of prospective economic sanctions is from the bottom, with a more detailed excavation of the Iranian trade climate and the trade relations governing it.

Iran's Trade Landscape

With a full 10% of the world's known oil reserves within its vast borders, Iran's economy revolves, not surprisingly, around energy. In 2007, the Iranian state pulled in $57 billion in oil export revenue, comprising about half of all governmental revenue. Oil currently comprises about 80% of all Iranian exports.

Under the administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, though, the country's domestic economy has staggered under the weight of enormous government subsidies, rising unemployment, and double-digit inflation levels. Without proper infrastructure to refine its massive supply of crude oil, the country has been forced to import gasoline. According to a recent Reuters report, Iran imported 23% more gasoline in February of 2010 than it did during the same month last year.

Kuala Lumpur's Money Museum

It has been said that the love of money is the root of all evil. Whether you like it or not, money makes the world go round. In Kuala Lumpur's Money Museum, you can take a historical trip to see the evolution of money in the country.

Housed in the premises of the Bank Negara Malaysia (or Central Bank of Malaysia) on Jalan Dato Onn, the museum serves as a repository for the country's numismatic heritage. Though compact in size, the layout of the interior of the museum has been planned meticulously to introduce the history and development of money in the country in a chronological flow.

The entrance of the Primitive Gallery, the first section, is adorned with an intricately carved archway. Arabesque carvings featuring stylized flowers, tendrils, and interlocking vines dominate the pier and frieze of the archway, which are complemented by delicate relief work on panels depicting leaf motifs. This beautiful piece of art dates back to more than a hundred years, and is a testimony to the skill of Muslim carvers. It was acquired by Bank Negara Malaysia at the Islamic Civilization Exhibition held in the Islamic Centre, Kuala Lumpur in 1986

Dignified elegance prevails throughout the interior of the museum through the liberal use of local hardwood such as nytoh and ramin. The rich ruddy hue and powerful luster of nyatoh delicately balances the creamy yellow of ramin to create an opulent ambiance. High on the walls above the display cases are framed bamboo-plaited panels featuring intricate geometric designs. Both fauna-based and plant-based motifs such as fish-scales and ladu flower form the source of inspiration for the designs. These decorative panels were commissioned by the bank to showcase the cultural richness of the Malays.

The Unislamic State of Pakistan

Is this a Muslim state and are we Muslims? Take a good look at yourself. Do you fear God? Do you follow all the Commandments of God? Justice is a paramount and integral part of any society especially a Muslim one. However in Pakistan there is no justice; there is a whole lot of lawlessness and corruption throughout the society. Our banking system is based on the charging of interest. But hey the Quran says that anyone who charges interest or feeds on interest are both enemies of Islam. However that does not deter us from going against the will of God.

The Quran states that anyone who offers or accepts a bribe will be thrown into Hell. However that does not deter most Pakistanis. Bribery has become a part and parcel of our society and yet we are an Islamic nation. There are alcohol breweries within the country and yet we are an Islamic nation. The last I read was that alcohol production or consumption is a sin. However in Pakistan, a lot of men and women, young and old consume alcoholic drinks. The question is what sort of Islam we are following.

The Holy Quran lays great emphasis on the education of every man and woman but hey there are 40 million children aged 5-19 years old who don't go to school. There are many hard headed men who believe that women should not be educated. What sort of Muslims are they who don't follow the Commandments of God as given in the Quran?

In the Holy Quran, great emphasis has been laid upon the accountability and punishment of men and women who commit wrong and evil deeds. However contrary to that most of our politicians, bureaucrats and rulers seem to be devoid of any ethics and morality. They have looted the national exchequer and caused grievous damage to the fortunes of the people and the country. However instead of punishing these men and holding them accountable, these men still hold power. My question is that if we are an Islamic nation, then why do we have corrupt disbelievers and hypocrites in power? If these men and women remain in power, the nation may cease to exist.

Key Geopolitical Controversies Facing America In 2010 And Beyond

Yesterday I finished THE ROAD TO 9/11, put it in the FINISHED pile and reached for the top book in the TO READ pile. It turned out to be THE CHOICE by Zbigniew Brzezinski. I knew the name, of course, and that he had been a National Security Advisor, belonged to the Bilderberger Group, and was the founder of the Trilateral Commission. I didn't know his political positions in detail, but did realize that his positions and mine were more than worlds apart. The fact his name is associated with The New World Order condemns him all by itself. While thumbing through the book to see what I was in for, I ran across a list of issues that he considered vital to America's future. I hatched the idea that it would be interesting to explain my positions on each item before reading the book, so that I could get a good picture of the match between his outlook and my own.

While anybody reading this knows in at least general terms what Brzezinski stands for, they do not know what I stand for. Therefore, a brief description of my background and political-ideological orientation should help the reader "position" my arguments.

For my undergraduate degree I majored in wood science in forestry school (wood anatomy, wood physics, wood chemistry, wood drying and treating, etc., a pretty demanding program) and also financial management. I received my MBA from a very unusual program which was heavily geared toward preparing electrical engineers at Western Electric, at that time the manufacturing arm of AT&T, for advancement to junior management positions. It differed from traditional MBA programs in that its goal was to provide students with information they could actually USE on the job, and I profited from it immensely. I also have 66% of a Masters degree in History. After several years in wood industry management and five years as a general contractor in the Napa Valley in California, I entered the marketing program as a PhD. Student at Arizona State University.

Saudi Arabia's Role in Anti-American Terrorism

The latest public relations missive from Riyadh complains bitterly that alarmist Americans "have gotten out of control" with accusations that Saudi Arabia supports terrorism. But there is good reason to state the opposite: That we ignore to our peril the degree to which the Saudis spread extremist anti-Americanism. It is particularly unsettling that the Saudis stoke such sentiments here, in our own country. They do this by funding American outposts of the intolerant, militant Wahhabi form of Islam.

The Saudis have poured an astonishing sum of money into this effort. Reza F. Safa, author of Inside Islam, estimated that since 1973, the Saudi government has spent some $87 billion to promote Wahhabism in the United States and the Western Hemisphere.

In some ways, such largesse is to be expected from the Al-Saud. This old bellicose tribe - the only ruling family in the world with the audacity to name a country after itself - owes much to Wahhabism.

The Saudi regime first came to power via an 18th century alliance between two Muhammads: ibn Saud and ibn al Wahhab. Together, the Al-Saud and the Wahhabis commanded armies that vanquished Arabia. They pledged to form a nation based on the principles of Islam. In 1932, an Al-Saud warlord, Abdul Aziz, fulfilled his ancestor's dream; he declared himself sovereign of his own newly conquered territories, which he named the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Abdul Aziz adopted the Islamic holy book, the Koran, as his nation's constitution.

To this day, the official constitution of Saudi Arabia remains the Koran. Saudi officials affirm that their government functions "in total adherence to the Islamic religion."

This might be little more than a political curiosity if not for two factors. First, that a geological twist of fate gave Saudi Arabia considerable prominence in world economic affairs. Secondly - and significantly - Islam is not content to coexist peacefully with other faiths or systems of government.

What Happened to Dutch Tolerance?

A tolerant society.

As tradition has it, Holland always has been a tolerant society, a safe-heaven for Europs' persecuted. This image is somewhat exaggerated perhaps but on the whole Holland was a fairly tolerant country. Jews from Spain, Portugal, Germany and Eastern Europe found their way to Holland. In the 17th century Jews built a monumental synagogue in Amsterdam, it still stands there. They called Amsterdam the Jerusalem of the West.

The Jews participated in Dutch commerce, banking, science and arts. In religious aspect they stood apart, but their religion was not completely alien to Dutch Protestants, who were of course very familiar with the Old Testament. Recent historical research shows that during the 17th century, there were some intensive and friendly contacts between Protestant and Jewish theologians.

An other group of refugees was formed by Huguenots, who were persecuted in France. They fled to neighbouring Protestant countries. In Holland they found a new home and during the centuries they assimilated completely. Only the French surnames of many Dutchmen and some Huguenot churches remind us of their history.

The rise of the Dutch Republic as a naval power, brought its merchants and seafarers in contact with the Islamic world. Where they met as equals the Dutch treated their counterparts as such. Where they dominated and established colonies, they treated Muslims not too bad and later on even with a benign tolerance.

A new immigration wave.

Why We Need Entrepreneurs

Let's take a break from our usual programme and not talk about Islamic finance. Please don't take this the wrong way. It's not as if there is nothing to write about. There is. The world needs to be made aware of more appropriate ways to finance growth rather than the growth-on- steroids-induced-by-ever-increasing-debt kind. However, for the more conventionally inclined readers I want to propose a more, well, conventional approach.

In a recent interview maverick entrepreneur Richard Branson, he of Virgin Records, Airline, Trains etc fame, mused that the world just needs more Richard Bransons. He says that "Fortunes are made out of recessions. A lot of entrepreneurs get going in the economic depths because the barriers to entry are lower. ... There are a lot of Richard Bransons that will come out of the next three or four years."

For now, let's ignore the fact that Branson's Virgin Blue (listed on the Sydney Stock Exchange) has the worst-performing share in the Asia Pacific airline sector in 2009. I am therefore prepared to concede that the man has a great point. Maybe the US government, or any other government for that matter, should accept that whilst the downside of Schumpeter's creative destruction is the unplanned obsolescence of companies like GM and AIG, the corresponding upside is that something new replaces the something that is no longer fit for the purpose.

Plenty of commentators, but especially politicians, and professional economists, who should really know better, tend to forget that a real recovery in the economy will be led by new production and not phoney consumption. Of course it's phoney consumption that has been the problem all along. The present policy, priming the pump, also known as goosing the money supply, only leads to artificial growth. The result is the creation of false demand and the appearance of economic activity. Surely any half-way intelligent observer can see that this is simply growth for growth's sake. Unfortunately, this is what gets politicians elected, or re-elected.

Consider The Terrorist Threat To U.S. Markets & Your Portfolio

There has been much speculation and discussion concerning the future threat of terrorist attacks with weapons of mass destruction against Israel, Western Europe, and the United States. If terrorist groups have weapons of mass destruction we must take an objective look at all the potential targets of opportunity for an attack and the availability of these weapons.

"Terrorists have not only long memories, they have infinite patience. They certainly learn from their mistakes." --Edith E. Flynn, professor of criminal justice at Northeastern University.

The conventional news media and our political leadership have been less than forthcoming on this issue, either to avoid a public panic or at government direction. Nevertheless, this question still must be asked. The 9/11 terrorist attacks on Washington and New York was an operation that took years of planning and was certainly not a one-time strike on America. Although Washington's massive response in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as against terrorist cells around the world, does appear to have caught our enemies off guard, this reprieve will not last forever. Eventually they will react with a massive counter attack designed for maximum public effect, U.S. humiliation, and economic destruction.

To determine the target, we must first explore the probable goals of the anti-Western players in this conflict. While they can not hope to destroy the United States as the world's only remaining superpower, they are obviously interested in replacing all the existing "moderate" Arab governments with fundamentalist, Islamic regimes. Their long-term objective is to topple the existing governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Turkey, and replace them with fundamentalist Islamic governments that are anti-American and will cooperate in destroying the nation of Israel.

Delhi - The Mistress of Emperors

Delhi the magnificent. Delhi the terrible! What orgies of feasting, what horrors of pillage and bloodshed has it not endured-Norah Rowan Hamilton Geographically, Delhi is in the shape of a 30km radius circle and it sits like a huge blob of black and grey at the edge of the Indo Gangetic plain, one of the flattest, most fertile and most densely populated regions in the world. On the east and north of Delhi are the lush green fields of the plains, on the west is the Thar Desert and on the south is the river Yamuna. Some 300km north of Delhi are the Himalayan Mountains. Delhi is no ordinary city. I

t was always the vortex of significant political events and has a strong historical background. Owing to the fact that it was ruled over by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history, Delhi has been witness to political turmoil for over five centuries. Coming into prominence with the first ruler who identified the strategic advantages of the location, it has since not looked back. Every wall and pillar of crumbling monuments and ruins has a story of its own to tell. Every yesterday is replete with history. Delhi has a regal and majestic history which is quite vivid from the rise and fall of various rules. While rulers came and went, the city lived through wars and resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. There is no denying the fact that history of India revolves around the rich history of Delhi.

Building Institutions - A Path To Racial And Social Integration For Muslims In The American Society

Building Institutions - a path to racial and social integration for Muslims in the American Society

Institution - An established organization or corporation (as a bank or university) especially of a public character

Suddenly, in fall of 2005 the Muslim community in the blue color city of Birmingham found itself at odds with its non Muslim neighbors. This came as a big surprise to many, as most of the Muslims living in this city were 2nd or 3rd generation British born and raised. They paid taxes, lived and worked next to there non Muslim neighbors and sent there children to public schools. So why after living in a country and in a community for decades did they find themselves alienated and targeted? One can spend many hours debating over the evidence, but the one fact remains, it happened, and It shouldn't have surprised us at all; as mere residency in a society is not necessarily a sign of Cultural or Social integration. I believe that in order for a sub community to fully integrate itself; it must at least perceive to have a stake in the overall process and the ability to influence it. The creation of local institutions facilitates and helps communities organize in an influential manner. These give the community a sense of ownership and stake, allowing its members to participate and influence the overall agenda. To be effective these institutions need to be diverse and varied; spanning cultural, financial, religious and political boundaries.

For the American Muslim community, the current landscape is fairly bleak. There are very few world class Muslim institutions, and the ones that do exist, provide the most fundamental and rudimentary services to its constituents. The existing infrastructure consists of mostly religious hubs such as Mosques and Islamic schools; these are the first to mushroom in any new community and help regulate the basic needs of its members, e.g. prayers, marriages, religious education, funeral services etc. In all major US metro areas these have flourished and service levels have improved over time.

Hamas' Near-Term Strategy - What Next?

On Friday, June 15, 2007, Hamas triumphantly proclaimed its victory in the Gaza Strip. ''We are telling our people that the past era has ended and will not return," Hamas spokesman Islam Shahwan declared. With the Gaza Strip now under the rule of Hamas, the issue arises as to whether Hamas will be able to rapidly transform its Gaza victory into sweeping gains for its movement beyond the boundaries of that area. Odds are much against such an outcome in the near-term.

Hamas is not in a strong position to "break out" of the international embargo arrayed against it. It currently lacks both widespread global legitimacy and the military capacity to intensify its "war" against Israel. It has gained the Gaza Strip, but at the risk of losing its influence over the future evolution of the larger Palestinian issue. Consequently, it will seek to consolidate its position in the Gaza Strip, pursue a gradual "bottom-up" approach toward Islamic rule in the Gaza Strip, undermine the new Palestinian government in the West Bank, and ease outside pressure on its organization.

At present, Hamas is too weak to inflict substantial harm on Israel, much less pose an existential threat to that country. In addition, fresh from its indecisive outcome in Lebanon, Israel would almost certainly err on the side of overestimating the amount of force necessary to prevail in the Gaza Strip, so as to avoid another outcome that could fatally imperil its doctrine of deterrence in a regional "neighborhood" that is growing increasingly tougher with Iran's rising power and spreading instability. Hamas also understands that Israel largely succeeded in suppressing the intifada of suicide bomb attacks from the measures and tactics Israel implemented against the terrorists. Hence it is very unlikely that Hamas will risk "overplaying" its hand against Israel in the near-term, even if Iran tries to tempt it in that direction. Instead, Hamas will likely continue to launch periodic rocket attacks and other small-scale terrorist activity against Israel to demonstrate that it maintains its fight against Israel. However, it likely will not dramatically increase the magnitude or frequency of such attacks to the extent that it would provoke a major Israeli military response. In addition, it could well renew its conditional offers for a ceasefire with Israel to try to "buy time" to strengthen its hold over the Gaza Strip, especially if Fatah and/or the international community strengthen their efforts to isolate Hamas.

A Silent Witness - To the Greatest Financial Heist in World History

Assalam alaikum,

I once heard Imam Siraj Wahaj describe his own actions during a speech held at Regents Park Mosque, London. He qualified himself as being the least knowledgeable speaker on the panel. While explaining his position he made a profound statement, the depth of which I have not forgot - (very loosely paraphrased):

"I am the least qualified amongst these speakers of eloquence but that has never been my fear nor my concern.  What concerns me is that I have sure knowledge on what I speak of and when I know something to be undeniably true then that becomes my true position and I hold firm to that position, unmovable in the face of views to the contrary.  That is the reason why I am up here and able to hold your attention and connect with you, I'm passionate about this".

I think that statement resonated with me because at that point I could see a man who neither feared his peers nor was afraid to trust his own judgment and was passionate about what he believed in. He also struck me as a man not afraid to adopt the contrarian view. I intend to adopt the same position in an attempt to speak my mind and add to the discussion on a financial issue which has remained in the dark for far too long despite the sincere efforts of more intelligent souls to bring the issue out of the darkness and into the light.

I've heard it said that the majority are not always right and I think at times there is some truth to this statement, many are the messengers who brought intelligence which contradicted the common thought of the time but were eventually proved right.  A lot of problems which crept into the scripture of the Judaic and Christian religions came by willful changing of the original text. Changes also appeared due to certain authorities either enslaving the custodians of the scripture and stripping them of their recorded text or by manipulation of personnel into positions of authority who then steered the religion onto an alternate path away from the original. Islam and the Quran has never been unfortunate to have suffered the exact fate of Judaism and Christianity, our text has remained intact but the physical expression of the text has not been immune from neglect and it is this very point which I wish to address.

United Arab Emirates Financial Markets

Money is used in many ways. You can put it in a bank (saving account) and make interest without having to work. Because the money is your saving account will not stay their without being used. It is used as a loan to help others do investments, buy a home, go to college and so on. When the bank gives someone a loan, it actually uses the money people drew into the bank. And off course, one day this money has to be returned back with an interest for the bank.

Money is also used to make investments, when you buy bonds from a company, you are giving them a loan, and even when you buy a stock, you are actually buying a part of that company. This company will use the money to get bigger, hire employees, advertise, produce new products...Etc.

Businesses can be big or small. When only one person owns a business, it is called a sole proprietorship. Advantages of a sole proprietorship might not have so much money to get bigger. And the owner will have to take all the risks of operation. A sole proprietorship can join with other people to form a partnership. Disadvantages are that decisions are hard to be made, and the cash might be limited. But the advantages are that the risks are limited. And if the business was sued by law, other partners and the money outside the company will be safe.

Other ways which help a company grow is using the capital and profits or borrow money from the bank. The bank loan will have to be paid with interest, and the bank will limit how much it will lend a company according to its size and the capital it has.

The Money Creation Process

The Money Creation Process

LET US ASSUME that the central bank places a statutory reserve requirement (SRR) ratio of 10 per cent; and that the SRR is the only policy variable used for affecting the money creation process [1]. The reserve requirement is the proportion of deposits which the banking sector must keep as reserves to fulfill withdrawal needs. An original deposit of RM1,000 will enable the banking sector to increase deposits to a maximum amount of RM10,000 (i.e. RM1,000 divided by the reserve requirement of 0.10) through loan creation (i.e. money creation). Let us illustrate how this is done. Say that Mr X found RM1000, which he decided to deposit into a bank account. For simplicity, let us assume there is only one bank in the economy (alternatively you may think of all banks being consolidated or merged into a single entity). A T-account balance sheet entry of the bank would appear as below:

The cash account (reserve) is debited while Mr X's deposit account is credited with RM1,000. The cash reserve now is 100 per cent of the deposit. However, since the bank is required to keep only 10 per cent as reserves, the bank creates additional deposits until the reserve is 10 per cent of total deposits. How can additional deposits be created? By means of giving loans! The balance sheet position after money creation (assuming maximum money creation) [2]3 would be as follows:

Notice that for the original RM1,000 deposit, an additional RM9,000 deposit is created by means of loans [3]. After money creation, the original RM1,000 deposit is now equivalent to 10 per cent of the current total deposits of RM10,000, i.e. the required reserve ratio. This increase in money through multiple deposit creation is a one-time increase in the 'money base'. The formula for multiple deposit creation may be written as follows:

An Open Letter to the People of Afghanistan and Iraq

Take hope all you people! Your great suffering has not been in
vain. Many alive today will live to see the fulfillment of end
time prophecies. That is, the end of the Old World Order, which
has oppressed all the people of the world, even as it has
rewarded its faithful servants.

Osama Bin Laden began this work with his war on the West, which
is the stronghold of Mystery Babylon the Great, described in the
last book of the Christian Bible. Although Osama only succeeded
in destroying the main symbols of Babylonian power, so far; the
economic damages mounts daily and with no further help, Babylon
will fall and the merchants will weep.

In the eighteenth Chapter of the Book of Revelation, is
published the Babylonian value system. Gold, silver and precious
stones are the most valuable things on the list of merchandise.
Slaves and souls are the least valuable things. The whole world
would rebel against such a value system if they only recognized
it and how it operates. It operates through the usury banking
forbidden by the Bible and the Quran. It rules the greatest and
the least. It holds the world in debt bondage. It makes slaves
of all, including those who proclaim themselves free.

Religious Tolerance Forum Hosted by the King of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia initiated inter-religious meeting at the United Nations this week. King Abdullah called his initiative a "Culture of Peace Summit," to promote tolerance among the world's major religions. Participants who gathered in New York on Wednesday and Thursday called for promoting mutual understanding and tolerance, through dialogue. Among those who attended are leaders from Pakistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, Britain, Spain and the Philippines, said Enrique Yeves, spokesman for U.N. General Assembly president Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann. President Bush joined the leaders this morning and gave a speech at the U.N General Assembly hall.

Other participants include U.N. Secretary General Ban Li-Moon and the head of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the bloc of Muslim nations spearheading a campaign at the U.N. to outlaw the "defamation" of religion.

Critics note that while King Abdullah hosted leaders from different Muslim sects in Saudi Arabia, his other initiatives have taken place outside the kingdom. Any inter-religious meeting inside Saudi Arabia could draw opposition from conservative clerics unhappy with the presence of Christian and, especially, Jewish religious leaders.

The underlining results of this Summit are to make non-Muslims accept Islam and the shari'a law as well as the Islamic banking system without any recognition by Muslims to other faiths. The whole focus of the Summit is to endorse a U.N. Resolution of anti-blasphemy law against Islam around the world.

In 1999, Pakistan and the Organization of the Islamic Conference introduced a measure to the U.N. Human Rights Council to spread shari'a law to the Western world and to intimidate anyone who criticizes Islam.

The measure was amended to include religions other than Islam, and it has passed every year since. In 2005, Yemen successfully brought a similar resolution before the General Assembly. The 192-nation Assembly is set to vote on it again.

Origin of Our Threat And Danger of Their Ideology

The "Word" is their most dangerous and valuable weapon, and their ideology is the largest threat to our world today.

When the "Word" is mentioned in this article we are referring to Logos: "(Greek for 'word'); reason; refers to the internal consistency of the message--the clarity of the claim, "their" logic of its reasons, and the effectiveness of its supporting evidence." The terrorists who attacked our nation; they believed in the unadulterated word of the Quran, and their interpretation of this word has been one of their most powerful weapons. Whatever message/news they spread to their people, the West, and the rest of the world they believe full heartedly to be the will of Allah.

The enemy has attacked us quite often in recent days, but thankfully no soldiers have been killed in these assaults. The victories of the enemy have been political, as they've intended for them to be. They know our media will start writing various articles about their attacks and the "word" they want to spread will do so quickly amongst their people and the world. They pay attention to people's perceptions, both here and in America. They know where to strategically strike, so that when we pull out of their country the "word" will be, "We drove them out. And now they have abandoned you. We defeated them and now we will rule over you again, never to abandon you like they did."

We were not properly prepared to handle an insurgency, and now the problem on our side is that there is a lack of us using true counterinsurgency methods. When we finally started to think outside the box, finally realizing it was going to take more than numbers and technology to defeat this ideology; our eventual attempts at strategy were too much too late. The "Word"; their Word had spread rampantly, and now the enemy believes he has succeeded in having most of the world opposing our war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. We don't win a war like this based on how many battles we've won, we can only win by changing the enemies' mindset... We've failed though at winning the right hearts and minds... for our word has not prevailed over theirs.

What You Don't Know About Malaysia

Hello there. 'Selamat Datang ke Malaysia'. That means, 'Welcome to Malaysia' in our national language Bahasa Malaysia. It would be impossible to tell you everything about Malaysia in such a short period of time, but I will give you a general idea.

People

One of the things you will find most fascinating about Malaysia is its people and culture. Being a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual society of 28 million is no easy feat, as race continues to be a hotly debated issue and permeates almost every aspect of Malaysian life.

The Malaysian population consists of 62% Bumiputeras, which includes Malays and the Indigenous peoples, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians, and the rest are other minorities. Or as we say in Malaysia, 'lain-lain' or others. Citizenship in East Malaysia or the states of Sabah and Sarawak are a little different from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. When West Malaysians visit East Malaysia, they are required to bring their MyKad, a biometric smart chip identity card, which must be carried by citizens of Malaysia at all times.

The Malays form the largest community, and they are defined as Muslims in the Constitution of Malaysia- in other words, if you are Malay, you are automatically Muslim. The Malays are the big brothers of politics, dominating the political scene. Their native language is Malay, the national language of the country. They are also sometimes called 'bumiputra', or 'princes of the soil' and are favoured with certain affirmative action policies. This has been a point of discontent with a lot of minorities. Among others, getting a 10% to 25% discount when buying a house and receiving government tenders and scholarships are some of these benefits. How did this come about? I'll tell you more in the economy section.

Humanomics

In the technolized world a productivity increase is often the result of replacing one or more human workers with a machine. In the natural, non technolized world, productivity increases when people find productive work. Which productivity is superior is strictly a matter of viewpoint. In both cases the unemployed and under employed are likely to become a burden to the employed, whether through taxes or other thefts of production.

I have heard some talk of the need for micro banks to assist the unemployed to become self employed in poor nations. While self employment is anathema to the corporate mindset, corporations are in a good position to gobble up little family operated businesses after they reach some point of profitability. The family business takes its capital gain and invests in some new endeavor.

The natural world will be far better off if typical corporate banking is shut out by making it non competitive and illegal. What is needed for the natural world is non profit, community credit unions, modeled on Islamic banking practices. In fact, it is a biblical and Christian system as well. One that has been hidden from Christians by biblical ignorance and corporate dominance in banking. The technolized world would be far ahead if it adopted these principles leading to full employment, reduced crime and perhaps, honest politics.

In an economy where large numbers of people earn only a few dollars per day, a fifty dollar bankroll is nearly impossible to obtain. This is roughly analogous to a Western minimum wage worker trying to obtain a $50,000 start up loan for a new business. The evidence in micro banking shows a very low incidence of default. Credit is precious when money and paid work is scarce.

The Typology of Financial Scandals

Tulipmania - this is the name coined for the first pyramid investment scheme in history.

In 1634, tulip bulbs were traded in a special exchange in Amsterdam. People used these bulbs as means of exchange and value store. They traded them and speculated in them. The rare black tulip bulbs were as valuable as a big mansion house. The craze lasted four years and it seemed that it would last forever. But this was not to be.

The bubble burst in 1637. In a matter of a few days, the price of tulip bulbs was slashed by 96%!

This specific pyramid investment scheme was somewhat different from the ones which were to follow it in human financial history elsewhere in the world. It had no "organizing committee", no identifiable group of movers and shakers, which controlled and directed it. Also, no explicit promises were ever made concerning the profits which the investors could expect from participating in the scheme - or even that profits were forthcoming to them.

Since then, pyramid schemes have evolved into intricate psychological ploys.

Modern ones have a few characteristics in common:

First, they involve ever growing numbers of people. They mushroom exponentially into proportions that usually threaten the national economy and the very fabric of society. All of them have grave political and social implications.

Hundreds of thousands of investors (in a population of less than 3.5 million souls) were deeply enmeshed in the 1983 banking crisis in Israel.

This was a classic pyramid scheme: the banks offered their own shares for sale, promising investors that the price of the shares will only go up (sometimes by 2% daily). The banks used depositors' money, their capital, their profits and money that they borrowed abroad to keep this impossible and unhealthy promise. Everyone knew what was going on and everyone was involved.

Why Is Iran Still In The Cross-Hairs? Clues From The Project For A New American Century

Despite a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) last fall finding that Iran is not engaged in a nuclear weapons program, the push for economic and military sanctions continues. On April 17, 2008, U.S. President George Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said they were working to extend sanctions against Iran's nuclear program because "Iran's leaders cannot be trusted." According to Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) in a MSNBC news broadcast last December, there is still a "great possibility" of nuclear action against Iran. The target has just shifted from nuclear power plants to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which has been declared a terrorist organization. Paul said, "[T]here are still quite a few neoconservatives who want to go after Iran under these unbelievable conditions." The Eisenhower nuclear aircraft carrier strike force has departed for stationing off Iran, joining forces already in place there, and loaded to the brim with strike aircraft, Tomahawk missiles, and even nuclear weapons.

The question is, why? One popular theory holds that the push for war is all about oil; but many countries have oil, and we don't normally invade them to get their assets. Why go to war for Iran's oil when we can just buy it?

Another theory says that the saber-rattling is about defending the dollar. Iran is threatening to open its own oil bourse, and it is already selling most of its oil in non-dollar currencies. Iran has broken the petrodollar stranglehold imposed in the 1970s, when OPEC entered into an agreement with the United States to sell oil only in U.S. dollars. But as William Engdahl pointed out in a March 2006 editorial, Iran is not alone in wanting to drop the dollar as its oil currency; and war with Iran has been in the cards as part of the U.S. Greater Middle East strategy since the 1990s, long before it threatened to open its own oil bourse.

Meeting Customer Needs by Making Microlending Products Sharia Compliant

The Islamic finance industry has experienced tremendous growth and increasing popularity over the years. But while Islamic Finance Industry is regarded as one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, there are still many Islamic customers whose banking needs are not being met. In fact, it is estimated that 72% of people in Muslim-majority countries do not have access to lending products or credit products due to their poverty level.

Islamic institutions, and institutions with Islamic divisions, however, have moved into a position where they can now reach low-income individuals needing Sharia-compliant banking services. One of the most valuable services that an Islamic bank can offer to this type of customer is Sharia-compliant "microfinance" products. These types of products and services are often linked to poor or low-income clients. Consequently, there is a growing demand from the lower-income population for Islamic products, which may be otherwise unavailable to these individuals.

By providing Sharia-compliant products, banks have the opportunity to reach the growing market, create a wide and loyal customer base and be seen as a positive force in the community. But in order to meet the needs of these customers, there are certain steps that banks must take to ensure that the microlending products they offer follow the concepts of Sharia, and are compliant with bank regulations as well as Islamic banking policies. To accomplish this, banks must focus on training.

Implementation of Sharia Compliance

One of the easiest Sharia-compliant structures that can be used to create specific microfinancing products includes the Murabahah (cost-plus financing) and Musharakah (partnership).

Allah Economics

Some things are definitely meant not to be, like the Prophet Mohammed teaching capitalism to the West.

One great confusion in the otherwise already greatly confused societies of Islam is the combination and interaction of spiritual and temporal powers. Unlike the West where Church and State are separate, independent and each sovereign, Islam unites State and Religion together with less than auspicious results. Because State and Religion are one and only, for centuries Muslims have developed ways to integrate religious beliefs with the external economic realities of the nations they lived in. This has had varying degrees of compatibility with the empires and customs they encountered. For example, commerce has adapted to "al-urf", the custom. But to adapt merchantism is one thing, to build a national financial structure with which to supervise and monitor all economic aspects of a country is quite another. The West has done it, sure ... after two-thousand years of history, trial and errors. How can Islam even remotely hope to do it in twenty years.

Since the mid 80's Muslim bankers and religious leaders have tried to develop ways to integrate Islamic Law on usage of money with modern concepts of ethical investing. By carbon-copying western financial systems and adapting them to the religious tenets of the Qu'ran, the idea was to reinvent the wheel. But the result is a hybrid of Capitalism mixed with Socialism and sprinkled with a heavy dose of politicism so characteristic of Islamic leaders - a kind of Frankenstein with a wicked soul, so to speak. Unfortunately this notion of Islamic economics and finance bound by religious tenets is a dysfunction of economic realities and an inhibition on the development of the regions of the world where Islam is most influential, and where traditional Islamic Law remains a factor in the Middle East ongoing economic disappointments. The weakness of the region's private economic sectors and its human capital deficiency stand among the lasting consequences of the application of traditional Islamic Law to commerce and finance.

Who Owns Nigeria - Christians or Muslims?

Nigeria, a country blessed by the Almighty God, is made up so many parts. All of these parts are associated with one form of religion or the other. However, there are two prominent religions that are practiced by the larger population of the country - Christianity and Islam. For obvious reasons, these religions have been struggling to maintain a leadership position or superiority over the others.

The government at the centre has always been watching the religious drama as it unfolds on daily basis. Most leaders have often been tempted to take sides with the ugly development thereby soiling their hands in the murky waters of religious extremism. In places, where the Christians are in majority, Muslims cry foul, alleging marginalization and same thing happens in places where the Muslims are in majority. In such areas, introducing oneself as a member of one religion where the other is in majority is to say the least, creating animosity.

In situations as bad as this, the central government is expected to remain neutral and unbiased arbitrator in matters of this nature. A perfect example is the seizure of all the Christian (Mission) schools by the Federal Republic of Nigeria years back. It should be noted that, the Federal Government of Nigeria acted in line with true "federalism", the nature of these schools notwithstanding. Nationals who do not subscribe to the Christian religion will be free to acquire Western Education without engendering religious jealousy. Though, without apology, the Federal Government of Nigeria, it should be noted, acted in the interest of national unity to create an environment where Muslims and Christians will feel free in a plural society, attend the same school, and interact socially, without being maligned.

Prince Karim Aga Khan - A True Leader of Islam

11th July 2007 marks a landmark in the history of the Ismaili Muslim community, as this day marks the completion of the 50th year of Imamate of the leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, Prince Karim Aga Khan 1V. He is the current (49th) Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. His contribution in the field of education, medicine, architecture, social work, institution building, relief work, etc., is spectacular. He always tried to bring the positive image of Islam in front of others. His attractive personality has influenced many Muslim brothers to work for the welfare of the people. He is the direct descendant of Sir Aga Khan 111, whose contribution for the establishment of Pakistan can never be forgotten.

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Aga Khan IV is the eldest son of Prince Aly Salman Khan and his wife, Princess Tajudowlah. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland on December 13, 1936. His brother name is Prince Amyn, and sister name is Princess Yasmin Aga Khan. The Aga Khan spent his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, where his early education was done by private tutoring. The Aga Khan later attended the Institute le Rosey in Switzerland. He graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a BA Honors Degree in Islamic history. As a modern leader of Islam, he always tried to emphasize to improve the lives of the Muslims.

Following the death of his grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan, Prince Karim, at the age of 20, became the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on 11 July 1957.

Why Islamic People Do Not Believe In the Holocaust

There is a way to clarify our understanding of the conflict in the Middle East and the polarization of Islamic people with Israel. It requires that we take a longer view of the events that have generated the conflict and the interests that fuel it today. This is not a futile exercise. It leads to the realization that the conflict can be resolved and that the resolution shall bring great benefit to all the world.

Let us then, begin at the beginning.

Germany was defeated in the First World War. Its cities were ravaged. Its lands were poisoned. Its people were sick, exhausted and impoverished.

The victors, the Allies---France, England, and Russia--looted the manufacturing and industrial resources, tore up the railroad lines and stripped the countryside of agricultural products. The German mark was near worthless in trade. The government was unstable and between 1918 and 1932, there were only ineffective governments which failed to restore social or political order to rebuild the country

The Great Depression caused world wide economic failures. Unemployment in the US and developed nations ran 25% or more.

In Germany, it was far worse. By 1932, Germany's unemployment rate was 70%. Social chaos and mass rioting was the result of starvation, soaring crime, and failure of the basic infrastructure for food, water, sewage and medical care. Disease was rampant as people were dying in the streets and left to rot.

In 1932, it was estimated that within five years, forty percent of the population would be dead.

Kabul Bank: How Afghanistan's Future was Jeopardized

Sadly, there are no limits to how much careless Afghan leaders are willing to gamble with their country's fate for personal gain.

The recent takeover of Kabul Bank to avert total meltdown of the country's financial system is just the latest proof that this government, corrupt to the very core, is a bigger threat to Afghan stability than the Taliban, the opium trade, and the West's failing war put together. Perhaps it should come as no surprise, then, that less than a third of Afghans cast a vote in the recent parliamentary elections.

Worse yet, there are no signs of contrition or real willingness to change a course that could easily lead to not only a failed bank, but to a failed state, civil war and bloodshed. And, from many Afghan authorities, it's more of the same: denial.

The story of Kabul Bank begins in 2004 with the cautious optimism of a country at war. Back then this Islamic financial entity had the formidable task of becoming the backbone of a non-existent economy. That is, to give Afghans a safe place to save their money, to encourage an entrepreneurial middle class, and to help finance the long road toward stability, while undermining the Taliban's hold on the country's economy.

On the surface, privately owned Kabul Bank seemed to be doing just that. At the end of 2009, it was Afghanistan's largest private bank in terms of business volume, branches, customers and employees, with assets of slightly more than $1 billion and liabilities of $991 million. It had correspondent agreements with banks in eight countries, including Saudi Arabia, controlled about 40 percent of the country's financial system and, until recently, held around $1.3 billion in deposits.

The Bank Robbers

9/11 was a heist; just as if the nine hijackers had walked into the largest financial institution in the world armed with Boing 747's, prepared to die for their cause. But the cause was not terrorism, because frankly, and no one would argue, terrorism is not a cause. It is a symptom, like a sneeze to the common cold.

No-the cause was bald-faced robbery. Those nine men, recruited by high-powered international gangsters were pawns in the high stakes game of stealing the US economy in broad daylight right from under our noses.

They were aided and abetted by the newly and illegally installed President of the United States. It never had a chance of being otherwise. The world watched in amazement that November of 2000 when any and all contenders for the highest job in the land were summarily brushed aside to favor the most incompetent, inarticulate former drunk and drug-addict George Walker Bush; a man whose incompetence and disregard for other's interest and indeed human life had a proven track record.

As Governor of Texas George Bush oversaw the execution of death row inmates by a percentage of over two to one over any gubernatorial administration of that State before or since; so he was prepared, and indeed well rehearsed, learned and practiced in the mass killing of innocent civilians.

Given the Bush family's association with the bin Laden clan, it is not hard to imagine that a deal was put in place to present Osama bin Laden as the alleged terrorist mastermind when the fact was he was nothing of the sort. In this light it is easy to understand why no member of the bin Laden has ever been in danger of arrest or prosecution and why Osama bin Laden himself is free to come and go, apparently seeking medical treatment, and produce well staged videos and internet broadcasts. Could a wanted criminal, a terrorist and murderer, ever be allowed to act with such open impunity if the former President Bush were not a business associate and family friend of bin Laden's billionaire clan? It is equally unlikely that such a lethal scheme could have been conceived outside of their intimate circle.

Islamic Securitization Economic Risk Factors in Shari'ah View

ISLAMIC SECURITIZATION NEEDS MORE THOUGHT

Securitization is a process that has been heavily used by institutions offering Islamic financial services (IIFSs) in substantial volumes for many years, largely for the purposes of cash equivalence and tradability. In other words, Sukukization is process for an immediate liquidation, direct access to capital market, creation of secondary market, and risk segmentation - often referred to simply as sukuk.

The overall process will be arranged or 'securitized' by an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) structured by an IIFS. The pronouncement of Sheik Taqi Usmani (2008) declaring the bulk of the Sukuk issued in the market defied Islamic norms has stirred strong emotions. For some, it seemed to be rather hasty, not well-thought out and opposed to the needs of the Islamic capital market. In the view of others, however, it was no less than a very welcome and long overdue breath of fresh air for the industry. Some critics, who questioned the validity of the Sheikh Usmani pronouncement, argued that the personal view goes against the ruling of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Finance Institutions (AAOIFI) on the permissibility of sukuk as laid down under its Shari'ah Standard 13 ( Resolution to the Fiqh Academy on Securitization).

The view expressed in this article is that rather than contradicting each other, AAOIFI's Shari'ah Standard 13 on securitization and sukuk real application which is objected by well respected Shari'ah scholars whom are calling for real Sukukization; are actually both in agreement with each other, even though it may not have been explicitly stated.

Addressing the Need For Women's Banking Services in the Muslim World

Throughout the Muslim world, banks and financial institutions have experienced a significant rise in their number of female customers in recent years. The number of banks and investment companies created specifically for women has skyrocketed across the Middle East. Estimated to control around $246 billion of the region's wealth (projected to hit $383 billion by 2011) , women in the Middle East are regarded today by international banks as financial powerhouses.

The recent rise in this market can be attributed to the increasing role of Muslim women in the workplace. Responsible for controlling household and family finances for decades, women have also experienced new empowerment and freedom in how they spend their money. With new opportunities for education on the rise and more and more women entering the workforce, women have become crucial target customers to the financial industry. Banks can tap into this growing market by providing banking services to their growing number of female customers and by training their sales and customer service personnel to better sell and service this important customer segment.

The Role of Women in the Muslim World
It is not a new concept for Muslim women to be in control of the family finances, but now they are empowered to step out of the home, cash in hand. They have money to spend and invest and they are looking for the same opportunities made available to men. A 2007 study by the International Finance Corporation, an arm of the World Bank, found that a third of women-owned enterprises in the United Arab Emirates generated over $100,000 a year, compared to only 13% of American women-owned firms.

Women on the Home Front

How Important is Iran to the West and Why Iranians Support the Islamic Republic?

Iran, meaning the land of Arians, is the 18th largest country in the world, with nearly 80 million population, with impressive advancements in science and technology since the 1979 Revolution and establishment of the Islamic Republic. It ranks 8th in arms production in the world, with 11 million trained paramilitary on reserve. It is a country of special geostrategic significance due to its central location in the Middle East and between Europe and Asia. Iran is bordered on the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, on the west by Iraq, northwest by Turkey, on the north by Russia and Kazakhstan, Iran also holds an important position in international energy security and world economy because of its huge reserves of oil and natural gas. Thus, it is utmost important particularly to governments in Europe and United States to understand the Iranian mind and system of government if they desire to have good relations with it.

One of the essential problems toward understanding the nature of the Revolutionary Islamic Republic of Iran is the lack of knowledge of the concept "Islamic Republic." The result has been a serious misunderstanding of governing principles, political structure, decision making process, the system of operation, and the bases for foreign relations. For proper understanding of this concept, one has to pay attention first to the structure of Islamic religion and then within this context consider the meaning of the republic and ensuing form of government.