The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues Analyzes issues of liberal concern and gives readers a digest of what is reported in over forty newspapers throughout the world to engage them in critical thinking issues. Statistics Unique Visitors: Total Unique Visitors: Outgoing: Total Outgoing: 0 0 57 8575

Articles from The Impudent Observer - Global Liberal Issues

President Karzai Abandons Local Government to Military 2007-09-20 21:16:18 Sayed Yaqub Ibrahimi, on the staff of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting depicts local government in Afghanistan as increasingly under the control of local military commanders. Habib Rassoul told him that his wife was kidnapped by a commander Piram Qul who refuses to release her back to the family. He complained to local officials who merely shrugged their shoulders. A member of the Takhar council, who would not give his name, said: “Every single commander has created his own local government in the districts. they do whatever they please with no regard for the law.” In the province of Helmand, Taleban Sharia courts now handle many complaints by people who prefer them to corrupt local officials. Bush’s decision to invade Iraq before completing the task of restoring law and order to Afghanistan has left a legacy of complete chaos at the local level. The Taleban has moved back to power in many areas of the country. Six years ago there was a golden opportunity to ... President

Muslim Group Issues Fatwa AGAINST Killing Swedish Cartoonist 2007-09-20 18:53:45 Two Muslim groups denounced al-Qaeda’s death threat against Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilk because he drew a cartoon in which Mohammad’s face was on a dog’s body. Sheikh Al-Baghdadi offered up to $150,000 if someone would split the throat of Vilk “like that of a lamb.” The European Fatwa Council issued a fatwa against such death threats saying,”we are not agreeing with al-Qaeda’s statement. We do not believe someone should be killed for this. That is not Islam.” The European Federation for islamic organizations which is located in 29 countries also joined in opposition to al-Qaeda. One wonders how many American media outlets will feature stories about two important Muslim organizations which oppose persecution of people who defame their religious leader? I am certain the al-Qaeda statement will be given prominence so that most people come to believe all Muslims were offended by the cartoon and seek vengeance against the cartoonist. ...

Osama Bin Laden Calls For Musharraf’s Death 2007-09-20 17:49:47 In his third video released within three weeks, Osama bin Laden urged the people of Pakistan to rebel against the rule of President Musharraf. he termed the president an infidel who must be removed. “So when the capability is there, it is obligatory to rebel against the apostate ruler as is the case now.” Osama bin Laden was particularly angry at the attack on the Red Mosque in Islamabad in July when Pakistan troops killed dozens of militant holed up in a mosque/school. The problem faced by Musharraf is that polls indicate Osama bin Laden is more highly respected than himself. His close ties with the United States and feeble efforts to confront the Taliban have not won him many friends in any area of the world. ...

Humong Refugees — Forgotten Aftermath Of Vietnam War 2007-09-20 17:38:39 The government of Thailand has decided to repatriate 8,000 Hmong refugees who have lived in their nation for over thirty years after escaping communist rule in Laos. The Hmong fought alongside America in the Vietnam conflict and this group was never allowed an opportunity to enter America, they have languished in refugee camps in Thailand. Human Rights condemned the return of the Hmong noting they fled from “political persecution and rights abuses” and face the prospect of discrimination once back in Laos. Thailand has virtually ignored these people to the extent of not even providing education for the children. Where is the United States on this issue? The Hmong risked all in aiding American military forces and now they are abandoned once again. For once, President Bush might support with action his brave words about helping the oppressed of the world. ...

Iran Condemns US Attacks On IAEA Director 2007-09-20 17:28:33 Dr. Shireen Mazari who works at a Strategic Studies Institute in Islamabad, was critical of American and European attacks on the integrity of the Internation Atomic Energy Agency’s director, El Baradel, becacuse he refuses jumping on the bandwagon of blaming Iran for failing to work on resolving atomic energy issues. She points out: “The IAEA under his leadership has proactively sought to resolve the issue peacefully by dialoguing with Iran instead of supporting the American position of seeking confrontation through provocation so that a pretext can be provided for U.S. military action. Remember Iraq and the WMD issue.” The Impudent Observer is not oblivious to Iran’s duplicity in proclaiming non-intervention but secretly aiding insurgent forces. However, there is no immediate crisis which must be resolved by bombing or other forms of intervention. There is at least two or more years before Iran has possession of an atomic bomb. We argue the importance of openi ...

Lebanon In Shock Over Latest Assassination 2007-09-20 15:15:29 The ongoing assassination continues of Lebanese officials who oppose Syria’s involvement in the affairs of their nation. Member of Parliament Antoine Ghanem of the right-wing Christian Phalange Party was killed when his car was destroyed by a huge bomb explosion. The killing of such figures is aimed at reducing membership in Parliament of those who want Lebanon to be freed from Syrian interference. The United Nations expressed anger at the killing, and the Security Council “reiterated its condemnation of all targeted assassination of Lebanese leaders.” Syria continues its efforts to get rid of those who oppose its influence of Lebanon. Perhaps, if Syria were more engaged with other nations and brought into the political process, Western nations might have leverage to halt this type of violence in Lebanon. ...

Indonesian Press Denounces Court Verdict Against Time Magazine 2007-09-20 08:28:54 The head of the Indonesian Press Council made a forceful defense of Time magazine for its provocative investigative reporting which uncovered financial manipulation by Soeharto, the former dictator of Indonesia. Press Council head Atmakusmuah said Time did an excellent job of writing a “balanced piece” which was not challenged by the Soeharto family or lawyers at the time. He accused the Supreme Court of acting on the basis of emotion rather than facts. “The decision,” he said, “could truly damage the freedom of the press in Indonesia.” It is important for Indonesian journalists to defend Time since this decision casts doubts on their ability to conduct investigative reporting. ...

President Gul Of Turkey Defends Headscarf Proposal 2007-09-20 08:17:11 President Abdullah Gul spoke forcefully at a press conference in denouncing opposition to the proposed change in the Turkish constitution which would over-turn the ban on women wearing a headscarf while attending college. He defended the proposal noting, “there is no such problem in Western societies but there is a problem in Turkey and I believe it is the first duty of those in politics to solve the problem.” The proposal has met with strong opposition from university rectors who fear lifting the ban is the first step in a move to make religion an important factor in university life. Gul told the rectors “they should mind their own business.” President Gul’s comments will do nothing to alleviate concerns by secular groups within Turkish society. His Justice and Development Party only won 47% of the vote and as of this moment in time has never gained a majority vote of the Turkish people. Perhaps, meeting with rectors and giving assurances would be more be ... President

Rice Promises Substantive Results At Palestinian Peace Conference 2007-09-20 08:04:30 Ameerican Secretary of State Condi Rice met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and promised the upcoming US sponsored peace conference “has to be substantive and advance the cause of a Palestinian state.” Abbas wants Syria and Lebanon invited to the meeting but it is uncertain if those nations will receive an invitation. Hamas leaders responded by saying, “any agreement that might result form the US-designed peace conference this fall will not be binding for the Palestinian people.” As Rice holds meetings during her brief stay-over in the Middle East, the Israel government is threatening to cut off water and fuel to Gaza unless shelling ceases of their territory. Abbas denounced the threat as dangerous to the health of Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia is yet uncertain of attending the meeting because it doubts anything of importance will emerge. Prime Minister of Israel has yet to commit his nation to substantive results which casts a shadow over the ent ...

Will PUtin “Sell” Viktor Zukbov As Next President? 2007-09-20 07:48:22 President Putin’s appointment of the unknown Viktor Zubkov as prime minister continues to baffle and confuse many Russians, particularly more prominent leaders who expected their names might be on the presidential list. It appears Putin may be organizing a mass selling of the minor bureaucrat who is not known to over 90% of the Russian population. Putin will throw all the resources of modern television to stage a campaign which seeks to portray Zukbov as a energetic and forceful leader. Putin may well be creating a “leader” out of nothing. He wants someone who is paternalistic and will maintain the status quo. The last thing on Putin’s agenda is a forceful president who will make important political changes in order to broaden democracy in Russia. Only about 36% of Russians in a recent poll even cared about a democratic political system which makes the obscure Zukbov a perfect stand in for Putin who will take a four year break and run Russia from behind the sce ... President

Prime Minister Gordon Brown Demands Ouster of Mugabe 2007-09-20 07:34:43 A defiant Gordon Brown informed African leaders he would not attend the European and African summit meeting to be held in Portugal in December unless Robert Mugabe was not allowed to attend. The English prime minister said he could not be present at a meeting with President Mugabe who has wrecked his nation plunging it into utter ruin with an inflation rate of 7600% and 80% unemployed. Brown noted thousands of Zimbabweans are fleeing their country seeking food and jobs in other nations. Gordon Brown is the first European or African leader to take a stand against the thuggish regime of Mugabe who beats up and imprisons those who oppose him. He has transformed a thriving nation into an economic basket case by driving out productive people and enriching his own friends and supporters. It is about time leaders of Europe and Africa let this petty tyrant know his presence is not welcomed. As Brown put it to African leaders, “it’s him or me.” Amen ...

Bhutto Denounces Musharraf For Not Resigning From Army 2007-09-19 19:46:44 Benazir Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party said President Musharraf must resign as head of the Pakistan army by November. She had expected he would resign that office if he wanted to run again for the presidency. Musharraf had been given a waiver allowing him to hold head of army and president positions until November, 2007. Musharraf has indicated he will not resign as head of the army until AFTER he is elected president. Musharraf continues making mistakes that not only endanger his position, but weaken the ability of Pakistan to assume a leading role in the Islamic world. In Islamic nations in which democracy is practiced there is less evidence of terrorist groups gaining support from the population. If Musharraf would support democracy, he could damage Muslim fundamentalism. ...

US Suspends Travel For Diplomats In Iraq 2007-09-19 18:18:17 This past weekend’s shootings in which the security company, Blackwater, USA, opened fire and killed several Iraqi civilians has resulted in the American Embassy in Baghdad forbidding anyone from leaving the heavily guarded Green Zone. Blackwater initially claimed it was ambushed while guarding a State Department motorcade, but subsequent reports indicate the incident began when a car failed to halt and Blackwater personnel opened fire killing a couple and their child. Later, it appears a Blackwater helicopter killed twenty people. The use of civilians to perform military functions has been among the greatest mistakes in American military history. These civilians employees can commit any crime and get away from being tried in Iraq. Historically, soldiers did the work of soldiers which meant better trained people performing in the field. Blackwater personnel are essentially mercenaries and historically, mercenaries do not make the best soldiers. What does America now do since its ...

Iran Warns Israel On October 12th It Will Reveal Retaliation 2007-09-19 13:23:44 The Iranian government warned Israel that any attack upon its territory would result in an Iranian air and missile bombardment of Israel. Spokesperson Gholam Hossein Elham said Israel and the world will be provided further information on Iran’s plans on October 12– the last Friday of Ramadan which is now known as “Qods Day”– a day on which to protest Zionism. Deputy air chief General Mohammad Alavi told the Fars news agency, “We have drawn up a plan to strike back at Israel with bombers if this regime(Israel) makes a silly mistake.” He also said Iran now possesses an upgraded version of the Shihab-3 missile which has a range of 1,200 miles. General Alavi warned the United States, “Now we possess the necessary systems to confront them(cruise missiles).” The Fars news agency turned down AP requests for a tape of the general’s comments. Many American Jews continue believing George Bush is a friend of Israel. If Bush follows throu ...

Headscarf Issue Controversy Rocks Turkish Universities 2007-09-19 13:02:27 The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey is writing a new constitution which apparently will end the ban on women wearing a headscarf in a university. Turkish secularists regard the wearing of a headscarf as a religious statement and seek to continue the secular characteristic of their universities. The Committee of University Rectors issued a statement indicating strong opposition to lifting the ban and threatened to take the case to the European Court Of Human Rights. Professor Ural Akbulut expressed the feelings of many secular educators: “In Libya, there is no law about not covering oneself. However, over 20 years all girls in universities covered themselves due to pressure.” He argued there is no gray area when it comes to secularism. It is difficult for Americans and many Europeans to grasp the intensity of feeling among Turkish secularists on the issue of a woman wearing a headscarf while attending college. Unfortunately, for members of the AKP who r ...