Justice for All

The Motto of the Theology State in Iran

The Motto of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), it is better to be feared than to be loved. The IRI is using Iron Fist by utilizing Machiavelli doctrine of Fear, Fraud and Force to rule Iran.

Think Independently, and freely because you are a free person.




Thursday, April 18, 2013

The New World Order

The New World Order is a system which is perpetuating itself throughout history by different means. Not going far from world history. During Cold War the world was divided between former Soviet Union and the US. As each nation had a worldly vision on how effectively to manage a nation's political-economy. The former Soviet Union created Eastern block and the US created the Western block. The Eastern block adopted and implemented communist economic system as only true way to manage political-economy of a nation under supervision of the former Soviet Union. On the other hand, the Western block adopted and implemented capitalist economic system as only true version to manage political-economy of a nation under supervision of the US. In addition, the former Soviet Union was concern of spread of capitalism in its frontier, and natural environment of international relations was in state of anarchy. This presence of anarchy created a sense of insecurity in the former Soviet Union to form military alliances with Eastern European nations under banner of Warsaw Pact. The US also needed to have military presence in the Europe. It formed military alliances with the Western European nations under banner of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The above military entities created balance of power between East and West.
Once again the New World Order reinvented itself as the former Soviet Union collapsed which was a source of inspiration for the Eastern European nations to remain communist. The collapse of the former Soviet Union also triggered a domino effect of disintegration of the former Soviet Union. The former Soviet Union was divided among several states as each state formed its own republic. Currently, region of Central Asia has four republics Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Since 1990's, the above republics are playing key security role for the former Soviet Union or today's Russia as well as China. The above republics are sharing border with Russia and China. The above nations several months prior to 9/11 occurrence in the New York, they signed treaty of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to combat three evils of terrorism, extremism, and separatism.1 The US deems the SCO as another version of the Warsaw Pact,2 and the US deems the SCO as an illegitimate organization because the above states did not adopt liberal democracy and the SCO is not following democratic process.3 Once, again the world is divided between East and West that how a state should manage its domestic affairs. Interestingly, the US is fighting terrorism post 9/11 which is same critical issue for integral stability of Russia and China. Canada is also concern about post 9/11 and is supporting the US foreign policy on War on Terror. The aim of this paper is to examining the reason for the existing of the SCO, to explore the US involvement on global scale to combat terrorism, and drafting a constructive criticism for the paper of Paul H. Chapin.
This portion of the paper is examining the reason for the existing of the SCO as an instrument to create security in a manner to combat three evils of terrorism, extremism, and separatism. In addition, the issue of security is crossing national boundaries.4 There is need for states to collaborate with one another to preserve their national integrity. 5 The SCO formed Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which does not have military intention.6 The RATS task is to gather local information and share those information with other states which are part of the SCO.7 The RATS do not pose any threat to any state's security.8 There is a claim that the RATS has been successful to ensure stability in the region by apprehending individuals who pose threat to national security like Uighurs was apprehended by Kazakhstan authority and was extradited to China due to act of terrorism.9 In addition, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan agreed to assist China to prevent Xinjiang from separating from China.10 There is a voice of critic that the RATS was not able to combat Islamic terrorism in Afghanistan.11 The RATS is not seem as an effective system to provide security in the region because the power elite of the states are facing regime security challenges to their rules and there is ineffective institutions in the states which are making state security weak to internal factors. Ayoob reflected light on the Third World state that the Third World states did not fully develop liberal democracy,12 and it was at infancy stage.13 There is a problem with Ayoob's view about the Third World states for being behind the Western nation's liberal democracy. Ayoob needs to consider that the Third World nations were not fully democratic and remained as a weak states because the West continuously is seeking means to keep them as a developing nations. Walter Rodney in his book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” explained how he European nations colonized African nations and humanitarian aides did not assist African nations to become develop. Furthermore, in 1906, Morgan Shuster came to Iran during Constitutional Revolution to restructure Iran's finance. However, he could not do it because England and Russia were interfering in Iran's domestic affairs. He was forced to leave in Iran. In his book “The Strangling of Persia” he was optimistic that Iran, recently, entered in realm of foreign politics and at some point in future in would be able to play art of international relations. His optimism for a bright future of Iran or any developing nations would be short lived. The West nations have Think Tanks that they are constantly drafting recommendations to the politicians to oust head of states of developing nations so that these nations would always remain as weak states; such as, New American Century which drafted “Rebuilding America's Defenses” back in 1998 to topple head of states of Syria, Iran, and Libya. Consequently, there is always an on-going violence in developing nations and never would be able to have regime security and state security.
This portion of the paper is exploring the US involvement on global scale to combat terrorism. The US is concern with spill-over of the violence in East Asia and the Middle Eastern countries.14 Therefore, the West become vulnerable and unstable to spill-over which is providing for the US and the West to interfere in domestic affairs of the developing nations in the Asia and the Middle East.15 Robert Dover paper “Towards a Common EU Immigration Policy: a Securitization Too Far” claimed that African nations have not adopt liberal democracy system which is causing the African nations to remain as weak states. In addition, there is a political and economic legacy between African nations and European nations. The European nations are selling weapons to the African nations illegally which is contribute to death and destruction in African nations. In return, the European nations are infected with illicit drugs, and money laundry. Most importantly, African immigrants are becoming burden on the European social programs.
According to the Globe and Mail reported Al-Qaeda was not deter by the French Foreign Legion (FFL) presence in Mali.16 It was true that the FFL liberated Gao from the Al-Qaeda. However, the Al-Qaeda was able to control outskirt of the Gao, and Mali army was too weak against the Al-Qaeda. Obviously, there is a question that how this Al-Qaeda is able to finance and receive arms from outside of Mali? There is a possibility for civilians to leave their homeland and immigrate to European nations. Since, these newcomers did not have work skills relevant to their new homes. They may rely on the social safety network as a means to support themselves. It may trigger racism in Europe and legislating laws against newcomers.
This portion of the paper is drafting a constructive criticism for the paper of Paul H. Chapin. The paper is praising Conservative Party of Canada's role on foreign policy, and it is regarding Liberal Party's foreign policy to invite terrorism in Canada. The paper claimed that Trudeau's foreign policy developed economic ties with Russia, China, Latin America, Africa and Asia. The Canadian Armed Forces played peace mission role. However, Mr. Chapin praised the Conservative government of Brian Mulroney for applying realpolitik in the realm of international relations. The realpolitik means Canada was applying political-realism to its doctrine to interact with other nations. Since, Canada has only border with the US, it would not be so wise to challenge the US. It would be also naïve to assume since Canada did not share border with other nations, it was safe from land attack. The author began to glorify death of Canadian soldiers in Korea. He claimed that Canada deployed 25, 600 forces, 1609 of them died and 406 of them went missing. The author dislike the Liberal Party's approach on military expedition at times of crisis. He stated that from 1992 to 2004 40, 000 Canadian soldiers were deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina as peacekeeping mission. The human loss was 23 individuals. This author needs to compare Korean War with Bosnian-Herzegovina peacekeeping mission. In addition, Canada has an image of peace keeper not a war monger. If this author truly love war, he needs stop writing about glory of death and destruction, and holds an assault rifle and goes to a combat zone. Soon, he will see for himself that war is about life and death, it is unlike paper cut on his soft fingers. Plus, today Canada played combat role in Afghanistan, it claimed 158 lives.17 Mr. Chapin needs to look at mothers, fathers, and sibling who are still grieving with death of their loved one in the Afghanistan. It is always easy to say to others go and die, but it is not easy for a person to put her/his life in harm way. The author claimed that the mission in Afghanistan had to magnify notion of Jihad, Islamist or Al-Qaede. The religious decree of issuing a Jihad is very difficult one. To issue a Jihad, it requires a cleric with high credential to issue a Jihad. No religious figure ever declare holy war in Afghanistan. Dr. Ron Dart recommended “The Power of Nightmare” movie which illustrated Al-Qaede to be nothing, but an empty nest. It did not have sleeping cell and did not pose any kind of real threat to world safety and security.
This author's paper was an open book for criticism, and did not do any kind of research to present facts, except his personal view on Canada's role as a military police to execute law and order regardless how many soldiers will die. He claimed Alan Borovoy “in Canada we don't ban demonstrations, we re-route them.” There are countless times that Canadian police used unnecessary forces to during peaceful protest. In 2000, when Ontario Coalition Against Poverty held a protest by the Queen's Park against Conservative premier of Ontario Mike Harris for eroding social safety network. The protestors were attacked by the Toronto Police Services.18 In addition, the CBC aired a program in regard to G20 Summit in Toronto that how the law enforcers were making arbitrary arrest and were using excessive forces against protestors.19 The above evidences that does not support enthusiasm of Mr. Chapin.
The bottom line, the text book as well as the reading materials are having propaganda nature. They are supporting value and wisdom of the West. These materials are not provoking intellectually and trying to push the envelop. These papers are claiming the right course of action is by adopting the Western values which is liberal democracy. These papers failed to illustrate how Western think tanks as a source of unrest in the East as well as around the world. These papers are claiming that the West is truly concern with terrorism. However, the West did not take any step to collaborate with the SCO to fight terrorism. The West simply claims that the SCO is another Warsaw Pact. The Western thinkers need to change their seats and look at the issues from real life situation and would see that the world which is turning around the sun and earth is not flat. Perhaps, another issue would be how the West is controlling the space and needs to stop spying on other developing nations so they too can be prosperous.
1Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
2Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
3Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
4Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
5Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
6Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
7Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
8Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
9Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
10Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
11Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
12Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
13Stephen Aris “Shanghai Cooperation Organizations:'Tackling the Three Evils'. A Regional Response to Non-Traditional Security Challenges or an Anti Western Bloc? European-Asia Studies 61(3) May 2009 pp 457-482
14Susanne Peters “The West Against the Rest Geopolitics after the End of the Cold War Geopolitics 4(3) Winter 1999 pp.29-46
15Susanne Peters “The West Against the Rest Geopolitics after the End of the Cold War Geopolitics 4(3) Winter 1999 pp.29-46
16The Globe and Mail Islamist push back into Gao 11 February 2013

Injecting Ideology into the Power of Nightmare

Remember, remember 5th of November, it is a day of gun powder and revolt.1 It is time to overthrow an establishment and to re-establish a new system. A system which is reflecting wills and consent of people. A system which is governing according to will of people and not some handful of individuals who pass laws for their own benefit, and rulers are holding sharp swords to cause fear among their subjects to rule a nation. These rulers can hold sharp swords to command a nation. Eventually, all systems are bonded to decay within and collapsed. As the system collapses, the fallen structure would bury the rulers beneath their debris. Today, the West is not going through internal evolution. It is expanding its wing across Atlantic Ocean. It is about creating cultural hegemony system that it is the only way to be. It is the Western values and Eastern values have no merit. The West begins to publish books under title of the “Clash of Civilization” and claiming that the West is in danger of Islam. It is not any different that Plato's “Republic” as some individuals are making shadow in the cave and others are believing what they saw. The aim of this paper is to discuss “The Power of Nightmare” movie and how the West defines terrorism.

This portion of the paper is discussing the movie “The Power of Nightmare” as illustrated Qutbi from Egypt traveled to the US and disliked the Western value and did not want to see Western values were integrating in Egyptian culture. He called Westerntoxication as a threat to Egyptian society. He took steps to prevent Western values to infiltrate in the Egyptian culture. It did not go so well with Jamal Abdul Nasar as head of state of Egypt. The system placed him in prison and punished him for what he believed. However, he did not give-up of his ideas that Western values of liberalism were corrupt and should not be part of Egyptian values. Eventually, the system found him guilty of sedition and was executed. Once again, ideas are bullet proof and his idea was not eradicated. There was Muslim Brotherhood faction adopted his ideas that the Western liberalism as a threat to the Egypt’s identity. The Muslims Brotherhood decided to confront authority in the Egypt and staged assassination of Sadat. Obviously, the assassins were apprehended by the system, and faced prison terms or executed for taking part in assassination of Sadat.
There was a turning point in the Middle East history. Russia invaded Afghanistan and created a window of opportunity for Muslim Brotherhood and individual liked minded to travel to the Afghanistan and defend a Muslim nation from hands of infidel. The US provided military and financial support to Muslims in the Afghanistan to fight a proxy war for the US. It was during time frame Osama Bin Laden became one figure who fought with Russia.
It was during 9-11 Osama Bin Laden emerged as a culprit for catastrophe of 9-11. The US system could accused him of 9-11 because of his fierce speech with regard to the US foreign policy in the Middle East.

This portion of the paper defines the term terrorism. There are three ways to define act of terrorism. One is constructive terrorism, two is benign terror and last is nefarious terror.2 The constructive terror is when a strong nation like the US is able to launched a military strike on a weak nation or to operate a covert operation, and causes death and destruction in a nation.3 This act of terrorism would not be deemed as a terrorism. It would be viewed as an act of heroism. The Vietnam war is a prime example how the US was killing people in the Vietnam without declaring war on Vietnamese, and fabricating the whole story that a US naval was attacked by Vietnamese. The act of benign is when the US is not involved directly, but the client state is doing the dirty work on behalf of the US “to consolidate power in an area.”4 The last form of terrorism is nefarious terror when the enemy of the west engage in act of terrorism5, as it makes the headline of every media.
The West is ignoring its own terror machines like “The Project for the New American Century” published “Rebuilding America's Defenses” in 1998 with an agenda to topple Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria's head of states. Since the US is a powerful state and it is like Alexandra the Great. It is all good for the US to do whatever it would like to do, and not be subject of any kind of inquiry for its action.

Therefore, there is an ideology to inject in public mind that the West is in danger of Muslims. These terrorist Muslims are posing threat to Western values. At the same time, there are individuals who oppose the Western values and are concern about their own identity and would not take a step against the West. However, the West which is represented by the US, it would engage in act of terrorism of constructive or benign and it would be deemed as a heroic act of the US, and when there is an act of nefarious against the US. It makes headline of media outlets.


1From the movie “V for Vendetta.
2Keepers of the Flame: Canadian Red Toryism: Ron Dart. PG 26
3Keepers of the Flame: Canadian Red Toryism: Ron Dart. PG 26
4Keepers of the Flame: Canadian Red Toryism: Ron Dart. PG 26
5Keepers of the Flame: Canadian Red Toryism: Ron Dart. PG 27

Multiculturalism and Progressive Dilemma in Canada

Author Keith G. Banting from Queen's University compared Canada's multicultural policy which was implemented in 1971 by former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau with European nations. The author claims in European nations multiculturalism has become a source of conflict between newcomers and native born people about who has the right to use welfare state programs. As a result, those individuals would cast their votes for parties that support welfare state programs. Now, those individuals shifted their voting belief for conservative party which has more cautious policy toward immigrants.1 In addition, the author focuses on concept of progressive dilemma that newcomers are not integrating in main stream society, and remain in their own group.2 However, Canadians are experiencing immigration in a different rate than their European counterpart. It appears that Canada is not experiencing progressive dilemma.3 The aim of this paper is same as author's quest to understand impact of progressive dilemma in Canada as Mr. Banting touches three areas of multiculturalism and welfare state programs in Canada. This paper is exploring different approaches to the welfare state in Canada compare to other Western nations,4 supporting evidence on the relationship between diversity and public support for redistribution in Canada,5 and discussing Canadian policy regime, its implication for a progressive's dilemma in Canada.6
This portion of the paper is exploring different approaches to the welfare state in Canada compare to other Western nations. There is a public support for the welfare state programs.7 These welfare state programs are institutionalized in Canada and created a set of mind frames for people that these institutions are part of their social, economic and political well being.8 It would be a very difficult task to provide alternative way of thinking about these institutions which are providing social programs.9 The author begins to argue that in European nations adopted multicultural policy to accommodate newcomers in their new countries.10 This multicultural policy has triggered a tension between those native born and the newcomers about degree of using social programs.11 The finger of blame can be pointed to natural instinct of human self-interest,12 it is a primary natural instinct in human not want to share limited resources with others, it makes human less altruistic.13 To make the matter worst, these newcomers would form their own groups and never explore the outside world because each group trust in their own group.14 The alternative policy to multiculturalism is policy of melting pot. Robert Putnam argues that melting pot is a good policy. It allows different ethnic groups to have social interaction with one another and trust each other.15 It is eroding social identity. These newcomers are becoming self-sufficient and do not rely on government for handouts.16 However, there was one problem that people may gain employment by engaging in illegal activities.17 T.H. Marshall provides alternative idea with regard to bonding people together. It is nationalism.18 Once again there was no consensus among intellectual how to create cultural glue. The idea of nationalism has a negative history, and it may be fused as a force to discriminate against monitory groups.19 Paul Pierson argues for establishment of a new institution in order to improve the level of maturity of welfare states.20 These institutions would not provide a blanket welfare state programs, but these institutions would be established by receiving feedback from constituencies, and responding to their needs.21 There are two weakness and one strength with regard to the above strategy. One, the above policy may not receive warm welcome from public.22 Two, it may become a source of attention for one ethnic group compare to other ethnic groups.23 There was one strength point for Mr. Pierson's vision that the blanket program would create unification among all constituencies.24 Miriam Smith suggests that “instead of treating diversity as an independent variable that affects the welfare state, we can invert the question to ask how the welfare state shapes diversity.”25
This portion of the paper is supporting evidence on the relationship between diversity and public support for redistribution in Canada. There is a wide spread sentiment in Canada about immigrants that they are contributing to vibrant economy of Canada.26 These newcomers are not contributing to deviant behavior in Canada.27 Interest, in Canada there is less tension between ethnic diversity and support for social programs.28 The author claims that Canadians are supportive for newcomers to use welfare system,29 and Canadians are more critical about the welfare system itself for redistributing the wealth among Canadians.30 Rothstein argues that there is a high degree of trust in government and support for health care and pension plans.31 Interestingly, Canadians are nationalist, but Canadians are unlike Europeans, Canadians welcome newcomers.32 Therefore, Canada has been immune from anti-welfare sentiment. It means that Canada avoided progressive dilemma.33
This portion of the paper is discussing Canadian policy regime, its implication for a progressive's dilemma in Canada. The Canadian immigration policy is a point system which is allowing skilled workers come to Canada and not to rely on welfare system.34 In case of refugee claimants, the immigration office would issue temporary work permit for them so that they can find jobs and support themselves.35 In 1993, it came to light that 14% of sponsorship agreements were using the welfare system.36 The sponsors did not fulfill their promise to take care of their families. It cost taxpayers $700 million each year.37 Since, Canada has federal system which is managing affair of immigration and did not have jurisdiction in provincial area.38 The federal government could not enforce immigration laws against individuals who did not support their families. Consequently, the family class admission dropped from 51% to 30%.39 Despite, the above situation, immigrants are less likely to rely on income transfers which is a primary reason for native born Canadians to welcome immigrants.40 Recent, newcomers to Canada are more educated than previous wave of immigrants,41 and they enter the workforce at much low income level.42 These immigrants are underemployed.43 Consequently, these newcomers need social assistance to support themselves.44
Canada has a different experience than European nations with regard to integration policy. Canada does support multicultural welfare state, and it does not experience progressive dilemma.45 The European nations are disappointed about the outcome of the multiculturalism. It is contributing to social segregation, learning new language very slowly, and lack of enthusiasm for economic integration,46 and when welfare state is added in the equation of multiculturalism, it creates welfare dependency.47 However, Canada does not share same experience as European nations do. Canadians knew that multicultural policy is not static. It needs to change and adopt itself to current time. This policy moved from monoethnic organizations to multiethnic ones.48
The author argues that Canadian system is more compassionate toward newcomers compare to other European nations to receive welfare. Immigrants who obtained permanent residency, they have access to social programs.49 The system allows immigrants to have access to social programs because of employment-focus nature of immigration policy.50 Canada's social program is providing lower benefit and short benefit duration.51 There is less on income transfer like unemployment benefits and family benefits.52 However, A careful comparison of Australian and Canadian programs indicates that Australia relies more heavily on residency requirements largely because its core social programs are means-tested”53
In conclusion, author Keith G. Banting from Queen's University compared Canada's multicultural policy which was implemented in 1971 by former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau with European nations. The author brilliantly dissected his thesis in three key areas. He explores different approaches to the welfare state in Canada compare to other Western nations, supporting evidence on the relationship between diversity and public support for redistribution in Canada, and discussing Canadian policy regime, its implication for a progressive's dilemma in Canada. The author compares Canada's multicultural policy with European nations. Mr. Banting's research indicates that newcomers are welcome to Canada because native born Canadians welcome them. Most importantly, the welfare state is not a source of conflict between newcomers and native born Canadians because newcomers are not relying on welfare state programs. The success story behind Canada's multiculturalism is that this policy moved from monoethnic organizations to multiethnic ones. There is one more reason for European model to be failure compare to Canada that in Europe the key point to be eligible to receive welfare, it requires residency. In Canada, it is easy to receive welfare as long as a person obtains a permanent residency. As a result, ethnic individuals are integrating in the main stream society at faster pace than European nations, and it creates national solidarity among different ethnic groups. Consequently, Canada does not face progressive dilemma. Obviously, the European nations to change their models to Canadian version in order to have a unified nation.
1Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 799
2Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 797
3Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 803
4Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 799
5Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 799
6Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 799
7Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
8Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
9Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
10Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
11Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
12Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
13Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
14Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 800
15Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 801
16Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 801
17Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 801
18Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 801
19Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
20Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
21Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
22Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
23Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
24Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
25Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 802
26Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 803
27Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 803
28Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 804
29Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 804
30Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 804
31Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 804
32Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 804
33Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 805
34Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 806
35Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 806
36Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 807
37Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 807
38Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 807
39Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 807
40Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 808
41Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 808
42Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 808
43Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 808
44Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 808
45Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 809
46Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 809
47Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 809
48Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 810
49Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 810
50Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 811
51Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 812
52Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 812
53Banting, Hurdle . “Is there a Progressive's Dilemma in Canada? Immigration, Multiculturalism and the Welfare State.” Presidential Address to the Canadian Political Science Association, Montreal June 2 2010: 812

“SNC dodged donations laws, probe told”

On March 15th, 2013 Daniel Leblanc and Greg Mcarthur are journalists from The Globe and Mail and report about multinational corporate “SNC – Lavalin deliberately circumvented Quebec's political financing rules in the past decade, culminating in a flurry of donations to the governing Quebec Liberal Party in 2009 … SNC – Lavalin staff gave a total of $1 – million to the Quebec Liberal Party and the Parti Quebecois between 1998 and 2009.”1 There is restriction in amount of money donated to the political parties. This restriction of camping donation is in place to create fairness in political system. The text book states that “the rich, for example, have advantage in all political games.”2 In 2006, Prime Minister of Canada Harper passed the Federal Accountability Act bill C2 that it placed restriction in spending of $1000.00 CDN for a third party and groups or individuals must register and not spending $500.00 CDN.3
2Jackson, Robert and Doreen Jackson. Canadian Government in Transition. Fifth Edition. T.O, ON: Pearson Canada, 2010. Pg 3
3Jackson, Robert and Doreen Jackson. Canadian Government in Transition. Fifth Edition. T.O, ON: Pearson Canada, 2010. Pg 238

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Globalization in Light of Developing Nations

There is a common belief among some diverse communities that God created earth in seven days. On the other hand, there is one uniform belief among scientists that earth was created by big-bang theory. The primary intention of the theory is to deny the very existence of God as a creator. Consequently, the very simplest form of existence of humanity on planet earth has created two distinct schools of thoughts. There are those who have blind faith in God and follow their scriptures wholeheartedly while there are others who have their own way of understanding about creation of earth, and use science to justify their rationality against faithful. The above conflicting of ideas can be incorporated at any given moment of human history or unfolding current events. Today's current event is about force of globalization which has its root in humankind history. It goes back to seventeenth century, when European nations initiated Peace of Westphalia and developed system of international relations among themselves, and establishing secular states. Religion no longer was a key ingredient in decision-making process of a state. The religious establishments transformed their identities as political rulers to a social gathering; such as, Sunday worship, wedding or funeral matters. Religion was no longer an instrumental element to shape politics. This window of opportunity opened a new prospective for Hugo Grotius to think about international relations among European nations, and became optimistic about future of humanity. He believed in good nature of humanity minus evil characteristic of humanity. He assumed human were forming key components of states. Thereby, it would be conclusive that nature of states would be good and wanted to build a mutual relationship with other nations for their own self-interest. It appeared that Dark Age of Europe was coming to a final end. Hugo Grotius did not share same value as political philosopher Thomas Hobbs, who deemed nature of a state to be corrupt and barbaric, and human life to be short lived due to violence, and was entangled in spider web of ongoing brute force of aggressor. Indeed, today's world is divided between Hugo Grotius and Thomas Hobbs vision of humanity, and nature of a state. Today, there are scholars who are cherishing Hugo Grotius optimistic view of building consensual international relations among nations, and avoiding war which can be reinforced by wide spread of Multinational Corporations around the world, as well as, sub-regional entities like European Nations would be prime example how Europe nations were leading the world and rest of the world were lagging behind Europe. However, there was another dark side in today's humanity and failure of proper international relations among Africa nations, as well as, Middle Eastern nations. They were lamenting Thomas Hobbs vision of harsh reality of humanity. These precious lives are short lived by a sudden and unexpected violence at hands of their rulers who are puppets of the West. Once, the Western nations relinquished their support for these tyrant rulers. These victims do not accept their current living conditions and are forming their own militia groups to save their lives from daily degradation of their rulers. Once, these Iron Fist tyrants are removed as head of states, it creates a power vacuum. Now, it is blessing moment for corrupt men to fill the vacuum, and exploit every moment for their own advantage and place others in disadvantage position. Once again, a nation paid high price for democratization of its political apparatus; it failed to become a democratic nation, and falls into category of oligarchy state. The aim of this paper is to examining international relation theories and key players of global governance have deep impact in this global village, exploring the US foreign policy of 'Regime Change' in Iran back in 1979 unleashed rein of terror to rest of the world, and discussing how formation of 'Transnational Civil-Society' having impact on the theocratic regime in Iran.

This portion of the paper is examining international relation theories and key players of global governance have deep impact in this global village. The world that is populated today is not same as the one economist John Hobson experienced in 1902. Hobson asserted how European nations exploited weaker nations due to economic reason as business leaders had surplus, and it was not generating profit. These business leaders in field of finance, investors, shippers, and exporters persuaded political leaders to expand geographically to exploit labors, as well as, raw materials. In this moment, European nations began to expand themselves on map. Even, Belgium took part in exploiting African nations, and acquired Congo. The United States used corporate to exploit unskilled workers in developing nations, and exploiting raw materials in developing nations like in South America. Eventually, the Western nations decided to divide lands arbitrary, which is the reason to see straight line on map. As a result, tribes that had nothing in common with other tribes and may had long history of conflict with each other. Now they were forced to live in one nation. It would be impossible to create a stable central state. It caused a nation always remain at state of conflict and never see a light of peace. In addition, Immanuel Wallerstein (1974-1979) claimed since sixteenth century a 'World System' has been developing and interwoven nations to each other on premise of economic and political ties. Wallerstein divided nations in four groups. Group one were 'Core Nations' that they were first capitalist like Britain, France, Holland and Germany. Group two were 'Semi-Periphery' nations around the Mediterranean, and their economies would depend cumbersome to trade with core nations. Group three were 'Periphery Nations', these were eastern European nations that they were selling cash crops to core nations. Last group was 'External Area' nations that they were left out of capitalist economic system in Africa and Asia. According to Wallerstein capitalist economy system was on pursue of expansion and resulted in capitalist world economy. The 'Dependency Theory' would support Wallerstein claim that developing nations were not able to become developed nations due to lack of industrialization and constantly being subject to exploitation by core nations. John Kenneth Galbraith (1979) a social economist would argue developing nations were en-routed to 'Culture of Poverty' since there was little room for risk, and remained in notion of tried-and-true. If there was an error, it would lead to their demise. Plus, religion reinforced concept of fatalism. The combination of above circumstances made the developing nations remain as developing nations. On other side of the spectrum, there was Japan which had fatalism and after World War Two, Japan lost its colonies. However, today Japan is a success story which beat all the odds. Thus, dependency theory cannot be deeming as a final light to illuminate darkness of the developing nations. It would provide partial explanation for misfortune of developing nations.
Looking at a glass half full from window of Hugo Grotius that states were rational and law-abiding. Grotius could see light at end of the tunnel that Europe would live in peace and harmony. In addition, Immanuel Kant asserted democracy and peace were essential ingredients for European nations to co-exist with another and not to pose themselves to danger of war. In early twentieth century, Woodrow Wilson stamped hallmark of idealism that human nature was good, and social progress was possible. Moreover, Wilson was pioneer of 'League of Nations' to lead the world in peace. Ironically, World War Two, Holocaust, and the Cold War occurred and defeat purpose of League of Nations. The concept of idealism transformed in liberalism which is focused on spread of universal value; such as, peace, welfare and justice which can be done by allowing formation of 'Global Governance' to flourish itself. The Global Governance is composed of individuals and institutions to interact with one another to manage their common affairs. There are key player in the Global Governance system; such as, States, Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), Nongovernmental Organization (NGO), Experts, Multinational Corporations (MNC) which are governed by international laws and rules. The IGO, NGO, and MNC would undermine sovereignty of a nation by making decision for a nation base on legitimacy issue. The above entities were not elected by people and did not have consent of people to act on their behalf. The above entities would provide expertise and knowledge in a certain areas. In most cases, it can be claimed that those areas of expertise would benefit them and may not be beneficial for others. In case of Multinational Corporations that they set-up plants in developing nations, and exploited workers in developing nations. The MNC would avoid labor laws, and would pay extremely low wages to workers and would sell their products at high price in the West. The MNC would not require following any kind of rules, as long as, it would satisfy the host country that it was creating job and reducing unemployment rate in that country. The host country would protect the MNC. One more time, the West is able to hold on developing nations and not allowing them to make progress.
There was theory of functionalism which would be similar to liberalism. Functionalism explains that governance would be natural to emerge since there was basic element of needs between state and people. Jean Monnet “father of Europe” believed nationalism would become less relevant in Europe and making war against one another would become unthinkable. The above thought would explain why the European Union exists. This theory had many fallacies in area of economic and national security. Still, nations are interested on their own economic well being. In area of national security, nations would not share information with one another. It is true that there is Interpol which is acting as a global police. Still, Interpol requires information from local law enforcers to act on behalf of that local authority.

This portion of the paper is exploring the US foreign policy of regime change in Iran back in 1979 unleashed rein of terror to rest of the world. The US may claim that it would like to export its democratic values to other nations. It was 1978 when former democrat US president Jimmy Carter besmirched King of Kings Mohammad Reza Pahlavi for violation of Human Rights. The King in his book “Answer to History” stated that He allowed International Red Cross to come to Iran to investigate Human Rights violation. The International Red Cross came to Iran and investigated plight of political prisoners in Iran, and made some recommendations with regard to conditions of prisoners. His Majesty followed those recommendations to improve quality of prisoners. However, Carter was not satisfy with the outcome, and pressed hard on Human Rights issue. In addition, these political prisoners were terrorists that they engaged in bank robberies, assassination of foreign dignitaries. They were by no means peaceful. In Guadeloupe summit, France, Britain, and the US came to a mutual agreement to topple the King/Shah, and replace Him with Khomeini. The BBC provided platform for Khomeini to foment a revolution in Iran, and the US Medias bashed the King at every opportune moment for false charges which did not have merit. In January 1979 the King decided to live Iran to stop the bloodshed. As His Majesty was living Iran, He said Iran will become a cemetery. In February of 1979 Khomeini returned to Iran after 15 years of living in exile, and when a reported asked him in plane how do you feel coming back to Iran after 15 years? Khomeini said nothing. He had no feeling for coming back to Iran after 15 years of exile. He was puppet of the US. According to author Mike Evans “Jimmy Carter the Liberal Left and World Chaos” Carter spent $150 million for Khomeini in order to topple the Pahlavi Dynasty in Iran. From the time, the King left Iran, Russia invaded Afghanistan, and continuous unrest in the Middle East. The Western nations are living in fear of terrorism. Perhaps, the US is so keen about Human Rights and democracy as Benjamin R. Barber stated in “Jihad vs McWorld” the US should “Fed Ex the Bill of Rights to Sir Lanka”. Why should the US stop at Sir Lanka, the US should make an immediate demand from certain nations to implement this Bill of Rights in their constitutions and if they fail to do so, there would be a serious consequences by night fall as NATO airforce and infantry would delivery them the Bill of Rights and would hand over their countries to fanatic Muslims which happened in Libya and Egypt.

This portion of the paper is discussing how formation of 'Transnational Civil-Society' having impact on the theocratic regime in Ian's domestic affair. The Transnational Civil-Society means that all organization and associations exist outside of the state and market. The regime in Iran is not immune from outside force. As a matter of fact, it has been proven several times, Iranian diaspora to interfere with Iran's domestic affairs and prevented death sentence. There were cases of Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Dr. Ramin Jahanbegloo. In 2005, Ms. Afshin-Jam became aware of a girl who was living in Iran and was subject to death sentence by stoning. Ms. Afshin-Jam is an affluent person, she won Ms. Canada title, and was well known person in media. She was able to get attention of public, and drafted an online petition and asked public to sign it. In addition, there were politicians from Liberal Party, as well as, Conservative Party decided to support her cause. Eventually, the regime in Iran commuted the death sentence to no punishment whatsoever. In the final case, it was Dr. Ramin Jahanbegloo who was writing about civil-disobedience to topple tyrannical regimes. When he was in Iran, the authority apprehended him under criminal charge of sedition. In this moment, one petition appeared online, and people some the petition and asked for release of Dr. Jahanbegloo from prison. The regime in Iran was facing pressure from outside world to release Jahanbegloo. Subsequently, the regime cracked under outside forced and released him. Currently, he is at the York University and is teaching political science.

Ending this paper by summarizing three main body of this essay on area of international relation theories and key players of global governance have deep impact in this global village, exploring the US foreign policy of 'Regime Change' in Iran back in 1979 unleashed rein of terror to rest of the world, and discussing how formation of 'Transnational Civil-Society' having impact on the theocratic regime in Iran. There is no one theory which can explain current affairs of international relations. However, there is one thing certain that the Western nations apply Liberalism or Functionalism principles, when time comes to engage with core nations. When core nations engage with periphery, semi-periphery and external-area nations. The dynamic of relationship becomes dependency theory. Keeping the above groups in disadvantage point, and having hegemonic stability on those three groups. In 1979, the US foreign policy of regime change in Iran brought rein of terror to the world because it is one way to keep Middle East weak. This planet is becoming a global village due advancement of communication. Thus, it is no longer a civil-society, but transnational civil-society.

Regionalism as a Driving Force in World Politics

Regionalism as a driving force in world politics would go back to dawn of history. There were ambitious men who were feudal lord for a small land, and expand their land to a point that sun never sat. These ambitious men looked at the world from their own window like Napoleon, who would be a good candidate to exploring the idea of regionalism in Europe briefly. Napoleon rose to power, when France was going through French Revolution, and he was just an artillery officer. He made high reputation during war, and fortune lady (Machiavelli's concept) was on his side as he ascended to the throne of emperor of France. He too wanted to united Europe. However, the balance of power in Europe was not divided among other nations like England. Automatically, there were resistance forces against vision of Napoleon and ultimately fortune lady walked away from Napoleon as he descended from the throne of France. Napoleon was not sole dreamer of unity of Europe, World War I and World War II were visions of having one Europe. The above wars were rejected by European nations because there was no balance of power among heterogeneous European nations.
To amalgamate all European nations in one Europe was a good idea to avoid war with one another in order to have vibrant economy which was beneficial for all European nations. There was no more causality of human life and destruction of properties which were having detrimental impact on economy. There emerged idea of League of Nations to unify Europe. However, the League of Nations failed to fulfill the idealistic of peace for Europe. In 1945, the League of Nations vaporized from scene of politics as United Nations building erected in New York. It was a lofty idea to bring all different races, and languages in one place and asking them to collaborate with one another over issues which may have been 'fault line' as Samuel Huntington discussed in his book “The Clash of Civilization and the Remaking of World Order”. The United Nations Chapter 8 provided a window of opportunity for nations to form security alliances with one another. The United Nations did not provide a ground for nations to form economic or social alliances. It also did not prevent nations from forming economic or social alliances with one another. The primary objective of regional organizations are to promote peace security, and economic prosperity. The European Union, African Union, NAFTA, and ASEAN entities would be prime example how they promote economic growth at the same time it is an excellent source of reducing equation of war among nations. The economic growth can happen, when there is political stability among nations.
The European Union is an ideal model for other union like African Union and ASEAN to follow. However, there was a key issue of sharing power between states and the African Union ingredients and ASEAN key role players. The European Union is an independent body which is self-governing itself and does not rely on states. It has own legal, social, and economic jurisdictions. Thereby, the sovereignty of European nations diminished by the European Union. The African states would not share their political powers with NGOs or private sectors. There is partially culture tone into it. African nations have traditional views about concept of 'private property' which is different than European way of understanding private property. Moreover, there is a long tradition of political hierarchy within each state in Africa which can be understood by African nations. The Asian countries too have complex political hierarchy, and cannot follow European Union model. In Asia, there is a long tradition of following leaders, and there is less chance of becoming a leader. Thus, there would not be a window of opportunity to have judicial, social, economic jurisdiction for ASEAN key players which would undermine sovereignty of Asian nations. The aim of this paper is define the concept of regionalism and some key challenges that Turkey face to join European Union, examining key factors for the European Union as an ideal model for rest of the world, and discussing NATO and Shanghai Cooperation Organization as emerging source of conflict between East and West which is weakening the role of the United Nations on world politics.

This portion of the paper is defining the concept of regionalism and some key challenges that Turkey face to join European Union. The concept of regionalism may appear that when several nations are located side by side, they share certain common elements which would unified them; such as, political culture that they may have in common. Turkey has been trying to join European Union since 1959. The European Nations declined Turkey's application due to fault line. In 1915, Turkey massacred Armenians which has become a bad blood between Christian Europe and Turkey. Even, Attaturk (Atta father, Turk, Turk, Father of Turk) changed Arabic alphabet to English alphabet, as well as, established a secular state, and confronted Islamic religious clerics face to face so Turkey would be transformed from ruined of Ottoman empire in a new nation-state which deemed everyone as Turk, and everyone must forget their ethnic background. Plus, small territorial part of Turkey is in Europe. Still, Turkey cannot be part of European Union. The European nations are pointing their fingers at human rights violation of minority groups in Turkey. The chances for Turkey to join the European Union is slipping away as Turkey is walking away from secularism to an Islamic theology state. The European Union would not tolerate a religious state to participate in its union. Particularly, a Muslim state to be part of the union.
In 1955, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and England signed Baghdad Pact to prevent communism to spread in their nations. The US was behind the formation of the Baghdad Pact, but due to technical reason could not join the pact. In 1958, Abdul Karim staged a coup in Iraq, and became head of state of Iraq, and aligned Iraq's foreign policy with former Soviet Union. Subsequently, the members altered the name from Baghdad Pact to the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). In 1965, there was a war between Pakistan and India. Pakistan requested for assistance from the CENTO members to confront Indian military force. However, the CENTO members did not provide assistance to Pakistan to confront Indian force. As a result, the dynamic of relationship between members became weaker. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus which claimed to be part of Turkey and not Greece. Iran provided military equipments to Turkey. However, England withdraw its support to the CENTO. In 1979, revolution took place and His Majesty, King of Kings Mohammad Reza Pahlavi I left Iran, which caused the CENTO Pact to dissolve. It provided a window of opportunity for Russia to invade Afghanistan with vision of fulfilling Peter the Great's vision of capturing Persian Gulf, as well as, spreading communism to rest of the world. The CENTO pact illustrated how England did not share geographical location in the Middle East, and was able to join the pact due to their common ideology. It should not be forgotten that alliance among nations may carry an expiry date which is unspoken at the time of inauguration.
In 1967, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippine formed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to developed strong economic ties by promoting regional security. This idea of mini-dragon nations to join to one another to determine their own destiny was important for the region. At the time, there was the US and China proxy war in Vietnam which was causing the region to be unrest, and it was causing potential investors to be reluctant to invest in mini-dragon nations. In 1975, the Vietnam war came to an end, and the US withdraw from Vietnam. In 1976, these mini-dragon nations began to see economic growth in the region until 1997-1998 economic melt down of the mini-dragon nations. The ASEAN like any other organization recognized its weakness, and regained its confidence among other developed nations. As of 2005, the ASEAN approved membership for Australia, and New Zealand (unlike Turkey that never will have a chance to join the EU). The ASEAN is able to maneuver itself through different venues and participate in global economy and it is moving out of regional organization to a global system.

This portion of the examining key factors for the European Union as an ideal model for rest of the world. The political culture of Europe is different than rest of the world. The layers of history in Europe would unit them as they experience Enlightenment movement, and two bloodiest wars that they shared with each other. In 1957, Treaty of Rome was creating European Community with a good intention of bringing European nations closer than ever. Eventually, it became European Union (EU). It had agendas on premise of Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as, Justice and Home Affairs. The ideas are always flexible and do not remain as is. As time passes by and current and past events would shape the EU. It is like a tree which has a body with many different branches as each branch would serve a purpose for overall well being of the tree. In 1974, the EU formed the European Council which was providing opportunities for head of states, as well as, governments to meet regularly to discuss the issues that matter for them to resolve their differences. Currently, the European Council may alter its electoral and jurisdiction format once the Lisbon Treaty is approved. There is European Commission which plays larger role than European Council. The European Commission plays role of law enforcer. There are times, when a state may fail to follow rules, the European Commission would issue warning to that state. The European Commission may take legal measure to take legal action against a state and resolving that dispute in the European Court of Justice. There is also need for a parliament as a body to govern Europe. There is the European Parliament which is base on electoral process and it has 785 members (MEPs), each member can remain in her/his office for duration of five years with an opportunity to renew her/his office term. The members of the parliament do not represent their own country but a political faction. Thus, this parliament is divided between socialist, Christian Democrat and extreme right factions. The European Court of Justice is the judicial, as well as, executive bodies of the Europe which has a responsibilities to interpret the law and execute the law in Europe. The EU is about economic growth, and it would essential to create a system which is reducing trade barres, and it is encouraging economic growth. The European Court of Justice would be able to legislate laws which is for common good. The European Nations take great pride in their social policy, and would take measure to reduce economic inequalities among European nations. It is clear for an outsider that European nations are sharing one common currency which is united different nations in Europe in one country.
As a result, the Europe Union was able to reduce political friction among European nations and economic growth was able to pull together these nations, and create one Europe.

This portion of the paper is discussing NATO and Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an emerging source of conflict between East and West which is weakening the role of the United Nations on world politics. It was after World War II, when the US and former Soviet Union formed balance of power on global scale. The US wanted to promote capitalist economic system around the world. The former Soviet Union also wanted to promote communist economic system around the world. There is only one world to rule by one ruler. The world was not enough for two opposing economic views. The US was providing assistance to European nations under Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) to promote the capitalist economic system as an ideal system for a nation. In 1949, the European nations decided to form a military alliance with one another with help of the US under treaty of NATO. The former Soviet Union too formed its military alliance under treaty of Warsaw Pact. In 1991, the communist economic system failed in Russia, and Russia disintegrated as a country, and Eastern European nations no longer followed Russia. Ultimately, the Warsaw Pact dissolved. The main objective of the NATO was to defend Western nations against aggression of former Soviet Union. Today, the NATO's role has become a global constable to promote peace, security, democracy, and liberties around the world. There are times that it appears it is assisting the United Nations article 51 to act in good faith to emancipate people from hands of destruction and tyrants. The NATO has Article 5 which is authorizing to use of force against aggressors. However, the NATO have indicated to be a useful military instrument for the US to confront states that the US seems undesirable. In 2003, the US made one unilateral decision in Iraq that Iraq had weapon of mass destruction and was supporting terrorism. Despite the fact that the Security Council rejected the US to use physical force against Iraq. The US ignored the Security Council's recommendation and confronted Iraq.
In 1994, The NATO formed Partnership for Peace (PFP) with twenty five countries in Central Europe and Central Asia, and in 1997, the NATO approved application for Poland and Czech Republic and Hungry. In 2004, the NATO admitted Croatia and Albania. However, Russia is not interested to join NATO.
In 1991, the former Soviet Union collapsed and there was a vacuum for three evil elements of eastern nations to become active, one terrorist, two extremist and last separatist. Naturally, Russia, China and other Central Asian countries formed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This organization was able to promote peace, security, and economic development among eastern nations. However, the Western nations do not share same sentiment as their counter part and have accused the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as another form of Warsaw Pact. Since Russia, China and other members are not liberal, and there was on-going human rights violation in their countries. The West also can speak loudly, when Chinese government began to engage in Cyber-war with Canada. Therefore, the United Nations which is a body of universal value to resolve differences among nations. Regionalism is giving permission for nations to come together, and continue to have conflict with one another.

All in all, this paper had three main bodies, one it tried to define the concept of regionalism examining key factors for the European Union as an ideal model, and discussing NATO and Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a source of conflict between East and West which is weakening the UN role on world politics. Today, there are no prince or princess in kingdoms as their union would bring peace among nations. Now, it is regional union which is bring peace in the region. There is peace because of economic growth. China and Japan may not like each other issue of Island, but they need to work with other for sake of money. The West and East still have many issues to resolve.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Defining al Qaeda

By Scott Stewart
The Obama administration's efforts to counter the threat posed by al Qaeda and the wider jihadist movement have been a contentious topic in the U.S. presidential race. Political rhetoric abounds on both sides; administration officials claim that al Qaeda has been seriously crippled, while some critics of the administration allege that the group is stronger than ever. As with most political rhetoric, both claims bear elements of truth, but the truth depends largely on how al Qaeda and jihadism are defined. Unfortunately, politicians and the media tend to define al Qaeda loosely and incorrectly.
The jihadist threat will persist regardless of who is elected president, so understanding the actors involved is critical. But a true understanding of those actors requires taxonomical acuity. It seems worthwhile, then, to revisit Stratfor's definitions of al Qaeda and the wider jihadist movement.

A Network of Networks

Al Qaeda, the group established by Osama bin Laden and his colleagues, was never very large -- there were never more than a few hundred actual members. We often refer to this group, now led by Ayman al-Zawahiri, as the al Qaeda core or al Qaeda prime. While the group's founders trained tens of thousands of men at their camps in Afghanistan and Sudan, they initially viewed themselves as a vanguard organization working with kindred groups to facilitate the jihad they believed was necessary to establish a global Islamic caliphate. Most of the men trained at al Qaeda camps were members of other organizations or were grassroots jihadists. The majority of them received basic paramilitary training, and only a select few were invited to receive additional training in terrorist tradecraft skills such as surveillance, document forgery and bombmaking. Of this select group, only a few men were invited to join the al Qaeda core organization.
Bin Laden envisioned another purpose for al Qaeda: leading the charge against corrupt rulers in the Muslim world and against the United States, which he believed supported corrupt Muslim rulers. Al Qaeda sought to excise the United States from the Muslim world in much the same way that Hezbollah drove U.S. forces out of Lebanon and Somalia forced the U.S. withdrawal from Mogadishu.
Al Qaeda became a network of networks -- a trait demonstrated not only by its training methods but also in bin Laden's rhetoric. For example, bin Laden's 1998 "World Islamic Front" statement, which declared jihad against Jews and Crusaders, was signed by al-Zawahiri (who at the time was leading the Egyptian Islamic Jihad) and leaders of other groups, including the Egyptian Islamic Group, Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Pakistan and the Jihad Movement of Bangladesh.
Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States applied against the al Qaeda core the full pressure of its five counterterrorism levers: intelligence, military, law enforcement, diplomacy and financial sanctions. As a result, many al Qaeda members, eventually including bin Laden, were captured or killed and their assets were frozen. Such measures have ensured that the group remains small for operational security concerns. The remaining members of the group mostly are lying low in Pakistan near the Afghan border, and their isolation there has severely degraded their ability to conduct attacks. The al Qaeda core is now relegated to producing propaganda for guidance and inspiration for other jihadist elements. Despite the disproportionate amount of media attention given to statements from al-Zawahiri and Adam Gadahn, the al Qaeda core constitutes only a very small part of the larger jihadist movement. In fact, it has not conducted a successful terrorist attack in years.
However, the core group has not been destroyed. It could regenerate if the United States eased its pressure, but we believe that will be difficult given the loss of the charismatic bin Laden and his replacement by the irascible al-Zawahiri.
In any case, the jihadist movement transcends the al Qaeda core. In fact, Stratfor for years published an annual forecast of al Qaeda, but beginning in 2009, we intentionally changed the title of the forecast to reflect the isolation and marginalization of the al Qaeda core and the ascendance of other jihadist actors. We believed our analysis needed to focus less on the al Qaeda core and more on the truly active and significant elements of the jihadist movement, including regional groups that have adopted the al Qaeda name and the array of grassroots jihadists.

Franchises and Grassroots

An element of the jihadist movement that is often loosely referred to as al Qaeda is the worldwide network of local or regional militant groups that have assumed al Qaeda's name or ideology. In many cases, the relationships between the leadership of these groups and the al Qaeda core began in the 1980s and 1990s.
Some groups have publicly claimed allegiance to the al Qaeda core, becoming what we refer to as franchise groups. These groups include al Qaeda in Iraq, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Even though these franchises bear the al Qaeda name, they are locally owned and operated. This means that the local commanders have significant latitude in how closely they follow the guidance and philosophy of the al Qaeda core.
Some franchise group leaders, such as AQAP's Nasir al-Wahayshi, maintain strong relationships with the al Qaeda core and are very closely aligned with the core's philosophy. Other leaders, such as Abu Musab Abd al-Wadoud of AQIM, are more distanced. In fact, AQIM has seen severe internal fighting over these doctrinal issues, and several former leaders of Algeria's Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat left the group because of this conflict. Further, it is widely believed that the death of Somali al Qaeda leader Fazul Abdullah Mohammed was arranged by leaders of Somali jihadist group al Shabaab, which he had criticized sharply.
The last and broadest element of the global jihadist movement often referred to as al Qaeda is what Stratfor refers to as grassroots jihadists. These are individuals or small cells of individuals that are inspired by the al Qaeda core -- or increasingly, by its franchise groups -- but that may have little or no actual connection to these groups. Some grassroots jihadists travel to places such as Pakistan or Yemen to receive training from the franchise groups. Other grassroots militants have no direct contact with other jihadist elements.
The core, the franchises and the grassroots jihadists are often interchangeably referred to as al Qaeda, but there are important differences among these actors that need to be recognized.

Important Distinctions

There are some other important distinctions that inform our terminology and our analysis. Not all jihadists are linked to al Qaeda, and not all militant Islamists are jihadists. Islamists are those who believe society is best governed by Islamic law, or Sharia. Militant Islamists are those who advocate the use of force to establish Sharia. Militant Islamists are found in both Islamic sects. Al Qaeda is a Sunni militant Islamist group, but Hezbollah is a Shiite militant Islamist group. Moreover, not all militant Muslims are Islamists. Some take up arms for tribal, territorial, ethnic or nationalistic reasons, or for a combination of reasons.
In places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya and northern Mali, several militant groups are fighting foreign forces, their government or each other -- and sometimes all of the above. Some of these groups are jihadists, some are tribal militias, some are brigands and smugglers, and others are nationalists. Identifying, sorting and classifying these groups can be very difficult, and sometimes alliances shift or overlap. For example, Yemen's southern separatists will sometimes work with tribal militias or AQAP to fight against the government; other times, they fight against these would-be allies. We have seen similar dynamics in northern Mali among groups such as AQIM, Ansar Dine, the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, various Tuareg groups and other tribal militias in the region.
Taxonomy becomes even more difficult when a group uses multiple names, or when multiple groups share a name. Groups adopt different names for discretion, confusion or public relations purposes. AQAP called itself Ansar al-Shariah during its fight to take over cities in southern Yemen and to govern the territory. But radical cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri, who was arrested in the United Kingdom in 2004 and extradited to the United States in 2012, has long led a movement likewise called Ansar al-Shariah. Even the Libyan jihadist militia that attacked the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi uses the same name. But just because these groups share a name, and just because members or leaders of the groups know each other, does not necessarily mean that they are chapters of the same group or network of groups, or that they even subscribe to the same ideology.
As we mentioned long before Moammar Gadhafi was ousted in Libya, jihadists and other militants thrive in power vacuums. This assertion has proved true in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, and more recently in Libya, northern Mali and now Syria. Weapons flooding into such regions only compound the problem.
Militant Islamists have seized the opportunity to grow in influence in such places, as have the subset of militant Islamists we call jihadists. So in this context, while the al Qaeda core has been crippled, other portions of the jihadist movement are thriving. This is especially so among those that aspire to mount local insurgencies rather than those more concerned with planning transnational attacks. The nuances are important because as the composition and objectives of jihadist groups change, so do their methods of attack.


Read more: Defining al Qaeda | Stratfor

"Defining al Qaeda is republished with permission of Stratfor."