بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Hi Friends,
Regarding “hearts and minds”; have you ever stopped to consider why the attack against the Iraqi people, their livelihood, and their infrastructure is by far more ferocious and spiteful than the assault on American and allied forces. Why is that necessary, if the population was really seething with hatred and animosity against the “occupiers”. Why indeed are they attacking the Iraqi people with such cruelty? Just think about that. Such thing has precedence neither in Vietnam nor any other conflict, including the WWII. I mean the Germans were never known to attack their own people, nor did that happen in Japan or Vietnam. The naïve blockheads of the antiwar movement, the well meaning ones, I mean, and not those with hidden motives, just don’t see this. The attack on the Iraqi majority is simply an attack on their intrinsic underlying support for this thing. That is the simple truth. As one simple tribesman once put it: “had it not been for this thesis of liberation, the Americans would have found it impossible just to stay on the ground”. Yes indeed, the hatred of the Zarqawis of this world is much more poisonous towards the Iraqis as it is towards the Americans. And if you read again his famous letter you will see this explicitly expressed. The U.S. policy makers and forces on the ground themselves underestimated this crucial factor and have acted in many instances with foolishness that contributed a great deal to the present troubles.
Nevertheless, the basic underlying grass root support is still there despite all the suffering and troubles; for the heart of a people is a profound phenomenon. Just look at the failure of Muqtada Al-Sadr movement to ignite the kind of conflagration amongst the Shiaa population that many were expecting, despite the fierce confrontation between his supporters and the American forces.
American and Allied strategists, should understand this clearly and appreciate that it is the main asset and essential strength of this campaign, and that success hinges on rectifying the errors and restoring this popular current to its initial strength and enthusiasm. And that is doable and possible. And it will be the people who are going to defend their gains against both internal and external enemies.
Salaam
Sunday, July 11, 2004
RENAISSANCE
Al Salaam Alaykum
As I have told you so many times before, in this epic struggle, victory is certain “Gods Willing – Inshallah”. And why is it so? : Because it is an historical necessity. I shall not even bother to explain this. All I can tell you is to remember this ordinary Iraqi who said this at this time. And another thing; this fight is as crucial for the Western World and the future role of America in the World this century, as it is a matter of life and death to us.
In many ways it is comparable to the turmoil and trouble that shook Europe some half a millennium ago, during the “Reformation” and "Sectarian Wars". It is interesting to note that the age of the Islamic religion is now almost the same as was the age of Christianity then. That painful period of European history inaugurated the age of Renaissance and the triumph of humanism that followed. And so it will be here.
Salaam
As I have told you so many times before, in this epic struggle, victory is certain “Gods Willing – Inshallah”. And why is it so? : Because it is an historical necessity. I shall not even bother to explain this. All I can tell you is to remember this ordinary Iraqi who said this at this time. And another thing; this fight is as crucial for the Western World and the future role of America in the World this century, as it is a matter of life and death to us.
In many ways it is comparable to the turmoil and trouble that shook Europe some half a millennium ago, during the “Reformation” and "Sectarian Wars". It is interesting to note that the age of the Islamic religion is now almost the same as was the age of Christianity then. That painful period of European history inaugurated the age of Renaissance and the triumph of humanism that followed. And so it will be here.
Salaam
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Hi Everybody
Just one hurried word before I am off on my daily chores. People of the U.S. and Allied nations, I hope you realize the full import of this great enterprise. For you have not only helped us to get rid of an awful dictatorship, but you are now helping us to be liberated of our own shortcomings, superstitions and the rust and dust of centuries. And what help! By the blood and sweat of your own young men and women; and there are those of us who can appreciate. And what America is really doing now is conquering hearts and minds, for the first time, in this part of the world. And this will be one of the greatest conquests and the key to solving the problems of the region and consequently the cause of peace in the World.
I wish I could explain myself better, for I realize these words will meet much skepticism; yet this is one of those feelings from the guts that I have talked to you about before.
Salaam
Just one hurried word before I am off on my daily chores. People of the U.S. and Allied nations, I hope you realize the full import of this great enterprise. For you have not only helped us to get rid of an awful dictatorship, but you are now helping us to be liberated of our own shortcomings, superstitions and the rust and dust of centuries. And what help! By the blood and sweat of your own young men and women; and there are those of us who can appreciate. And what America is really doing now is conquering hearts and minds, for the first time, in this part of the world. And this will be one of the greatest conquests and the key to solving the problems of the region and consequently the cause of peace in the World.
I wish I could explain myself better, for I realize these words will meet much skepticism; yet this is one of those feelings from the guts that I have talked to you about before.
Salaam
Hi Everybody,
I suppose it is useless to appologize for the delays in my posting these days. The thing is that I am simply too busy.
You may be interested to know that there has been a definite improvement of the security situation in Baghdad, which has been felt by everybody. This has come as a result of increased deployment of police and national guards thro'out the city, together with other tough measures against crime gangs mainly.
Despite all the bad news you may hear in the media, things have not turned out as bad as was expected. Keeps fingers crossed.
I hope to find time for more detailed posting soon "Inshallah".
Regards to All
I suppose it is useless to appologize for the delays in my posting these days. The thing is that I am simply too busy.
You may be interested to know that there has been a definite improvement of the security situation in Baghdad, which has been felt by everybody. This has come as a result of increased deployment of police and national guards thro'out the city, together with other tough measures against crime gangs mainly.
Despite all the bad news you may hear in the media, things have not turned out as bad as was expected. Keeps fingers crossed.
I hope to find time for more detailed posting soon "Inshallah".
Regards to All
Monday, June 28, 2004
THAT WHICH HAS BENEFIT FOR PEOPLE
فاما الزبد فيذهب جفاء واما ماينفع الناس فيمكث في الارض
This is a famous Arabic verse of divine Wisdom; the eloquence and resonance of the sentence cannot be translated but the meaning is as follows:
“As for the scum, it will go (disappear) in vain (uselessly); and as for that which has benefit for people, it will stay in the earth.”
One man of the people is asked by an MBC (An Arab network) reporter what he thinks about the new government. He answers very simply in that spontaneous genuine manner of simple folk: “aren’t these men better than the riffraff who used to govern us?” Truer words have never been said.
This day, this modest ceremony, no elaborate celebrations, no fanfare; yet surely this is a “Mother of Days” for Iraq, and history will remember this day.
Likewise, I am not going to say anything grandiose today, rather in the same style of today’s ceremonies. All I can say is that almost everybody here has hope, great hope. Personally I am confident of the future because “That which has benefit for people will stay in the earth”.
Hail our true friends, the Great People of the United States of America; The Freedom giving Republic, the nation of Liberators. Never has the world known such a nation, willing to spill the blood of her children and spend the treasure of her land even for the sake of the freedom and well being of erstwhile enemies. The tree of friendship is going to grow and grow and bear fruit as sure as day follows night. And the people deep down at the bottom of their hearts, they appreciate. Make no mistake about that. The people have voted today, the pulse of the street is clear, without any hesitation I would give 90% of all Iraqis are hopeful and supportive of the new government, and this is a tacit indirect yes to the U.S. which has been the prime mover of all these events. This is what the foolish fail to understand. Why is this a different situation from that for example of a Vietnam? The answer is very simple: Because, the U.S. has achieved something very popular around here; which is the removal of the Saddam regime. Those who are really against the U.S. from amongst the Iraqis have been and remain a small minority; all other forms of resentment are simply disappointment and disgruntlement resulting from the discomfiture of the present situation and will simply disappear with progress and gradual improvement.
As for the enemy, he will not reap but failure and the bitter taste of defeat.
Glory and honor to the U.S. and Allied men and women whose blood is irrigating the tree of freedom in this land; and their sacrifices, suffering, and toil is laying the foundation for a future renaissance of the Mesopotamian People. Hail soldiers of freedom and enlightenment. Do not be dismayed by the trouble and turbulence of the present, for the future generations will remember and appreciate.
And last but not least; Hail, Great El Bush, a leader not only of the U.S. but a true hero of mankind. And Hail Mr. Blair and the other Leaders of the Free World.
God Bless the New Republic of Iraq; God Bless America.
Wa Al Salaam Alaykum Wa rahamutu Allahi Wa Barakatuh
(Peace be upon you and the mercy of God and his blessings)
This is a famous Arabic verse of divine Wisdom; the eloquence and resonance of the sentence cannot be translated but the meaning is as follows:
“As for the scum, it will go (disappear) in vain (uselessly); and as for that which has benefit for people, it will stay in the earth.”
One man of the people is asked by an MBC (An Arab network) reporter what he thinks about the new government. He answers very simply in that spontaneous genuine manner of simple folk: “aren’t these men better than the riffraff who used to govern us?” Truer words have never been said.
This day, this modest ceremony, no elaborate celebrations, no fanfare; yet surely this is a “Mother of Days” for Iraq, and history will remember this day.
Likewise, I am not going to say anything grandiose today, rather in the same style of today’s ceremonies. All I can say is that almost everybody here has hope, great hope. Personally I am confident of the future because “That which has benefit for people will stay in the earth”.
Hail our true friends, the Great People of the United States of America; The Freedom giving Republic, the nation of Liberators. Never has the world known such a nation, willing to spill the blood of her children and spend the treasure of her land even for the sake of the freedom and well being of erstwhile enemies. The tree of friendship is going to grow and grow and bear fruit as sure as day follows night. And the people deep down at the bottom of their hearts, they appreciate. Make no mistake about that. The people have voted today, the pulse of the street is clear, without any hesitation I would give 90% of all Iraqis are hopeful and supportive of the new government, and this is a tacit indirect yes to the U.S. which has been the prime mover of all these events. This is what the foolish fail to understand. Why is this a different situation from that for example of a Vietnam? The answer is very simple: Because, the U.S. has achieved something very popular around here; which is the removal of the Saddam regime. Those who are really against the U.S. from amongst the Iraqis have been and remain a small minority; all other forms of resentment are simply disappointment and disgruntlement resulting from the discomfiture of the present situation and will simply disappear with progress and gradual improvement.
As for the enemy, he will not reap but failure and the bitter taste of defeat.
Glory and honor to the U.S. and Allied men and women whose blood is irrigating the tree of freedom in this land; and their sacrifices, suffering, and toil is laying the foundation for a future renaissance of the Mesopotamian People. Hail soldiers of freedom and enlightenment. Do not be dismayed by the trouble and turbulence of the present, for the future generations will remember and appreciate.
And last but not least; Hail, Great El Bush, a leader not only of the U.S. but a true hero of mankind. And Hail Mr. Blair and the other Leaders of the Free World.
God Bless the New Republic of Iraq; God Bless America.
Wa Al Salaam Alaykum Wa rahamutu Allahi Wa Barakatuh
(Peace be upon you and the mercy of God and his blessings)
Saturday, June 26, 2004
WE SHALL OVERCOME
IN THE NAME OF GOD THE COMPASSIONATE THE MERCIFUL
Hi Friends,
God knows that it does not please me leaving you for such a long time. Next to prayer and communion with the Lord, this cybernetic communication with friends far away in distance but near to the heart has become a necessity and highly therapeutic in these most trying times. Thoughts and feelings swarm and trouble the mind and heart and cry out for release and expression, and there are so many things that one does not know where to start.
But you know, there is this thing about knowing what is right or wrong. I don’t know if you experience the same kind of sensation. For me this feeling seems to come from the guts, I mean almost from the stomach. For example, I think it was in June of 2003 just over one month after the liberation, when three decisions were declared by the CPA under the then recent directorship of Mr. Bremmer. These decisions were about the surrender of illegal arms, and the dissolution of the Ministries of Defense and Interior. I was sitting in the Kitchen of my house and heard the proclamations on the radio, with the noise of our small electricity generator in the background. I remember that I experienced this cold sinking feeling that I am talking about. Not that these decisions were unjustified in principle, but that their practical implementation seemed fraught with problems. To start with, the conception that the populace were going to queue up politely with their weapons and hand them over the counter was so unrealistic that any Iraqi would have told you that the chances of that happening was almost nil. Nor did the Coalition forces have any effective means of enforcing that decree. Our Imam Ali (PBU), who was a very wise man once said: “ If you wish to be obeyed, make sure that your orders can be obeyed” (bad translation). Once an order is allowed to be ignored, the authority of the Ruler is compromised, and the emboldening of the unruly will start. The Army and security forces were actually disbanded and everyone had gone home. There was no need for the official decree; besides there were so many opposition officers who could have reorganized the armed forces and purged them of undesirables. Most would have come back then, and on the terms of the new order and were actually begging for that, whereas now they are being begged to come back and almost on their own terms. All these thoughts flashed through my mind almost at once, and a cold hand gripped my heart. It was a foreboding, fear of jeopardizing the great enterprise. Other mistakes followed.
But we don’t want to dwell on that. For there is another feeling that comes also from the guts: that the thing is right, that the liberation is real, and necessary and preordained by Providence. Salvation is to come through pain and tremendous suffering, like that of Jesus (PBU). And now we shall go through hell for it and gladly. There is no turning back. If the terrorist, obsessed by the devil is willing to explode himself to kill the innocent; we, filled with the light of Love and the Love of light are even more capable of sacrifice. It is at these extreme times that one can begin to understand the true meaning of such profound messages as that of Salvation through suffering. Yes, we shall bear our cross, like Jesus, for the salvation of generations to come.
Come rain, come tempest, descend fog and darkness, We Shall Overcome. The Devil is going to be defeated again, as usual, by the very evil of his machinations.
And the enemy is desperate, he is striking left and right, beheading, slaughtering, murdering; blind with the rage of the wounded dying beast. And we have seen them, Egyptians, Syrians, Palestinians, Jordanians, our “Brothers”, running amok in our streets, murdering our men, women and children, and for what? What are they trying to achieve? And the whole lot of lying hypocrites, shedding crocodile tears about the “Iraqi People”, it is they who should get out and shut up. That is the invasion and occupation that we want to be rid of.
But We Shall Overcome; have no doubt about that. This, more than anything else, I know with every fiber of my being. And praise be to Allah, and thank you America.
Salaam
Hi Friends,
God knows that it does not please me leaving you for such a long time. Next to prayer and communion with the Lord, this cybernetic communication with friends far away in distance but near to the heart has become a necessity and highly therapeutic in these most trying times. Thoughts and feelings swarm and trouble the mind and heart and cry out for release and expression, and there are so many things that one does not know where to start.
But you know, there is this thing about knowing what is right or wrong. I don’t know if you experience the same kind of sensation. For me this feeling seems to come from the guts, I mean almost from the stomach. For example, I think it was in June of 2003 just over one month after the liberation, when three decisions were declared by the CPA under the then recent directorship of Mr. Bremmer. These decisions were about the surrender of illegal arms, and the dissolution of the Ministries of Defense and Interior. I was sitting in the Kitchen of my house and heard the proclamations on the radio, with the noise of our small electricity generator in the background. I remember that I experienced this cold sinking feeling that I am talking about. Not that these decisions were unjustified in principle, but that their practical implementation seemed fraught with problems. To start with, the conception that the populace were going to queue up politely with their weapons and hand them over the counter was so unrealistic that any Iraqi would have told you that the chances of that happening was almost nil. Nor did the Coalition forces have any effective means of enforcing that decree. Our Imam Ali (PBU), who was a very wise man once said: “ If you wish to be obeyed, make sure that your orders can be obeyed” (bad translation). Once an order is allowed to be ignored, the authority of the Ruler is compromised, and the emboldening of the unruly will start. The Army and security forces were actually disbanded and everyone had gone home. There was no need for the official decree; besides there were so many opposition officers who could have reorganized the armed forces and purged them of undesirables. Most would have come back then, and on the terms of the new order and were actually begging for that, whereas now they are being begged to come back and almost on their own terms. All these thoughts flashed through my mind almost at once, and a cold hand gripped my heart. It was a foreboding, fear of jeopardizing the great enterprise. Other mistakes followed.
But we don’t want to dwell on that. For there is another feeling that comes also from the guts: that the thing is right, that the liberation is real, and necessary and preordained by Providence. Salvation is to come through pain and tremendous suffering, like that of Jesus (PBU). And now we shall go through hell for it and gladly. There is no turning back. If the terrorist, obsessed by the devil is willing to explode himself to kill the innocent; we, filled with the light of Love and the Love of light are even more capable of sacrifice. It is at these extreme times that one can begin to understand the true meaning of such profound messages as that of Salvation through suffering. Yes, we shall bear our cross, like Jesus, for the salvation of generations to come.
Come rain, come tempest, descend fog and darkness, We Shall Overcome. The Devil is going to be defeated again, as usual, by the very evil of his machinations.
And the enemy is desperate, he is striking left and right, beheading, slaughtering, murdering; blind with the rage of the wounded dying beast. And we have seen them, Egyptians, Syrians, Palestinians, Jordanians, our “Brothers”, running amok in our streets, murdering our men, women and children, and for what? What are they trying to achieve? And the whole lot of lying hypocrites, shedding crocodile tears about the “Iraqi People”, it is they who should get out and shut up. That is the invasion and occupation that we want to be rid of.
But We Shall Overcome; have no doubt about that. This, more than anything else, I know with every fiber of my being. And praise be to Allah, and thank you America.
Salaam
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Greetings Friends
Hi Everybody,
Warm greetings all my friends. I am O.K. and safe and sound. Not to worry. Only I have been really busy with some big changes in my life that I shall tell you about soon.
Love and friendship to all my friends.
Alaa
Warm greetings all my friends. I am O.K. and safe and sound. Not to worry. Only I have been really busy with some big changes in my life that I shall tell you about soon.
Love and friendship to all my friends.
Alaa
Thursday, June 03, 2004
FIRST OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH
IN THE NAME OF GOD THE COMPASSIONATE THE MERCIFUL
Dear Mr. President
Calm seas and easy winds do not test a ship’s worthiness, but it is the tempest and the hurricane that show her true metal. Strength is measured by the intensity of stress that can be withstood. And here we see you standing like a mountain towering over the raging elements.
And you know Mr. President when the lion marches into the bush, the wild dogs, the monkeys, the hyenas and all the other beasts of the wild scurry and run and hide at a safe distance, some perched high in the trees, others hiding in holes under the ground, and each will find his favorite refuge. Yet they will start their squeaking, screaming, barking, hissing and generally making a deafening din and clamor, while apprehensively and attentively watching every move and gesture of the King in great trepidation. Some of the monkeys might dare toss some coconut shells perhaps in his direction, but from a very safe remoteness, and some parasites, too small and contemptible to be observed might give him a sting or two; but all that cannot bother the great one much. It is the racket and noise though that can be most annoying. But who dares to come within range, for they all know very well what fate awaits them then.
But the great noble ship sails on and on braving the elements, majestic, white sails and white flags of honor fluttering high in the sky, for she is carrying bounty and prizes to far off lands hungry for the great gifts. May God bless her course and her mission and grant her safe journey and triumphant return. Amen.
Salaam
Dear Mr. President
Calm seas and easy winds do not test a ship’s worthiness, but it is the tempest and the hurricane that show her true metal. Strength is measured by the intensity of stress that can be withstood. And here we see you standing like a mountain towering over the raging elements.
And you know Mr. President when the lion marches into the bush, the wild dogs, the monkeys, the hyenas and all the other beasts of the wild scurry and run and hide at a safe distance, some perched high in the trees, others hiding in holes under the ground, and each will find his favorite refuge. Yet they will start their squeaking, screaming, barking, hissing and generally making a deafening din and clamor, while apprehensively and attentively watching every move and gesture of the King in great trepidation. Some of the monkeys might dare toss some coconut shells perhaps in his direction, but from a very safe remoteness, and some parasites, too small and contemptible to be observed might give him a sting or two; but all that cannot bother the great one much. It is the racket and noise though that can be most annoying. But who dares to come within range, for they all know very well what fate awaits them then.
But the great noble ship sails on and on braving the elements, majestic, white sails and white flags of honor fluttering high in the sky, for she is carrying bounty and prizes to far off lands hungry for the great gifts. May God bless her course and her mission and grant her safe journey and triumphant return. Amen.
Salaam
Hi Friends,
Thanks for your concern. I don't know if you realise that I miss you more than you think. I feel a bit better now. The health problems were nothing too serious, nevertheless quite tiresome and painful. I am now writing a new post that I have been thinking about. Also, there is still the explanation about the "empiricism" that I promissed . So now to enjoyable work.
Best regards to all
Alaa
Thanks for your concern. I don't know if you realise that I miss you more than you think. I feel a bit better now. The health problems were nothing too serious, nevertheless quite tiresome and painful. I am now writing a new post that I have been thinking about. Also, there is still the explanation about the "empiricism" that I promissed . So now to enjoyable work.
Best regards to all
Alaa
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
DIALECTICS
Greetings Friends,
Despite the fact that I have had some health problems recently and I am still convalescing at the moment yet I find it necessary to drag myself out of bed to write these lines because of the general feeling of alarm at recent events and to air some views which I believe to be important to bring to your attention.
I remember from long ago, when there was widespread dissemination and consumption of Marxist and communist propaganda and literature in these parts, that one of the aberrations and accusations which the various factions of these movements used to employ in their polemics against each other was the sin of “empiricism”.
For engineers and scientists this term does not sound bad, since the very foundation of modern science is experiment and the laboratory. However, in politics the term has different meaning, at least in the way that the old Marxists understood it. For them “Empiricism” meant trial and error without solid theory and strategic thinking behind it. Indeed even in science, experiment is always designed to confirm or disprove some preconceived theory, and may lead to modifications, reformulations, or total change in those theories. In other words, there should exist between theory and practice a so-called “dialectical” relationship, to use Marxist jargon (loathsome as that may sound to many of my friends). The “Dialectics” of Hegel that exerted so much influence on the old Marxists conceived of the engine of change and evolution as being a triangle whose bottom two corners are “thesis” and “antithesis” and the top apex the “synthesis”. In other words every action or situation (thesis) spawns the seeds of its “negation” or opposite reaction (for every action there is reaction) “the antithesis”. The result of the interaction or conflict between these two opposites creates a new situation or reality, which is of higher order than the two original propositions: “the synthesis”.
As “educated” people we should not be afraid to learn wisdom from any source, even if we dislike the labels and names. There is truth and validity in this kind of thinking. Success and progress requires theory and strategy, which is based on an intellectual construction in an effort to understand the “laws” governing situations and phenomena whether these are physical or social or whatever. Our practice then will be governed by our theory, and in the light of actual results on the ground, the theory may evolve and be proven or disproved. The extent of our success or otherwise has a lot to do with the profundity, depth and correctness of our understanding and an intellectual grasp of the situation sufficiently comprehensive to take account of all the complexities of reality. The moral of all this is that mere “trial and error” if not coupled with theory and sound strategic schematization and direction can be futile and costly and may indeed lead to disaster and failure, and that is the sin of “empiricism” in politics.
Now, the men in charge of the CPA in Iraq are hardworking dedicated civil servants. They are patriots and we have no doubt about their good intentions regarding the success of the effort. But what is the objective? And why do we think it is worthy of our support and encouragement? The answers to these last two questions are not very difficult. I have indeed strived to explain that in my many posts ever since starting this blog. Simply stated the goal is as President Bush has frequently defined, it is a noble and just cause and very much in the interest of both the American and western people as it is in our interest as Iraqis, and for the entire region (if the people had any intelligence or sense to realize that). Unfortunately and very reluctantly, however, I must state that the CPA administration here in Iraq has been guilty of this sin of “Empiricism” that we talked about above, which has greatly contributed to the present difficulties. How that is so, will be the subject of the next post “Inshallah”. My objective, as you might have guessed, is not negative criticism but an attempt to learn from mistakes and to contribute a little towards avoiding present and future errors that seem very likely in these critical times.
Salaam
Despite the fact that I have had some health problems recently and I am still convalescing at the moment yet I find it necessary to drag myself out of bed to write these lines because of the general feeling of alarm at recent events and to air some views which I believe to be important to bring to your attention.
I remember from long ago, when there was widespread dissemination and consumption of Marxist and communist propaganda and literature in these parts, that one of the aberrations and accusations which the various factions of these movements used to employ in their polemics against each other was the sin of “empiricism”.
For engineers and scientists this term does not sound bad, since the very foundation of modern science is experiment and the laboratory. However, in politics the term has different meaning, at least in the way that the old Marxists understood it. For them “Empiricism” meant trial and error without solid theory and strategic thinking behind it. Indeed even in science, experiment is always designed to confirm or disprove some preconceived theory, and may lead to modifications, reformulations, or total change in those theories. In other words, there should exist between theory and practice a so-called “dialectical” relationship, to use Marxist jargon (loathsome as that may sound to many of my friends). The “Dialectics” of Hegel that exerted so much influence on the old Marxists conceived of the engine of change and evolution as being a triangle whose bottom two corners are “thesis” and “antithesis” and the top apex the “synthesis”. In other words every action or situation (thesis) spawns the seeds of its “negation” or opposite reaction (for every action there is reaction) “the antithesis”. The result of the interaction or conflict between these two opposites creates a new situation or reality, which is of higher order than the two original propositions: “the synthesis”.
As “educated” people we should not be afraid to learn wisdom from any source, even if we dislike the labels and names. There is truth and validity in this kind of thinking. Success and progress requires theory and strategy, which is based on an intellectual construction in an effort to understand the “laws” governing situations and phenomena whether these are physical or social or whatever. Our practice then will be governed by our theory, and in the light of actual results on the ground, the theory may evolve and be proven or disproved. The extent of our success or otherwise has a lot to do with the profundity, depth and correctness of our understanding and an intellectual grasp of the situation sufficiently comprehensive to take account of all the complexities of reality. The moral of all this is that mere “trial and error” if not coupled with theory and sound strategic schematization and direction can be futile and costly and may indeed lead to disaster and failure, and that is the sin of “empiricism” in politics.
Now, the men in charge of the CPA in Iraq are hardworking dedicated civil servants. They are patriots and we have no doubt about their good intentions regarding the success of the effort. But what is the objective? And why do we think it is worthy of our support and encouragement? The answers to these last two questions are not very difficult. I have indeed strived to explain that in my many posts ever since starting this blog. Simply stated the goal is as President Bush has frequently defined, it is a noble and just cause and very much in the interest of both the American and western people as it is in our interest as Iraqis, and for the entire region (if the people had any intelligence or sense to realize that). Unfortunately and very reluctantly, however, I must state that the CPA administration here in Iraq has been guilty of this sin of “Empiricism” that we talked about above, which has greatly contributed to the present difficulties. How that is so, will be the subject of the next post “Inshallah”. My objective, as you might have guessed, is not negative criticism but an attempt to learn from mistakes and to contribute a little towards avoiding present and future errors that seem very likely in these critical times.
Salaam
Monday, May 17, 2004
Hi,
And this was said to be a World War against Terrorism. Are we going to run away in the first battle of this war? In World Wars whole countries are occupied, the most effective and deadly weapons available are used and nothing is spared to win, since there are no options except Victory or Defeat. And defeat means ceasing to exist. Where is this from what we are seeing? Where is your World War?
Salaam
And this was said to be a World War against Terrorism. Are we going to run away in the first battle of this war? In World Wars whole countries are occupied, the most effective and deadly weapons available are used and nothing is spared to win, since there are no options except Victory or Defeat. And defeat means ceasing to exist. Where is this from what we are seeing? Where is your World War?
Salaam
IN THE NAME OF GOD THE MERCIFUL THE COMPASSIONATE
Hi friends,
Let me remind you of that all-important Zarqawi document. Here are some excerpts that are pertinent to the situation these days:
“This matter, with the anticipated awaking of the slumbered and rousing of the Sleeper, also includes neutralizing these [Shi`a] people and pulling out their teeth before the inevitable battle, along with the anticipated incitement of the wrath of the people against the Americans, who brought destruction and were the reason for this miasma. We must beware of allowing people to lick the honeycomb and enjoy some of the pleasures from which they were previously deprived (i.e prevent any progress towards peace and reconstruction- Alaa), lest they surrender to meekness, stay on the[ir] land, prefer safety,, and turn away from the rattle of swords and the neighing of horses.”
Another one:
“If we are able to strike them[the Shi’a – Alaa] with one painful blow after another until they enter the battle, we will be able to [re]shuffle the cards. Then, no value or influence will remain to the Governing Council or even to the Americans, who will enter a second battle with the Shi`a. This is what we want,
and, whether they like it or not, many Sunni areas will stand with the
mujahidin. Then, the Mujahidin will have assured themselves land from which to set forth in striking the Shi`a in their heartland, along with a clear media orientation and the creation of strategic depth and reach among the brothers outside [Iraq] and the mujahidin within.”
And yet another:
“Fourth: The Work Plan
After study and examination, we can narrow our enemy down to four groups.
1. The Americans
These, as you know, are the most cowardly of God’s creatures. They are an easy quarry, praise be to God. We ask God to enable us to kill and capture them to sow panic among those behind them and to trade them for our detained shaykhs and brothers(in Quantanamo-Alaa).”
And another:
“There is no doubt that the Americans’ losses are very heavy because they are deployed across a wide area and among the people and because it is easy to procure weapons, all of which makes them easy and mouth-watering targets for the believers.”
I have to remind you of all of this. This is the enemy, and this is his thinking, and his plan which he is implementing to the letter. I am not conceited or big headed, but it makes me sad that many of the things that I said were not listened to. If you recap my previous posts you will find that I foresaw most of this and even suggested proposals which only succeeded in attracting some simplistic remarks from some of my innocent friends, which only shows how difficult it is for the westerners to deal with such complicated problems. This is indeed one of the roots of the problem. The U.S. and coalition have simply underestimated the enemy and failed to counter him after a brilliant short campaign. Too many mistakes! All I can do is try to offer some more advice through this modest forum, may be someone somewhere will listen.
Today’s tragedy cannot be allowed to pass. If we are not careful, we are going to lose many more good people. The man fallen today was one of the great people who was very important for the future. Even Sistani’s house was attacked today. The attack was perpetrated exactly in the same manner that was done some weeks ago. It is incredible that the simplest precaution of having a VIP entrance for people such as the fallen leader was not even thought of. There are many things that I would like to say. “Gods Willing” they will be said.
Salaam
Hi friends,
Let me remind you of that all-important Zarqawi document. Here are some excerpts that are pertinent to the situation these days:
“This matter, with the anticipated awaking of the slumbered and rousing of the Sleeper, also includes neutralizing these [Shi`a] people and pulling out their teeth before the inevitable battle, along with the anticipated incitement of the wrath of the people against the Americans, who brought destruction and were the reason for this miasma. We must beware of allowing people to lick the honeycomb and enjoy some of the pleasures from which they were previously deprived (i.e prevent any progress towards peace and reconstruction- Alaa), lest they surrender to meekness, stay on the[ir] land, prefer safety,, and turn away from the rattle of swords and the neighing of horses.”
Another one:
“If we are able to strike them[the Shi’a – Alaa] with one painful blow after another until they enter the battle, we will be able to [re]shuffle the cards. Then, no value or influence will remain to the Governing Council or even to the Americans, who will enter a second battle with the Shi`a. This is what we want,
and, whether they like it or not, many Sunni areas will stand with the
mujahidin. Then, the Mujahidin will have assured themselves land from which to set forth in striking the Shi`a in their heartland, along with a clear media orientation and the creation of strategic depth and reach among the brothers outside [Iraq] and the mujahidin within.”
And yet another:
“Fourth: The Work Plan
After study and examination, we can narrow our enemy down to four groups.
1. The Americans
These, as you know, are the most cowardly of God’s creatures. They are an easy quarry, praise be to God. We ask God to enable us to kill and capture them to sow panic among those behind them and to trade them for our detained shaykhs and brothers(in Quantanamo-Alaa).”
And another:
“There is no doubt that the Americans’ losses are very heavy because they are deployed across a wide area and among the people and because it is easy to procure weapons, all of which makes them easy and mouth-watering targets for the believers.”
I have to remind you of all of this. This is the enemy, and this is his thinking, and his plan which he is implementing to the letter. I am not conceited or big headed, but it makes me sad that many of the things that I said were not listened to. If you recap my previous posts you will find that I foresaw most of this and even suggested proposals which only succeeded in attracting some simplistic remarks from some of my innocent friends, which only shows how difficult it is for the westerners to deal with such complicated problems. This is indeed one of the roots of the problem. The U.S. and coalition have simply underestimated the enemy and failed to counter him after a brilliant short campaign. Too many mistakes! All I can do is try to offer some more advice through this modest forum, may be someone somewhere will listen.
Today’s tragedy cannot be allowed to pass. If we are not careful, we are going to lose many more good people. The man fallen today was one of the great people who was very important for the future. Even Sistani’s house was attacked today. The attack was perpetrated exactly in the same manner that was done some weeks ago. It is incredible that the simplest precaution of having a VIP entrance for people such as the fallen leader was not even thought of. There are many things that I would like to say. “Gods Willing” they will be said.
Salaam
Friday, May 14, 2004
Hi,
I am deeply suspicious, regarding this affair of prison abuse and the photographs. Not being particularly one who sees conspiracies everywhere, but this one does smell strangely. The nature of the abuses, the photography and the timing: all that cannot be just coincidental. The objectives seem clear and need not be explained. Discrediting and attacking the moral position of the Allies in the most sensitive area of human rights, which they champion, and which constitutes the main moral justification for overthrowing the Saddam regime is clearly the purpose and the intent of this affair.
Apart from the obvious parties who may be interested in achieving the above objective, there may be other quite subterranean and unsuspected quarters. I don’t know exactly who these may be, but like good detectives we should consider all those who may have interest in aborting the mission. Perhaps the emergence of a moderate, democratic and decent system in the middle east, and particularly in an “Arab” country; a system which is allied to the U.S. and commands respect and consequently has some influence; perhaps this proposition is not particularly attractive to certain currents of thinking in the most unexpected places.
In the lax situation and the “failure of leadership”, and the practice of employing “contractors” of dubious nature; have you not considered that bribes and money might have been used to “stage” these events?
Yes, I am profoundly, deeply suspicious.
Salaam
I am deeply suspicious, regarding this affair of prison abuse and the photographs. Not being particularly one who sees conspiracies everywhere, but this one does smell strangely. The nature of the abuses, the photography and the timing: all that cannot be just coincidental. The objectives seem clear and need not be explained. Discrediting and attacking the moral position of the Allies in the most sensitive area of human rights, which they champion, and which constitutes the main moral justification for overthrowing the Saddam regime is clearly the purpose and the intent of this affair.
Apart from the obvious parties who may be interested in achieving the above objective, there may be other quite subterranean and unsuspected quarters. I don’t know exactly who these may be, but like good detectives we should consider all those who may have interest in aborting the mission. Perhaps the emergence of a moderate, democratic and decent system in the middle east, and particularly in an “Arab” country; a system which is allied to the U.S. and commands respect and consequently has some influence; perhaps this proposition is not particularly attractive to certain currents of thinking in the most unexpected places.
In the lax situation and the “failure of leadership”, and the practice of employing “contractors” of dubious nature; have you not considered that bribes and money might have been used to “stage” these events?
Yes, I am profoundly, deeply suspicious.
Salaam
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Friends,
Regarding the last post, I would like to add that combatting this kind of bestiality requires that people understand that the matter should be regarded as fighting some infestation of most dangerous vermin. How do you sanitise a place from such infestation? Think about it. You ask people out and then use an appropriate pesticide that will pervade the whole place and exterminate all the vermin wherever they are hiding.
Salaam
Regarding the last post, I would like to add that combatting this kind of bestiality requires that people understand that the matter should be regarded as fighting some infestation of most dangerous vermin. How do you sanitise a place from such infestation? Think about it. You ask people out and then use an appropriate pesticide that will pervade the whole place and exterminate all the vermin wherever they are hiding.
Salaam
Hi Friends,
Regarding the horrible act of beheading the poor hostage Nicolas Berg, there is no use in expressions of horror and condemnation, but it is necessary to express sincere condolence and sympathy with the family of the victim.
But I would like to inform the American friends that beheading was known to be one of the techniques of the Fedayeen Saddam. The late Uday, the son of Saddam commanded that particular outfit. I think it was the summer of 1999 when we woke up some morning to be shocked by some horrible news. Before we tell you about that it is necessary to recount something that has some bearing on the subject. You might have heard that an assassination attempt against Uday had taken place in 1996, which left him with injuries that caused impotency. This made him even more cruel and sadistic than his usual self. It has been revealed after the fall of the regime that he shot the doctor who broke the news to him (c.f. interview with one of the close bodyguards of Uday at Al Arabia last year). This added one more complex to his extensive repertoire of psychological problems. He started to hate anything to do with other people having any kind of sexual pleasure.
Well, that horrible day we learnt that the night before the Fedayeen had attacked scores of houses and dragged women and young girls to streets and beheaded many with swords leaving the heads at the doorsteps of the victims houses. Some of these heads were left in place for more than twenty-four hours. The atrocities lasted for several weeks. The pretext for this behavior was a campaign against prostitution. The women who were beheaded were alleged to be prostitution madams and some of their young girls. I remember that my young boys came home suffering from shock as one of these houses was in our area and they knew the occupants quite well. The victims were taken by surprised and there was nothing to arouse their fears before that night. This was typical of the Baathists when they planned some atrocity to attack suddenly at some predetermined moment without any previous warning. Throughout the reign of the Baath party and particularly the Saddam era, it was customary to suffer periodic atrocities carefully planned and imaginatively variable to keep the people terrified all the time. It was considered necessary not to leave the people too long without some thing awful to keep them intimidated properly. The Baathists were masters of the “Terreur”, and it was the essential means of their hold on power. In fact what we see now is something rather similar. It is a similar technique; they are trying to intimidate both the Iraqi people first but mainly the western people. They will stop at nothing. You must understand that this is their only expertise; their sole training and method and way of thinking. They think they can inspire fear and terror into the Coalition forces and their people and leadership exactly in the same way that they did with the Iraqis. They think that they can intimidate the whole world exactly in the same way that they did with us.
So I just wanted to say the above to help people understand why these horrible things are happening: You are just being treated to a small sample of what we suffered for more than three decades.
Salaam
Regarding the horrible act of beheading the poor hostage Nicolas Berg, there is no use in expressions of horror and condemnation, but it is necessary to express sincere condolence and sympathy with the family of the victim.
But I would like to inform the American friends that beheading was known to be one of the techniques of the Fedayeen Saddam. The late Uday, the son of Saddam commanded that particular outfit. I think it was the summer of 1999 when we woke up some morning to be shocked by some horrible news. Before we tell you about that it is necessary to recount something that has some bearing on the subject. You might have heard that an assassination attempt against Uday had taken place in 1996, which left him with injuries that caused impotency. This made him even more cruel and sadistic than his usual self. It has been revealed after the fall of the regime that he shot the doctor who broke the news to him (c.f. interview with one of the close bodyguards of Uday at Al Arabia last year). This added one more complex to his extensive repertoire of psychological problems. He started to hate anything to do with other people having any kind of sexual pleasure.
Well, that horrible day we learnt that the night before the Fedayeen had attacked scores of houses and dragged women and young girls to streets and beheaded many with swords leaving the heads at the doorsteps of the victims houses. Some of these heads were left in place for more than twenty-four hours. The atrocities lasted for several weeks. The pretext for this behavior was a campaign against prostitution. The women who were beheaded were alleged to be prostitution madams and some of their young girls. I remember that my young boys came home suffering from shock as one of these houses was in our area and they knew the occupants quite well. The victims were taken by surprised and there was nothing to arouse their fears before that night. This was typical of the Baathists when they planned some atrocity to attack suddenly at some predetermined moment without any previous warning. Throughout the reign of the Baath party and particularly the Saddam era, it was customary to suffer periodic atrocities carefully planned and imaginatively variable to keep the people terrified all the time. It was considered necessary not to leave the people too long without some thing awful to keep them intimidated properly. The Baathists were masters of the “Terreur”, and it was the essential means of their hold on power. In fact what we see now is something rather similar. It is a similar technique; they are trying to intimidate both the Iraqi people first but mainly the western people. They will stop at nothing. You must understand that this is their only expertise; their sole training and method and way of thinking. They think they can inspire fear and terror into the Coalition forces and their people and leadership exactly in the same way that they did with the Iraqis. They think that they can intimidate the whole world exactly in the same way that they did with us.
So I just wanted to say the above to help people understand why these horrible things are happening: You are just being treated to a small sample of what we suffered for more than three decades.
Salaam
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Hi Friends,
Just to say Hellow and to let you know that I am still around. This latest fiasco smells to me. It smells really bad. Abuses there seems to have been, but who took the photos, and the timing, isn't it too convenient? But you must know this: All this has not shaken my support for the liberation one little bit, nor my absolute conviction of the justice and nobility of the "Project". If some of you have seen fit to appologize to us about the behaviour of some of your "scum"; we must also appologize to you for the behaviour of so many of our "scum".
Salaam
Just to say Hellow and to let you know that I am still around. This latest fiasco smells to me. It smells really bad. Abuses there seems to have been, but who took the photos, and the timing, isn't it too convenient? But you must know this: All this has not shaken my support for the liberation one little bit, nor my absolute conviction of the justice and nobility of the "Project". If some of you have seen fit to appologize to us about the behaviour of some of your "scum"; we must also appologize to you for the behaviour of so many of our "scum".
Salaam
Saturday, May 01, 2004
Lisa,
No real proof, mostly just propaganda, though there have been some interviews of some ex-prisoners with all sorts of allegations (c.f. LBC, interview with Mohammed Al Zubaidi) - although LBC is one of the more moderate stations. How about countering by publishing some of the tons of evidence of Saddams abuses in Iraq, which the Arabs saw no reason to protest about for many years.
Salaam
No real proof, mostly just propaganda, though there have been some interviews of some ex-prisoners with all sorts of allegations (c.f. LBC, interview with Mohammed Al Zubaidi) - although LBC is one of the more moderate stations. How about countering by publishing some of the tons of evidence of Saddams abuses in Iraq, which the Arabs saw no reason to protest about for many years.
Salaam
Hi Friends,
Now a solution must be found to the Najaf problem. Things appear to be hopeful. To every region a force that is acceptable and respected by the people of that region, a fair enough solution, but rather difficult to achieve in mixed areas. In any case credible Iraqi forces representing Law and Order are absolutely essential, especially at this time when 30th of June is approaching. The Coalition are showing restraint and wisdom and are to be commended on that account. The political solution must also be based on as wide a spectrum as possible to be able to have the loyalty and acceptance of the armed forces and the people in general.
Regarding the uproar about the treatment of prisoners, I must admit that I was one of those who were highly surprised, I would never have believed it, had it not come out in this credible manner. This is high treason on the part of those who perpetrated these acts. What a gift to the enemies of the U.S. and her friends! These people might just as well have been in the pay of the likes of UBL. They have served him wonderfully.
Salaam
Now a solution must be found to the Najaf problem. Things appear to be hopeful. To every region a force that is acceptable and respected by the people of that region, a fair enough solution, but rather difficult to achieve in mixed areas. In any case credible Iraqi forces representing Law and Order are absolutely essential, especially at this time when 30th of June is approaching. The Coalition are showing restraint and wisdom and are to be commended on that account. The political solution must also be based on as wide a spectrum as possible to be able to have the loyalty and acceptance of the armed forces and the people in general.
Regarding the uproar about the treatment of prisoners, I must admit that I was one of those who were highly surprised, I would never have believed it, had it not come out in this credible manner. This is high treason on the part of those who perpetrated these acts. What a gift to the enemies of the U.S. and her friends! These people might just as well have been in the pay of the likes of UBL. They have served him wonderfully.
Salaam
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