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Showing posts from May, 2023

Myanmar’s Military Imports Weapons from Various Countries to Suppress Opposition

The UN has recently disclosed a report exposing that the Myanmar military has imported a minimum of $1 billion in arms and raw materials to manufacture weapons since the February 2021 coup. Russia and China are identified as the primary suppliers of advanced weapons systems to the Myanmar military, accounting for over $400 million and $260 million, respectively. Additionally, the report uncovers the critical role of arms dealers based in Singapore in sustaining the operations of Myanmar's weapons factories. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, has called for a comprehensive prohibition on the sale or transfer of weapons to the Myanmar military and urged Member States to enforce existing bans while coordinating sanctions on arms dealers and foreign currency sources. The key weapon suppliers to the Myanmar military include: China: The primary source of fighter aircraft, armored vehicles, guns, and naval ships. Russia: The main provider of surface-to-air missiles and oth...

A Tale of Sudan

 Sudan and South Sudan are not the same country. They were one country until 2011, when South Sudan seceded after decades of civil war. The two countries have had tense relations since then, with conflicts over borders, resources, and security. There is an ongoing armed conflict in Sudan since 15 April 2023, when rival factions of the military government clashed over power and control. The conflict has caused at least 1,000 deaths and more than 5,100 injuries, according to the United Nations. The fighting has mainly taken place in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, and the Darfur region. There is no reported war in South Sudan at the moment, although the country has faced violence and instability since its independence in 2011. South Sudan is facing a humanitarian crisis as more than 40,000 people have fled from Sudan since the conflict began in April 2023. Many of them are returning to areas that are still affected by violence, floods, food insecurity, and lack of basic ser...

The US Impact on the Middle East: Intervention, Destruction, and Death

Ways that the USA has done damage to the Middle East: - The USA has interfered in the internal affairs of several countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Tunisia. The USA has often supported dictatorial regimes, undermined democratic movements, and instigated regime change or civil war. These actions have destabilized the region, undermined its sovereignty, and fueled violence and extremism. - The USA has contributed to the environmental degradation of the Middle East, such as by using depleted uranium munitions, burning oil wells, destroying infrastructure, and polluting water sources. These actions have harmed the health and livelihoods of millions of people and endangered the region's biodiversity. - The USA has damaged its own reputation and credibility in the Middle East, as well as in the rest of the world. The USA has been seen as hypocritical, arrogant, and self-serving in its policies and actions. The USA has also lost allies and partners...

Hasina and Her Crisis with the USA

Hasina is the prime minister of Bangladesh and the leader of the Awami League party. She has been in power since 2009 and has overseen significant economic and social development in her country. However, she has also faced criticism from the USA and other international actors over the issue of human rights and sanctions. In this essay, I will examine the causes and consequences of this crisis. The US Sanctions on RAB The US sanctions on RAB are one of the main sources of tension between Hasina and the USA. RAB is a paramilitary force in Bangladesh that was established in 2004 with the advice and assistance of the USA. RAB was meant to combat terrorism and crime in Bangladesh, but it has also been accused of committing human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. In 2020, the USA imposed sanctions on RAB for these alleged abuses, freezing its assets and banning its members from entering the USA. Hasina’s Reaction to the Sanctions Hasina ...

Sakar Fish: An Aquarium Fish that Threatens Fish Farmers

Sakar fish is a common name for a type of catfish that belongs to the family Loricariidae. The scientific name of this fish is Hypostomus plecostomus. This fish is native to Brazil and is popular as an aquarium fish because it can clean the tank by eating algae and other waste. However, this fish has also become an invasive species in many countries, including Bangladesh, where it poses a threat to fish farmers and native fish species. Introduction of Sakar Fish in Bangladesh Sakar fish was first imported to Bangladesh in the 1990s as an aquarium fish. Some local aquarium traders and hobbyists started to breed this fish for commercial or personal purposes. However, some of them may have released this fish into open water bodies either accidentally or intentionally. This fish can also escape from ponds or tanks during floods or heavy rains. As a result, sakar fish has spread to various rivers, canals, lakes, and reservoirs in Bangladesh. Impact of Sakar Fish on Fish Farming and Biodiver...

Muslim scholars on women leadership in politics

Some Muslim scholars argue that women are not allowed to be leaders of a state or a political party, based on a hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad) that states: “Never will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their ruler.” They also cite other reasons, such as the physical and emotional differences between men and women, the potential for fitna (temptation or discord), and the traditional roles of women as mothers and wives. Some Muslim scholars adopt a middle position and argue that women can be leaders in politics under certain conditions and limitations, such as having the consent of their husbands or guardians, having the support of the majority of the people, having the necessary qualifications and skills, and avoiding mixing with men or compromising their modesty. They also distinguish between different levels and types of leadership, such as executive, legislative, judicial, administrative, etc., and suggest that some are more suitable for women than others. Yusuf al ...

7 tourist spots of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical heritage. It has many tourist attractions that appeal to travelers of different interests and preferences. In this article, we will explore seven of the most popular tourist spots of Bangladesh that you should not miss on your next visit. 1. Cox's Bazar Beach: Cox's Bazar Beach is the world's longest unbroken sea beach that stretches for more than 120 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. It is a paradise for beach lovers, who can enjoy the golden sand, the turquoise water, and the spectacular sunsets. Cox's Bazar Beach also offers various activities such as surfing, parasailing, fishing, and boating. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Himchari National Park, Inani Beach, and Ramu Buddhist Temple. 2. Sundarban Mangrove Forest: Sundarban Mangrove Forest is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of about 10,000 square kilometers acro...

What if my mother-in-law is rude or abusive to me?

Seek help from Allah. Pray, supplicate, give charity, and seek refuge in Him from the evil of your mother-in-law. Allah is the Most Merciful, the Most Powerful, and the Best of Helpers. He will never forsake you or leave you alone in your distress. He will either remove the harm from you or grant you patience and reward for enduring it. Don’t get angry or retaliate. Respond with kindness and patience. Allah says: “Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” (Quran 41:34) By being kind and patient, you may soften their hearts and change their attitude towards you. You will also earn Allah’s reward and forgiveness for yourself.  The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect our elders.” (Tirmidhi) This hadith teaches us to be merciful to the children and respectful to the elders in our families and...

Anwar al-Awlaki: A Comparison with Osama bin Laden and an Analysis of His Influence and Appeal

Background : Anwar al-Awlaki was an American imam who became a leading propagandist for al-Qa`ida and was killed by a US drone strike in 2011. He was the first US citizen to be targeted and killed by his own government without trial. Influence : Al-Awlaki's online lectures and videos have inspired many jihadists in the West, including the perpetrators of the Boston Marathon bombings, the Charlie Hebdo shootings, and the Orlando nightclub attack. He has also been embraced by the Islamic State and its followers, despite his affiliation with al-Qa`ida. Appeal : Al-Awlaki's appeal lies in his fluent English and Arabic, his charismatic and pedagogical style, his prolific output of Islamic teachings, and his prophetic interpretation of current events. He also advocated for individual jihad in the West, a message that resonated with many alienated Muslims. Some points of comparison between Anwar al-Awlaki and Osama bin Laden are: Origin : Al-Awlaki was born in the United States to Yem...

Rabindranath Tagore’s views on nationalism

Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a Nobel laureate poet, novelist, playwright and educator from India. He was also a prominent critic of nationalism and imperialism in the early 20th century. Tagore believed that nationalism was a narrow and destructive ideology that divided humanity and exploited the weak. He saw nationalism as a form of idolatry that replaced God with the nation and violated the universal values of humanism and spirituality. Tagore opposed the political and commercial aggressiveness of Western nations, especially Britain, which colonized and exploited India and other parts of Asia and Africa. He also criticized Japan for its militarism and expansionism in China and Korea. Tagore advocated for a cosmopolitan and inclusive culture that transcended national boundaries and respected the diversity of races, religions and languages. He envisioned a world where people could cooperate and exchange ideas freely without fear or hatred. Tagore expressed his views on nationali...