ANALYSIS
The impact of Islamic Revolution of Iran on Lebanon
Compiled by Al Watan Daily
LEBANON: Over the past decade, Hezbollah has undergone a major transformation. From its origins as a radical sectarian militia in the 1980s, it has moved into the core of the Lebanese political life. Hezbollah could acquire the institutional trappings of a state and the capabilities of an army.
This organization wasn''t formed in one day by one man or because of a magic stick, many external and internal factors played major roles in its formation. Local and international events in addition to ideological reasons helped this organization to emerge. When we hear the name of Hezbollah many words and expressions come to our mind such as Shia, Iran, Lebanon the hate against Israel, and Sayed Hassan Nasrallah. Why do we have these preconceptions? Why these words, ideas, and thoughts come to our mind?
This group has a strong connection with the IranianـSyrian regional axis politically and economically. This condition has polarized Lebanon, deepening the divide between the Hezbollahـled opposition and the proـU.S. March 14 forces the 2006 summer war between Hezbollah and Israel, which Hezbollah celebrated as a "divine" victory, completed the realignment and remobilizing of forces in the Middle East. The Middle East policies of Iran and Syria are linking strategically to Hezbollah''s political dominance in Lebanon.
The ideological foundations of Hezbollah were laid in the 1960s and 1970s in Lebanon by three religious scholars: Ayatollahs Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, Muhammad Mahdi Shamseddine and Imam Musa AlـSadr. The party''s Islamist ideology, was affected by the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini''s revolutionary doctrine of Velayatـe faqih (Guardianship of the Jurisconsult), which dominated the regime in Iran in 1979. These religious scholars sought to empower and unify Lebanon''s Shi''a community.1
Under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, Iran''s Islamic revolution of February 11,1979 created an earthquake across the region, affecting the map of alliances and the extent of hegemony as well as the very interests of external powers. Iran''s stature shifted from the policeman of the Gulf region and an ally to American and Israel to one of an Islamic regime rejecting American hegemony, supporting the rights of Palestinian, supporting and creating resistance groups in the region.
In Lebanon, religious scholars and Islamic groups detected a source of hope and support in the New Iran. upon the foundation of Hezbollah, it saw a possibility for achieving its goals and aspirations through the backing of Iran.
The relationship between Iran and Hezbollah was developed in a successful way, Many reasons lay behind this success. Both Iran and Hezbollah believe in the jurisdiction of the Jurist Theologian and that Imam Khomeni was himself that leaderـ the embodiment of this Jurisdiction in this time. Therefore Iran and the party met within an international framework of international leadership legitimacy.
On the other hand, Iran''s choice of an Islamic republican system of government meets with the Islamic principles held by Hezbollah. Also, political concord is existed on the many issues such as the Iranian absolute rejection of superpower hegemony and the support of all liberation movements.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The fuel of Hezbollah
The widespread interest in gaining membership of the Hezbollah has increased dramatically after the clear demonstration of the powerful achievements of their resistance against the Israeli occupation. Another reason is the privileges its members enjoy like health insurance, education and several other benefits. It is not an easy process to join the Hezbollah and even believing in the righteousness of Hezbollah as a resistance organization cannot guarantee membership in this organization. In addition, all those who believe in the party''s political movements may not be compliant with the worship and behavioral edicts of Islam.
The leadership of Hezbollah has laid down the following criteria to attract memberships: The creation of a new party framework that reduces the specifications and objectives adopted by Hezbollah. The creation of independent groups and circles, or participation in their creation and the requirement of peripheral membership
An Islamic Saying: Can ye wait for us aught save one of two good things (death or victory in Allah''s way), while we wait for you that Allah will affect you with a doom from Him or at our bands. Await then! Lo! We are waiting with you.1
Islam carries tremendous recruiting potential for followers. It requires concentrating on the spiritual aspects of life, abandonment of physical and soulful pleasures in favor of more virtuous goals. In return we are showered with the promise of paradise and of Almighty God''s blessings. Hezbollah has succeeded in the recruitment and mobilization efforts of their aims because the party is harmonious with Islam''s teachings.
One of the greatest events in history took place in Karbala where Imam Alـ Hussein2 and 70 (or 73) of his followers, the finest of his family, faced martyrdom in defense of the nation. "I have come out seeking to mend my grandfather''s nation,"3 Imam AlـHussein said. His quest was to abolish the rule of Yazid, the oppressing deviant governor, the killer of venerated souls, promulgator of lechery and wantonness. "He who is of my kind can''t elect his kind," he added. Knowing that his stance would lead to martyrdom, Imam Hussein declared: "God, to Who belongs all might and majesty has willed to see me die, killed and slaughtered, in cruelty and aggression."
The organization of Hezbollah is nurtured with the exemplary story of Imam AlـHussein and his followers and is enriched and reinforced by their conduct. Man deems these sacrifices little as compared to theirs, and understands the importance of confrontation even with no hope for victory. Simply put, this story is the fuel of Hezbollah.
1 Surah .9, AlـTawbah, Verse 52
2 The grandson of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), The son of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb
3 Imam Hussein
The leadership of Hezbollah has laid down the following criteria to attract memberships: The creation of a new party framework that reduces the specifications and objectives adopted by Hezbollah. The creation of independent groups and circles, or participation in their creation and the requirement of peripheral membership
An Islamic Saying: Can ye wait for us aught save one of two good things (death or victory in Allah''s way), while we wait for you that Allah will affect you with a doom from Him or at our bands. Await then! Lo! We are waiting with you.1
Islam carries tremendous recruiting potential for followers. It requires concentrating on the spiritual aspects of life, abandonment of physical and soulful pleasures in favor of more virtuous goals. In return we are showered with the promise of paradise and of Almighty God''s blessings. Hezbollah has succeeded in the recruitment and mobilization efforts of their aims because the party is harmonious with Islam''s teachings.
One of the greatest events in history took place in Karbala where Imam Alـ Hussein2 and 70 (or 73) of his followers, the finest of his family, faced martyrdom in defense of the nation. "I have come out seeking to mend my grandfather''s nation,"3 Imam AlـHussein said. His quest was to abolish the rule of Yazid, the oppressing deviant governor, the killer of venerated souls, promulgator of lechery and wantonness. "He who is of my kind can''t elect his kind," he added. Knowing that his stance would lead to martyrdom, Imam Hussein declared: "God, to Who belongs all might and majesty has willed to see me die, killed and slaughtered, in cruelty and aggression."
The organization of Hezbollah is nurtured with the exemplary story of Imam AlـHussein and his followers and is enriched and reinforced by their conduct. Man deems these sacrifices little as compared to theirs, and understands the importance of confrontation even with no hope for victory. Simply put, this story is the fuel of Hezbollah.
1 Surah .9, AlـTawbah, Verse 52
2 The grandson of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), The son of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb
3 Imam Hussein
U.S.A: The economic devil
Jameel Karaki
The U.S. is controlling the wealth of the world in many ways and through deliberate manipulations. Since the abandonment of the gold standard as a universal monetary system and its replacement it with the fait currency system, the U.S. is financing its domestic growth through the savings of the world. It is the only country in the world that has the right to issue dollars for worldwide use and set the interest rates in a way that meets its domestic interest rates rather than global interest rates. In addition, the United States of America has promoted for the concept of ''Trade Liberalization'' which has opened the access for American businesses to conquer the markets of poor and developing countries by exporting its goods cheaply, in fact, even below the market prices to those countries. This strategy has forced producers in those countries incapable of competing in their own local markets. These factors have also led some countries to fall into the trap of debts and are compelled to borrow money from organizations such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to invest in economic development projects. However, these countries invest in economic development projects, yet, they cannot compete with American companies who control the factors of productions and markets directly or indirectly. In general, polices and conditions tied to IMF loans lead to the foreign control and domination of their economies especially in the financial sectors. Some of these conditions force local financial institutions to open the gates for foreign companies to own the biggest shares in local financial institutions. Through these games, American corporations invaded the markets of developing countries in an easy, free and unique way that discouraged local corporations in those countries from boosting their own products and exporting them to the global market.
The American domination over the world economy and financial systems are presented to us through organizations such as the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. No one can be nominated for a highـranking position in these organizations without the American approval of the potential candidates. This domination can be as simple as the hamburger sandwich from American franchises such Burger King or MacDonald''s.
The hamburger sandwich is presented based on a system. It is impossible to take half of the sandwich or take one part and leave the other. You may decide to leave the onion or tomato but when you pay, you pay for the price of the whole sandwich. After all, the only way to have a better global economic system is to help developing nations to start preparing their own hamburgers in their own kitchens and this will never happen in the short run because it requires a full control of the factors of production in America.ـ
The U.S. is controlling the wealth of the world in many ways and through deliberate manipulations. Since the abandonment of the gold standard as a universal monetary system and its replacement it with the fait currency system, the U.S. is financing its domestic growth through the savings of the world. It is the only country in the world that has the right to issue dollars for worldwide use and set the interest rates in a way that meets its domestic interest rates rather than global interest rates. In addition, the United States of America has promoted for the concept of ''Trade Liberalization'' which has opened the access for American businesses to conquer the markets of poor and developing countries by exporting its goods cheaply, in fact, even below the market prices to those countries. This strategy has forced producers in those countries incapable of competing in their own local markets. These factors have also led some countries to fall into the trap of debts and are compelled to borrow money from organizations such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to invest in economic development projects. However, these countries invest in economic development projects, yet, they cannot compete with American companies who control the factors of productions and markets directly or indirectly. In general, polices and conditions tied to IMF loans lead to the foreign control and domination of their economies especially in the financial sectors. Some of these conditions force local financial institutions to open the gates for foreign companies to own the biggest shares in local financial institutions. Through these games, American corporations invaded the markets of developing countries in an easy, free and unique way that discouraged local corporations in those countries from boosting their own products and exporting them to the global market.
The American domination over the world economy and financial systems are presented to us through organizations such as the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. No one can be nominated for a highـranking position in these organizations without the American approval of the potential candidates. This domination can be as simple as the hamburger sandwich from American franchises such Burger King or MacDonald''s.
The hamburger sandwich is presented based on a system. It is impossible to take half of the sandwich or take one part and leave the other. You may decide to leave the onion or tomato but when you pay, you pay for the price of the whole sandwich. After all, the only way to have a better global economic system is to help developing nations to start preparing their own hamburgers in their own kitchens and this will never happen in the short run because it requires a full control of the factors of production in America.ـ
Boycotting the products of hate and ignorance
Jameel W. Karaki
Several fundamental groups in the Arab World keep calling the mass public to boycott American products and companies through the media and or via the Internet. This boycotting issue can affect the interests of major American corporations and seal the fate of those contracts that are worth millions to American companies in a way that can force local governments to use the services of European or Asian companies. In this stage the logic of boycotting makes no sense and is illogical too. We take pains to send a flood of emails to boycott American products and forward them online by using the wonderful Microsoft software''s called "Which is not an Arabic company." The contradictions also come at a time when we hear some religious leaders and clerics calling on us to boycott the American products and yet, when we meet them outside mosques to be blessed by the holy halo surrounding them, we see them driving the ultimate luxury of a Chevrolet sedan. Moreover, the motherboards of their laptops and desktops are powered by Intel. In addition to that, all those who describe the U.S. as the enemy, go to wars with the M16 American assault rifles and use the American night vision binoculars to watch over their enemies on the battlefield.
To be more objective, we suffer from the "knowledge of compound ignorance." In order to produce alternative products we should have the required human and financial capital. We lack innovation, freedom of expression and investment in research and development. However, what we do not lack is the ability of talking about our previous glories and the pride of having three religions revealed on our lands. We attack the positive sides of American education, yet dare to talk about the dream of procuring a green card.
Let''s take a look at the system of liberal arts at American universities and how they produce well educated critical thinkers. In sharp contrast, let''s look at the Arabic universities and their weak curricula that enhance the concept of memorizing and abolishing the concept of critical, logical and systematic thinking that destroy the students'' potential. The top ranked universities around the world are located in America. To be fair enough, it is the Americans who encouraged some of the Arab elites and scholars to promote liberalism and scientific advancement in the region. Boycotting American products without finding alternative products and factors of production would be only futile and unreal.
Finally, it is utter shame for a nation like ours; a nation that eats vegetables that it does not grow and fights with weapons that it does not manufacture. The Americans have conquered space while our prisons and planes have no space, yet we still live in an isolated world created by our own selves. Their products have conquered global markets and our own ignorance has invaded us. Also we are a nation that enjoys a lot of resources that have been bestowed upon us in an unfeasible way. We lag behind in the changes happening around us. We can never be an advanced nation and liberate ourselves from the ignorance that we live in unless we boycott the products of hate and ignorance that are produced by us.
Several fundamental groups in the Arab World keep calling the mass public to boycott American products and companies through the media and or via the Internet. This boycotting issue can affect the interests of major American corporations and seal the fate of those contracts that are worth millions to American companies in a way that can force local governments to use the services of European or Asian companies. In this stage the logic of boycotting makes no sense and is illogical too. We take pains to send a flood of emails to boycott American products and forward them online by using the wonderful Microsoft software''s called "Which is not an Arabic company." The contradictions also come at a time when we hear some religious leaders and clerics calling on us to boycott the American products and yet, when we meet them outside mosques to be blessed by the holy halo surrounding them, we see them driving the ultimate luxury of a Chevrolet sedan. Moreover, the motherboards of their laptops and desktops are powered by Intel. In addition to that, all those who describe the U.S. as the enemy, go to wars with the M16 American assault rifles and use the American night vision binoculars to watch over their enemies on the battlefield.
To be more objective, we suffer from the "knowledge of compound ignorance." In order to produce alternative products we should have the required human and financial capital. We lack innovation, freedom of expression and investment in research and development. However, what we do not lack is the ability of talking about our previous glories and the pride of having three religions revealed on our lands. We attack the positive sides of American education, yet dare to talk about the dream of procuring a green card.
Let''s take a look at the system of liberal arts at American universities and how they produce well educated critical thinkers. In sharp contrast, let''s look at the Arabic universities and their weak curricula that enhance the concept of memorizing and abolishing the concept of critical, logical and systematic thinking that destroy the students'' potential. The top ranked universities around the world are located in America. To be fair enough, it is the Americans who encouraged some of the Arab elites and scholars to promote liberalism and scientific advancement in the region. Boycotting American products without finding alternative products and factors of production would be only futile and unreal.
Finally, it is utter shame for a nation like ours; a nation that eats vegetables that it does not grow and fights with weapons that it does not manufacture. The Americans have conquered space while our prisons and planes have no space, yet we still live in an isolated world created by our own selves. Their products have conquered global markets and our own ignorance has invaded us. Also we are a nation that enjoys a lot of resources that have been bestowed upon us in an unfeasible way. We lag behind in the changes happening around us. We can never be an advanced nation and liberate ourselves from the ignorance that we live in unless we boycott the products of hate and ignorance that are produced by us.
Boycotting the products of hate and ignorance
Jameel W. Karaki
Several fundamental groups in the Arab World keep calling the mass public to boycott American products and companies through the media and or via the Internet. This boycotting issue can affect the interests of major American corporations and seal the fate of those contracts that are worth millions to American companies in a way that can force local governments to use the services of European or Asian companies. In this stage the logic of boycotting makes no sense and is illogical too. We take pains to send a flood of emails to boycott American products and forward them online by using the wonderful Microsoft software''s called "Which is not an Arabic company." The contradictions also come at a time when we hear some religious leaders and clerics calling on us to boycott the American products and yet, when we meet them outside mosques to be blessed by the holy halo surrounding them, we see them driving the ultimate luxury of a Chevrolet sedan. Moreover, the motherboards of their laptops and desktops are powered by Intel. In addition to that, all those who describe the U.S. as the enemy, go to wars with the M16 American assault rifles and use the American night vision binoculars to watch over their enemies on the battlefield.
To be more objective, we suffer from the "knowledge of compound ignorance." In order to produce alternative products we should have the required human and financial capital. We lack innovation, freedom of expression and investment in research and development. However, what we do not lack is the ability of talking about our previous glories and the pride of having three religions revealed on our lands. We attack the positive sides of American education, yet dare to talk about the dream of procuring a green card.
Let''s take a look at the system of liberal arts at American universities and how they produce well educated critical thinkers. In sharp contrast, let''s look at the Arabic universities and their weak curricula that enhance the concept of memorizing and abolishing the concept of critical, logical and systematic thinking that destroy the students'' potential. The top ranked universities around the world are located in America. To be fair enough, it is the Americans who encouraged some of the Arab elites and scholars to promote liberalism and scientific advancement in the region. Boycotting American products without finding alternative products and factors of production would be only futile and unreal.
Finally, it is utter shame for a nation like ours; a nation that eats vegetables that it does not grow and fights with weapons that it does not manufacture. The Americans have conquered space while our prisons and planes have no space, yet we still live in an isolated world created by our own selves. Their products have conquered global markets and our own ignorance has invaded us. Also we are a nation that enjoys a lot of resources that have been bestowed upon us in an unfeasible way. We lag behind in the changes happening around us. We can never be an advanced nation and liberate ourselves from the ignorance that we live in unless we boycott the products of hate and ignorance that are produced by us.
Several fundamental groups in the Arab World keep calling the mass public to boycott American products and companies through the media and or via the Internet. This boycotting issue can affect the interests of major American corporations and seal the fate of those contracts that are worth millions to American companies in a way that can force local governments to use the services of European or Asian companies. In this stage the logic of boycotting makes no sense and is illogical too. We take pains to send a flood of emails to boycott American products and forward them online by using the wonderful Microsoft software''s called "Which is not an Arabic company." The contradictions also come at a time when we hear some religious leaders and clerics calling on us to boycott the American products and yet, when we meet them outside mosques to be blessed by the holy halo surrounding them, we see them driving the ultimate luxury of a Chevrolet sedan. Moreover, the motherboards of their laptops and desktops are powered by Intel. In addition to that, all those who describe the U.S. as the enemy, go to wars with the M16 American assault rifles and use the American night vision binoculars to watch over their enemies on the battlefield.
To be more objective, we suffer from the "knowledge of compound ignorance." In order to produce alternative products we should have the required human and financial capital. We lack innovation, freedom of expression and investment in research and development. However, what we do not lack is the ability of talking about our previous glories and the pride of having three religions revealed on our lands. We attack the positive sides of American education, yet dare to talk about the dream of procuring a green card.
Let''s take a look at the system of liberal arts at American universities and how they produce well educated critical thinkers. In sharp contrast, let''s look at the Arabic universities and their weak curricula that enhance the concept of memorizing and abolishing the concept of critical, logical and systematic thinking that destroy the students'' potential. The top ranked universities around the world are located in America. To be fair enough, it is the Americans who encouraged some of the Arab elites and scholars to promote liberalism and scientific advancement in the region. Boycotting American products without finding alternative products and factors of production would be only futile and unreal.
Finally, it is utter shame for a nation like ours; a nation that eats vegetables that it does not grow and fights with weapons that it does not manufacture. The Americans have conquered space while our prisons and planes have no space, yet we still live in an isolated world created by our own selves. Their products have conquered global markets and our own ignorance has invaded us. Also we are a nation that enjoys a lot of resources that have been bestowed upon us in an unfeasible way. We lag behind in the changes happening around us. We can never be an advanced nation and liberate ourselves from the ignorance that we live in unless we boycott the products of hate and ignorance that are produced by us.
The ineffective American placebo effect
Jameel W. Karaki
A Hollywood movieـdrama has been presented to the Arab World by the American administration called ''The twoـstate solution" that has been the basis for serious peace negotiations since the 1967 ArabـIsraeli War. When Arabs decided to join the cast and crew of this movie and participate in its action. Israel in turn expanded its settlements in the West Bank and a large number of disgruntled Arabs started to disbelieve the peace process.
Reinvigorating the peace talks between Israel and the Palestine Authority and relinquishing preference for the use of force to address the region''s problems by the American administration will never lead to a twoـstate solution or solve the historical IsraeliـPalestinian conflict. Yet, it works as a dummy medication (placebo effect) for all those who believe in this solution of the ArabـIsraeli dilemma.
For most Arabs, President Obama is proـIsrael too. They believe that he is just different in his speeches as compared to his two predecessors namely Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. We should admit that President Obama possesses professional oratory skills. He knows precisely what others want to hear. In addition, he was wise enough to choose Cairo as the first station to launch his speech to the Arab World because Egypt is considered as an important center for culture, learning and knowledge.
President Obama''s new Middle East policy, that addresses the needs, interests and aspirations of all those who believe in his expected change will not lead to any sort of concessions from the Israeli side even if Arabs keep offering concessions under the name of the art of negotiation and the theory of meekness.
The twoـstate solution is impossible and unrealistic for many reasons. First of all, creating two states means the existence of two independent states preserving their own security, economy and political life. In contrast, the security of Israel is a threat to Palestine and some of the Arab countries, while the security of Palestine is a threat to the Israeli regime and its existence in the Middle East.
Secondly, the White House is a good listener of the sentiments of Arabs but yet, it is a vital protector and supporter of the Israeli regime in the Middle East. The twoـstate solution is also futile because it requires offering both sides; the Palestinians as well as Israelis their needs and interests on an equal basis. Under the umbrella of the twoـstate solution, the West Bank is supposed to be a Palestine state yet, Israel rejected calls by President Obama to freeze settlement construction in the West Bank, a move that would merge up the Palestinian state with the Gaza Strip, as part of a broader peace agreement. On the other hand, Palestine is divided into two authorities and its leaders ignore calls for the formation of one authority to accomplish the peace process and create internal stability.
Negotiating with Israel under the American sponsorship is a new chapter of the decisive American diplomacy regarding this issue. The U.S. can freeze the construction of the settlements by cutting down on its aid to Israel or imposing sanctions against it. It has the absolute power to impose sanctions and judgments against any country in this world.
President Obama will fail to achieve any realistic progress with his twoـstate solution. And both sides will keep the conflict ongoing for all future generations to come, in a way that the issue will become a challenge for the American interests in the region. This solution works only as placebo effect for all those who believe in the solution of the Arabـ Israeli dilemma. It is a placebo effect for Arabs who have got addicted to the American supply of dummy medications.
A Hollywood movieـdrama has been presented to the Arab World by the American administration called ''The twoـstate solution" that has been the basis for serious peace negotiations since the 1967 ArabـIsraeli War. When Arabs decided to join the cast and crew of this movie and participate in its action. Israel in turn expanded its settlements in the West Bank and a large number of disgruntled Arabs started to disbelieve the peace process.
Reinvigorating the peace talks between Israel and the Palestine Authority and relinquishing preference for the use of force to address the region''s problems by the American administration will never lead to a twoـstate solution or solve the historical IsraeliـPalestinian conflict. Yet, it works as a dummy medication (placebo effect) for all those who believe in this solution of the ArabـIsraeli dilemma.
For most Arabs, President Obama is proـIsrael too. They believe that he is just different in his speeches as compared to his two predecessors namely Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. We should admit that President Obama possesses professional oratory skills. He knows precisely what others want to hear. In addition, he was wise enough to choose Cairo as the first station to launch his speech to the Arab World because Egypt is considered as an important center for culture, learning and knowledge.
President Obama''s new Middle East policy, that addresses the needs, interests and aspirations of all those who believe in his expected change will not lead to any sort of concessions from the Israeli side even if Arabs keep offering concessions under the name of the art of negotiation and the theory of meekness.
The twoـstate solution is impossible and unrealistic for many reasons. First of all, creating two states means the existence of two independent states preserving their own security, economy and political life. In contrast, the security of Israel is a threat to Palestine and some of the Arab countries, while the security of Palestine is a threat to the Israeli regime and its existence in the Middle East.
Secondly, the White House is a good listener of the sentiments of Arabs but yet, it is a vital protector and supporter of the Israeli regime in the Middle East. The twoـstate solution is also futile because it requires offering both sides; the Palestinians as well as Israelis their needs and interests on an equal basis. Under the umbrella of the twoـstate solution, the West Bank is supposed to be a Palestine state yet, Israel rejected calls by President Obama to freeze settlement construction in the West Bank, a move that would merge up the Palestinian state with the Gaza Strip, as part of a broader peace agreement. On the other hand, Palestine is divided into two authorities and its leaders ignore calls for the formation of one authority to accomplish the peace process and create internal stability.
Negotiating with Israel under the American sponsorship is a new chapter of the decisive American diplomacy regarding this issue. The U.S. can freeze the construction of the settlements by cutting down on its aid to Israel or imposing sanctions against it. It has the absolute power to impose sanctions and judgments against any country in this world.
President Obama will fail to achieve any realistic progress with his twoـstate solution. And both sides will keep the conflict ongoing for all future generations to come, in a way that the issue will become a challenge for the American interests in the region. This solution works only as placebo effect for all those who believe in the solution of the Arabـ Israeli dilemma. It is a placebo effect for Arabs who have got addicted to the American supply of dummy medications.
Can cinema cement the relationship between US, Muslim communities?
Jameel W. Karaki
The cinema is not a screen or medium that disseminates moving pictures neither is it the product of billions of dollars invested by Hollywood, Bollywood or Arabic producers but it is a humanitarian message that reflects and incarnates the different aspects of our lives. During my attendance at the Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, I could not but help to observe and see how the cinematic power can be utilized to further the goals of interـcultural understanding among people from different cultures and civilizations. It was also a reflection on the relationship of cultural identities and diversities among all the participants.
On the first day of my arrival, and hours before the opening ceremony, I was totally nervous and tense because of the excitement of my first coverage of such a prestigious cinematic event. The first person received me with a smile and a warm greeting. She was none other than Dr. Connie Van Horne, a Canadian professor, from the Zayed University who volunteered to establish new communication channels and to observe the environment around her and add values of her academic researches about the tourism industry as well as her exposure to different cultural initiatives.
Another volunteer that I met was Maryam Keivani an Iranian cartoonist, who described her volunteering experience as an opportunity to meet new people from different cultures. In my opinion, such events can create mutual respect among the people from different countries and it eradicates preconceived and negative stereotypes that are usually associated to lack of communication.
Recently, President''s Barack Obama administration has been trying to establish a new start with Muslim communities around the world. This new and long road of travel can only start by investing in Hollywoodـproduced moves that reflect what Islam is actually all about? Who is Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), his family and companions? Americans should be educated about the current situation of Islamic sects and the various interpretations of the holy Quran and the Sunnah.
How can we expect some Americans to accept the Islamic cultural notions while some of the American media and cinema expose Muslims as ignorant, stupid, terrorists and trouble makers? To them all Iraqis are Saddam Hussein, they see women are being degraded and all the Muslim communities are camel riders while brandishing swords around the clock aiming and planning to assassinate the American dream. Finally, it should be the role of the US media to promote the positive aspects in the Islamic World in an objective way instead of using cheap film scenarios that degrade both sides and waste the taxpayers'' money on some cheap T.V serials scripted by some cheap writers.
The cinema is not a screen or medium that disseminates moving pictures neither is it the product of billions of dollars invested by Hollywood, Bollywood or Arabic producers but it is a humanitarian message that reflects and incarnates the different aspects of our lives. During my attendance at the Middle East International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, I could not but help to observe and see how the cinematic power can be utilized to further the goals of interـcultural understanding among people from different cultures and civilizations. It was also a reflection on the relationship of cultural identities and diversities among all the participants.
On the first day of my arrival, and hours before the opening ceremony, I was totally nervous and tense because of the excitement of my first coverage of such a prestigious cinematic event. The first person received me with a smile and a warm greeting. She was none other than Dr. Connie Van Horne, a Canadian professor, from the Zayed University who volunteered to establish new communication channels and to observe the environment around her and add values of her academic researches about the tourism industry as well as her exposure to different cultural initiatives.
Another volunteer that I met was Maryam Keivani an Iranian cartoonist, who described her volunteering experience as an opportunity to meet new people from different cultures. In my opinion, such events can create mutual respect among the people from different countries and it eradicates preconceived and negative stereotypes that are usually associated to lack of communication.
Recently, President''s Barack Obama administration has been trying to establish a new start with Muslim communities around the world. This new and long road of travel can only start by investing in Hollywoodـproduced moves that reflect what Islam is actually all about? Who is Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), his family and companions? Americans should be educated about the current situation of Islamic sects and the various interpretations of the holy Quran and the Sunnah.
How can we expect some Americans to accept the Islamic cultural notions while some of the American media and cinema expose Muslims as ignorant, stupid, terrorists and trouble makers? To them all Iraqis are Saddam Hussein, they see women are being degraded and all the Muslim communities are camel riders while brandishing swords around the clock aiming and planning to assassinate the American dream. Finally, it should be the role of the US media to promote the positive aspects in the Islamic World in an objective way instead of using cheap film scenarios that degrade both sides and waste the taxpayers'' money on some cheap T.V serials scripted by some cheap writers.
Is it time to disarm Hezbollah?
Jameel W. Karaki
The latest manifesto by the Hezbollah has made it a turning point in the policy rhetoric and behavior of the party after the last document that was submitted by Sayed Ibrahim Al Amin AlـSayyed 24 years ago. Today, the party is now focusing on the perception of the home nation, resistance, State and political system. Maybe this change was prompted by the political, regional and local circumstances as well as in liberating Palestine and its alliance with Tehran.
This new manifesto also represents the localization of this organization with its proposal of a defensive strategy that is shared among the Lebanese army, people and the armed forces of the Hezbollah against the Zionist aggression on Lebanon and the continuity of its threats and violations over its national sovereignty. At this stage it is impossible for the Lebanese army to ever equal or even match the sophisticated Israel arsenal and military forces.
To make matters worse, Israel does not respect any international resolutions or treaties. In fact it blatantly chooses to ignore them through continued aggression over its Arab neighbors. The Hezbollah meanwhile is playing an uncanny game with Israel based on the concept of: ''The Rules of the Game'' along the ''Blue Line,'' by not engaging in any activity along that line, as the retaliatory military action from the ''Sheeba Farms'' is not bound to stop, as it responds equally to the actions of Israel.
Let''s get back to the war of 2006 in which the Hezbollah''s guerrilla attacks were organized which led to a considerable disruption in the balance of deterrence. The Zionists and the Zionist enemy rockets that were fired by Israel also took the whole world by surprise. The combat element of the Israeli military appeared to be at the highest level of training and combat readiness.
On the other hand, members of US House of Representatives sent a letter to the secretary of State warning that the Islamic Republic of Iran might try to distract the world''s attention from its nuclear program by influencing the Hezbollah to launch a direct conflict with Israel. Dozens of members of the US House of Representatives wrote in a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The signatories noted that the US government has allocated 200 million US dollars in aid to UNIFIL forces in 2010, with an additional $100 million in military aid to the Lebanese government. The letter was sent ahead of Lebanese President Michel Sulaiman''s upcoming visit to the White House, in Washington DC scheduled for Dec. 14 and following the coalition agreement with the Lebanese government; allowing Hezbollah to hold on to its arms.
It also looks like the US aid to the Lebanese army, in the form of shoes, transport vehicles, police cars which are used by the security forces in the Lebanese security forces are actually meant for the forces to show off in front of collegeـgoing girls outside the gates of universities. If that is the case, how could these Romeos do their jobs in protecting the country and be capable of facing Israel in the event of a war?
The biggest catastrophe in Lebanon is that some Lebanese politicians are actually demanding the disarming of the Hezbollah at a time when Lebanon does not even have strong and effective air and naval forces and nuclear weapons to counter the Israelis. What would happen to Lebanon without these armed forces? Do they expect Haifa Wehbe to terrify the Zionist regime with her melancholy songs? Or maybe the Lebanese reality show will enter Israeli houses and the Israeli Army won''t dare enter any Lebanese city because we have a strong Dabki Team!
I''m in favor of the disarmament of the party, but only after the Palestinian refugees return to Palestine, the disarmament of Israel''s nuclear arsenal, when the Lebanese army actually has the capability of countering Israeli missiles and when Lebanon is debtـfree. Until that time, I wish the American tax payers a Merry Christmas! I also wish to pay my due respects to all those who are in favor or against my points of view.ـ
The latest manifesto by the Hezbollah has made it a turning point in the policy rhetoric and behavior of the party after the last document that was submitted by Sayed Ibrahim Al Amin AlـSayyed 24 years ago. Today, the party is now focusing on the perception of the home nation, resistance, State and political system. Maybe this change was prompted by the political, regional and local circumstances as well as in liberating Palestine and its alliance with Tehran.
This new manifesto also represents the localization of this organization with its proposal of a defensive strategy that is shared among the Lebanese army, people and the armed forces of the Hezbollah against the Zionist aggression on Lebanon and the continuity of its threats and violations over its national sovereignty. At this stage it is impossible for the Lebanese army to ever equal or even match the sophisticated Israel arsenal and military forces.
To make matters worse, Israel does not respect any international resolutions or treaties. In fact it blatantly chooses to ignore them through continued aggression over its Arab neighbors. The Hezbollah meanwhile is playing an uncanny game with Israel based on the concept of: ''The Rules of the Game'' along the ''Blue Line,'' by not engaging in any activity along that line, as the retaliatory military action from the ''Sheeba Farms'' is not bound to stop, as it responds equally to the actions of Israel.
Let''s get back to the war of 2006 in which the Hezbollah''s guerrilla attacks were organized which led to a considerable disruption in the balance of deterrence. The Zionists and the Zionist enemy rockets that were fired by Israel also took the whole world by surprise. The combat element of the Israeli military appeared to be at the highest level of training and combat readiness.
On the other hand, members of US House of Representatives sent a letter to the secretary of State warning that the Islamic Republic of Iran might try to distract the world''s attention from its nuclear program by influencing the Hezbollah to launch a direct conflict with Israel. Dozens of members of the US House of Representatives wrote in a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The signatories noted that the US government has allocated 200 million US dollars in aid to UNIFIL forces in 2010, with an additional $100 million in military aid to the Lebanese government. The letter was sent ahead of Lebanese President Michel Sulaiman''s upcoming visit to the White House, in Washington DC scheduled for Dec. 14 and following the coalition agreement with the Lebanese government; allowing Hezbollah to hold on to its arms.
It also looks like the US aid to the Lebanese army, in the form of shoes, transport vehicles, police cars which are used by the security forces in the Lebanese security forces are actually meant for the forces to show off in front of collegeـgoing girls outside the gates of universities. If that is the case, how could these Romeos do their jobs in protecting the country and be capable of facing Israel in the event of a war?
The biggest catastrophe in Lebanon is that some Lebanese politicians are actually demanding the disarming of the Hezbollah at a time when Lebanon does not even have strong and effective air and naval forces and nuclear weapons to counter the Israelis. What would happen to Lebanon without these armed forces? Do they expect Haifa Wehbe to terrify the Zionist regime with her melancholy songs? Or maybe the Lebanese reality show will enter Israeli houses and the Israeli Army won''t dare enter any Lebanese city because we have a strong Dabki Team!
I''m in favor of the disarmament of the party, but only after the Palestinian refugees return to Palestine, the disarmament of Israel''s nuclear arsenal, when the Lebanese army actually has the capability of countering Israeli missiles and when Lebanon is debtـfree. Until that time, I wish the American tax payers a Merry Christmas! I also wish to pay my due respects to all those who are in favor or against my points of view.ـ
Gender does not make you a man or woman
Jameel W. Karaki
Why do men think that a woman can''t hold a political leadership position? Men usually believe that they are superior, far intelligent and more powerful when it comes to the decisionـ making process because women are supposed to be passionate persons and men are the kings of rationality. I do not agree with that for many reasons. In general, both male and female represent a unity of intellect where soul, mind and passions intermarry. If my mother wasn''t as capable enough as my dad in raising me she wouldn''t have given her heart a dose of her mind to balance her emotions when I used to commit mistakes, She used to do that to soften her emotions.
Moreover, competition between man and woman in the fields of life is not a war of who is a better gender because if a man empowers his mind, he will over excel the woman and the same thing applies to a woman when she empowers her mind. Let''s get back to reality and ask ourselves a question as men? Who is a better person in leading a company or a public department, a man with no degree or a woman with education who thinks logically? Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran: "And say: O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge" (Taha: 114)." And also Imam Ali said: "The value of every person is in what he knows"
This means that man''s true value lies in the experience and the knowledge he or she possesses. Knowledge in Islam depends on two sources: The first is the intellectual contemplation, and the second is the realistic experiment. Therefore, knowledge can be gained through the intellectual equations that motivate man, and the external contemplation is achieved through the movement of researches, inductions, and experimenting. That''s why Islam considers knowledge a value that elevates the person''s humanity
Therefore, I believe that if women, just like men, work hard to get to the highest levels of education they can be qualified enough to lead and be managers. However, it is their responsibilities, (for both men and women), to acquire the highest levels of education. While marriage contracts do not make women a property or slaves of men, the responsibilities that this contract imposes on a woman are imposed on the man as well though some parties do not respect the core ideals of this contract.
For instance, the marriage contract obliges the man to satisfy his wife sexually; similarly, it obliges the woman to do the same without any humiliation from both sides. Moreover, the marriage contract does not force the woman, legally, to either do the household chores like washing, cleaning, raising her children, or breastfeeding them for free. Most importantly, the woman''s work and even raising her children are legally considered to be paid chores.
In Islam, a woman works for her husband and children as part of her humane personality and mission. If Islam asks the woman to give from herself anything to her husband and children, it is because of the humane side of her relation, not because of the legal side. Needless to remind ourselves in this respect; is that the humane side of the woman or the man comes before the legal side. Allah also said: "And He has put love and mercy between your (hearts)." (AlـRoom: 21).
Finally, being a man or a woman is not the issue, nor is it the issue of being a manager or a leader. It is the value of our minds, and how it interacts with our hearts in a way that it balances and satisfies our humanitarian needs. The manhood of the man and the femininity of the woman can be only be determined when a man respects the opinions of a woman and a woman reciprocates equally.ـ
Why do men think that a woman can''t hold a political leadership position? Men usually believe that they are superior, far intelligent and more powerful when it comes to the decisionـ making process because women are supposed to be passionate persons and men are the kings of rationality. I do not agree with that for many reasons. In general, both male and female represent a unity of intellect where soul, mind and passions intermarry. If my mother wasn''t as capable enough as my dad in raising me she wouldn''t have given her heart a dose of her mind to balance her emotions when I used to commit mistakes, She used to do that to soften her emotions.
Moreover, competition between man and woman in the fields of life is not a war of who is a better gender because if a man empowers his mind, he will over excel the woman and the same thing applies to a woman when she empowers her mind. Let''s get back to reality and ask ourselves a question as men? Who is a better person in leading a company or a public department, a man with no degree or a woman with education who thinks logically? Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran: "And say: O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge" (Taha: 114)." And also Imam Ali said: "The value of every person is in what he knows"
This means that man''s true value lies in the experience and the knowledge he or she possesses. Knowledge in Islam depends on two sources: The first is the intellectual contemplation, and the second is the realistic experiment. Therefore, knowledge can be gained through the intellectual equations that motivate man, and the external contemplation is achieved through the movement of researches, inductions, and experimenting. That''s why Islam considers knowledge a value that elevates the person''s humanity
Therefore, I believe that if women, just like men, work hard to get to the highest levels of education they can be qualified enough to lead and be managers. However, it is their responsibilities, (for both men and women), to acquire the highest levels of education. While marriage contracts do not make women a property or slaves of men, the responsibilities that this contract imposes on a woman are imposed on the man as well though some parties do not respect the core ideals of this contract.
For instance, the marriage contract obliges the man to satisfy his wife sexually; similarly, it obliges the woman to do the same without any humiliation from both sides. Moreover, the marriage contract does not force the woman, legally, to either do the household chores like washing, cleaning, raising her children, or breastfeeding them for free. Most importantly, the woman''s work and even raising her children are legally considered to be paid chores.
In Islam, a woman works for her husband and children as part of her humane personality and mission. If Islam asks the woman to give from herself anything to her husband and children, it is because of the humane side of her relation, not because of the legal side. Needless to remind ourselves in this respect; is that the humane side of the woman or the man comes before the legal side. Allah also said: "And He has put love and mercy between your (hearts)." (AlـRoom: 21).
Finally, being a man or a woman is not the issue, nor is it the issue of being a manager or a leader. It is the value of our minds, and how it interacts with our hearts in a way that it balances and satisfies our humanitarian needs. The manhood of the man and the femininity of the woman can be only be determined when a man respects the opinions of a woman and a woman reciprocates equally.ـ
Gender does not make you a man or woman - 2
In our societies especially in the Arabic and Islamic World, there exists a culture of male dominance over women for many reasons such as a specific interpretation from the Holy Quran, traditions or the needs and desires of some women who are submissive by nature.
One of the arguments that I had with one of my male friends was about our rights as men to dominate the decisions about the future of our wives, daughters and sisters. He supported that right by using the verse from the Holy Quran: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women." (An-Nisa: 34).
He argued that we as men have the full right to control women. I however cannot blame him because in Islam we have a lot of interpretations of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah and yet I accept and believe when I realize that it makes sense to me. The same is mentioned in the Christian teachings, which say that man is the head and the crown of the woman. However, the words 'protectors' and 'maintainers' in Islam simply means 'managing.' It is the man's responsibilities to manage the businesses of his home and help his mother and sisters whenever they need him.
He is the one who spends and not the one who waits for his wife's salary at the end of the month to spend it. It is also very natural and normal and the right of the woman that he discusses domestic issues with her and ask her opinions. God says: "Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity" (An-Nisa: 19). Living with them on an even footing of kindness" means that everyone should respect the other, respect their minds and respect their opinions on all life's issues as well.
How many of us are following the teachings of our religion? Men are running after working women, not because they believe in their working rights but they look at the marriage concept as a financial project where the man can use the income of the woman as an investment. On the other hand, some women do the same and run after men for money rather than out of respect for the man. It is not a shame if the wife or husband gets support from his or her partner but the shame is in living a materialistic life away from the core concept of being humans
One of the arguments that I had with one of my male friends was about our rights as men to dominate the decisions about the future of our wives, daughters and sisters. He supported that right by using the verse from the Holy Quran: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women." (An-Nisa: 34).
He argued that we as men have the full right to control women. I however cannot blame him because in Islam we have a lot of interpretations of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah and yet I accept and believe when I realize that it makes sense to me. The same is mentioned in the Christian teachings, which say that man is the head and the crown of the woman. However, the words 'protectors' and 'maintainers' in Islam simply means 'managing.' It is the man's responsibilities to manage the businesses of his home and help his mother and sisters whenever they need him.
He is the one who spends and not the one who waits for his wife's salary at the end of the month to spend it. It is also very natural and normal and the right of the woman that he discusses domestic issues with her and ask her opinions. God says: "Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity" (An-Nisa: 19). Living with them on an even footing of kindness" means that everyone should respect the other, respect their minds and respect their opinions on all life's issues as well.
How many of us are following the teachings of our religion? Men are running after working women, not because they believe in their working rights but they look at the marriage concept as a financial project where the man can use the income of the woman as an investment. On the other hand, some women do the same and run after men for money rather than out of respect for the man. It is not a shame if the wife or husband gets support from his or her partner but the shame is in living a materialistic life away from the core concept of being humans
ANALYSIS Expert analysis on Lebanese Islamist Hezbollah
Wed, 23 Dec 2009
By:Jameel Karaki Abdulaziz Al Mossalem
KUWAIT: Dr. Ahmad Nizar Hamzeh, Professor of Political Science and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Kuwait, in an exclusive interview with Al-Watan Daily, provided an analysis of the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah. The professor first begins with providing a general framework on how to view Islamists. He explains that regardless if they are Militant or non Militant, and regardless of their size, Islamists are characterized by four attributes; and they are pervasiveness, polycentric leadership, persistence and mode of operation.
In regards to pervasiveness, Hamzeh explains that these groups have been mushrooming everywhere since after Mohamed's death. So of course while one might think so, not all of them are a result of the Arab Israeli conflict or any recent social crisis. The second attribute is the polycentric leadership of these groups. What this means is that these groups are not championed by any single leader. Islamic movements are mainly characterized by collective leadership and this means that if one dies, he can be succeeded immediately.
The third attribute is persistence. Islamic groups are persistent in the sense that they go through the cyclical prosperity theory as developed by Ibn Khaldon. Hamzeh explains "At every stage and era you will have crisis, crises trigger changes, with all this change you have an Islamic movement responding to that change." The fourth and last attribute is about mode of operation. This means that depending on the situation, Islamist groups can vary in their handling of issues; the handlings can range from militancy, to gradualist politics, messiahism and even revolutionary tendencies.
In the case of Hezbollah the group can alternate between two modes of operation, and at times even apply both modes at once. "With the end of the Iran-Iraq war and with the death of Khomeini we witness Hezbollah leave its militant and revolutionary stance to adopt a more diplomatic and pragmatic approach." Hamzeh adds "we must note that even when Hezbollah alternated towards a more diplomatic approach, it did not drop or forget its function as a resistance group." Hamzeh explains that Hezbollah still maintains its revolutionary mode, as we witnessed in 2006 with its war with Israel.
Hezbollah's relationship with Iran despite its nationalization, its ideological height in the scale of the political and regional level, Iran Syrians Hamas Al-Jihad alliances, and at this case, regionally Hezbollah didn't change locally doesn't want Islamic state, from their views there is a conflict with Israel and this conflict requires a response close allies relationship between Hezbollah and Iran.
No bodies know exactly, knows what would Iran do in case if its attacked, opening up fronts or maybe participations or operations in some where else, irons response it is not tradition response, some think that Iran will take its gun and starts shouting the gulf which is not necessarily. a might response, launching Iranian missiles, the middle east or North Korea, Iran is going to respond, if the IAEA no one can really confirm that Iran has the bomb maybe they advanced in using this as a source of energy I don't know maybe they have it. The only have it saying they are Israelis, some officials confirm it and some not confirm it.
It's always known when anybody in allies, would been attacked that the allies will respond So Iran and Hezbollah is not and an exception to the rule. The response maybe opening in front, or in Gaza, did Hezbollah got suck after July war Hezbollah enhanced its militate power and as Israel says that they have a better situation.
Diversified the sources of weapons of Hezbollah at the beginning, the main support was Iranian support Hezbollah got a stage in terms of budget and finance to get weapons. The black market is available.
Two opinions say that Hezbollah have anti missiles and some say said didn't use it. Hezbollah uses the Israeli figures, playing the physiological war. It seems as reported in large. What are the figures no body knows.
Weapons in these days are not a problem for individuals, if you have the cash you can get the weapon.
Its really complex, despite the force at USA people still smuggling drugs, diversifications of resources, Israel said the captured a ship carrying weapons while Syrians said its carrying merchandise there is some sort of Vagueness and un clearness.
" there is an open war between Hezbollah and Israel, physiological economic , one has look to the dynamics all methods can be used, assignations economic collapses, the same thing wars these days which is not the conventional way.
"Hezbollah doesn't use the technique of traditional wars, sitting in forts and barracks, using the guerrillas methods war". Fattah have concentrated in Lebanon before, and it was easy to attack them. In world war 1 and 2, they would say more allies used some guns that comes from the underground or into a cave.
"Supreme authority goes to Khamnei within the Shiite community in labor even in across the world. The might be sympathetic with those Shiite, Hezbollah members are followed Khaman'i, the followers should follow the orders of Waylay Al-Faqeh who generates the certain commands.
By:Jameel Karaki Abdulaziz Al Mossalem
KUWAIT: Dr. Ahmad Nizar Hamzeh, Professor of Political Science and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Kuwait, in an exclusive interview with Al-Watan Daily, provided an analysis of the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah. The professor first begins with providing a general framework on how to view Islamists. He explains that regardless if they are Militant or non Militant, and regardless of their size, Islamists are characterized by four attributes; and they are pervasiveness, polycentric leadership, persistence and mode of operation.
In regards to pervasiveness, Hamzeh explains that these groups have been mushrooming everywhere since after Mohamed's death. So of course while one might think so, not all of them are a result of the Arab Israeli conflict or any recent social crisis. The second attribute is the polycentric leadership of these groups. What this means is that these groups are not championed by any single leader. Islamic movements are mainly characterized by collective leadership and this means that if one dies, he can be succeeded immediately.
The third attribute is persistence. Islamic groups are persistent in the sense that they go through the cyclical prosperity theory as developed by Ibn Khaldon. Hamzeh explains "At every stage and era you will have crisis, crises trigger changes, with all this change you have an Islamic movement responding to that change." The fourth and last attribute is about mode of operation. This means that depending on the situation, Islamist groups can vary in their handling of issues; the handlings can range from militancy, to gradualist politics, messiahism and even revolutionary tendencies.
In the case of Hezbollah the group can alternate between two modes of operation, and at times even apply both modes at once. "With the end of the Iran-Iraq war and with the death of Khomeini we witness Hezbollah leave its militant and revolutionary stance to adopt a more diplomatic and pragmatic approach." Hamzeh adds "we must note that even when Hezbollah alternated towards a more diplomatic approach, it did not drop or forget its function as a resistance group." Hamzeh explains that Hezbollah still maintains its revolutionary mode, as we witnessed in 2006 with its war with Israel.
Hezbollah's relationship with Iran despite its nationalization, its ideological height in the scale of the political and regional level, Iran Syrians Hamas Al-Jihad alliances, and at this case, regionally Hezbollah didn't change locally doesn't want Islamic state, from their views there is a conflict with Israel and this conflict requires a response close allies relationship between Hezbollah and Iran.
No bodies know exactly, knows what would Iran do in case if its attacked, opening up fronts or maybe participations or operations in some where else, irons response it is not tradition response, some think that Iran will take its gun and starts shouting the gulf which is not necessarily. a might response, launching Iranian missiles, the middle east or North Korea, Iran is going to respond, if the IAEA no one can really confirm that Iran has the bomb maybe they advanced in using this as a source of energy I don't know maybe they have it. The only have it saying they are Israelis, some officials confirm it and some not confirm it.
It's always known when anybody in allies, would been attacked that the allies will respond So Iran and Hezbollah is not and an exception to the rule. The response maybe opening in front, or in Gaza, did Hezbollah got suck after July war Hezbollah enhanced its militate power and as Israel says that they have a better situation.
Diversified the sources of weapons of Hezbollah at the beginning, the main support was Iranian support Hezbollah got a stage in terms of budget and finance to get weapons. The black market is available.
Two opinions say that Hezbollah have anti missiles and some say said didn't use it. Hezbollah uses the Israeli figures, playing the physiological war. It seems as reported in large. What are the figures no body knows.
Weapons in these days are not a problem for individuals, if you have the cash you can get the weapon.
Its really complex, despite the force at USA people still smuggling drugs, diversifications of resources, Israel said the captured a ship carrying weapons while Syrians said its carrying merchandise there is some sort of Vagueness and un clearness.
" there is an open war between Hezbollah and Israel, physiological economic , one has look to the dynamics all methods can be used, assignations economic collapses, the same thing wars these days which is not the conventional way.
"Hezbollah doesn't use the technique of traditional wars, sitting in forts and barracks, using the guerrillas methods war". Fattah have concentrated in Lebanon before, and it was easy to attack them. In world war 1 and 2, they would say more allies used some guns that comes from the underground or into a cave.
"Supreme authority goes to Khamnei within the Shiite community in labor even in across the world. The might be sympathetic with those Shiite, Hezbollah members are followed Khaman'i, the followers should follow the orders of Waylay Al-Faqeh who generates the certain commands.
Is Montazeri's death a loss for Iran?
Thu, 24 Dec 2009
By:Jameel W Karaki
KUWAIT: He is not a normal Iranian figure, either Reza Shah nor his son Mohammad, He is Grand Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri, who played a major and pivotal role in the Islamic Revolution in Iran. He was the one who was supposed to lead Iran after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, he is also considered one of the top two* marja' taghlid (source of emulation) in Shiite Islam. Montazeri became one of the leading critics of the regime's domestic and foreign policy. Grand Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri, Iranian cleric and scholar, was born in 1922. He died on December 20, 2009, aged 87
Montazeri had been imprisoned during Mohammad Reza Shah era from 1974 to 1978. As a result he was committed to justice and Human right violation and after the revolution he participated in the designing of the new Islamic Constitution.
Montazeri's passion for supporting human rights and his calling for a better treatment of the opponents of the Islamic republic in prisons, brought him into direct conflict with Khomeini. In 1987, thousands of prisoners were executed without proper trial, leading Montazeri to write to the ayatollah that his prison system and his judiciary were worse than that of the Shah. As a result, Khomeini sent Montazeri a letter dismissing him from the succession.
When Khomeini died in June 1989, a middle-ranking cleric, Ali Khamenei, was selected as his successor instead of Montazeri. The latter's supporters in Qom questioned Khamenei's religious credentials for this position. Iran's conservative media dominated by the current regime sought to undermine Montazeri, declaring him no longer a Grand Ayatollah and a "simple-minded cleric". But he retained a considerable following among the faithful and, in theory at least, a responsibility to interpret the rulings of the Supreme Leader. As such, his views were meant to carry weight with policymakers, but in practice the government is loyal to Khamenei.
He believed that clergies should act as advisers, representing the electorate without claiming a divine mission. He also became critical of Ayatollah Khamenei, , for issuing religious decrees. Montazeri saw Khamenei as having more of a political than a religious role by using religion and having junior religious status to be entitled to issue fatwas. This led Montazeri to be under house arrest (1997-2003) at his house. Despite his advanced years and poor health, he played a role in the political crisis that engulfed Iran after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's heavily disputed re-election as President in 2009.
He also called three days of national mourning for the young student, Nada Agha-Soltan, and others shot dead by Paseej as some media mentioned
The question is how Iran would have evolved in the last two decades since Khomeini's death if Montazeri had become the chosen successor as Supreme Leader. Would Iran had that much problems with its relations with global community? Better economy and freedom of expression?. The conscience of Iran or the leader of Iran, or the old man, all these are names, and yet he is Montazeri. Is it a loss for Iran to lose such a man?
By:Jameel W Karaki
KUWAIT: He is not a normal Iranian figure, either Reza Shah nor his son Mohammad, He is Grand Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri, who played a major and pivotal role in the Islamic Revolution in Iran. He was the one who was supposed to lead Iran after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, he is also considered one of the top two* marja' taghlid (source of emulation) in Shiite Islam. Montazeri became one of the leading critics of the regime's domestic and foreign policy. Grand Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazeri, Iranian cleric and scholar, was born in 1922. He died on December 20, 2009, aged 87
Montazeri had been imprisoned during Mohammad Reza Shah era from 1974 to 1978. As a result he was committed to justice and Human right violation and after the revolution he participated in the designing of the new Islamic Constitution.
Montazeri's passion for supporting human rights and his calling for a better treatment of the opponents of the Islamic republic in prisons, brought him into direct conflict with Khomeini. In 1987, thousands of prisoners were executed without proper trial, leading Montazeri to write to the ayatollah that his prison system and his judiciary were worse than that of the Shah. As a result, Khomeini sent Montazeri a letter dismissing him from the succession.
When Khomeini died in June 1989, a middle-ranking cleric, Ali Khamenei, was selected as his successor instead of Montazeri. The latter's supporters in Qom questioned Khamenei's religious credentials for this position. Iran's conservative media dominated by the current regime sought to undermine Montazeri, declaring him no longer a Grand Ayatollah and a "simple-minded cleric". But he retained a considerable following among the faithful and, in theory at least, a responsibility to interpret the rulings of the Supreme Leader. As such, his views were meant to carry weight with policymakers, but in practice the government is loyal to Khamenei.
He believed that clergies should act as advisers, representing the electorate without claiming a divine mission. He also became critical of Ayatollah Khamenei, , for issuing religious decrees. Montazeri saw Khamenei as having more of a political than a religious role by using religion and having junior religious status to be entitled to issue fatwas. This led Montazeri to be under house arrest (1997-2003) at his house. Despite his advanced years and poor health, he played a role in the political crisis that engulfed Iran after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's heavily disputed re-election as President in 2009.
He also called three days of national mourning for the young student, Nada Agha-Soltan, and others shot dead by Paseej as some media mentioned
The question is how Iran would have evolved in the last two decades since Khomeini's death if Montazeri had become the chosen successor as Supreme Leader. Would Iran had that much problems with its relations with global community? Better economy and freedom of expression?. The conscience of Iran or the leader of Iran, or the old man, all these are names, and yet he is Montazeri. Is it a loss for Iran to lose such a man?
Is getting married an easy decision?
Jameel W. Karaki
We spend a lot of time browsing around and shopping for the best brands when it comes to fashion. Some women spend ages while styling their hair while other men spend hours sitting at barber shops. Contrary to this, you can''t shop for a life partner. It''s a very cumbersome task choosing a partner as a wife of husband, a partner who you expect to live with you for the rest of your life, share moments of happiness and sadness together and the one who will become your lifetime partner and friend unlike the relationship that you share with your father, mother, brother or sister. Since we have the freedom of choice to choose our partners, we should be responsible and wise enough when we decide with whom to spend our lives. First of all before you choose your partner ease your mind, relax, think critically and logically and forget about your feelings, sentiments and family pressure.
Ironically speaking in most cases, both males and females submit to their parents'' will under the guise of respect and religion! Based on what I know, In Islam the parents have no authority to interfere in their children''s decisionـmaking process especially in cases of marriage. Yes, obeying parents is a must and a moral duty which religion and traditions call for and yet this should not contradict with the issue of one''s choice. Obeying parents in the Islamic law, calls for taking care, protecting, being patient with them and helping and respecting them. Therefore choosing the right person who meets her or his requirements without the parents'' consent is not considered disobedience
Back to reality; it is feasible that the father or the mother might have more experience in understanding and judging personalities than we do. They can understand the traits of the proposed person better than us. However, I have already stated that taking permission from parents to marry a particular individual is not a necessity. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: "If the religious and the moral qualities exist in the proposed partner, accept the proposal, otherwise it will turn out to be the greatest form of sin on earth." A man once consulted the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) about the kind of the person he should get married to. The Prophet advised him: "The religious one."
This is how I understand the word ''religious.'' A religious or pious person is known for his commitment to his religious duties within himself and with others as well. A pious person who is faithful and obedient to Almighty Allah knows and respects his limits and the limits of others. In contrast, a religious man is not necessarily the one who sports a long beard; nor is it a woman who dons the hijab. It is about the mentality, soul, morals and a kind and generous heart. The logic behind the presence of the religious element guarantees the success and wellbeing of married life. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "I have been commissioned to perfect the best of morals." Almighty Allah also says: "And marry such of you as are solitary and the pious of your slaves and maidـservants. If they be poor, Allah will enrich them of His bounty. Allah is of ample means, Aware: Allah is of ample means; Aware. (24:32)
When two partners are faithful, honest, and more merciful to each other, their relationship can withstand any turbulence or problems. Who doesn''t fall in love will never lead a good life and yet love is blind. We should use our minds to seek real and pure love. In addition, getting married is not a party, a bank or a sexual need nor is it the desire to raise a family. It is about love and mutual respect for each other. Finally, getting married is a risky and a fateful decision, if you choose the right partner you will live in peace just like you are in heaven, while if you take the wrong decision life will be like you are living in a war zone; enjoying the hell of your fantastic choice!ـ
We spend a lot of time browsing around and shopping for the best brands when it comes to fashion. Some women spend ages while styling their hair while other men spend hours sitting at barber shops. Contrary to this, you can''t shop for a life partner. It''s a very cumbersome task choosing a partner as a wife of husband, a partner who you expect to live with you for the rest of your life, share moments of happiness and sadness together and the one who will become your lifetime partner and friend unlike the relationship that you share with your father, mother, brother or sister. Since we have the freedom of choice to choose our partners, we should be responsible and wise enough when we decide with whom to spend our lives. First of all before you choose your partner ease your mind, relax, think critically and logically and forget about your feelings, sentiments and family pressure.
Ironically speaking in most cases, both males and females submit to their parents'' will under the guise of respect and religion! Based on what I know, In Islam the parents have no authority to interfere in their children''s decisionـmaking process especially in cases of marriage. Yes, obeying parents is a must and a moral duty which religion and traditions call for and yet this should not contradict with the issue of one''s choice. Obeying parents in the Islamic law, calls for taking care, protecting, being patient with them and helping and respecting them. Therefore choosing the right person who meets her or his requirements without the parents'' consent is not considered disobedience
Back to reality; it is feasible that the father or the mother might have more experience in understanding and judging personalities than we do. They can understand the traits of the proposed person better than us. However, I have already stated that taking permission from parents to marry a particular individual is not a necessity. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: "If the religious and the moral qualities exist in the proposed partner, accept the proposal, otherwise it will turn out to be the greatest form of sin on earth." A man once consulted the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) about the kind of the person he should get married to. The Prophet advised him: "The religious one."
This is how I understand the word ''religious.'' A religious or pious person is known for his commitment to his religious duties within himself and with others as well. A pious person who is faithful and obedient to Almighty Allah knows and respects his limits and the limits of others. In contrast, a religious man is not necessarily the one who sports a long beard; nor is it a woman who dons the hijab. It is about the mentality, soul, morals and a kind and generous heart. The logic behind the presence of the religious element guarantees the success and wellbeing of married life. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "I have been commissioned to perfect the best of morals." Almighty Allah also says: "And marry such of you as are solitary and the pious of your slaves and maidـservants. If they be poor, Allah will enrich them of His bounty. Allah is of ample means, Aware: Allah is of ample means; Aware. (24:32)
When two partners are faithful, honest, and more merciful to each other, their relationship can withstand any turbulence or problems. Who doesn''t fall in love will never lead a good life and yet love is blind. We should use our minds to seek real and pure love. In addition, getting married is not a party, a bank or a sexual need nor is it the desire to raise a family. It is about love and mutual respect for each other. Finally, getting married is a risky and a fateful decision, if you choose the right partner you will live in peace just like you are in heaven, while if you take the wrong decision life will be like you are living in a war zone; enjoying the hell of your fantastic choice!ـ
Is hijab just a scarf?
I had a discussion earlier with my genius friend who was debating the fact that the hijab is not a religious duty and wondered why we didn't follow the western model in giving both men and women the absolute right to practice universal freedom without any restrictions. All religions; whenever they imposed restrictions on personal freedoms, they did that to avoid social chaos, especially in the relationship between man and woman. Based on the Islamic law, we as humans should be committed to the wellbeing of our societies and control our desires. Hijab is considered to be a symbol of moral commitment if the woman is committed to the teachings of Islam and follows its basic rules.
The purpose of wearing the hijab is to create an atmosphere of resisting the desire of deviation and create an internal immunity for both males and females. It also helps the woman to cover her sexual attributes. Moreover, it also helps men to consider the woman as a human being only, since he cannot see her body. On the one hand, it urges women to be committed to the morals of hijab which prevents the woman from sexual deviation, and which is the main reason behind donning the material hijab; while on the other hand, it considers the material hijab as a kind of protection that protects both man and woman from being affected by the situations that can have negative effect on their morals.
The material hijab demands that the woman should cover her entire body except the face and hands, and that she should not wear make-up whenever she goes out in public. However, what's happening in our societies is a very different situation. A lot of women wear figure-hugging clothes, that reveal the contours of their bodies in such a way that they turn on the sexual desires of men. Furthermore, some women do wear the hijab and yet practice the morals of whores. We see them with their faces fully made up; that draws attention while they also talk in a certain way like plastic dolls or aliens from an unknown planet.
In my opinion, this is not hijab. It is a partial sort of nudity that represents a direct sexual stimulant. It reminds man of sex in the way that she stimulates him to commit a sin. I am not talking about a closed society nor the Taliban, but let's be more logical and get back to our roots, our cultures and traditions. In the West there is an absolute freedom for both genders, and yet there are huge numbers of rape cases.
Hijab has a material side which involves covering of the body and a moral aspect that makes a woman act as a human being in society. I neither am a theologian or a social scientist nor am I a specialist in Islamic studies. I am just a ordinary man who has his own opinion.
To be fair enough, I cannot blame the woman for being a beautiful being that attracts man, but I blame some men for being animals. I do not deny the fact that men are a source of attraction to women just as women are to men. Dear woman; what you put on your head is not just a scarf nor is it a religious or traditional obligation. It's a way of life. Now I would like to say a final word. For some men a woman is like a diamond. Would you expose your diamond to the public rather than keeping it in a safe? Which is more exposed for public usage? Is it a private car or a roaming taxi?
The purpose of wearing the hijab is to create an atmosphere of resisting the desire of deviation and create an internal immunity for both males and females. It also helps the woman to cover her sexual attributes. Moreover, it also helps men to consider the woman as a human being only, since he cannot see her body. On the one hand, it urges women to be committed to the morals of hijab which prevents the woman from sexual deviation, and which is the main reason behind donning the material hijab; while on the other hand, it considers the material hijab as a kind of protection that protects both man and woman from being affected by the situations that can have negative effect on their morals.
The material hijab demands that the woman should cover her entire body except the face and hands, and that she should not wear make-up whenever she goes out in public. However, what's happening in our societies is a very different situation. A lot of women wear figure-hugging clothes, that reveal the contours of their bodies in such a way that they turn on the sexual desires of men. Furthermore, some women do wear the hijab and yet practice the morals of whores. We see them with their faces fully made up; that draws attention while they also talk in a certain way like plastic dolls or aliens from an unknown planet.
In my opinion, this is not hijab. It is a partial sort of nudity that represents a direct sexual stimulant. It reminds man of sex in the way that she stimulates him to commit a sin. I am not talking about a closed society nor the Taliban, but let's be more logical and get back to our roots, our cultures and traditions. In the West there is an absolute freedom for both genders, and yet there are huge numbers of rape cases.
Hijab has a material side which involves covering of the body and a moral aspect that makes a woman act as a human being in society. I neither am a theologian or a social scientist nor am I a specialist in Islamic studies. I am just a ordinary man who has his own opinion.
To be fair enough, I cannot blame the woman for being a beautiful being that attracts man, but I blame some men for being animals. I do not deny the fact that men are a source of attraction to women just as women are to men. Dear woman; what you put on your head is not just a scarf nor is it a religious or traditional obligation. It's a way of life. Now I would like to say a final word. For some men a woman is like a diamond. Would you expose your diamond to the public rather than keeping it in a safe? Which is more exposed for public usage? Is it a private car or a roaming taxi?
Decline of inflation rates to salvage Kuwait economy
Sun, 10 Jan 2010
By:Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: The global crisis affected the Kuwaiti economic sectors in many areas by having a strong negative impact on the US dollar's exchange rates, banks' international operations and on the real estate development in the local and regional market. However, these negative effects will gradually be reversed, if we take into consideration the other side of the recession: the decline of inflation rates. Declining inflation rates help the Kuwaiti economy achieve economic stability, as the fall in the price of construction materials will lead to a reduction in the cost of real estate development. Later on, when the recession has passed, the prices of other products and services will also decline.
Banks and investment companies in Kuwait have also been affected by the crisis. Many banks invested in foreign assets, looking to increase their profits, but when the US sub-prime crisis arose, numerous depositors withdrew their money from the banks, complicating matters and causing a severe crisis. This has led countries to take precautions and implement measures to regulate loan and deposit procedures. Due to the lack of risk management measures in some of the Kuwaiti banks and lack of liquidity, Kuwaiti banks started to impose strict lending conditions for leasing projects or any operations in a way it caused a recession and a delaying in the economic development projects especially in urbanization and a reduction in the purchasing power of individuals too.
As for the real estate sector, there was an increase in basic property value. As a result, when the crisis hit, many investors and developers lost their liquidity and were unable to continue development, causing heavy damage on the market. In the short term, it is expected that real estate and construction sectors will expand rapidly and additional funds will be pumped into these sectors to achieve growth and to add an additional value to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Moreover, the total and personal income rate was affected by the crisis because investors preferred to hold their liquid money rather than investing in order to avoid any risks. As all of the market sectors are interconnected to each other, any fluctuation in any one of these sectors will eventually affect the other sectors as well. This will, in turn, affect spending rates, including consumption and investment expenditure, as well as the income rates for firms and individuals.
By:Jameel W. Karaki
KUWAIT: The global crisis affected the Kuwaiti economic sectors in many areas by having a strong negative impact on the US dollar's exchange rates, banks' international operations and on the real estate development in the local and regional market. However, these negative effects will gradually be reversed, if we take into consideration the other side of the recession: the decline of inflation rates. Declining inflation rates help the Kuwaiti economy achieve economic stability, as the fall in the price of construction materials will lead to a reduction in the cost of real estate development. Later on, when the recession has passed, the prices of other products and services will also decline.
Banks and investment companies in Kuwait have also been affected by the crisis. Many banks invested in foreign assets, looking to increase their profits, but when the US sub-prime crisis arose, numerous depositors withdrew their money from the banks, complicating matters and causing a severe crisis. This has led countries to take precautions and implement measures to regulate loan and deposit procedures. Due to the lack of risk management measures in some of the Kuwaiti banks and lack of liquidity, Kuwaiti banks started to impose strict lending conditions for leasing projects or any operations in a way it caused a recession and a delaying in the economic development projects especially in urbanization and a reduction in the purchasing power of individuals too.
As for the real estate sector, there was an increase in basic property value. As a result, when the crisis hit, many investors and developers lost their liquidity and were unable to continue development, causing heavy damage on the market. In the short term, it is expected that real estate and construction sectors will expand rapidly and additional funds will be pumped into these sectors to achieve growth and to add an additional value to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Moreover, the total and personal income rate was affected by the crisis because investors preferred to hold their liquid money rather than investing in order to avoid any risks. As all of the market sectors are interconnected to each other, any fluctuation in any one of these sectors will eventually affect the other sectors as well. This will, in turn, affect spending rates, including consumption and investment expenditure, as well as the income rates for firms and individuals.
A message to all current and future wives
Thu, 14 Jan 2010
By:Jameel W. Karaki
First of all, what I am about to write are not standing orders to you as a woman nor are they established facts. They are just a series of advices to you as a current and future wife. A lot of women are of the impression that man thinks he has the right to practice polygamy, without going deep into the religious aspects. I am not a theologian but I would like to explain this issue simply as a man who wishes to have just four wives all rolled into one without actually marrying four; but just one.
A lot of women think that the men get married only for sexual pleasure while the actual fact is that the husband needs his woman to be a mother, lover, a friend and a maid all in one. A wife can be the mother of the man when she is affectionate, with her unlimited caring and sharing without expecting any rewards in return. She can be a magnanimous woman who supports him through hardships as well as in good times simply because he needs his mother who he lost when he got married.
In addition to that, the wife can be a lover who waits for him to return from work by looking attractive, in such a way that she shows off her femininity by talking softly, wearing clothes that focuses on the attractions of her body. She can also get her message across through her body language rather than words, dab on a perfume that would take transport him to another world while drooling and melting in her soft feminine hands.
Unfortunately a lot of women think that marriage does not call a friendly relationship between any married couple; but guess what. All husbands need their wives to be their friends. He needs a friend who enjoys the art of listening to his concerns, problems and fears about the future. You can be his friend too by accepting his weaknesses without exposing his secrets to your parents, friends, neighbors and even your children. You can, however help him out by advising him how to improve on his shortcomings. Whenever you want to talk about something, talk to him; not to your parents or someone you do not trust because you don't want your domestic issues to be published in local newspapers!
Furthermore, please, do him a favor and don't start complaining, as soon as he gets home from work, about your children who drove you nuts the entire day, broke the window panes or spilled juice on the carpet because he might have probably had enough at work and, worse still, is tired especially after thinking and planning for the future of the children and how to make you all of you happy. It is also not wise to argue with a man when he is upset. Let him calm down first. Listen to him because he doesn't intend to start singing a song of complaints nor does he want to tell he that he spotted your girlfriend driving the last Mercedes model. He just wants to listen to your mind, your wise comments and solutions.
I bet a lot of wives also wonder why their husbands just want to escape from home to spend a lot of time with their friends in cafés or in diwanyias. The answer is he finds good friends who listen to him and help him think clearly on all issues. Had you been a good listener, he wouldn't have sought refuge outside the home. Even if you find out that he is cheating on you, trust him as friend and later on he himself will feel like despicable lowly animal.
Moreover, he might also treat you as the maid who irons his clothes, cooks for him and cleans the house. I know it is not an easy job; it's hard and tough but the elite members of any tribes are the servants. A man is like a child: If you want to win him over, control him with your mind and soul. Do not control him with the advisory actions of a swindler or juggler because black magic and witchcraft will only make you lose him and will also incur the wrath of Almighty God.
Finally, I'm sure you are wise enough to think about what kind of wife you want to be. If you cannot play the roles of the four women all rolled into one as mentioned above, then you could stand to lose a lot. I admit that some men are not appreciative, but since you are the woman you are the greatest giver.
By:Jameel W. Karaki
First of all, what I am about to write are not standing orders to you as a woman nor are they established facts. They are just a series of advices to you as a current and future wife. A lot of women are of the impression that man thinks he has the right to practice polygamy, without going deep into the religious aspects. I am not a theologian but I would like to explain this issue simply as a man who wishes to have just four wives all rolled into one without actually marrying four; but just one.
A lot of women think that the men get married only for sexual pleasure while the actual fact is that the husband needs his woman to be a mother, lover, a friend and a maid all in one. A wife can be the mother of the man when she is affectionate, with her unlimited caring and sharing without expecting any rewards in return. She can be a magnanimous woman who supports him through hardships as well as in good times simply because he needs his mother who he lost when he got married.
In addition to that, the wife can be a lover who waits for him to return from work by looking attractive, in such a way that she shows off her femininity by talking softly, wearing clothes that focuses on the attractions of her body. She can also get her message across through her body language rather than words, dab on a perfume that would take transport him to another world while drooling and melting in her soft feminine hands.
Unfortunately a lot of women think that marriage does not call a friendly relationship between any married couple; but guess what. All husbands need their wives to be their friends. He needs a friend who enjoys the art of listening to his concerns, problems and fears about the future. You can be his friend too by accepting his weaknesses without exposing his secrets to your parents, friends, neighbors and even your children. You can, however help him out by advising him how to improve on his shortcomings. Whenever you want to talk about something, talk to him; not to your parents or someone you do not trust because you don't want your domestic issues to be published in local newspapers!
Furthermore, please, do him a favor and don't start complaining, as soon as he gets home from work, about your children who drove you nuts the entire day, broke the window panes or spilled juice on the carpet because he might have probably had enough at work and, worse still, is tired especially after thinking and planning for the future of the children and how to make you all of you happy. It is also not wise to argue with a man when he is upset. Let him calm down first. Listen to him because he doesn't intend to start singing a song of complaints nor does he want to tell he that he spotted your girlfriend driving the last Mercedes model. He just wants to listen to your mind, your wise comments and solutions.
I bet a lot of wives also wonder why their husbands just want to escape from home to spend a lot of time with their friends in cafés or in diwanyias. The answer is he finds good friends who listen to him and help him think clearly on all issues. Had you been a good listener, he wouldn't have sought refuge outside the home. Even if you find out that he is cheating on you, trust him as friend and later on he himself will feel like despicable lowly animal.
Moreover, he might also treat you as the maid who irons his clothes, cooks for him and cleans the house. I know it is not an easy job; it's hard and tough but the elite members of any tribes are the servants. A man is like a child: If you want to win him over, control him with your mind and soul. Do not control him with the advisory actions of a swindler or juggler because black magic and witchcraft will only make you lose him and will also incur the wrath of Almighty God.
Finally, I'm sure you are wise enough to think about what kind of wife you want to be. If you cannot play the roles of the four women all rolled into one as mentioned above, then you could stand to lose a lot. I admit that some men are not appreciative, but since you are the woman you are the greatest giver.
Miss Hezbollah, the American-Lebanese nuclear weapon
Yes, I do appreciate and admire beauty and I admit that feminine beauty can increase the levels of testosterone in a male’s body and not to mention the fact that female beauties are indeed breathtaking ladies. When news agencies announced the news that Rima Faqih, a 24-year-old, American of Lebanese origin and a Michigan university college graduate had won the prestigious title of Miss. USA., I indeed felt proud deep inside that Miss USA was of Lebanese descent.
However I am proud of her the same way that I am proud of the Lebanese army and the Lebanese resistance who liberated Lebanon partly May 25, 2000, combined with the Lebanese victory over Israel in 2006. A question however always skims to the surface while watching such pageants. Should we call a beautiful woman beautiful just because she has a curvy and sexy figure? Or should we keep disclaiming her victory through bursting into the American mindset in changing their views of Arab women - thus eliminating the fact of questioning her chastity?
It didn’t come as a surprise that Rima won. She has a strong personality, she looked confident on stage, answered her questions smartly and with poise and captured the hearts of the panel of judges with her intelligence and comfortable adaptability in ‘blending with the atmosphere’ that is usually prevalent in such beauty competitions. However, a particular synonym used by the panel of judges during the competition looked like they were either blind or preferred to ignore her biological structure. We should also consider that fact that she held previous experience in similar competitions and therefore she rightfully deserved the crown.
In 2007, she won the ‘Stripper 101’ pole dancing competition that was held by ‘Mojo In The Morning’ at the Coliseum Gentleman’s Club in Detroit. Mojo In The Morning also claims it has pictures of her to prove it - as was also claimed by some Web sites on the Internet. I am not going to talk about the stripping competition that Rima participated in, or discuss the features of all the adult toys that she won. I also do not wish to talk about her performance on the stripper’s pole since she has absolute freedom to do what she considers right. Fairly speaking, we shouldn’t condone her for her participation in this competition and create all this fuss regarding her participation as it could prove to be a hassle for her victory.
On one hand, she had to go through a lot of frantic and rejecting voices of protests over her appearance in a bikini suit in the beauty pageant since she is a Muslim. They made it look like she was participating in a lecture for a theology class that was presided over by the clergy. On the other hand, a lot of viewers were extremely happy over her win - making it look like as if the Lebanese citizen incurred no debts, and that the Lebanese community in the US had formed a stronger lobby than the Zionist one.
Some critics consider Rima as a major factor in changing the West’s image of Muslim women - the image of Muslim women is typically portrayed as women shrouded in veils or niqabs and burqas. We should however ask ourselves this question: Should we change our image by nudism or by intercultural communication, supporting women rights, and showing the pride of those Arab women who are professors, pharmacists and doctors in the State. Or should we portray Lebanese women as those women who send their kids to fight for the sake of their homeland or work abroad to improve their living standards?
A feminine body is equipped with weapons that help her to play an active role in influencing men - put in simpler words, she is adequately equipped - both biologically and psychologically to coax a man to be a man - who is also equally equipped to respond to this attraction.
A beautiful woman should be able to attract a man to deal with her state of mind and spirit in heart and in intellect - that is, her humanity. By covering her feminine side that is exposed through her body language, her movements and the way she pronounces words, she can show her humanitarian side and I’m not saying this for the sake of suppression or vulnerability. Rima, by virtue of exposing her outstanding beauty can be called - as according to some of my friends - “a secret Lebanese weapon.”
Soon after her victory was announced, a lot of people from among the viewers were seen grudging her win because of her Islamic Lebanese roots - especially through the words of some loud-mouthed commentators who used Fakih’s Shiite Lebanese background to brand her a terrorist ‘Miss Hezbollah.’
They accused Rima of being a member of Hezbollah without providing any details except that some of her family members are linked to the organization. The only proof which was presented to the media is through some unnamed ‘intelligence sources’ provided by information received from Israel and the US as well as those super geniuses who apparently confirmed that some of her family members are linked to it. But, given the fact that, in addition to its armed wing, Hezbollah is a large political party, social service provider and the de facto government of the predominantly Shiite south, the vast majority of Lebanese Shiite and even many Sunnis and Christians are inextricably tied with the party.
I would like to salute all those who supported her - simply because they consider her as a nuclear weapon that is planted on American soil. I also nurse a major concern that during the next couple of days the US might impose some pressure on the Security Council to impose sanctions against Lebanon on the grounds that the Lebanese intelligence or Hezbollah recruited Rima to smuggle some missiles across the Lebanese-Syrian borders according to an Israeli analysis. I am not trying to be sarcastic but this kind of analysis definitely deserves an equally absurd comment
First, Rima was practicing her freedom of expression that was not based on the Islamic values which called for chastity. Second, no one in this world has the right to judge Rima’s behavioral preferences including My Excellency. If I want to conclude, based on these outstanding American and Israeli analysis, Hezbollah carries two nuclear weapons across the Lebanese borders - one is Haifa Wehbe who is married to an Egyptian and the current is Miss USA.
On one hand, I pity those Americans and Israelis who were affected by their own conspiracy theories, which show that the ‘Dilemma of Conspiracy’ has not yet affected anyone- it has only passed the Arabic borders and still remains to be put into effect. On the other hand, Rima is just another girl-next-door who has for long lived the American dream and I hope that she can improve the American- Lebanese bilateral relationship, and participate in the process of liberating Lebanon as well. Viva Lebanon!
Jameel W. Karaki
Rafik Al-Harriri: The National Immortal Martyr
http://www.alwatandaily.com/resources/pdf/634/8.pdf
Thousands of people poured into the streets of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, to mark the fifth anniversary of the assassination of its former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri. The overwhelming outpouring of grief was simply not because he was just like any other Lebanese prime minster but because he was a man of development. He was a man who also shaped the destinies of most of the Lebanese youth by investing in their education.
Martyr Rafik Al-Hariri headed five Cabinets. He dominated the country's post-war political and business life and is widely credited with reconstructing Beirut after the 15-year civil war, as well as investing in human capital. However, a lot of people blamed him for the widespread corruption that followed the war and the crippling damages inflicted on the economy.
It is but natural for a successful man like him, whose self-generated wealth and a man who enjoyed a strong relationship with leaders in the eastern and the western world to be criticized by all those who couldn't understand the positive aspects of his projects, vision and mission. There also exist a significant number of the Lebanese people who ignore the reality of the roles played by other political parties, leaders, partners in controlling the business and political environment.
Rafik Al-Hariri wasn't just the man who was in favor of achieving economic development at the cost of ending up with unbalanced economic development. He was a true Arab statesman who believed in the necessity of the Lebanese resistance in playing major roles in conflicts with the Zionist regime. Hence, on several prestigious occasions he was called the 'Godfather' of the 'April Agreement:' a keen and avid supporter of the Lebanese people's right in international fields.
He had always been campaigning against Syrian involvement in Lebanon when he was finally assassinated along with 21 others in a bombing massacre. This was the main reason why the international forces seized this opportunity to achieve their agendas through the International Court regarding Rafik's case.
After his martyrdom, he created such a huge spasm that divided the country and threatened the Lebanese-Arabic identity of the country. I bet that a lot of the Lebanese citizens still agree that had he been alive, we wouldn't be subject to going through scanners, or crooked criminals talking about the necessity of exposing the Lebanese national security by disarming the Lebanese resistance. We wouldn't even find those unscrupulous religious men who hide serpents under the turbans and use the cross of Jesus Christ (PBUH) to cross over to Lebanon to promote their evil thoughts.
Finally, will the truth ever come to light? What is the role of the Mossad and its involvement in this assassination? What was the role played by some other Arab intelligence services? Were they actually cooperating with foreign forces? Will the truth prevail even with existence of a lot of fabrication related to the previous witnesses? A lot of questions have been raised about the fairness of some investigators who have worked on this issue.
May your soul rest in peace President Hariri, I hope you find a place in the heaven; not among the other dead but hope that you move on to other pastures; away from this Mafia who is controlling our countries, away from those deceivers who are trying to take advantage of the value of your blood and turn in it into a value for money and power. He is an immortal leader for all those students that he sponsored at French, American and Lebanese universities; not to mention the strong banking model that he created or at least dreamt of finalizing it!
Thousands of people poured into the streets of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, to mark the fifth anniversary of the assassination of its former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri. The overwhelming outpouring of grief was simply not because he was just like any other Lebanese prime minster but because he was a man of development. He was a man who also shaped the destinies of most of the Lebanese youth by investing in their education.
Martyr Rafik Al-Hariri headed five Cabinets. He dominated the country's post-war political and business life and is widely credited with reconstructing Beirut after the 15-year civil war, as well as investing in human capital. However, a lot of people blamed him for the widespread corruption that followed the war and the crippling damages inflicted on the economy.
It is but natural for a successful man like him, whose self-generated wealth and a man who enjoyed a strong relationship with leaders in the eastern and the western world to be criticized by all those who couldn't understand the positive aspects of his projects, vision and mission. There also exist a significant number of the Lebanese people who ignore the reality of the roles played by other political parties, leaders, partners in controlling the business and political environment.
Rafik Al-Hariri wasn't just the man who was in favor of achieving economic development at the cost of ending up with unbalanced economic development. He was a true Arab statesman who believed in the necessity of the Lebanese resistance in playing major roles in conflicts with the Zionist regime. Hence, on several prestigious occasions he was called the 'Godfather' of the 'April Agreement:' a keen and avid supporter of the Lebanese people's right in international fields.
He had always been campaigning against Syrian involvement in Lebanon when he was finally assassinated along with 21 others in a bombing massacre. This was the main reason why the international forces seized this opportunity to achieve their agendas through the International Court regarding Rafik's case.
After his martyrdom, he created such a huge spasm that divided the country and threatened the Lebanese-Arabic identity of the country. I bet that a lot of the Lebanese citizens still agree that had he been alive, we wouldn't be subject to going through scanners, or crooked criminals talking about the necessity of exposing the Lebanese national security by disarming the Lebanese resistance. We wouldn't even find those unscrupulous religious men who hide serpents under the turbans and use the cross of Jesus Christ (PBUH) to cross over to Lebanon to promote their evil thoughts.
Finally, will the truth ever come to light? What is the role of the Mossad and its involvement in this assassination? What was the role played by some other Arab intelligence services? Were they actually cooperating with foreign forces? Will the truth prevail even with existence of a lot of fabrication related to the previous witnesses? A lot of questions have been raised about the fairness of some investigators who have worked on this issue.
May your soul rest in peace President Hariri, I hope you find a place in the heaven; not among the other dead but hope that you move on to other pastures; away from this Mafia who is controlling our countries, away from those deceivers who are trying to take advantage of the value of your blood and turn in it into a value for money and power. He is an immortal leader for all those students that he sponsored at French, American and Lebanese universities; not to mention the strong banking model that he created or at least dreamt of finalizing it!
Start Loving camps in front of White House for humanity's sake
Thu, 08 Apr 2010
By:Jameel W Karaki
http://www.alwatandaily.com/articleviews.aspx?Id=74433&Cat=3
KUWAIT: He is the American revolutionist who camps under the name of democracy in front of the White House. He is a great supporter of President Obama and against the criminal acts of the Zionist regime. In an exclusive interview with Al Watan Daily, Start Loving expressed his support of the right of any nation to use nuclear energy, but for peaceful purposes. " Nuclear Energy is madness - each plant being a potential dirty bomb, non-renewable fuel, horribly cost-ineffective compared with green energy such as wind and solar, requiring far too many years or even decades to bring online, potential source of a clean bomb." said Loving.
About the Iranian nuclear program he said "Iran has given us reason to profoundly distrust their intentions and must not be allowed to gain a nuclear bomb. President Obama totally respects Iran's right to nuclear energy, but not their right to a bomb."
Loving said the reason behind the American expansion in the Middle East under Bush and Cheney were for oil purposes. "They were equally happy to have Iraqi and American kids die to get it (oil) for their corporation. Every American soldier is Barack and Michelle's child, they will not keep them in harm's way for oil profits," he said.
Loving believes that President Obama and his wife Michelle are sworn to protect the reasonable interests of the US and will do so. This includes a reasonable access to oil under international commerce. In addition, Loving considers that Obama has a genuine sympathy for the Afghans, whose country is wrecked, and has a grave concern for a nuclear Pakistan under right wing radicals. "No longer are we there for an oil adventure, but rather for world stability, and President Obama will work to get us out as quickly as possible," added Loving
Regarding the Arabic -Israeli conflict he commented: "The greatest, most horrible immorality on the planet is the genocide that the Israelis are visiting on our Palestinian brothers and sisters with American dollars and weapons. The Zionists, the ones perpetrating this, are Hitler's children - masters of hatred, demonetization and death. The American people are boundlessly stupid and neglectful, so they embrace the propaganda of the Israeli controlled media and US congress."
Loving affirmed that Obama fully grasps the horrible security risk to the US of this "evil" continuing, but he has the entire US country to fight, and almost no one to stand with him. Therefore, he can only move slowly, basically, allowing Israel to hang themselves in the court of international -US opinion, as they are now slowly doing.
He concluded "President Obama represents the last great hope for the world. If we, from all over the world, stand with this entirely inclusive, human, pragmatic leadership on climate change, war, and the middle east ... with courage and responsible action we will move to the best world. Yet, if we stay on the sidelines, throwing rocks, as we Americans do at him, then we are doomed. Start Loving presents a great example of a human who sacrifices for the sake of humanity, he is a not Arabic and yet he posses the Arabic qualities.
Start Loving standing in front of the White House where he is camping. (Photo by Jameel Karaki)
By:Jameel W Karaki
http://www.alwatandaily.com/articleviews.aspx?Id=74433&Cat=3
KUWAIT: He is the American revolutionist who camps under the name of democracy in front of the White House. He is a great supporter of President Obama and against the criminal acts of the Zionist regime. In an exclusive interview with Al Watan Daily, Start Loving expressed his support of the right of any nation to use nuclear energy, but for peaceful purposes. " Nuclear Energy is madness - each plant being a potential dirty bomb, non-renewable fuel, horribly cost-ineffective compared with green energy such as wind and solar, requiring far too many years or even decades to bring online, potential source of a clean bomb." said Loving.
About the Iranian nuclear program he said "Iran has given us reason to profoundly distrust their intentions and must not be allowed to gain a nuclear bomb. President Obama totally respects Iran's right to nuclear energy, but not their right to a bomb."
Loving said the reason behind the American expansion in the Middle East under Bush and Cheney were for oil purposes. "They were equally happy to have Iraqi and American kids die to get it (oil) for their corporation. Every American soldier is Barack and Michelle's child, they will not keep them in harm's way for oil profits," he said.
Loving believes that President Obama and his wife Michelle are sworn to protect the reasonable interests of the US and will do so. This includes a reasonable access to oil under international commerce. In addition, Loving considers that Obama has a genuine sympathy for the Afghans, whose country is wrecked, and has a grave concern for a nuclear Pakistan under right wing radicals. "No longer are we there for an oil adventure, but rather for world stability, and President Obama will work to get us out as quickly as possible," added Loving
Regarding the Arabic -Israeli conflict he commented: "The greatest, most horrible immorality on the planet is the genocide that the Israelis are visiting on our Palestinian brothers and sisters with American dollars and weapons. The Zionists, the ones perpetrating this, are Hitler's children - masters of hatred, demonetization and death. The American people are boundlessly stupid and neglectful, so they embrace the propaganda of the Israeli controlled media and US congress."
Loving affirmed that Obama fully grasps the horrible security risk to the US of this "evil" continuing, but he has the entire US country to fight, and almost no one to stand with him. Therefore, he can only move slowly, basically, allowing Israel to hang themselves in the court of international -US opinion, as they are now slowly doing.
He concluded "President Obama represents the last great hope for the world. If we, from all over the world, stand with this entirely inclusive, human, pragmatic leadership on climate change, war, and the middle east ... with courage and responsible action we will move to the best world. Yet, if we stay on the sidelines, throwing rocks, as we Americans do at him, then we are doomed. Start Loving presents a great example of a human who sacrifices for the sake of humanity, he is a not Arabic and yet he posses the Arabic qualities.
Start Loving standing in front of the White House where he is camping. (Photo by Jameel Karaki)
Miss Hezbollah, the American-Lebanese nuclear weapon
By : Jameel W Karaki
Yes, I do appreciate and admire beauty and I admit that feminine beauty can increase the levels of testosterone in a male's body and not to mention the fact that female beauties are indeed breathtaking ladies. When news agencies announced the news that Rima Faqih, a 24-year-old, American of Lebanese origin and a Michigan university college graduate had won the prestigious title of Miss. USA., I indeed felt proud deep inside that Miss USA was of Lebanese descent.
However I am proud of her the same way that I am proud of the Lebanese army and the Lebanese resistance who liberated Lebanon partly May 25 2000, combined with the Lebanese victory over Israel in 2006. A question however always skims to the surface while watching such pageants. Should we call a beautiful woman beautiful just because she has a curvy and sexy figure? Or should we keep disclaiming her victory through bursting into the American mindset in changing their views of Arab women - thus eliminating the fact of questioning her chastity?
It didn't come as a surprise that Rima won. She has a strong personality, she looked confident on stage, answered her questions smartly and with poise and captured the hearts of the panel of judges with her intelligence and comfortable adaptability in 'blending with the atmosphere' that is usually prevalent in such beauty competitions. However, a particular synonym used by the panel of judges during the competition looked like they were either blind or preferred to ignore her biological structure. We should also consider that fact that she held previous experience in similar competitions and therefore she rightfully deserved the crown.
In 2007, she won the 'Stripper 101' pole dancing competition that was held by 'Mojo In The Morning' at the Coliseum Gentleman's Club in Detroit. Mojo In The Morning also claims it has pictures of her to prove it - as was also claimed by some Web sites on the Internet. I am not going to talk about the stripping competition that Rima participated in, or discuss the features of all the adult toys that she won. I also do not wish to talk about her performance on the stripper's pole since she has absolute freedom to do what she considers right. Fairly speaking, we shouldn't condone her for her participation in this competition and create all this fuss regarding her participation as it could prove to be a hassle for her victory.
On one hand, she had to go through a lot of frantic and rejecting voices of protests over her appearance in a bikini suit in the beauty pageant since she is a Muslim. They made it look like she was participating in a lecture for a theology class that was presided over by the clergy. On the other hand, a lot of viewers were extremely happy over her win - making it look like as if the Lebanese citizen incurred no debts, and that the Lebanese community in the US had formed a stronger lobby than the Zionist one.
Some critics consider Rima as a major factor in changing the West's image of Muslim women - the image of Muslim women is typically portrayed as women shrouded in veils or niqabs and burqas. We should however ask ourselves this question: Should we change our image by nudism or by intercultural communication, supporting women rights, and showing the pride of those Arab women who are professors, pharmacists and doctors in the State. Or should we portray Lebanese women as those women who send their kids to fight for the sake of their homeland or work abroad to improve their living standards?
A feminine body is equipped with weapons that help her to play an active role in influencing men - put in simpler words, she is adequately equipped - both biologically and psychologically to coax a man to be a man - who is also equally equipped to respond to this attraction.
A beautiful woman should be able to attract a man to deal with her state of mind and spirit in heart and in intellect - that is, her humanity. By covering her feminine side that is exposed through her body language, her movements and the way she pronounces words, she can show her humanitarian side and I'm not saying this for the sake of suppression or vulnerability. Rima, by virtue of exposing her outstanding beauty can be called - as according to some of my friends - "a secret Lebanese weapon."
Soon after her victory was announced, a lot of people from among the viewers were seen grudging her win because of her Islamic Lebanese roots - especially through the words of some loud-mouthed commentators who used Fakih's Shiite Lebanese background to brand her a terrorist 'Miss Hezbollah.'
They accused Rima of being a member of Hezbollah without providing any details except that some of her family members are linked to the organization. The only proof which was presented to the media is through some unnamed 'intelligence sources' provided by information received from Israel and the US as well as those super geniuses who apparently confirmed that some of her family members are linked to it. But, given the fact that, in addition to its armed wing, Hezbollah is a large political party, social service provider and the de facto government of the predominantly Shiite south, the vast majority of Lebanese Shiite and even many Sunnis and Christians are inextricably tied with the party.
I would like to salute all those who supported her - simply because they consider her as a nuclear weapon that is planted on American soil. I also nurse a major concern that during the next couple of days the US might impose some pressure on the Security Council to impose sanctions against Lebanon on the grounds that the Lebanese intelligence or Hezbollah recruited Rima to smuggle some missiles across the Lebanese-Syrian borders according to an Israeli analysis. I am not trying to be sarcastic but this kind of analysis definitely deserves an equally absurd comment
First, Rima was practicing her freedom of expression that was not based on the Islamic values which called for chastity. Second, no one in this world has the right to judge Rima's behavioral preferences including My Excellency. If I want to conclude, based on these outstanding American and Israeli analysis, Hezbollah carries two nuclear weapons across the Lebanese borders - one is Haifa Wehbe who is married to an Egyptian and the current is Miss USA.
On one hand, I pity those Americans and Israelis who were affected by their own conspiracy theories, which show that the 'Dilemma of Conspiracy' has not yet affected anyone- it has only passed the Arabic borders and still remains to be put into effect. On the other hand, Rima is just another girl-next-door who has for long lived the American dream and I hope that she can improve the American- Lebanese bilateral relationship, and participate in the process of liberating Lebanon as well. Viva Lebanon
http://www.alwatandaily.com/resources/pdf/733/8.pdf
Yes, I do appreciate and admire beauty and I admit that feminine beauty can increase the levels of testosterone in a male's body and not to mention the fact that female beauties are indeed breathtaking ladies. When news agencies announced the news that Rima Faqih, a 24-year-old, American of Lebanese origin and a Michigan university college graduate had won the prestigious title of Miss. USA., I indeed felt proud deep inside that Miss USA was of Lebanese descent.
However I am proud of her the same way that I am proud of the Lebanese army and the Lebanese resistance who liberated Lebanon partly May 25 2000, combined with the Lebanese victory over Israel in 2006. A question however always skims to the surface while watching such pageants. Should we call a beautiful woman beautiful just because she has a curvy and sexy figure? Or should we keep disclaiming her victory through bursting into the American mindset in changing their views of Arab women - thus eliminating the fact of questioning her chastity?
It didn't come as a surprise that Rima won. She has a strong personality, she looked confident on stage, answered her questions smartly and with poise and captured the hearts of the panel of judges with her intelligence and comfortable adaptability in 'blending with the atmosphere' that is usually prevalent in such beauty competitions. However, a particular synonym used by the panel of judges during the competition looked like they were either blind or preferred to ignore her biological structure. We should also consider that fact that she held previous experience in similar competitions and therefore she rightfully deserved the crown.
In 2007, she won the 'Stripper 101' pole dancing competition that was held by 'Mojo In The Morning' at the Coliseum Gentleman's Club in Detroit. Mojo In The Morning also claims it has pictures of her to prove it - as was also claimed by some Web sites on the Internet. I am not going to talk about the stripping competition that Rima participated in, or discuss the features of all the adult toys that she won. I also do not wish to talk about her performance on the stripper's pole since she has absolute freedom to do what she considers right. Fairly speaking, we shouldn't condone her for her participation in this competition and create all this fuss regarding her participation as it could prove to be a hassle for her victory.
On one hand, she had to go through a lot of frantic and rejecting voices of protests over her appearance in a bikini suit in the beauty pageant since she is a Muslim. They made it look like she was participating in a lecture for a theology class that was presided over by the clergy. On the other hand, a lot of viewers were extremely happy over her win - making it look like as if the Lebanese citizen incurred no debts, and that the Lebanese community in the US had formed a stronger lobby than the Zionist one.
Some critics consider Rima as a major factor in changing the West's image of Muslim women - the image of Muslim women is typically portrayed as women shrouded in veils or niqabs and burqas. We should however ask ourselves this question: Should we change our image by nudism or by intercultural communication, supporting women rights, and showing the pride of those Arab women who are professors, pharmacists and doctors in the State. Or should we portray Lebanese women as those women who send their kids to fight for the sake of their homeland or work abroad to improve their living standards?
A feminine body is equipped with weapons that help her to play an active role in influencing men - put in simpler words, she is adequately equipped - both biologically and psychologically to coax a man to be a man - who is also equally equipped to respond to this attraction.
A beautiful woman should be able to attract a man to deal with her state of mind and spirit in heart and in intellect - that is, her humanity. By covering her feminine side that is exposed through her body language, her movements and the way she pronounces words, she can show her humanitarian side and I'm not saying this for the sake of suppression or vulnerability. Rima, by virtue of exposing her outstanding beauty can be called - as according to some of my friends - "a secret Lebanese weapon."
Soon after her victory was announced, a lot of people from among the viewers were seen grudging her win because of her Islamic Lebanese roots - especially through the words of some loud-mouthed commentators who used Fakih's Shiite Lebanese background to brand her a terrorist 'Miss Hezbollah.'
They accused Rima of being a member of Hezbollah without providing any details except that some of her family members are linked to the organization. The only proof which was presented to the media is through some unnamed 'intelligence sources' provided by information received from Israel and the US as well as those super geniuses who apparently confirmed that some of her family members are linked to it. But, given the fact that, in addition to its armed wing, Hezbollah is a large political party, social service provider and the de facto government of the predominantly Shiite south, the vast majority of Lebanese Shiite and even many Sunnis and Christians are inextricably tied with the party.
I would like to salute all those who supported her - simply because they consider her as a nuclear weapon that is planted on American soil. I also nurse a major concern that during the next couple of days the US might impose some pressure on the Security Council to impose sanctions against Lebanon on the grounds that the Lebanese intelligence or Hezbollah recruited Rima to smuggle some missiles across the Lebanese-Syrian borders according to an Israeli analysis. I am not trying to be sarcastic but this kind of analysis definitely deserves an equally absurd comment
First, Rima was practicing her freedom of expression that was not based on the Islamic values which called for chastity. Second, no one in this world has the right to judge Rima's behavioral preferences including My Excellency. If I want to conclude, based on these outstanding American and Israeli analysis, Hezbollah carries two nuclear weapons across the Lebanese borders - one is Haifa Wehbe who is married to an Egyptian and the current is Miss USA.
On one hand, I pity those Americans and Israelis who were affected by their own conspiracy theories, which show that the 'Dilemma of Conspiracy' has not yet affected anyone- it has only passed the Arabic borders and still remains to be put into effect. On the other hand, Rima is just another girl-next-door who has for long lived the American dream and I hope that she can improve the American- Lebanese bilateral relationship, and participate in the process of liberating Lebanon as well. Viva Lebanon
http://www.alwatandaily.com/resources/pdf/733/8.pdf
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