democracy

... so said Faiz Ahmed Faiz, probably the most popular poet of revolution in the latter half of the 20th century in South Asia; Pakistan, India, and particularly on the Left.

South Asia has a very rich tradition of poetry, one which draws on both the spiritual tradition that gave the world Rumi and Khayyam, and the revolutionary spirit of the last century or two. And because of the Sufi tradition it is steeped in, allegory, depth of meaning, and multi-faceted verbiage is the norm, rather than the exception. The words "Aaj bazaar main pa-bajaolaan chalo..." are probably some of the most recognized word. The "jewels" being described are, for the uninitiated, the ball and chain of oppression. Here's the poet himself reciting the poem, with English sub-titles, followed by one of the best renditions of the poem with music, in this case with an overlay of dramatic video:

continue reading "Into the marketplace with bejewelled limbs we go..."

... so said Faiz Ahmed Faiz, probably the most popular poet of revolution in the latter half of the 20th century in South Asia; Pakistan, India, and particularly on the Left.

South Asia has a very rich tradition of poetry, one which draws on both the spiritual tradition that gave the world Rumi and Khayyam, and the revolutionary spirit of the last century or two. And because of the Sufi tradition it is steeped in, allegory, depth of meaning, and multi-faceted verbiage is the norm, rather than the exception. The words "Aaj bazaar main pa-bajaolaan chalo..." are probably some of the most recognized word. The "jewels" being described are, for the uninitiated, the ball and chain of oppression. Here's the poet himself reciting the poem, with English sub-titles, followed by one of the best renditions of the poem with music, in this case with an overlay of dramatic video:

continue reading "Into the marketplace with bejewelled limbs we go..."

Pakistan has come back to the original State after a full circle and back to square. The present action by the General is seen as the second coup after his first coup in 1999 in which he seized power from Nawaz Sheriff. Some also would see this as welcome sign for the fear of loosing the country to the mad mullahs and fundamentalist Taliban wielding nuclear arsenal. The emergency that is nothing but a martial law in disguise and would continue for a long period and it is very unlikely that democracy would be restored in Pakistan although the President says that the present conditions would not remain for long than it is necessary. But who would believe him?

continue reading "Pakistan is Back at Square One—Will it Ever Reach Democracy?"

The greatest problem with Evangelicalism has not yet been noticed in the West, and is essentially a problem with evangelism. This problem will only rise into view as the the War On Terrorism becomes better understood in the publics mind. As we better understand the ideology behind these terror attacks, we will come to understand that they want to do the same thing that we want to do—it's called conversion.

continue reading "The Problem With Evangelcalism"