COPENHAGEN – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel and Palestine to protect civilians, especially children, reiterating that Israel as a ‘democracy’ has an extra burden to do so. “We’ll continue to conduct intensive diplomacy to bring this current ‘cycle of violence’ to an end and we are ready to lend support, if […]
democracy
The menopause of democracy
Democracy is a fertile land of pluralism, civil liberties, freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), judicial independence and free electoral process which upholds the value of respect and dignity for all. As it explains, democracies are the vistas where the rights of people regardless of their religion, race or colour are guaranteed, however, we still […]
When do intractable issue become existential?
Many “democracies” face similar conundrums that could pose an existential danger to their future political coherence. This is not a new phenomenon. Nazi Germany could never reconcile its ambitions for “lebensraum” with reality and ultimately was crushed. The Soviet Union imploded because of an irrational political system. Today, Brexit is an existential threat to the […]
Deposed Istanbul mayor vows ‘revolution’ for democracy
Istanbul’s deposed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was stripped of his election victory this week, told AFP he would lead a “revolution” for democracy ahead of next month’s vote re-run. “What we are doing now is a fight for democracy and mobilization for democracy. It will of course be a revolution once we carry it to […]
People are the only ‘umpire’ in Pakistan: Bilawal
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday said there is only one umpire in Pakistan and that is the people, a private TV channel reported. “In a democracy and in Pakistan, it is the will of the people which is followed, not that of any third umpire,” he said while addressing the […]
National wealth looted by corrupt politicians will be recovered: PM
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday vowed to bring the national wealth looted and laundered abroad by some politicians back to the country and never offer any NRO to the corrupt politicians who have joined hands against him in the name of democracy. “Those, who have come together in the name of saving democracy, have […]
Arab League today
The Arab League, also known as the League of Arab States, was formed in 1945 for the purpose of aligning the Arab nations on matters of common interest and concern. Foundations for the organization were laid by the Alexandria Protocol of 1944 issued by representatives of Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Trans-Jordan (now Jordan). An […]
Pedal power: India election crusader cycling for ‘real’ democracy
Lal Mani Das raises his voice above the morning din outside a railway station in the eastern Indian city of Patna city to make an appeal: Vote for a strong democracy. The 45-year-old from impoverished Bihar state is not a vote-seeking politician or a government election agent in the world’s biggest election that began on […]
Three daggers
Three political daggers are aimed at America’s democracy and security. Whether these are stilettos- thin, stealthy and precise- or nearly foot long Bowie knives to hack, cut and maim makes little difference. The ultimate effect could be deadly. The first dagger threatens truthfulness; the second the constitution; and the third the nation’s most important alliance. […]
Indian government restricts civilian vehicle movement on key Kashmir highway
A ban has been imposed limiting civilian use of a highway in Kashmir for two days a week by Indian authorities. The ban is intended to keep the highway open only for military and paramilitary convoys. Soldiers have started patrolling and have blocked the link roads with razor wire. The Government of India issued the […]