tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31784759809800207762024-10-07T02:46:34.580-04:00Diverse SimilaritiesJournalistic musings, and more...Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-56223817332067155722016-08-22T13:59:00.000-04:002016-12-22T16:34:41.897-05:00THE NSG SAGA
India and
Pakistan, the two regional rivals, formally applied for membership of the
Nuclear Suppliers group (NSG) to be considered in its twenty-sixth meeting starting
June 20th at Seoul. NSG was formed in response to the Indian nuclear
test in 1974, and this 48-member organization aims to reduce nuclear proliferation
by regulating the export of nuclear materials, and setting guidelines for
Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-81664774401918354662016-08-22T13:58:00.000-04:002016-12-26T14:51:51.035-05:00BRAZIL'S TROUBLES AND COUNTDOWN TO RIO
The international
multi-sport event, officially known as Games
of the XXXI Olympiad, has historically drawn excited crowds from around the
world giddy with eager anticipation, and the upcoming Olympics should have been
no different. However, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on August 5-21 are
being hailed in with reserve due to the country’s ongoing political, economic
and social crises.
AsTaherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-41510116791499434342016-08-22T13:54:00.001-04:002016-08-22T13:56:23.504-04:00MOVING TOWARDS BETTER UNDERSTANDING
Just over two weeks ago, many of us were struggling to make sense, as police in riot gear stood guard watching armed protestors gather outside the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix (ICCP) in Arizona.
Angry protestors, automatic weapons, anti-Islam slogans, Draw Muhammad contest are a dangerous mix, if ever there was one. Thankfully, the protest ended without incident.
Then, three days later,Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-24375224914637546942016-08-22T13:51:00.002-04:002016-12-22T16:35:04.796-05:00THE NEED FOR MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE
Whenever we are confronted with controversy in the public sphere, the need for meaningful dialogue is reignited. The recent tragedy in Garland, Texas, over a contentious cartoon competition has once again stirred the debate to define hate speech and provocation vs. the right to free speech.
While merits and demerits of each position remain unresolved, fortunately, condemnation of violence is Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-16370456526076255112015-05-20T15:29:00.004-04:002015-05-20T15:29:43.693-04:00POLITICAL STRIFE IN BANGLADESH
The Begums of Bangladesh continue to
be at loggerheads with each other one year after the controversial 2014 election,
refusing to cede concessions to the other even in the interest of peace and
security of their country.
The Begums of Bangladesh have nothing in common with each
other except their family name, Rahman. As current leaders of the two main political
dynasties, both Prime MinisterTaherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-74993244880377032122014-12-20T12:56:00.001-05:002014-12-20T12:58:49.912-05:00Challenges for the Gulf Cooperation Council
Some Arab leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may not find
the idea of handing power to a central authority very appealing but having a strong
unified presence on the world stage is a strong incentive for GCC to move ahead
with Saudi Arabia’s proposal for a confederation.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), formally known as the
Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf&Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-11861523813108026052014-11-04T12:11:00.001-05:002014-11-04T12:11:10.778-05:00Development with Accountability
The results-based financial aid mechanisms used by the World Bank Group focus more on output and encourage transparency and accountability to achieve results
Access to reliable public services is crucial for any society to flourish but even more so for developing countries where the lack of basic necessities has resulted in everyday challenges that stunt intellectual growth and Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-21337088076480829522014-07-11T18:57:00.004-04:002014-07-11T18:57:50.244-04:00The Muslim Question
The 16th Indian Lok Sabha has the lowest number of Muslim MPs ever.What does this signify for the future of Indian Muslims?By Tahera Sajid
An exercise conducted every five years, the Indian general elections were held in nine phases from April 7 to May 12, 2014, to elect the 16th Lok Sabha from 543 parliamentary constituencies of the 28 Indian states. In a country of 1.237 billion, 814.5 Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-58051393409608683192014-04-08T10:39:00.004-04:002014-06-21T15:41:33.250-04:00GOING STRONG AT 65
“Our
strength and capabilities are inherently based on forming, sustaining, equipping,
and training an adaptive force in which the only constant in the geopolitical
terrain is change.”
(General Philip Breedlove,
Commander SACEUR)
The international community today is
constantly under threat from terrorist agendas, and economic challenges that affect
and endanger entire populations. As Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-59644774972618522432014-03-21T11:56:00.001-04:002014-04-09T14:21:07.681-04:00A RELIABLE PARTNERSHIP
Struggling to cope with lack of funds, corrupt regimes, or
well-intentioned but ineffective leaders, the development process in countries
of South Asia is frequently derailed. In this context, the World Bank Group
(WBG) has long honored its commitment to South Asia by identifying issues,
mobilizing communities and supporting initiatives of governments, community
organizations and other Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-34157318782901336022013-07-17T12:08:00.000-04:002014-04-04T18:12:47.541-04:00The Risky Business
Afghanistan is infamous for its unending chaos and unchecked poppy production. As international forces gear up to leave, concerns are mounting about escalating ethnic tensions and an ever-expanding drug market in the aftermath.
The projection of the 2013 report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is that Afghanistan’s contribution to the world drug market will be about 92Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-17559721549659143842013-03-26T19:24:00.001-04:002014-04-04T18:14:15.875-04:00Building From Abroad
Millions of Bangladeshi migrants around the world are diligently working and sending back money to support development efforts in their home country.
The demand for human labor in the international community due to economic globalization ensures a constant flow of migrant workers, especially from developing countries. Bangladeshi workers have also long availed the opportunity of working Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-13642717115337493162012-12-23T10:16:00.000-05:002014-04-08T10:47:04.292-04:00Maldives - a Plummeting Economy
The beautiful island nation of Maldives is in the news constantly for
its climate-related troubles, but concerns regarding business challenges for
foreign investors are no less important.
It is not surprising that any
perceived threats to foreign investment in a country automatically plummets
investor confidence and the economy suffers a heavy blow. The Maldivian economy
thrives on Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-23255976961607708982012-11-29T19:19:00.000-05:002014-04-08T10:48:29.868-04:00In Deep Waters
The fishing row between
India and Sri Lanka is not only effecting bilateral relations between the two
countries but taking its toll on the poor who have no alternate means of
livelihood. Finding a long term solution that benefits all has to address the
humanitarian aspect of the issue soon
Fishing is a popular means of livelihood in parts of
India and Sri Lanka due to rampant poverty and Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-55242279764137107492012-07-05T17:56:00.000-04:002014-04-04T18:10:44.911-04:00The South Asian Question
The
United States has traditionally sought long standing engagement in South Asia.
However, even though the region is rich in natural resources, potential and opportunities,
the unique regional politics and instability present somewhat of a challenge.
The
seven countries of South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka, vary greatly in size and social makeup.Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-39613711568025260392012-04-25T08:36:00.000-04:002014-04-08T12:36:44.478-04:00Changing Priorities
Today, numerous Bangladeshi women are taking charge of their
personal and professional lives. However, widespread gender bias and violence continue
to challenge their dreams of emancipation and empowerment. Have the two women Prime Ministers
of Bangladesh made a difference in the life of an average woman?
South Asian politics is dominated by
dynastic trends and the presence of women leadersTaherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-68331572550270754212012-04-09T14:01:00.003-04:002012-04-25T08:37:16.177-04:00Demystifying Shari'ah
The conference held at the Islamic Center of New England in Sharon, on Saturday, March 31, was appropriately named as "Demystifying Shari'ah" - a word not many were familiar with until a few years ago, a concept so charged today that it fiercely divides communities and send chills down spines.
The aim of the conference was to educate the audience in a spirit similar to what President John F. Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-5057971848680714732012-03-20T06:53:00.001-04:002014-04-05T09:25:45.037-04:00THE WORLD IN BLACK AND WHITE
“Why are South Asians so fascinated with a fair complexion?” asked my American friend, Ruth.
The monthly meeting of our book club was in session. Having read Bapsi Sidhwa’s An American Brat, the members were ready to discuss the book’s contents.
“Doesn’t it look lovely?” I asked.
“Not if you are Rihaana!” Quipped Charlotte and everyone laughed.
“And not if it shows all your wrinkles more!” Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-765021009219615742012-02-12T21:30:00.000-05:002014-04-08T12:35:35.644-04:00Futile Efforts
“We can help train an army, we can
help equip an army, we can help build facilities for the army, but only the
Afghan people can breathe a soul into that army.” Lt Gen. Karl Eikenberry, former
Commander, Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan( CFC-A)
The
decade long War on Terror in Afghanistan seems to be coming to a close – or at
least scaling down to a limited presence of foreign forces Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-26231298821259747272011-12-19T14:47:00.000-05:002012-02-26T11:29:14.445-05:00All-American Americans
The home-improvement store, Lowe's, has pulled its advertising from TLC's "All-American Muslim," a reality series based on the lives of five American Muslim families from Dearborn, Mich.
Lowe's decision was prompted by the complaint of an evangelical Christian group known as the Florida Family Association, who threatened to boycott the company's products because they believed Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-72347429529048593652011-10-19T20:57:00.002-04:002012-02-26T11:29:27.278-05:00A Legacy of Hate
Op-Ed
It is time to heal ourselves now
A
children’s coloring book recently published by Big Coloring Books, Inc., in St.
Louis, titled,We shall never Forget - The Kids Book of Freedom has
sparked much controversy of late. It claims to be a tribute to the victims of
9/11, but many are questioning its deeper agenda.
Responding
to criticism, Wayne Bell, the Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-49584697745888573912011-10-18T08:54:00.001-04:002014-04-08T10:53:49.104-04:00India - a Quest for Identity
Living in a melting pot of races, religions and
cultures, the inhabitants of Northeast India continue to struggle with an
identity crisis while battling decades of ethnic conflict.
Northeastern India
consists of the seven
sister states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram,
Nagaland and Tripura, and parts of North Bengal.
This is a very diverse region and has strong
Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-77473082593315332202011-09-04T20:42:00.000-04:002012-02-23T12:58:35.790-05:00South Asia - Potential and Prospects
Feature
Social indicators of development in the
dynamic South Asian region are not always promising. However, the South Asian
economy is resilient as are its people, and can do well with sustained international
focus in lending and knowledge investment to supplement efforts of local
governments.
South Asia comprises seven countries:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan andTaherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-78940562242890962142011-08-15T17:44:00.005-04:002011-09-05T10:04:37.425-04:00An Aftar to Remember
Satire
...want to outshine the neighbor’s Iftar
party? Follow my instructions...at own peril!!!
Wake up Lazy-bones! Yes, you… the housewife who’s eaten too
many parathas at Sehri and having sent the doting husband to office and
chubby-cheeked Angles to school, are now sprawled in bed because you have
nothing better to do! Are you bent upon making up for the time you had to spend
Taherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3178475980980020776.post-35488802523246555872011-06-25T10:57:00.006-04:002014-04-08T12:34:52.939-04:00Human Kindness is Limitless
Feature
Volunteers serve as a catalyst
for change in a society. It is important to provide a supportive environment to
these selfless individuals and organizations so that they may contribute to
true nation building.
The culture of volunteerism is inherent to many societies and
supplements State functions. It is also an expression of the spirit of human
compassion. Sometimes, howeverTaherahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300770881649618318noreply@blogger.com2