Egypt – Republic Revolution for Democracy

By Padmini Arhant

Yet another country in North Africa is confronted with republic revolution against oppression.

Egypt – the Pharaoh land has remained so until now with autocratic rule since declaration as the republic on July 18, 1953.

The systemic abuse of power and corruption in the political system has been endured by the 80 million people without any representation in governance.

Uprising in the past has been successfully quelled with violence by the security forces including intimidation through military presence in civilian zone – the standard practice of all repressive regimes in pro-democracy peaceful protest.

The political freedom struggle is never without sacrifice especially against totalitarian government emboldened by strong diplomatic and strategic relationships with powerful ‘democracies’ advising the embattled ally to contain the uprising and not called for renunciation of power due to vested interests.

Besides Egypt military funded with U.S aid in billions of dollars is believed to exert authority in power sharing with the unpopular government.

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Padmini Arhant

Lebanon Political Crisis and U.S. Role in Special Tribunal Trial

By Padmini Arhant

The Mediterranean country in the Middle East is situated between Syria up north all the way to the east and Israel down south.

A French Colony post World War 1, Lebanon gained independence in 1946.

The secular society enriched in cultural diversity experienced tremendous economic boom from agriculture, service sector viz. banking and the hospitality industry – tourism.

During that period it was regarded as the Switzerland of the East and the capital city Beirut – Paris of the Middle East.

Lebanon is also known for political upheavals predominantly attributed to foreign power intervention, invasion and occupation following independence up until now.

The prominent crises are – the prolonged civil war (1975-1990), Hezbollah and Israel confrontation referred to as July war or Second Lebanon war (12 July 2006 – 14 August 2006) with Israeli blockade of Lebanon ending in September 2006.

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Padmini Arhant

U.S. China Relations and Global Impact

By Padmini Arhant

Hon. President Hu Jintao of China is currently on a state visit to the United States.

The head of the state arrival in the U.S. is pivotal to promote bilateral relationship on economic, political and strategic matter having a direct global impact.

Many issues have been brought to attention that requires mutual understanding and cooperation. The economic reality with United States as the largest consumer and China being the major manufacturer as well as creditor are inter-dependent to succeed in their respective ambitions.

China is the fastest growing economy with tremendous potential to be an effective global partner in resolving international crises.

Although the dialogue between the two nations in strengthening ties has been consistent in the past two years, the intentions are yet to be delivered in action on the domestic and international fronts.

The preliminary step towards fostering simultaneous growth is to review the activities and modify strategies beneficial to both economies with equal responsibility to contain the burgeoning economic crisis.

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Padmini Arhant

Race

By Padmini Arhant

Race is a contentious matter. Hence thoughts are presented in this blog - an innovative medium to express views and comments.

Cyberspace is a platform where the voiceless can have a voice or be heard through someone on their behalf on any issue.

It is not necessary to go through the Red Tape or be newsworthy to be a news item in the prominent media and print press. There is no requirement to be part of any influential circle either.

An average citizen with internet access can state an opinion or recount an experience that is relevant to all or none. It has unequivocally revolutionized communication in the new millennium.

Mankind Giant Leap in this regard is poignant.

However, have we made progress in human relations?

Why is it difficult for the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom hierarchy to co-exist in harmony and accept one another as human beings first and then anything next?

We have been gifted with the discriminatory power. Unfortunately, it is being used effectively for negative purpose than otherwise.

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Padmini Arhant

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Padmini Arhant

Today United States celebrated the birth of Honorable. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. renowned for breaking barriers in human relationship dedicated his life to unity and eliminating injustice.

Dr. King believed in the strength of human character transcending race, religion and social-economic background.

An eloquent orator, theologian and a supreme leader – Dr. King led the mass at the height of social inequality entrenched in prejudice emanating largely from ignorance and yet triumphed in civil rights recognition for his fellow human beings.

Rev. Martin Luther King understood the intricacies in weaving the social fabric and passionately involved to promote integration against segregation, empathy over apathy and last but not the least practiced his mentor Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence philosophy.

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Padmini Arhant

Tunisia – Victory to People Power

By Padmini Arhant

The North African nation is in major political transition after the people successfully unshackled themselves from decades old authoritarian oppression.

Tunisia having been a French colony sought independence in 1956 and subsequently President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali gained power in 1987 imposing repressive form of government until the recent ousting.

The citizens across the nation were marginalized due to massive corruption, political suppression through surveillance and confinement of human rights activists, sentencing journalists for revealing the reality on soaring unemployment and economic chaos.

As a result the former Tunisian government ranked lowest in public internet access and freedom of press in the world.

These activities were considered mild compared to the abuse of Presidential power with opposition quelled eliminating checks and balances in a political system characterized by the people as kleptocracy thriving under nepotism through political appointments of family members including subservient entities in various capacity exercising control over economic sector.

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Padmini Arhant

Global Poverty Alleviation – Micro Lending Myths and Management

By Padmini Arhant

The greatest challenge confronting humanity is alleviating poverty, hunger and disease.

With global population on the rise, the gulf between the rich and poor widening – the worldwide statistics in deaths related to starvation and preventable disease is alarmingly high especially among children, the most vulnerable victims in the human caused misery.

There is no doubt that many organizations such as the United Nations, Government and Non-Governmental efforts in the developing countries including some philanthropists from different corners are striving hard to address this issue to their best of ability.

Their commitment in this regard is remarkable for the situation would be worse in the absence of myriad interventional measures.

As for the industrialized and developed nations’ role in containing the growing humanitarian plight – the G-20 pledge to contribute $100 billion to developing nations is honorable but yet to be exemplified through action.

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Padmini Arhant

International Recognition of Israeli Palestinian Peace Process

By Padmini Arhant

Israeli Palestinian peace talks have come to a grinding halt following the moratorium expiration on Jewish settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem last September.

The Palestinian casualties in early January 2011 involving a man and a woman in the northern West Bank checkpoint and the barrier is a setback for the long anticipated peace resolution between Israel and Palestinian authorities.

Additionally the recent tension in beleaguered Gaza with Israel reporting on the rocket firing by Hamas across the southern border resets the status quo after a prolonged ceasefire promoting hope for exports from Gaza to Israel.

Subsequently Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for direct dialogue is praiseworthy.

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Padmini Arhant

Arizona Tragic Shooting

By Padmini Arhant

The shooting near the supermarket in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011 reportedly claimed six lives including a nine year old victim along with a critically hurt Congress (Rep.D) Gabrielle Giffords stated to be the primary target in the tragic incident.

Although motives behind the violence has not been determined or presented, the fatal attacks against innocent citizens is deeply regrettable and unjustifiable.

Whenever human mind is overwhelmed with contemptuous thoughts defying reasoning faculties then actions lead to an irreversible situation.

If the intention to harm people was political it represents a grave danger to democracy allowing free speech as the fundamental right to all members regardless of their identity in the society.

Whatever is the cause, the decision to take others’ life reflects the failure of rationality.

Heartfelt condolences are offered to the victims’ families and prayers for the seriously injured Congress Representative as well as others in the inhumane assault on life.

It is sincerely hoped that the families and the survivors gain strength to bear the loss of their loved ones with time being the healing factor on their side.

Concluding with prayers for the departed soul to rest in peace and the wounded for speedy recovery.

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Padmini Arhant

Sudan Secession Referendum

By Padmini Arhant

On January 9, 2011 the largest nation in Africa and the Arab world – Sudan will be split into two separate states upon validation in the Southern Sudanese independence referendum.

Sudan like other parts of Africa has been ravaged by decades of civil war.

The Second Sudanese Civil war resumed in 1983 to 2005 and then continued in western region - Darfur still engaged in skirmishes on the ground.

The current President Omar al-Bashir then seizing power in 1989 bloodless military coup set up a totalitarian government leading the nation towards genocide.

The civil wars resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis with -

2 million casualties and more than 4 million displaced population including an estimated 200,000 prisoners of wars and civilians taken into slavery not barring child soldiers by the pro-government Arab militias, the Sudanese army as well as the rebel factions involved in the north-south economic, ethnic, religious and political confrontation.

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Padmini Arhant

The 112th Congress begins on January 5, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Welcome! To the 112thCongress with the Republican House and Democratic Senate.

The power shift in the new Congress is prepared to make some significant changes to the House rules, previous legislation and the Senate procedure.

Initiatives to implement proposals on Congressional transparency and accountability through on-line presentation of legislation as outlined in the blog post ‘Defining the Humanitarian Responsibility’ - 04/16/2010 on this website is deeply appreciated.

Yet another strategy as stated earlier on omnibus spending delineating earmarks from the Congressional budget would enable legislators to clarify the expenditure.

The recommendation for bill funding to be raised from cutting costs and not through revenues might lead to essential program termination with an adverse economic effect.

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Padmini Arhant

Happy New Year – The World Welcomes 2011!

By Padmini Arhant

New Year Greetings to all!

Amid great many challenges ahead the world welcomes the year 2011 with hope and joy.

Human beings have consistently proved that they have the ability to overcome hardships and achieve their goals.

Reflection on the 2010 domestic and global events leads to specific issues that require public attention.

The 2010 legislative actions would clarify the impact on the economy and the ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet in the difficult situation.

In the economic front, the job market recovery is much anticipated among the long term unemployed and underemployed citizens forced to survive on jobless benefits gained after a huge compromise on the tax cuts for the wealthiest - offering the average Americans temporary relief in exchange for a permanent tax burden.

Winning the Bush tax cuts extension to billionaires is motivating the legislators to risk baby boomers and seniors’ lifeline – Social Security.

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Padmini Arhant