Third World Countries in terms of political rights and civil liberties.
The most repressive regimes in the world.List of countries with the worst records for political rights and civil liberties. Within these countries and territories, state control over daily life is pervasive and wide-ranging, independent organizations and political opposition are banned or suppressed, and fear of retribution for independent thought and action is part of daily life.According to the Freedom House report Freedom in the World 2007, there are eight countries judged to have the worst records:Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, andUzbekistan.Also included are two territories, Chechnya (Russia) and Tibet, whoseinhabitants suffer intense repression. These states and regions received theFreedom House survey’s lowest rating: 7 for political rights and 7 for civilliberties.The report also includes nine further countries near the bottom of FreedomHouse's list of the most repressive: Belarus, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Laos, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Zimbabwe. The territory of Western Sahara (most of the territory is controlled by Morocco) is also included in this group. While these states scored slightly better than the “worst of the worst,” they offer very limited scope for private discussion while severely suppressing opposition political activity, impeding independent organizing, and censoring or punishing criticism of the state.(Source: Freedom House Freedom in the World 2007)See the full report on Freedom HouseSee also below: Third World Countries in Terms of Press Freedom
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Do we really need another Web browser?
Chrome a serious challenger in browser battle
Does the world really need another Web browser? Google thinks so. Chrome, its new browser, was developed in secrecy and released to the world Tuesday. The Windows version is available for download now at google.com/chrome; the Mac and Linux versions will take a little longer.
Google argues that current Web browsers were designed eons ago, before so many of the developments that characterize today's Web: video everywhere, scams and spyware, viruses that lurk even on legitimate sites, Web-based games and ambitious Web-based programs like Google's own Docs word processor.
As Google's blog puts it, "We realized that the Web had evolved from mainly simple text pages to rich, interactive applications and that we needed to completely rethink the browser."
What this early version of Chrome accomplishes isn't quite that grand. But it is a first-rate beginning.
With no status bar, no menu bar and only a single toolbar (for bookmarks), Chrome is minimalist in the extreme.
At the moment, for example, there's no way to e-mail a Web page to someone, no full-screen mode, no way to magnify the page (rather than just the text), and no screen for organizing bookmarks. Google says that these features are at the top of its to-do list.
Chrome is, nonetheless, full of really smart features that seem to have been inspired by other browsers - or ripped off from them, depending on your level of cynicism.
Pakistan: Current affairs
Helping Pakistan________
Urgent aid for Pakistan
The Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Senator Joe Biden, has drawn up an excellent long-term plan for the United States to help Pakistan economically, thereby strengthening the state against Islamist extremism. This is a vital American interest, not just because of the role of Pakistani Pashtuns in supporting the Taliban's campaign in Afghanistan, but even more importantly because Pakistan itself risks becoming a source of threats to the West that will vastly outweigh those from Afghanistan.
It is to be hoped that if John McCain wins the presidential election, his administration too will devote far more attention to helping Pakistan.
The problem is, however, that Pakistan may not be able to wait that long. By the time a new administration has begun to work out its plans, it will be next spring. And as the editor of a leading Pakistani newspaper said to me in Lahore last Monday, "if the government here can't do something serious to help the population economically within six months, it will be finished."
He and others have warned that mass anger at rising food prices and lengthening electricity cuts could combine with hostility to the government's campaign against the insurgents and to Pakistan's alliance with America. Sporadic violent protests against power cuts have already occurred in several cities. The resulting instability could wreck any hope of Pakistan continuing its tough campaign against the insurgents.
Pakistan's new president, Asif Zardari of the Pakistan People's Party, is already hated by much of the population, in part because he is seen as too pro-American. His government's prestige is being damaged still further by intensifying American raids into Pakistan's tribal areas.
Urgent aid for Pakistan
The Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Senator Joe Biden, has drawn up an excellent long-term plan for the United States to help Pakistan economically, thereby strengthening the state against Islamist extremism. This is a vital American interest, not just because of the role of Pakistani Pashtuns in supporting the Taliban's campaign in Afghanistan, but even more importantly because Pakistan itself risks becoming a source of threats to the West that will vastly outweigh those from Afghanistan.
It is to be hoped that if John McCain wins the presidential election, his administration too will devote far more attention to helping Pakistan.
The problem is, however, that Pakistan may not be able to wait that long. By the time a new administration has begun to work out its plans, it will be next spring. And as the editor of a leading Pakistani newspaper said to me in Lahore last Monday, "if the government here can't do something serious to help the population economically within six months, it will be finished."
He and others have warned that mass anger at rising food prices and lengthening electricity cuts could combine with hostility to the government's campaign against the insurgents and to Pakistan's alliance with America. Sporadic violent protests against power cuts have already occurred in several cities. The resulting instability could wreck any hope of Pakistan continuing its tough campaign against the insurgents.
Pakistan's new president, Asif Zardari of the Pakistan People's Party, is already hated by much of the population, in part because he is seen as too pro-American. His government's prestige is being damaged still further by intensifying American raids into Pakistan's tribal areas.
All Eyes On Zardari
Zardari urged to change image and focus
Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, must dispel the perception he is an artful politician and urgently address a deteriorating economy and worsening militant violence.The challenges ahead are enormous.
For a starter, he needs a quick and complete makeover of his image from a wily politician ... not mindful of whether he was breaking his promises or losing his credibility.What Mr Zardari needs to do is dispel the impression that he is a political wheeler-dealer who is adept at making backroom deals but unable to rise to the requirements of statesmanship.
Investors and foreign allies led by the United States hope the election will bring some stability after months of political turmoil and rising militant violence. The uncertainty has dragged Pakistani stocks and the rupee sharply lower.
With inflation at nearly 25 percent, dwindling foreign reserves, a widening current account deficit and a sliding rupee, newspapers said the government had to focus on the economy.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A to Z: Prision to Presidency
Zardari Elected Pakistan President as Economy Falters
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Zardari Wins Pakistan's Presidency
Asif Ali Zardari won the presidency of Pakistan Saturday, in a vote that continued the country's shift from military rule and completed a political resurrection for the controversial spouse of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Benazir Bhutto, was elected president of Pakistan, solidifying his grip on power in the nuclear-armed nation that's grappling with rising extremism and a crumbling economy.
``My victory is the peoples' victory and the victory of democracy,'' Zardari, co-head of the governing Pakistan Peoples Party, told state-run Pakistan Television, which announced the result. Zardari secured 479 out of 702 electoral votes from lawmakers in both houses of parliament and the four state assemblies, state-run PTV said.
Zardari, 52, replaces Pervez Musharraf with a mandate to tackle soaring inflation and provide food for the two-thirds of the population who live on less than $2 a day. A gun attack on the motorcade of PPP Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani this week underscored the need to improve security in a nation that saw 2,000 people killed in terrorist attacks last year.
``The issue is not whether Zardari may or may not deliver on the economy, the issue is what are his priorities,'' said Asif Ali Qureshi, head of research, at Invisor Securities Ltd. in Karachi. ``Complacency is not an option.''
..................................................
Zardari Wins Pakistan's Presidency
Asif Ali Zardari won the presidency of Pakistan Saturday, in a vote that continued the country's shift from military rule and completed a political resurrection for the controversial spouse of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of Benazir Bhutto, was elected president of Pakistan, solidifying his grip on power in the nuclear-armed nation that's grappling with rising extremism and a crumbling economy.
``My victory is the peoples' victory and the victory of democracy,'' Zardari, co-head of the governing Pakistan Peoples Party, told state-run Pakistan Television, which announced the result. Zardari secured 479 out of 702 electoral votes from lawmakers in both houses of parliament and the four state assemblies, state-run PTV said.
Zardari, 52, replaces Pervez Musharraf with a mandate to tackle soaring inflation and provide food for the two-thirds of the population who live on less than $2 a day. A gun attack on the motorcade of PPP Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani this week underscored the need to improve security in a nation that saw 2,000 people killed in terrorist attacks last year.
``The issue is not whether Zardari may or may not deliver on the economy, the issue is what are his priorities,'' said Asif Ali Qureshi, head of research, at Invisor Securities Ltd. in Karachi. ``Complacency is not an option.''
US looking for ways to improve arrangement with Pakistan
Pakistan cuts supply lines to Nato forces
In a major development, the federal government on Friday announced disconnection of supply lines to the allied forces stationed in Afghanistan through Pakistan in an apparent reaction to a ground attack on a border village in South Waziristan agency by the Nato forces.
Political authorities of the Khyber Agency claimed to have received verbal directives to immediately halt transportation of all kinds of goods meant for the US-led Nato forces in Afghanistan for an indefinite period.
Authorities claimed the decision was taken in the wake of the growing unrest in the Khyber Agency that provides for the only ground link of the country to the war-torn Afghanistan. "Until now, drivers of the vehicles carrying goods meant for the foreign forces in Afghanistan were directed to reach the tribal agency between 7am to 10am, which were then escorted to the border town of Torkhum by the Khassadar force."
Pakistan cuts supply lines to Nato forces
In a major development, the federal government on Friday announced disconnection of supply lines to the allied forces stationed in Afghanistan through Pakistan in an apparent reaction to a ground attack on a border village in South Waziristan agency by the Nato forces.
Political authorities of the Khyber Agency claimed to have received verbal directives to immediately halt transportation of all kinds of goods meant for the US-led Nato forces in Afghanistan for an indefinite period.
Authorities claimed the decision was taken in the wake of the growing unrest in the Khyber Agency that provides for the only ground link of the country to the war-torn Afghanistan. "Until now, drivers of the vehicles carrying goods meant for the foreign forces in Afghanistan were directed to reach the tribal agency between 7am to 10am, which were then escorted to the border town of Torkhum by the Khassadar force."
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Pakistanis Furious Over U.S.-Led Border Raid
__________________
The raid was a shameful violation of rules of engagement agreed with U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.
__________________
Pakistan is determined to defend its territorial integrity, the country's foreign minister said on Thursday, as anger mounted over a raid by U.S.-led troops on a remote border village.
The pre-dawn helicopter-borne ground assault on the village of Angor Adda on the Afghan border on Wednesday was the first known incursion into Pakistan by U.S.-led troops since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
Twenty people, including women and children were killed, officials said, and a new civilian government, more sensitive to public anger than the previous government, summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge an angry protest.
Foreign Minister Shah Memood Qureshi said the raid was a shameful violation of rules of engagement agreed with U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.
"We will not compromise on any violation of our sovereignty," Qureshi told the National Assembly.
"We will defend and ... we have a resolve and we have national consensus in Pakistan to defend our territorial integrity," he said. Both houses of parliament later adopted resolutions condemning the attack.
__________________
The raid was a shameful violation of rules of engagement agreed with U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.
__________________
Pakistan is determined to defend its territorial integrity, the country's foreign minister said on Thursday, as anger mounted over a raid by U.S.-led troops on a remote border village.
The pre-dawn helicopter-borne ground assault on the village of Angor Adda on the Afghan border on Wednesday was the first known incursion into Pakistan by U.S.-led troops since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
Twenty people, including women and children were killed, officials said, and a new civilian government, more sensitive to public anger than the previous government, summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge an angry protest.
Foreign Minister Shah Memood Qureshi said the raid was a shameful violation of rules of engagement agreed with U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.
"We will not compromise on any violation of our sovereignty," Qureshi told the National Assembly.
"We will defend and ... we have a resolve and we have national consensus in Pakistan to defend our territorial integrity," he said. Both houses of parliament later adopted resolutions condemning the attack.
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U.S. special forces carried out Pakistan raid
Islamabad Furious, Claims Attack Will Destabilize Already Volatile Nation
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U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a bold and unprecedented raid inside Pakistan early Wednesday morning on a suspected terrorist compound near the border with Afghanistan.
U.S.commandos entered Pakistan this week to attack an al Qaeda target near the Afghan border in a move that could signal more intense U.S. efforts to thwart cross-border militant violence, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
The Bush administration has not officially acknowledged any involvement in the Wednesday attack on the village of Angor Adda that killed up to 20 people, including women and children, according to Pakistani officials.
The raid was conducted at 3 a.m. local time by a Special Operations unit of about 40 troops operating on the ground and in the air, U.S. officials told ABC News. The officials described it as a successful operation but would not say specifically who was targeted.
The Pakistan government called it "a gross violation of Pakistan's territory."
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson was called into the Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad for what Pakistani officials called "a strong diplomatic protest."
The attack came just days after Pakistan announced that during the holy month of Ramadan it would have a moratorium on military actions against militants in another tribal region, Bajour, which is north of South Waziristan.
================
U.S. special forces carried out Pakistan raid
Islamabad Furious, Claims Attack Will Destabilize Already Volatile Nation
============
====U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted a bold and unprecedented raid inside Pakistan early Wednesday morning on a suspected terrorist compound near the border with Afghanistan.
U.S.commandos entered Pakistan this week to attack an al Qaeda target near the Afghan border in a move that could signal more intense U.S. efforts to thwart cross-border militant violence, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
The Bush administration has not officially acknowledged any involvement in the Wednesday attack on the village of Angor Adda that killed up to 20 people, including women and children, according to Pakistani officials.
The raid was conducted at 3 a.m. local time by a Special Operations unit of about 40 troops operating on the ground and in the air, U.S. officials told ABC News. The officials described it as a successful operation but would not say specifically who was targeted.
The Pakistan government called it "a gross violation of Pakistan's territory."
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson was called into the Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad for what Pakistani officials called "a strong diplomatic protest."
The attack came just days after Pakistan announced that during the holy month of Ramadan it would have a moratorium on military actions against militants in another tribal region, Bajour, which is north of South Waziristan.
================
Pakistan: Religion: Insight
Interfaith Dialogue a Moral Duty to Finding Common Ground
Extreme voices in the three religions that claim the monotheist heritage of Prophet Abraham--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--are busy sowing the seeds of confrontation and hate. They have recently taken the advantage of the politically rooted tensions between western and Middle Eastern countries to develop misunderstanding and mistrust among the followers of these religions.
Quoting selectively from Islamic sources, they have painted Islam as an intolerant religion that urges its followers to hate people of other faiths. This depiction belies both the historical record of Muslims dealing with the followers of other faiths, and, most importantly, the Qur'anic message itself. Although historical Muslim societies were imperfect, there are plenty of examples to show that Islamic values inspired Muslims to develop multi-religious societies in which people of diverse religious backgrounds lived in considerable harmony. The tolerance of Medieval Muslim Spain and the invitation extended to Jews expelled from Jerusalem to return to the city upon the defeat of the Crusaders are two shining examples.
The Qur'an reiterates a fundamental truth taught by all the prophets who were sent by God to guide human endeavors. It asserts that true and honest living is the assured way for spiritual and social harmony, and for protecting the long term self interests of every human being.The Qur'an further asserts that humans are fallible and can never be free of error in understanding and judgment. Human knowledge is imperfect, and subject to bias and error. Knowledge of intentions and inner thoughts are beyond human capacity, and so is the knowledge of the final destiny of individuals. People of faith must show humility and put their trust in divine wisdom and the absolute justice of God, and must focus on doing what is right and just, instead of sitting in judgment on the eternal salvation of others. The Qur'an is clear that only God knows who is true and sincere in worship and service, and who has gone astray.
"Your lord knows best who strays from his way: He knows best who they are that receive His guidance." (6:117)
The duty of the faithful is, therefore, not to judge others and look down on those who have different understanding and faith, but respect their choices and try his or her best to live an upright life and manifest the values of his and her faith through good work and good deeds.
Some commentators have stressed the down side of that story by focusing on the Qur'anic critique of the People of the Book. The Qur'an has pointed out several excesses and mistakes committed by the followers of the Biblical prophets, and warned the followers of Prophet Muhammad against committing similar excesses. Yet the Qur'an is also full of stories of great struggles and shining examples of the followers of early prophets whose commitment and devotion were crucial for establishing the Monotheistic traditions and translating divine guidance into social practices: The strong faith of Saul (Talout) and those who stood firmly with him (2:249); the devotion of the people of the Trench who remained true to their faith in the face of a horrifying aggression committed by ruthless enemies (85:1-11); and the unwavering commitment of the followers of Christ to the ethical code and compassionate spirit he brought to humanity (61:14).
Prophet Muhammad repeatedly emphasized that his mission confirmed those of early prophets. He directed early Muslims to seek refuge in Abyssinia, pointing out that the country was ruled by a just Christian King. This was the beginning of an excellent relationship and strong alliance between Muslims and Christians in Abyssinia that lasted for a thousand years.Therefore, Muslim attitude toward the followers of other religions, particularly the People of the Book, should not be one of self-righteousness and pride, but one of compassion, mutual respect, and concern for the wellbeing and welfare of other communities. The Qur'an encourages Muslims to cooperate for the common good and to search from a common ground, based on mutual respect and help.
It is this open, free, and dignified dialogue that allows the followers of various religious traditions to affirm their diversity and discuss their similarities and differences, and it is what Islam requires from its followers. Muslims have a moral and religious obligation to engage in interfaith dialogue with other communities of faith, and they must do that by maintaining ethical standards required by the Qur'an, including the directive to "argue with [the follower of the revealed books] in ways that are best and most gracious."
Extreme voices in the three religions that claim the monotheist heritage of Prophet Abraham--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--are busy sowing the seeds of confrontation and hate. They have recently taken the advantage of the politically rooted tensions between western and Middle Eastern countries to develop misunderstanding and mistrust among the followers of these religions. Quoting selectively from Islamic sources, they have painted Islam as an intolerant religion that urges its followers to hate people of other faiths. This depiction belies both the historical record of Muslims dealing with the followers of other faiths, and, most importantly, the Qur'anic message itself. Although historical Muslim societies were imperfect, there are plenty of examples to show that Islamic values inspired Muslims to develop multi-religious societies in which people of diverse religious backgrounds lived in considerable harmony. The tolerance of Medieval Muslim Spain and the invitation extended to Jews expelled from Jerusalem to return to the city upon the defeat of the Crusaders are two shining examples.
The Qur'an reiterates a fundamental truth taught by all the prophets who were sent by God to guide human endeavors. It asserts that true and honest living is the assured way for spiritual and social harmony, and for protecting the long term self interests of every human being.The Qur'an further asserts that humans are fallible and can never be free of error in understanding and judgment. Human knowledge is imperfect, and subject to bias and error. Knowledge of intentions and inner thoughts are beyond human capacity, and so is the knowledge of the final destiny of individuals. People of faith must show humility and put their trust in divine wisdom and the absolute justice of God, and must focus on doing what is right and just, instead of sitting in judgment on the eternal salvation of others. The Qur'an is clear that only God knows who is true and sincere in worship and service, and who has gone astray.
"Your lord knows best who strays from his way: He knows best who they are that receive His guidance." (6:117)
The duty of the faithful is, therefore, not to judge others and look down on those who have different understanding and faith, but respect their choices and try his or her best to live an upright life and manifest the values of his and her faith through good work and good deeds.
Some commentators have stressed the down side of that story by focusing on the Qur'anic critique of the People of the Book. The Qur'an has pointed out several excesses and mistakes committed by the followers of the Biblical prophets, and warned the followers of Prophet Muhammad against committing similar excesses. Yet the Qur'an is also full of stories of great struggles and shining examples of the followers of early prophets whose commitment and devotion were crucial for establishing the Monotheistic traditions and translating divine guidance into social practices: The strong faith of Saul (Talout) and those who stood firmly with him (2:249); the devotion of the people of the Trench who remained true to their faith in the face of a horrifying aggression committed by ruthless enemies (85:1-11); and the unwavering commitment of the followers of Christ to the ethical code and compassionate spirit he brought to humanity (61:14).
Prophet Muhammad repeatedly emphasized that his mission confirmed those of early prophets. He directed early Muslims to seek refuge in Abyssinia, pointing out that the country was ruled by a just Christian King. This was the beginning of an excellent relationship and strong alliance between Muslims and Christians in Abyssinia that lasted for a thousand years.Therefore, Muslim attitude toward the followers of other religions, particularly the People of the Book, should not be one of self-righteousness and pride, but one of compassion, mutual respect, and concern for the wellbeing and welfare of other communities. The Qur'an encourages Muslims to cooperate for the common good and to search from a common ground, based on mutual respect and help.
It is this open, free, and dignified dialogue that allows the followers of various religious traditions to affirm their diversity and discuss their similarities and differences, and it is what Islam requires from its followers. Muslims have a moral and religious obligation to engage in interfaith dialogue with other communities of faith, and they must do that by maintaining ethical standards required by the Qur'an, including the directive to "argue with [the follower of the revealed books] in ways that are best and most gracious."
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Economy’s freefall to a default
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Of the 192 members of the United Nations, Pakistan’s sovereign debt is now the riskiest. For the week ending Aug 29, Government of Pakistan bonds overtook Argentina’s to be the most unsafe for investment.
In London, where Credit Default Swaps (CDS) are traded, the price for insuring $10 million worth of Argentina’s debt stood at $788,000 while the price to insure the Government of Pakistan-guaranteed debt skyrocketed to $950,000 — something that has never happened before — Pakistan’s debt is now the priciest to insure (read: the London market is contemplating a default-like scenario).
Pakistan’s total foreign debt and liabilities have now crossed the $45 billion mark. ‘Pakistan: Could the Political Chaos Lead to Sovereign Default?’ a report by Citibank, asserts “if Pakistan opted to default, it would have to reschedule all of its debts, which amounts to $2.6 billion in self-issued bonds and $13.9 billion in bilateral debt”. The report expects the “Pakistani rupee’s fall to continue in light of government inaction and the break-up of the government coalition”.
Pakistan is teetering on the brink of default. The rupee has lost some 20 per cent of its value over the past quarter and the KSE-100 Index is down a whopping 45 per cent. Pakistan cannot do without the IMF, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Islamic Development Bank and another Saudi oil facility.
________________
Of the 192 members of the United Nations, Pakistan’s sovereign debt is now the riskiest. For the week ending Aug 29, Government of Pakistan bonds overtook Argentina’s to be the most unsafe for investment.
In London, where Credit Default Swaps (CDS) are traded, the price for insuring $10 million worth of Argentina’s debt stood at $788,000 while the price to insure the Government of Pakistan-guaranteed debt skyrocketed to $950,000 — something that has never happened before — Pakistan’s debt is now the priciest to insure (read: the London market is contemplating a default-like scenario).
Pakistan’s total foreign debt and liabilities have now crossed the $45 billion mark. ‘Pakistan: Could the Political Chaos Lead to Sovereign Default?’ a report by Citibank, asserts “if Pakistan opted to default, it would have to reschedule all of its debts, which amounts to $2.6 billion in self-issued bonds and $13.9 billion in bilateral debt”. The report expects the “Pakistani rupee’s fall to continue in light of government inaction and the break-up of the government coalition”.
Pakistan is teetering on the brink of default. The rupee has lost some 20 per cent of its value over the past quarter and the KSE-100 Index is down a whopping 45 per cent. Pakistan cannot do without the IMF, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Islamic Development Bank and another Saudi oil facility.
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