All posts filed under: Comment

Interview with Ibtihal Bsis on her recent trip to Syria

As the US began airstrikes against targets in Syria the global media went into fifth gear to highlight the threat the west faces in light of development in the country. Ibtihal Bsis recently returned from Syria and we caught up with her on the latest developments in the country.

Kcom – The uprising began in 2011. It will soon be four years since the people rose up against the regime of Basher al-Assad. What is the current sentiment of the people and how do they perceive the situation in the country, currently?

Ibtihal Bsis – I cannot believe that the revolution in Syria is entering into its fourth year, but for the people on the ground this is very real, it feels as if the revolution has been on-going for 40 years. They are tired, with the constant warplanes over their heads and the lack of electricity and water and even food. People take each day as it comes and try and survive every day on the little that they have. Very few people speak of ‘tomorrow.’ What we have to remember is that many of them have lost members of their families, on some occasions entire generations have been wiped out by the al-Assad regime.

Gaza Q&A

This quick Q&A has been written in response to the outrageous lies of the Zionists and the abject failure of most of the so-called free press, especially since so few available introductory resources are worth reading[1]. The questions are typical of what Zionists say and are based on a series of discussions and debates in the last few weeks.

Sochi 2014 and the Oppression of Muslims

On Friday 7th February 2014 the 22nd winter Olympics commenced in Sochi, Russia. Controversy began well before the games started. The west has been in overdrive ever since Russia won the bid to host the Olympics. Weather it is British politicians or US human rights groups they are all highlighting one issue to the exclusion of all other issues- “gay rights.”

On the day of the opening ceremony Google changed its doodle on its home page in support of gay rights, the UK’s Independent and the Huffington Post also changed their logo. President Obama went further by sending openly gay athletes as a delegation to Sochi to promote this cause and in an interview with the American network NBC Obama said: “There is no doubt we wanted to make it very clear that we do not abide by discrimination in anything, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.”[1]

Lone Survivor: Yet Another Over-exaggeration

The recently released film “Lone Survivor” topped the box office after screening in cinemas. It had to do well as the storyline was based around four brave, invincible US Navy Seals facing in the Afghan war. After a compassionate decision of letting unarmed shepherds go free, they were caught in a firefight where US navy seals fought hundreds of Afghan Taliban fighters until the very last bullet. All of the navy seals perished except one ‘lone survivor’ who was offered protection after the rescue helicopter was shot down. The story did not end there as the lone survivor was protected by the people of a village, though he was still ready to fight with the only grenade left with him. Afterwards, the American army sent hundreds of soldiers, right in the middle of a firefight amongst hundreds of Taliban fighters and the few villagers who are trying to protect him.

The General’s Burden

General Raheel Sharif’s succession as the new army chief, beating other aspirants to the powerful and coveted position, has finally ended the enduring and belated six year term of General Ashfaq Kayani. During his time at the helm, General Kayani oversaw a rapidly deteriorating internal and external security situation. This included many numerous domestic terror attacks that have become synonymous with Iraq style killings that have claimed thousands of Pakistanis lives including infiltration attacks on the Mehran naval and Kamra air bases with an audacious attack on the all powerful GHQ itself. Then if this was not enough, Pakistan’s purported ‘ally’ launched the embarrassing Abbottabad raid which went unchallenged while the murderer of two Pakistanis in Lahore, CIA agent Raymond Davis, was simply allowed to go home a free man. The US drone attacks, which have become symbolic of American impunity and intransigence in dealing with Pakistan, increased exponentially with thousands of men, women and children being slaughtered in the tribal areas all in the name of fighting terrorism despite the hypothetical protestations from Pakistan’s rulers. Perhaps though it was the vicious slaughter of 24 Pakistani troops in Salala at the hands of the US led NATO force which most undermined Kayani’s position as the Siphaa-e-Salaar; if the commander-in-chief could launch operations in the tribal areas under American pressure but not lift a finger to defend and avenge his troops, what faith could the rest of Pakistan have in him? General Kayani’s weak leadership, lack of robustness and caving into American pressure will characterise his legacy.

Lessons from Nelson Mandela’s Struggle

The death of South Africa’s Nelson Mandela has captured the attention of the world. The global media coverage has shown almost unanimous compassion for him and the sacrifices he made. Nelson Mandela, as leader of the African National Congress (ANC), spearheaded the anti-apartheid movement through both advocacy and violence. While today Mandela is acclaimed for his work, at the time of his political activities he and the ANC were branded as terrorists.

Like Mandela, there are still thousands of people fighting for their rights and making sacrifices to bring change. There are a number of lessons that can be learned in Mandela’s attempts to bring change.

History, Muharram and New beginnings

There are events in the past – a few days, hours, or minutes even – which determine the course of history for centuries to come. Admittedly, this statement could be considered tired and hackneyed, as many are all too familiar with the various sayings concerning time. ‘If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday’; the famous proclamation opens a window about the dynamics of past events and exposes to us an appreciation for just how fateful seemingly arbitrary moments in history can be. More often than not, the study of history is undertaken with injustice, as it is viewed in isolation from our present realities and few can appreciate the way historical moments fit into the patterned nature of creation. This is the difference, perhaps, between the academic Historian and the ‘those of understanding’.

Slavery and Soccer – Qatar’s heresy

“Football, it seemed to me, is not really played for the pleasure of kicking a ball about, but is a species of fighting.”

—George Orwell

It is quite a radical statement by the well- known dystopian writer. To allude that the game of football unearths a particular strand of human nature that has a propensity to violence and fighting could be considered as sensational exaggeration by the lovers of the sport. Such a statement is not the debate here. However, what appears clear is that Orwell is certainly well ahead of his time. Without doubt, he is one of the few thinkers able to articulate the outlook of the trajectory of human existence as bleak and pessimistic. One wonders if Orwell foresaw the current reality of football as it stands today; excessive wages, lavish lifestyles of the players as well as hooliganism, racism and the propensity to create regional rivalry.

US Exceptionalism: 10 things the US is exceptional at

In his speech on 24th September 2013, President Obama endeavoured to remind the world of America’s exceptionalism conveying some of the most pressing issues facing the US today. Obama contextualised the shift from 20th century warfare to the modern political paradigm of using diplomacy in order to deal with a hostile political environment in the Middle East. In his words “I believe such disengagement would be a mistake. I believe America must remain engaged for our own security, but I also believe the world is better for it. Some may disagree. But I believe America is exceptional. In part because we have shown a willingness through the sacrifice of blood and treasure to stand up not only for our own narrow self-interest, but for the interest of all.” [1] The speech addressed the current US position on Syria, the US viewpoint on Egypt, their relationship with Iran and emphasised their commitment to the democratisation of the Middle East.

Egypt and Syria: Tricky Debate with Brother from the Muslim Brotherhood

A Muslim audience in Derby, a small town in the middle of England, wanted to ask questions to a panel regarding the situation in Egypt and Syria; what is the stance of Hizb ut Tahrir regarding the Syria uprising? Is the idea of seeking nusrah realistic? What lessons can be learnt from the removal of Dr Morsi? Is democracy the way forward after the removal of Dr Morsi? Has political Islam failed in Egypt? So they invited me, Yahya Nisbet (a convert who had been unjustly jailed in Egypt during Mubarak’s time for belonging to a group calling for the Khilafah) and an Egyptian doctor from the Muslim Brotherhood.

When “Islamism” Becomes an Opium

When Marx wrote vehemently on religion, referring it to’opium’ he was referring to a particular clerical order which legitimized the Monarchial power-structures shaping the dismal status-quo in the Middle Ages . Religion was sedative, the masses were told that this is a fixated ‘reality’ and to question it would be to question the will of God. Islamic thinkers like Ali Shariati, who were initially inspired by Marx later noted that this conception of religion was fundamentally inapplicable to Islam because at the core of Islam was a revolutionary and radical message for socio-political and economic change. Drawing upon the Prophetic era Islamic scholars and activist explained how the Prophet’s action-program addressed not only regressive customs in his community but more so the underlying ideas – he challenged the ‘reality’ surrounding him. However, the recent events in Egypt and the responses by mainstream scholars and thinkers around the Arab-Muslim world have seemingly ignored the explicit Islamic methodological imperatives and have transformed their own “traditional Islamism” into a sort of opium which legitimizes the status-quo in Egypt calling upon Muslims to accept “the lesser of two evils” or go even further and claim that doing so is an “Islamic duty” as we must rally behind our Muslim leaders such as Mursi. They do so, instead of encouraging Muslims to construct a new reality.

The West Turns Malala Yusufzai into a Phenomenon to Further its Own Interests!

In a speech at the United Nations on her 16th birthday, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban for promoting education for girls in Pakistan, called on world leaders to provide “free, compulsory education” for every child.

She was greeted by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon of South Korea. He introduced her to the youth assembly. “By targeting Malala, extremists showed what they feared the most: a girl with a book,” Mr. Ki-moon said. “Malala is calling on us to keep our promises — invest in young people and put education first.”

New (Naya) Pakistan or more of the same?

Amid exuberant calls of vote-rigging and protests seen in the recent elections in Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) is poised to yet again become Prime Minister for a third time – his last two stints at the job were back in the 1990’s. Nearly 14 years after being ousted from power by a military coup orchestrated by General Pervez Musharraf, Nawaz Sharif is being called the comeback kid by some political analysts. His main rival, former cricketer turned politician Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), who many had hoped would breathe fresh life into a corrupt political system failed to mount a sizeable challenge against PML-N. However, Imran Khan was able to win provincial elections in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa making him the most likely nomination for the leader of the opposition in parliament.

Underemployment: So Many People in Work despite the Downturn?

As the latest economy growth figures were released this week, it emerged that the UK economy grew by 0.3%, narrowly avoiding a triple-dip recession (going into recession for the 3rd time since the 2008 financial crash). Government ministers came out claiming that the effect of their policies meant the economy was being rebuilt. However, only they believe their own propaganda on this issue.

A United States of Islam?

“The revolution was effected before the war commenced. The revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations. This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American revolution.”

Our Real Enemy is not Each Other but the Kuffar who Wish to Destroy Us!

The Star Online reported that eight people who were among a group of Sulu gunmen involved in a stand-off and subsequent attacks against Malaysian security forces, were charged here Wednesday with terrorism and waging war against the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. No plea was recorded from the eight men, from southern Philippines, after each of them was charged under Section 130 KA of the Penal Code with launching terrorism acts and under Section 121 of the Penal Code with waging war against the King. Section 130 KA provides for a jail term of up to 30 years and while Section 121 provides for the death penalty, upon conviction.

PART 2: How will the Islamic state organize Hajj?

The Islamic state will organize hajj with the objective of serving the pilgrims and assisting them in completing this obligation in the best manner possible. Making money out of the pilgrims, be it for the hotels or the transport or food would not be from its aims, it would rather curtail such practices if they happen.

Currently the planning of the Haram mosque doesn’t allow accommodation of more than 3.5 – 4 Million at one time. Considering the current population of the Muslim Ummah and its growth in terms of those accepting Islam the number of Hajis allowed to do Hajj need to be increased. This is the first challenge for the Islamic state. Any increase in the Hajis will require restructuring of the outside area and inside area of the masjid.

PART 1: Reflections from Hajj

Our journey began from Riyadh where I had flown in early Dhul Hijjah. With only a few days remaining we prepared for our journey to Taif, the Miqat for the Pilgrims from the Najd region.

Once we arrived in Taif we changed into our Ihrams which is one of the preconditions for those who want to perform Umrah or Hajj. We made the Niyyah to perform Hajj and made Dua to Allah سبحانه وتعالى to accept our Hajj. After that we left Taif for Makkah.

“They were punished for crimes against Islam and the Ummah”

It is late at night in the latter part of the 21st Century. The Caliph of the Muslims is taking his nightly walk along the streets of the Caliphate accompanied by his young advisor to ensure all is well with the citizens of the state. The Caliph’s advisor is keen to pick up on their previous discussions on a range of issues such as life in the west and the state of the Muslim world prior to the Caliphate.

Islam – The Road To Prosperity For Pakistan

As the Day of Independence of Pakistan reaching closer and faster, the thought begins to revolve in one’s mind, considering why our ancestors did liberate this part of land? What made them to spend their blood and sweat just for a separate piece of earth? Did they face so many hardships and brutality from the Hindus and British just to see Pakistan on the verge of disaster or their vision was something else?

COMMENT: What next for Egypt?

Events this week have escalated in Egypt which has led to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to resort to dictatorial actions similar to Hosni Mubarak era.

Since Nasser took power in 1952 the military has constructed the political architecture in Egypt. This system kept the army in charge of key strategic issues such as foreign policy, and defence. On some occasions aspects of domestic policy were left to parliament to deal with, however Nasser, Sadat and Hosni Mubarak remained firmly in charge. The parliamentary elections that have taken place since the 1950’s have in realty been nothing more than a façade. All power has remained with the military who have taken the presidential post in most of Egypt’s recent history.

The EU model versus the Islamic Caliphate

The birth of the Eurozone was hailed as a successful model of unity. It sought to accumulate Europe’s economic and political power, into one block. With years of meticulous work, the formation of this block, came with a multitude of advantages for businesses and investors, promising to promote both trade and travel, through some uniformity of laws and ease of mobility throughout the zone; and this economic unity, also invariably implied ‘aggregated’ political power in decision making in world events.

COMMENT: The Righteous Sheikh Ali al-Qattan was jailed for 15 years in Egypt for saying “Fear Allah” to the tyrant Mubarak!

During his television interview, Sheikh Qattan mentioned that in Islamic history, the term “Fear Allah” was said to the Khulufaa’ of Islam. “Khulufaa’ used to urge people to advise them to fear Allah. When they heard it, they would not be infuriated [like Mubarak was], but they would welcome it as advice,” he said.

“Partial change is no change at all”

It is sometime in the latter part of the 21st Century. The Caliph has just finished a high level meeting of his space exploration committee in a room deep within the capital of the Caliphate. His special advisor takes this opportunity to pick up on their earlier discussions about what came after the fall of the tyrant regimes in the Muslim world in the early part of the 21st Century.

Saudi Arabia needs more than just a facelift

Since the events of 9/11 Saudi Arabia has been undergoing a public facelift, eager to improve its image on the international scene. As a long standing ally of the west and considered by many a political heavyweight in the Middle East and with the Arab spring in full swing Saudi Arabia has been attempting a facelift through reforming various aspects of the national economy, social system and courts.

Pakistan’s Energy Crisis

As the weather warmed up this week and then again cooled down, I along with many others sighed a huge sigh of relief. Knowing that summer is approaching in Pakistan is not about eating sweet mangoes and drinking cold salty lassi but the fear of how we will cope with the ever increasing load shedding and the ever increasing electricity bills.

Tunisia: My trip to the birthplace of the Arab Spring

On the 8th March 2012, I travelled with four others to Tunis to attend the International Women’s Conference hosted by Hizb ut Tahrir. In a matter of five days this experience proved to be an eye opening one and our hearts were inspired. The land of Tunis is truly a place of beauty. Lush fields, mountains dressing the landscape and olive trees decorating the view. The baraqah in this land was apparent to see, yet upon my return I felt an assortment of emotions.

The struggle for Khilafah in Yemen

Members of Islamic group Hizb-ut Tahrir Yemen were detained by pro-revolutionary forces after badly beaten up by members of Islah party for passing out leaflets condemning the upcoming presidential elections and calling to Islam.

Members of the group passed leaflets after Friday prayers in the Sixty Street of the capital Sana’a where members of the Islah Party join every Friday for prayers and revolutionary activities.