Pakistan In the Wake of U.S. Elections (2008)

One of the most followed US-elections, not only in Pakistan’s history, but the world history, the 2008 American elections arose hopes and fears around the globe. Political analysts were providing detailed analysis and synthesis of views and statements of the two rival candidates; who were in constant struggle against one another to convince the American public about their respective, economic, social, military, and most importantly foreign agendas. Mr. Barack Obama made history by being the first black President of the world’s oldest and best democracy. The Illinois senator defeated his Republican opponent in one of the most expensive and widely covered election campaigns in world history. John McCain, a republican, following in his party’s footsteps, followed a “realist” view, while the moderate Democrat, Obama, blended his views and would-be neo-liberalist foreign policy with a realistic touch. Republicans and Democrats are two faces of a mighty leviathan, with their respective policies being based on the international relations theories of “realism” and “neo-liberalism”. Although, a difference between the foreign policy of the parties is eminent, American foreign policy has been the global policy since its rise as a superpower. Which party has been better for Pakistan, is a matter of taking a quick glance in history. Pakistan has been the “most allied ally” for several times since the Republican President, Eisenhower first coined the term for the country in the fifties, and it still is the “most allied ally” under the Republican Bush regime. A front line state in the war on terror, President-Elect, Obama has many expectations from the democratic-government of Pakistan, and Islamabad has many hopes. The relations between India and Pakistan have touched a new low in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and the role of the new US administration to ease tensions between the nuclear rivals is very clear. Building a strategic partnership with Pakistan has to be one of the most important steps that the new American government should look at, from supporting the country with military aid, to providing economic aid, a solid foundation for democratic institutions to function properly and a strong country to fight against the global menace of extremism and terrorism.

Although, American foreign policy is largely the outcome of institutions, such as the Congress and the House of Representatives, Presidents can, and usually do bring about a considerable change with them. The two biggest parties of America, Republicans and Democrats, base their respective policies on sound international relations’ theories of realism, neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. With individuals joining the parties based on their own views of international politics, and coinciding with the party. Republicans have proven to be considerably different than their counterparts in terms of their economic as well as foreign policies; however, one thing has been common, and that is American foreign policy, has been the global policy, whether it is a Republican or Democrat government.

America’s interests are not only bound to areas around itself, but around the globe. As Richard N. Haas and Martin Indyk in their essay titled “Beyond Iraq” in the January/February 2009, issue of Foreign Affairs call it, the “energy policy is foreign policy”. Whether it is the Middle East, or the Far East, American interests are many, and far away; Pakistan is no exception. Pakistan enjoys a considerable geo-strategic position on the globe, and has been the center of attention for quite a number of times. With the ever-increasing threat of terrorism and extremism on its western border, to the coming US-administration, Pakistan has an ever-increasing role to play.

If one takes a glance in history, it does give one a view that Republicans have proven to be somewhat better for Pakistan, and mostly it was under the Democrats that Pakistan has faced sanctions. When in 1979 the Democrat President, Jimmy Carter laid sanctions on Pakistan for its nuclear program, the Republican Reagan gave gigantic aid to Pakistan that went into containing Russian invasion of Afghanistan. October 1990, under the “Pressler Amendment” the new Republican President, G.H.W Bush suspended all military and economic aid to Pakistan. Under the Democrat government of Bill Clinton, Pakistan faced many more sanctions for not being a democratic country to pursuing its nuclear program. When Al-Qaida struck the U.S., Pakistan’s support was vital, on the helm of affairs was the Republican President, G.W Bush; we were either with them, or with the terrorists. Not only did the economic, but military aid was resumed, and Pakistan was turned into a frontline ally state. Sanctions were waived year after year, and the country saw strengthening relations with America. Eight years from the day, America, in harmony, sang for “Change”. Will the new administration really bring about a drastic change, with respect to Pakistan-US relations? Obama sees the threat in Afghanistan, and has talked about a “responsible pull-out” from Iraq to increase forces in Afghanistan; will this demand a closer cooperation between Washington and Islamabad?

Terrorism is a global phenomenon. The greatest threat to Pakistan, currently, lies on its western border. To counter it, it not only needs to do more, but needs effective training and aid from its Western Allies, along with more Allied forces in Afghanistan. President-Elect Obama, realizes this, and has called for a pull-out of American forces from Iraq, for further deployment in Afghanistan. Obama’s Vice President, Joe Biden has called for more economic aid to Pakistan for strengthening its democratic foundations to successfully curb the menace of terrorism. Although, Obama has talked about sending US troops on Pakistani soil, “with or without the governments permission”, it is only if Pakistan “fails to do the needful”. War on terror is one of the main points of the next American government’s foreign policy, and to bring about a successful end to it. To do the “needful” Pakistan expects a sound coalition, based on equal footing, and America expects unconditional support.

President Zardari, and Prime Minister Gilani expect the new American government to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, and to provide intelligence to Pakistani government so it can do the needful itself. President-elect Obama and his Vice President, Joe Biden, have called for increased aid to Pakistan, so it can effectively deal with the growing threat of terrorism and support its institutions. President-Elect Obama has also called for an effective solution of the Kashmir problem between India and Pakistan. This, according to the coming American government, will prove to be a strategic outcome of great importance, for Pakistan will be able to concentrate its energies on the western border when it has no threat on its eastern border. Joe Biden has earlier proposed a 15 billion dollar economic aid plan for Pakistan’s crippling economy, which Pakistan not only needs, but deserves. Democrats have usually opposed the idea of “unilateralism” and the policies of neo-con lobby of America, which has undermined the sovereignty of Pakistan. Will these changes in agendas, thoughts, and ideas bring about a change for Pakistan? Or due to increased tensions on the eastern border, Pakistan will have to concentrate on its long term rival, India? Should the Democrat government of America pursue the role of a mediator between the two volatile actors of the South Asian region? Obama’s policy has been very straight about it, yes.

In the wake of the recent terrorist activity in Mumbai, Pakistan-India relations have touched a new low. Inflammatory and irresponsible comments from Pakistan’s neighbour have created considerable amounts of tensions in Islamabad, and the focus has shifted from the War on Terror it was fighting. The new American government does not want that. For the very reason, Obama’s policy has been to bridge the gaps between the nuclear armed neighbours and as a result, secure the Allied forces supply lines, and enhance cooperation from Pakistan. With terrorism expanding like cancer cells from one country to another, Pakistan has a very difficult task to accomplish. The coming U.S. government has offered unconditional support for a serious effort in return from Pakistan; to achieve that, a strategic partnership between the two countries is a requirement.

A lot of Pakistani’s do not see in America a reliable ally. They feel betrayed, and left alone at times of their need, and used at times of America’s. For the very reason, America needs to build a long-term strategic partnership with its “most allied ally” for its unconditional support, and for the destruction of terrorism. Obama should make it clear that America is not against Islam or the spread of Islam, but the terrorist activities being taken under the name of Islam; that America is not on a crusade against Islam, but on a crusade against extremism and terrorism. Islamabad does not favourably look at the nuclear deal given to its long-time hostile neighbour and it does not appreciate, rather feels betrayed, when America opposes the nuclear cooperation between China and Pakistan. Where Pakistan needs to share intelligence and act as a responsible state, America needs to do the same. With the Democrat government about to take oath on the 20th of January, 2009, many in Islamabad hope to see the same. Pakistan looks for a sound strategic alliance with America, and does not look forward to be used as an instrument of change, rather a partner for change. Whether it was the Republican John McCain, or the now President-Elect Barack Obama, Pakistan, in the wake of U.S. elections is bound to undergo a change. What Pakistan looks for, and what Obama asks for, has been all over the media for the past months, how Washington and Islamabad will join hands to make a stronger commitment and a solid strategic partnership is a question of great importance, and can only be answered by time.

With the focus again shifting, this time from Iraq to Afghanistan, one thing is sure; Pakistan has a greater role to play in this part of the world. When policies will change in Washington; the neo-cons giving way to the neo-liberalists, they will affect policies in Islamabad. President-Elect Barack Obama will take office on the 20th of January, 2009, and the change that America needs, and the change that the world needs, may come. How far American policy will affect Pakistan is not a question, but how “will” American policy affect Pakistan-US relations is the question. The two faces of the mighty leviathan, Democrats and Republicans fought tooth and nail to get to the seat of power, and Democrats proved their mettle by winning the elections. As a superpower, it is but sure that the American interests engulf the whole world, its policy has to be the global policy, but the coming Democrat government sees the main point of focus in Afghanistan and not Iraq. It wants to strive to negotiate, unlike the Republican nominee, John McCain, who was against all negotiations with respect to Iran. Obama’s government wants to focus on Afghanistan, and curb terrorism from its roots, and for that, it looks to Pakistan’s cooperation. Obama wants to pursue the role of a mediator to come across a successful proposal for the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. For the first time, it looks in years that America is looking sincerely towards issues of great importance, and to help resolve them; through politics and diplomacy, and not unilateralism. President-Elect Barack Obama with his Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden, are a new energetic team on the helm of not only American, but world affairs. Pakistan, in today’s world is at a critical point, and the new government of America realizes that, it realizes the needs of Pakistan as an ally, and most importantly as a country with the given geo-strategic importance. Pakistan looks for a strategic partnership with America, and Obama calls for a change, the essence of the American foreign policy might remain the same, but the majority of Democrats will bring about a change, and that change is bound to affect countries that are critical to American interests. U.S. does not look forward to a disintegrated, weak ally; it looks forward to a strong committed country to fight terrorism; peace in the South Asian region, and democracy in Pakistan. With so much at stake, and many hopes on the verge, one can be only cynical if one believes things to turn a hundred and eighty degrees and a sudden change to happen. Much might be available for Islamabad, and much might be given to Washington, but yet, many pages might remain untouched and many rocks unturned.

The Twilight Robe

Like the day breaks,
With the first rays,
Of a morning sun,
From behind the silhouette,
Of a mighty Kingdom.

The trees sway,
With the gentle breeze,
Of the morning wind,
From forests that echo,
Of a life begun.

Yonder in the meadows,
With swords drenched in blood,
Of voices defied,
From child to a warrior,
Of a dead Kingdom.

Like the twilight robe,
With the fading rays,
Of a dying sun,
From a descending horizon,
Of a life never begun!

The Next Cold War

Six years of brutality and human suffering of an unprecedented level resulted in the victory of the Allies against the Axis. While the world was still questioning and debating if 70 million lives along with the total destruction of infrastructure in the world were worth it, two new superpowers were emerging. In a way, World War II had set the stage for a new war - a war between the two leviathans of the time; the war which we now refer to as the Cold War. Forty six years of hostility ended with the demise of the Soviet Union and the world witnessed a decade of relatively peaceful times. America, in the changing world politics of the new millennium, saw its constantly weakening position. The rising dragon now sees itself as the next economic hegemon, and the emerging Russian bear is much obliged by the status of an energy superpower. While America still enjoys its status of a superpower in a unipolar world, tensions are rising under the surface. SCO is looked over as a rival to the ever-so-powerful NATO and a glimpse of a developing arms race can be seen in the current scenario. Hidden objectives to contain the growing economies of the world by the declining power, America, are failing and creating a feeling of discontent. The recent Georgian conflict may very well mark the beginning of the next Cold War. The world might witness a shift from unipolarity to bipolarity and finally settling to multipolarity. Regionalism and proxy wars might shift the balance of power in the world, forcing history to repeat itself with the commencement of the next Cold War.

To understand the future, one must take a glance in the past. When America replaced the British Empire to become the superpower, the rivalry started between USA and the Soviet Union. It was a rivalry that resulted in the Cold War. A war of ideologies, where the Stalinist Russia pursued a policy of expansionism, for the growth of Communism and America followed the “Truman Doctrine” for the rollback and containment of Communism. The world was divided into predominantly two blocs, the Capitalists, following the ‘Truman’ path and the Communists, hailing the Stalinist Russia. The Cold War went through many different phases, from straightforward hostility to years of relative peace, known as détente. When the Soviet Union blocked all passages to Berlin, we saw America rescuing people through airlifts. The Cold War witnessed three major proxy wars. The Korean War of 1950-1953 saw the two giants playing their cards of foreign soil. America’s invasion of Vietnam was a golden period for the USSR to supply aid in form of military to counter the Americans. The year 1962 saw the world at the brink of a Third World War, the Cuban Missile crisis was a low point for Russia, and so the hostility only multiplied. USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and here America saw the perfect time to settle the scores of its humiliating defeat in Vietnam. The battleground was Afghanistan, and the war was between the two superpowers. America used Pakistan as a training camp for raising militants to fight the Red Army. Bloody tribal revolts and persistent resistance in Afghanistan not only left the Red Army broken, beaten and scarred, it also had similar effects on the Soviet economy.

If the proxy wars hurt the Americans, it ruined the Soviets. Near 0% GPD growth rate forced the Soviet Union to put an end to the hostilities around the globe; it was simply not affordable anymore. 1991 marked the complete collapse of the Soviet economy and the Soviet Union, it also proved to be the end of the Cold War. The newly born Russian state completely shifted its focus from military to economic buildup; however, America reigned supreme in all aspects. There was no rival to the sole superpower left anymore and USA pursued its agenda of a New World Order.

1991-2001 – a decade of relative peace and tranquility defined the international politics. There was no rival to America, no one to challenge its global policies or question its actions. While Russia and China along with other countries of the world subdued to the only power, they also formed a policy of non-confrontation and focused on economic buildup. The Russians along with the Chinese, in the decade of peace, were only building their fractured economies; however, the Americans were experiencing unrivaled dominance till 2001, until tragedy struck.

September 11, 2001, for the first time in history, America was attacked on its very own soil. The country which was struck, and struck hard by a terrorist organization, reacted with all its might to teach a lesson to elements that defied American supremacy. Within a matter of days, Afghanistan was rubbled to the ground, clearly marking President Bush’s words;

“Either you are with us, or with the terrorists.”

It was this action that also raised questions about the unrivaled military prowess of America. By the time, Chinese economy along with the Russian economy had also made solid foundations. After the hunger for oil forced America to start “Operation Iraqi Freedom”, voices found their way out. America was in two wars now, and clearly, not very comfortable. When Russia threatened to VETO the Iraqi invasion in the United Nations’ Security Council, America simply bypassed it, in the name of preemptive strike. The weak position of America was also made clear when the former Cold War opponent embraced Iran in total opposition to America. It was not only about Russia, but the Chinese dragon was also rising.

Staying out of world politics and focusing only on a stronger economy, China is seen by America as a major threat to its global domination. According to the CIA fact book, Chinese GDP growth rate was the highest in 2007, sitting at an overwhelming average of 11.4%. With an inflation rate of merely 4.8%, the Chinese common man is growing rapidly along with his country. Currently, second only to the American economy, China is expected to overtake the current superpower in a matter of 10-15 years. One of the outcomes of these developments is a hazy silhouette of the next Cold War in the near future.

“What has brought Russia back in the world politics?” was a question posed by a journalist to former President now Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin; to which the former KGB officer replied;

“Thanks to a hundred dollars a barrel.”

With Russia emerging stronger than ever before, the atmosphere of the first Cold War is engulfing the world. According to an article published in Asia Times, 2007, The US is “focusing on Russia”. US-Russian relations have nearly reached a new low level after the Georgian crisis and America sees in Russia a strategic “threat”. With an estimated 16,000 nuclear warheads, Russia’s nuclear stockpile far exceeds the American arsenals. The deployment of Russia’s most advanced air defense system, the S-400 and an upgrade to its nuclear capabilities to defy American anti-ballistic missiles, Russia is clearly negating the uni-polar world. With the successful deployment of the world’s most advanced nuclear missile, Topol-M; Russia has managed to raise hair inside American military circles. A powerful military accompanied with a booming economy, Russians are clearly on the chessboard of international politics.
8.1% of GDP growth rate, according to CIA fact book, has strengthened the Russian economy and brought it back on its feet. Being the largest country in the world, the former Soviet Union is hailed as the world’s energy superpower. With oil exports of over 5 million bbl/day, the energy superpower is unrivaled and unmatched in its mineral reserves. Majority of the Europe, dependent on Russian oil and gas has found itself under heavy influence of the mighty leviathan. America is trying its best for maintaining its influence on the smaller states; other Great Powers have started to counter it, because of which tensions are now rising under the surface.

Where America is putting hefty amounts of money in the Central Asian States to gain their favor, Russia and China have also started to put billions of dollars in the mineral rich states of Central Asia. NATO of the East, as it is referred to is one of the most grave concerns of our superpower.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the brainchild of China has become a formidable force to be reckoned with only after seven years of its inception. Two nuclear powers, one of them a former superpower, and one a future economic giant along with the heartland states of the world, full of natural resources have made SCO a direct rival of NATO. While America is trying hard to ‘detach’ Central Asian States from the SCO platform, its attempts are failing. Sino-Russian fraternity has touched new heights and America is no longer looked up to or at with an intimidated attitude.

With all these developments, the ground for future hostility and a Cold War do not seem to be far from sight. An arms race has begun again between the former rivals. When America tested the world’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb and named it the “mother of all bombs”, Russia broke the record with their “father of all bombs”. Tu-160 strategic air force bombers accompanied with Project-941, nuclear submarines, have given a strong footing to Russia. When America deployed its anti-ballistic missiles, Russia deployed Topol-Ms; defying the American defense systems. All of these developments prove to the world that the seed of discontent had always been there, a new Cold War is in its embryonic stages. Besides the military buildup, economic giants like China are also in a state of discontent with the current superpower. Accusations of “dumping” put by the United States have raised voices in China questioning the motives of America. Rising tensions under the surface came out to be glaringly visible after August 07, 2008.

When Georgia tried to capture two of its breakaway provinces, where Russian peacekeepers managed peace, by force; Russia, for the first time retaliated with considerable force. Russian tanks rolled in the heart of Georgia, and a war started. While acting as the superpower, America condemned Russian assault, Russia barely noticed. American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice assured American support to Georgia by saying;

“The international community respects the national integrity of Georgia.”

Not bowing to American pressure, the Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, in total defiance uttered the following words;

”The international community can forget about the national integrity of Georgia.”

The five point policy that will guide the future Russian foreign policy is the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union that any country has defied the unipolarity in the world. If today the world is not in the state of a cold war, it clearly is under the shadows of the next Cold War. As said before, to understand the future, a cursory glance in the past is must. With the current scenario and the past before us, it becomes easy to predict the future.

According to the Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, a unipolar world is no longer acceptable to Russia, or the other major powers. A declining America with a rising Russia can bring back the bipolarity of the first Cold War era, but a rising China predicts a multipolar world. Formation of coalitions has resulted in regionalism. SCO, NATO, ASEAN, WTO and OICD have completely shifted the policies of countries. Instead of looking towards a country, States have adopted the policy of regionalism; of coalitions within regions; therefore, in a way, creating multiple poles of power within the world, in constant battle with each other.

Proxy wars, the sorts of which were witnessed in the first Cold War are also a possibility if the current scene heads towards the next Cold War; indirect wars on foreign soils to weaken each other is the only method of fighting in a Cold War.
The world is witnessing a global shift in the balance of power between the major powers of the world, an immense pressure on the superpower and the shadows of the next cold war. Economies and voices rising, against the once formidable victor of the first Cold War has put it in a fragile position. If history repeats itself and if every rise has a fall, American rise may only fall after the next Cold War; the vestige of which lies just in the corner.

Torture, Torment and Tribulation

Bow! To My new creation!
Never! To this clay illusion!
In defiance he stood
As all hell broke loose

Perdition consumed,
Like a hungry beast.
A fiery deluge devoured,
Like a wild serpent.

Conflagration under crimson skies
A great fire on the emerald streams
Stones fell on the mortal hands
As the devil took his last stand

Vanity in vain,
Fate concealed,
Unaided he slither,
Ravaged, silent and alone

Shattered dreams,
In dark flames of eternity
Torture, torment and tribulation...
...Reigned supreme!

Remembrance

Unchecked motives,
And bloody weeds of suicide,
A thousand awry ambitions,
And blurry perspectives of heaven..

Kill God's..
And inflict misery,
A thousand innocent souls,
And bruised and battered the bodies lay..

Holocaust!
... In the name of God?
Raise hell!
... In the name of God?
Lower bodies and dig mass graves,
And justify it all, all in the name of God..

Remembrance lingers,
And ambitions are long dead,
A thousand lonely suicides,
And a handful of elegies for the dead..


~ Words for the victims of the suicide attack on Marriott hotel, Islamabad. 20/09/08.

As The Black Wind Withers

I shut the coffin's lid,
And the light dies in your eyes,
As you ebb into the deepest abyss,
The dust echoes mournful cries.

Pitiful visions appear,
And the earth heaves a sigh,
As the black wind withers,
The cold dark sun dies.

No change, no pause, no hope! Yet I endure,
The lamentable loss of you.
The sun has perished, and no hope comes,
From across the lightless fissures of consciousness.

Icy winds turn us into ashen white ghosts,
And the trees subdue to the great cold,
As the oceans freeze,
The wind of extinction engulfs us.

I open your coffin,
And gaze into your long dead eyes,
As they clench me into misery,
The last of me.., dies.

Religious Extremism

Extremism is an ideology to hold extreme opinions or to take extreme actions. Sometimes referred as fanaticism, this ideology originated in the twentieth century, the extremist belief had little or nothing to do with religion. Although with Jewish Zionism and more recently the struggle in the name of Islam, extremism took a whole new turn. Religious extremism can be defined as, excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on religion; religious frenzy. It can be on individual level and on a much larger organizational level. Religious extremism finds its roots in the suppression of minorities, resulting in the uprising and instigating revolt in them. It can also be because of some theological viewpoints of a group. Views that compel them to fight those who they consider as infidels or the enemies of God and finally to receive everlasting rewards in the afterlife. Examples of these can be the most wanted terrorist organization in the world, Al-Qaeda, the suicide bombers in Pakistan, and on a much organized and secure level, the Zionist and Christian extremist groups. 

Al-Qaeda (which has been the focus of the world since 9/11 and the sole reason for the initiation of War on Terror) is an international group of extremist militants. According to the United Nations, it is a terrorist organization. Headed by Osama-Bin-Laden, Al-Qaeda‘s origin is more or less ambiguous. According to the writer and journalist, Adam Curtis, Al-Qaeda is an American invention. It was created to be used as a trigger to start the War on Terror, or the crusade against Muslims, as it was once referred to after 9/11 by George W. Bush. Whether it is an American invention or not, is a debatable issue. What we do know of the organization is the fact that it has been involved in matters of religious extremism. Incidents like the World Trade Center bombing, to taking innocent lives in countries it consider as “Enemies of Islam” cannot be justified under Jihad. Al-Qaeda usually resorts to suicide attacks or systematic simultaneous bombings in areas it consider as targets. Although not every attack is triggered by Al-Qaeda, but usually the blame is put on it. The question is what promotes Al-Qaeda to act in such a manner? What is the force compelling them to take innocent lives? Is it the fundamentalist Islamic approach? To be simple and precise, no, it isn’t. Then what exactly is the reason? The reason is the closed militant mindset. Certain power groups brainwash young minds and justify these heinous acts as Jihad. On another note, media also has a major role to play in it. When Irgun explodes the King David hotel resulting in massive innocent lives, it is not commended on a global level, it is not referred to as “Jewish Extremism” not only that, it’s year anniversary “celebrated” by Israel does not make news. And then we witness a suicide attacker, who due to many a reasons of illiteracy and hunger, manages to act is the way he is brainwashed to, the Media refers to it as “Islamic Extremism”. Is this a prime example of double standard on the part of media and the world against Islam? Yes. 

We witness, Menachem Begin, the supreme commander of the world renowned Zionist Terrorist Organization, Irgun, receiving the Noble Peace Prize. Irgun along with Hagganah are the leading Jewish Terrorist organizations, which not only refer to Non-Jews as “gentiles” but have carried operations of terrorism and extremism on a global level for years. What drives these organizations to take these extreme actions? The Zionist movement focuses on military might and suppression of Non-Jews in the land given to them by their religion, the land of Israel. On a democratic level, these extreme actions of terrorism can never be justified. Though religious frenzy and fanaticism has always proved the golden words, that, “end justifies means”.

 

Extremism is a label put on a group of people for political or religious benefits by a stronger nation or a group. Whether is it Judaism, Christianity or Islam, extreme actions result in extreme reactions. Suppression results in frustration and fanaticism. Some views lie in the North and some in the South, some to the extreme right and some to the extreme left, a conflict of views is eminent. Neither one might be wrong, because usually, the truth lies in the center. Finally as Micheels-Cyrus indicated; “Nonviolence doesn't always work - but violence never does.”

The Rise of the United States of Abhorrence

With the fall of Soviet Union, America emerged as the sole superpower of the world. A hundred and sixty two years of isolation helped America build her economy and military might. By the end of the Second World War, the country came out as a formidable force in the world; a sleeping giant out of a long period of hibernation. The leviathan nation stood upon an enormous energy deposit, which made her self-sufficient in almost every field; and thus helped America in her policy to stay out of world politics for as long as she had.

With the sphere of influence that spans the whole globe, it isn't hard to imagine why countries look at America as their protector of rights and the messiah of freedom. It isn't hard to imagine why countries like Israel, England and Pakistan will not accept USA as their leader; when America itself is obliged to act as one.

"Free nations are peaceful nations; free nations don't attack each other. Free nations don't develop weapons of mass destruction." ~ George W. Bush, President, USA.

The irony lies in the fact that America currently has the second largest active and non-active stockpile of WMDs, and to this day remains as the only country to have used nuclear weapons against another nation. Yet it remains the embodiment of peace, freedom, liberation and sovereignty. The question is why? Not only why the double-standard, but why the whole world turns a blind eye to it? The answer lies in the strong economy of our superpower, the formidable military power and the constant manipulation of facts & figures through media by the Bush Administration.

"Freedom is the non-negotiable right of human dignity." ~ George W. Bush

It very well is, but then again;

"There ought to limits to freedom." ~ George W. Bush

Is this contradiction? Or is it an example of hypocrisy and double-standards on part of the ruling regime of America? How America has affected the globe and/ world politics can be answered through various real-life examples.

The Great Depression resulted in not only the stock market crash of USA, but the collapse of world economy at an unprecedented level. As it was still helping Europe to recover from the disasters of First World War, the stock market crash left America with a great depression of herself. With the aid cut to England and her allies, who practically ruled the majority of the world; it resulted in a catastrophe of an unparalleled level.
This did not only prove that American economy was the backbone of the world, but that survival of other countries without American support was not a reality.

July 16, 1945 saw the first ever test of a nuclear weapon, nicknamed "Trinity". Soon after, the Soviet Union had also claimed itself as a nuclear state, and an arms race started between the then superpowers; something that has become a global phenomenon today.

After the Second World War, the world found itself a chessboard on which two players tried to dominate one another in a Cold War. Whether at the time Capitalism dominated Communism or not, the globe transformed into two blocks and sided with either the Soviets or the Americans. And the defeat of Communism brought an end to the bi-polar world. Now the world had only one power to look up to, only one nation, USA. Not very surprisingly, Capitalism engulfed the world with America as its torch-bearer.

Education brought drastic changed in America and a local network between Universities soon transformed into the World Wide Web. The whole planet was now a global village. Something which again originated from the heart of America, took the whole world by amazement and the followers' faith strengthened.
If it was America's security at stake, the planet itself felt insecure. September 11, 2001, our superpower was taken by surprise.

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended." ~ George W. Bush

And it wasn't the freedom of a single state, but the whole world. A country unable to figure out a hi-jacked plane en route to attack the WTC, within no time pointed her finger to Osama Bin Laden, in Afghanistan. A third world country was bombed to dust, for a single individual, labeled as a 'prime suspect'. Thousands perished and millions supported, because it was the world freedom at stake. Iraq was her next target and WMD was the accusation. No wonder if American security was under threat, the world security too was intimidated. If oil was America's interest so were the worlds. We witnessed another nation decimated to the ground and through media, the WMD accusation, cleverly removed from the gullible minds of people.

"Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." George W. Bush

With those words coming from the Head of the superpower which nation will not follow? Aid and security concerns are more than enough for any country to deliberately catch cold when Mr. Bush sneezes. Though obviously this cannot be taken as a threat or a statement that would question security and peace in the world, because it s coming from "freedom itself". It isn't hard for us to imagine how the declining price of dollar is affecting the ever-growing commodity prices in the world; and how in a hierarchy America always finds itself at the top of the chain.
They say, "Might is Right" and it has been proved since time immemorial, the world is in a state of anarchy, and the survival of the fittest is mother nature's unshakeable law.

Finally as Bush said, "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." The world did not take time to make its realistic decision.

Heaven Laid In Tears!

In isolation and desperation
Where Words weep
and tears that speak
Of misery and regression

Words gone unsaid
Waiting for the last breath
Locked inside a cage
Where we envy the dead

Washed away by the rivers of time
Dreams of Forbidden Eden
The unnumbered days Of Mirth
An endless prime

Smeared away by betrayal
Unanswered prayers for years
A mournful portrayal
...Of Heaven Laid in Tears

On life's unfathomable sea
We go, lonesome and tired
Godspeed to us!
For that is all which is now required!

Funeral Symphony

On the isolated shore

Where heaven cried

And the earth sigh'd

Vengeance, I swore

Hypocrisy on the cross

Unbearable to the feeble mind

This scenery of loss

I buried you with the dead mankind

Requiem for a dream

And now for you..

This Funeral Symphony

Reigned supreme

Misery I inflicted

Through this lovelorn rhapsody

On the desolate soul

This morphine cloud, the only remedy

Devoured by this hatred

Bells chimed and the fiddle played

The horrid Funeral Symphony forever

I was now emptier than ever

Frozen Beyond the Echoes of Laughter

Looking over that lonesome cliff

Creeps in memories of olden days

Where once sunrays glittered

Now lay dreams.. shattered

Once again.. arcane rain fell

And the tormented souls,

bid their farewell

Life succumbed to mere oblivion

And the loss of innocence

Gave birth to pestilence

We were now,

Frozen beyond the Echoes of Laughter

"Blazing furies of rage

Last of all the age

So Merry the face of death"

Whispered the Sage

Embrace us, eternal slumber

Forsaken by the world

We were now,

Frozen beyond the Echoes of Laughter

Farewell, the days of mirth

Hail misery.. and the profoundest hell

And hail the somber, mournful meadows..

"Wasn't it all the same.. since our birth?"

Life & Hope.., Shrivel into the Void

Dream of Elysian Fields

And of the highest heaven

Fancy I, the riveting views

Eden, my only muse

Attend I, to the chirping of birds

Fancy I, the grass-hopper

And ride in the hazy forest

Known was I, the strongest

Fancy I, the heavenly themes

Fancy I, the gushing streams

But All I see.. and all I hear..

Burning trees.. and dying screams

Rise and Fall

Stumble across the wall

The fragile.. twisted mind..

Fancies no more..

No more do I envision the Elysian Fields

No more do I fancy the deceiving heavenly themes

No more do I care for the riveting views

Perdition, my only muse

Life and Hope.. Shrivel into the void.

Solitude - My Only True Friend!

Sitting in silence, in my chamber
'I have summoned you - eternal slumber'
Hooked to these chemicals
And to these surreal Icicles

Devoid of any life
It's time I put you to silence..
There awaits a fatal tragedy
Says my clairvoyance

Dependency to drugs
And to you.. Solitude
My Only True Friend
And to nymphomania

All shall end tonight..
The benediction of this cursed soul
And the hymns of forgiveness -
Shall sing forevermore

The final thurst of this Icicle
For once and for all..bear witness
Says my clairvoyance, to the betrayal
Of solitude and of this agonizing madness..