Zeeshan Suhail

New favorite song alert: "How You Like Me Now?" by The Heavy

2010-03-13T12:08:00.002-05:00

I've been enjoying a lot of music from the UK recently. "Breakeven" by The Script had me enthralled for days and now along come The Heavy with "How you like me now?" to break that spell. Especially cool was their Letterman performance. I've never seen the guy ask for an encore, but he did with this performance.

Wonder what's next? I hope it's something similar old school, big band-ish music, like the sort Amy Winehouse makes.

Any other recommendations welcome!

Shashi Tharoor's TED video: Why nations should pursue "soft" power

2010-02-05T13:12:00.001-05:00

Shashi Tharoor has got to be one of the most prolific leaders India has ever produced. I thought this video was going to show the examples of soft power from several countries, but instead came off too much as an ad for his own country, India - one it really doesnt need! The points he makes, though, are well-suited to the audience: thought leaders and public intellectuals from all over the globe, gathered at a conference on technology, entertainment and design. Pakistan can clearly learn a lot from its neighbor.

Hope you enjoy Tharoor at his best!

Second Notice : Director of Finance in Washington, DC --Deadline extended

2010-01-25T22:59:00.001-05:00

Dear colleagues,

We have extended the deadline for this position and therefore, sending this notice again: I am representing Global Rights that seeks a Director of Finance (D of F) to oversee and manage the organization’s financial operations globally, based at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Please note that because it is based in the United States, US citizenship or an authorization to work in the US is required.

Position Title: Director of Finance

Location: Washington, DC

Start Date: immediate

Founded in 1978, Global Rights is an international human rights capacity-building organization that works side by side with local activists in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to promote and protect the rights of marginalized populations. Through broad-based technical assistance and training, Global Rights strengthens partners to document and expose human rights abuses, conduct community outreach and mobilization, advocate for legal and policy reform, and provide legal and paralegal services. Global Rights headquarters in Washington, D.C. oversees our network of six field offices, located in Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Morocco, Nepal, and Nigeria. Through them, we also run regional programs in the Maghreb, focusing on Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, and Latin America, with a focus on Brazil and Colombia

Job Description:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance, a senior manager within Global Rights, is the principal official responsible for all of Global Rights’ financial planning, budgeting, procurement and reporting. The D of F is responsible for leading the organization’s finance staff, developing the finance department’s vision, and overseeing the financial management of Global Rights’ operations worldwide.

S/he serves as a member of the senior Management Team, which provides overall strategic leadership to the organization. By the nature of this position, the D of F works collaboratively with every department head in the Global Rights headquarters and with all Global Rights field office leadership and finance staff.

Key Duties will Include

Coordinate and direct all financial planning, budgeting and procurement activities, manage financial operations to ensure financial compliance, stability and growth;

Develop and implement internal control policies and procedures for budget administration, cash and credit management and accounting;

Prepare and direct preparation of all financial statements, reports, annual budgets and reports for donors and regulatory agencies;

Prepare and facilitate the annual audit.

Qualifications Include

· A seasoned professional with a minimum of 10 years experience in financial management including grants management in the not for profit sector;

· Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and practices, and business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation and coordination of people and resources;

· Critical thinking and systems evaluation skills;

· Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written);

· A strong service orientation toward colleagues;

· Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions;

· Experience with U.S. and/or European government donor agencies and their grants management, reporting and audit requirements;

· Experience in working interactively with field offices and affiliates;

· A CPA and a graduate degree in business, finance, accounting or other field related to the work of this position;

· Fluency in English is required; French and Spanish language skills are highly desirable;

· Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and MIP.

· US citizenship or authorization to work in the US is required.

Benefits and Salary

Global Rights offers a generous benefits package which includes health and retirement plans, and up to five weeks paid vacation per year. Salary is commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Director of Finance-DC” in subject line of your email.

Closing Date of Application: Open

Thank you for reviewing this position and hope that if this does not match your area of expertise, you will forward to others who may be a good match.

Many Thanks,

Linda Aines

International Link Recruitment Services

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Phone: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

Note: If you wish to unsubscribe and opt out of future mailings related to finding international experts, please forward this email to list@internationalink.net and add “Remove” in the subject line.

Needed: Disaster Management Specialists for Haiti

2010-01-17T05:26:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I am accepting resumes for disaster mitigation experts for Haiti. This work is on behalf of Pan American Development Foundation and they are in need of applicants that have strong experience in general management and relief operations, distribution, logistics, transport, etc. The deployment may be for six to nine months.

Title: Disaster Management Specialist

Location: Haiti

Start Date and duration: Must be available for immediate deployment for approximately 6-9 months duration.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum of 7 years experience in international development and emergency management/Disaster mitigation in developing countries;

Must have multiple country experience;

Experience in general disaster management and relief operations, distribution, logistics, transport;

French language ability is required;

Must be available for immediate deployment.

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Disaster Mgmt -Haiti” in subject line of your email.

Closing date for Applications: January 22, 2010

Thank you for viewing this position and hope that if it is not in your area of expertise that you will forward to your colleagues who may be interested.

Sincerely,

Linda Aines, International Link Recruitment Service

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Tel: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

Note: If you wish to unsubscribe and opt out of future mailings related to finding international experts, please forward this email to list@internationalink.net and add “Remove” in the subject line.

New Position in Washington, DC: Director of Finance for international organization

2010-01-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

I am representing Global Rights that seeks a Director of Finance (D of F) to oversee and manage the organization’s financial operations globally, based at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Position Title: Director of Finance

Location: Washington, DC

Start Date: immediate

Job Description:

Key Duties will Include

Coordinate and direct all financial planning, budgeting and procurement activities, manage financial operations to ensure financial compliance, stability and growth;

Develop and implement internal control policies and procedures for budget administration, cash and credit management and accounting;

Prepare and direct preparation of all financial statements, reports, annual budgets and reports for donors and regulatory agencies;

Prepare and facilitate the annual audit.

Qualifications Include

· A seasoned professional with a minimum of 10 years experience in financial management including grants management in the not for profit sector;

· Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and practices, and business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation and coordination of people and resources;

· Critical thinking and systems evaluation skills;

· Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written);

· A strong service orientation toward colleagues;

· Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions;

· Experience with U.S. and/or European government donor agencies and their grants management, reporting and audit requirements;

· Experience in working interactively with field offices and affiliates;

· A CPA and a graduate degree in business, finance, accounting or other field related to the work of this position;

· Fluency in English is required; French and Spanish language skills are highly desirable;

· Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and MIP.

· US citizenship or authorization to work in the US is required.

Benefits and Salary

Global Rights offers a generous benefits package which includes health and retirement plans, and up to five weeks paid vacation per year. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Closing Date of Application: January 22, 2010

Thank you for reviewing this position and hope that if this does not match your area of expertise, you will forward to others who may be a good match.

Many Thanks,

Linda Aines

International Link Recruitment Services

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Phone: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

New International position: Chief of Party for Malawi health commodities supply chain project

2010-01-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

Position Title: Chief of Party

Location: Malawi

Start Date: July 2010, contract renewable yearly

I am accepting resumes for a Chief of Party for a health commodities supply chain project being proposed for Malawi. I have been retained by Crown Agents USA, Inc. (CA-USA), a U.S. incorporated international development company providing direct supply chain services, technical assistance and training to improve governance and economic growth. CA-USA is part of the Crown Agents international group, which works for the public and private sectors in more than 100 countries, as well as for international donors and development institutions. Crown Agents has a core staff of over 1000 employees in more than 35 countries. Crown Agents USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Project Background

USAID has an on-going program to support the health sector in Malawi covering family planning, maternal child health, nutrition, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Supply chain management of public health commodities represents a key area for USAID in Malawi.

The objective of the new procurement is to build on gains made in the past as well as to solidify and grow technical capacity, collaboration, and implementation of the various actors involved in the procurement, distribution, storage, and dispensation of medical supplies. Overall, a safe, secure and consistent supply of commodities represents an essential component of public health. Malawi’s supply chain for pharmaceuticals and other essential health commodities faces many challenges. The overall goal of this project is to ensure that the people of Malawi have access to adequate quantities of affordable essential medicines and health supplies of high quality by strengthening the national supply chain for essential health commodities.

Responsibilities

· Oversee project management including Human Resources, finance, reporting & client relations.

· Spearhead local capacity building of Ministry of Health, and Central Medical Stores (CMS) staff.

· Build & maintain constructive and strong relations with CMS and MoH officials and other international stakeholders present on the ground.

· Leverage improvements in supply chain management made by the donor and local government to identify lessons learned/best practices.

· Bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas and strategies to the long-standing challenges facing the national health commodity supply chain via implementation of innovative private sector approaches and/or new technologies.

Qualifications

· 10+ years experience in progressively upward management of international projects with experience in a Chief of Party or Team Leader role.

· Significant experience in management of either health systems or supply chain projects.

· Significant experience in resource poor settings, Africa experience a plus.

· Multiple country experience is required.

· Proven experience building consensus with international stakeholders and clients to achieve common aims on national level.

· Strong knowledge of health commodities very desirable.

· Understanding of USAID regulations and compliance is a plus.

· Bachelor degree in health, business, international relations or other relevant field. Masters degree desirable.

· Fluency in English with good report writing abilities is required.

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Chief of Party - Malawi” in subject line of your email.

Closing Date for applications: January 20, 2010

Thank you for reviewing this position and hope that if this does not match your area of expertise, you will forward to others who may be a good match.

Many Thanks,

Linda Aines

International Link Recruitment Services

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Phone: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

Job Posting for an Executive Director Non-Profit - Minds Matter

2009-12-28T05:42:00.000-05:00

Minds Matter Is Seeking an Executive Director (www.mindsmatter.org)

Minds Matter is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success. Through Minds Matter, our carefully selected students gain the opportunity to attend challenging and exciting summer programs, and receive advice and support throughout the college application process.

Founded in New York City in 1991, Minds Matter has since established a national presence with chapters in New York City, Boston, Denver, Chicago, Portland, and Cleveland. In addition to its committed leadership volunteers, Minds Matter's staffing model at present includes one other full-time employee who supports both the NYC and National organizations. Additional full-time staff positions are currently being evaluated, but are dependent on hiring a new Executive Director. New chapters are likely to open during the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Please see below for job description. All interested parties please forward your cover letter and resume to careers@mindsmatter.org.

Overall Description of Position:

Reporting to the chairs of the New York City and National Boards of Directors, the successful candidate is a leader with strong education and development experience. Minds Matter is in a period of rapid growth and the Executive Director will need to be able to set a strategic course for the future, significantly increase our fundraising revenues, while keeping up with current demands. The role will initially include a programming component and require oversight of the NYC-based volunteer leadership, although much of these responsibilities will eventually transition to a new full-time Director of Student Programs and Director of Volunteers & Alumni Programs, both of which are expected to be hired within the first year pending Board approval and achievement of fundraising targets.

Reports To:
§         Chairs of the NYC and National Boards of Directors

Works With:
§         NYC Executive Committee Members
§         National Executive Committee Members
§         Program and Development Assistant
§         Director of Student Programs (to be hired)
§         Director of Volunteers & Alumni Programs (to be hired)

Overview of Critical Responsibilities:
FUNDRAISING
§         Manage all foundation and grant research and applications for the New York City and National organizations
§         Provide support for annual NYC Soiree fundraiser
§         Cultivate, manage, and track relationships with all donors, prospects, and external constituents

MANAGEMENT
§         Oversee general office management and capacity-building, creating a platform for sustained, significant growth
§         Participate in hiring and training of 3rd and 4th employees
§         Serve as primary point of contact for new and potential chapters

PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT
§         Oversee curriculum development of Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Test Prep, and Writing & Critical Thinking Programs until hiring of additional staff
§         Oversee NYC Executive Committee until hiring of additional staff, and then co-manage as appropriate
§         Maintain relationships with existing NYC high schools and serve as central point of contact for Minds Matter Inc. with all summer program until hiring of additional staff

PR & MARKETING
§         Develop a comprehensive PR strategy for the organization and steer PR/marketing efforts to ensure that key messages are conveyed strategically to a broad audience including individuals, corporations, donors, educators, foundation leaders, and media sponsors
§         Oversee publication of annual report

Qualifications:
§         Bachelor's Degree
§         At least 5 years' fundraising and/or related experiences
§         Experience with nonprofits and volunteer-based organizations required
§         Leadership, enterprise, creativity and ability to work effectively with volunteers, colleagues, and students
§         Ability to work a flexible schedule including some weeknights and/or Saturdays during the school year and perform some domestic travel
§         Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
§         Self-motivation, flexibility and high energy level
§         Ability to prioritize multiple and varied responsibilities and meet deadlines
§         Excellent persuasive writing and verbal communication skills
§         Mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint), desktop publishing experience helpful.

Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience. Competitive compensation package includes merit bonus, health and dental insurance, and 2 weeks of paid vacation.

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to: careers@mindsmatter.org

Seeking a Chief of Party for Nicaragua Democratic Leadership Development Program

2009-12-28T05:41:00.001-05:00

Title: Chief of Party

Supervises: Deputy COP, local staff and local and expat consultants

Location: Managua, Nicaragua

Start Date/duration: April 2010, duration of project is 5 years

Overview:

I have been retained by a well known international NGO in Washington DC and am accepting applications for the following key position which is part of a USAID proposal that my client will be submitting during the coming weeks. Please respond rapidly as I have no more than a week to find the ideal candidate for this project.

If this position does not match your background, I hope you will forward it to colleagues who do.

The Chief of Party (COP) will oversee all aspects of a program entitled “Democratic Leadership Development Program (DLDP). This USAID-funded five-year program (the Program) aims to support inclusive and democratic political processes in Nicaragua through the electoral cycle of 2011-12 and beyond by encouraging responsive political leadership at the national and local levels, and supporting fair and transparent electoral processes. Specifically, the Program will support activities designed to: develop leadership skills of young political party members, elected officials, candidates and youth; strengthen political party outreach and structures at the national and local levels; and ensure civic participation in, and civil society oversight of the 2011 national and 2012 municipal elections.

Responsibilities:

The COP will have the capacity to oversee in a fluid country context two significant elections, over a five-year period. The COP will contribute to the wider goals of promoting more transparent, accountable and representative democracy and governance processes in Nicaragua. He/she will be expected to coordinate with and complement USAID civil society, local government, and participant training programs. The COP will be responsible for all aspects of program implementation including planning, execution, evaluation and follow-up. He/she oversees the program’s technical and administrative management, guides and supervises the Deputy COP, local staff and local and expat consultants and ensures that the Program complies with the terms of the Agreements with the donor(s), and facilitates the presence of an environment conducive for smooth and effective project implementation. The COP is ultimately responsible for the delivery of all project outputs, the implementation of correction measures, wherever applicable, and the dissemination of the lessons learned.

Specific Responsibilities:

The COP:

1. Ensures that Project annual work plans and budgets are consistent with the Project Document, contribute to fulfilling the overall Project Goal and Objectives, and take into account relevant socio-economic and political situations;

2. Ensures that Project implementation and activities comply with the terms of the Agreements with the Donor(s), relevant National Laws and Regulations, as well as relevant MOUs with other parties;

3. Fosters active, effective partnership with the Nicaraguan government and civil society;

4. Assures coordination and synergy between the Project and other USAID initiatives, as well as with other relevant external projects and programs; keeps HQ informed of new developments and circumstances that may impact Project implementation; and supports the program’s overall strategic planning process, taking into account new developments in the sector or sub-sector, as well as relevant socio-economic and political situations;

5. Increases public, national and governmental awareness on the needs and ways to significantly improve democratic processes within the relevant legal, institutional, and policy frameworks;

6. Directly supervises the DCOP, local staff and local and expat consultants assigned to the Project, and facilitates Project implementation and management to the highest standards; Ensure that program’s goals and objectives are pursued and implemented as provided by the program description and the terms of the Cooperative Agreement. Lead revisions and adjustments to the work plans as needed, in order to adequately respond to problems and/or challenges to program’s implementation;

7. Coordinates the development of Project budgets, in close collaboration with USAID and HQ, including the directors of program, finance and operations;

8. Through program oversight, ensures the overall technical quality of project capacity building programs, awareness raising and other activities aimed at expanding and/or strengthening the skills of Project staff, partners and stakeholders to ensure that technical capacity exists to maintain or continue project activities even after the project completion date;

9. Oversees in conjunction with the DCOP the effective implementation of the Program’s M&E system and the documentation of lessons learned from program implementation;

10. Manages and maintains regular contacts with the Donor(s), relevant Government, and stakeholder institutions and agencies, and coordinates with relevant bilateral and/or multilateral donors who may have an interest in the project or related activities;

Qualification Requirements:

· Minimum ten years international development experience in the civil society development, political processes, electoral systems, democracy and other relevant field(s); the bulk of this experience is expected to be field work with programs dealing with democratic processes and electoral systems in developing countries

· Minimum five years of successful field experience in Latin America or Central America required; Previous work experience in Nicaragua preferred;

· Minimum three years in previous successful senior management position such as COP or Technical Director position required; five or more years experience is preferred.

· Ability to deal with the highest level of government, civil society partners and donor personnel;

· Proven ability to manage complex, high-demand projects;

· Proven leadership skills, as well as expertise in strategic program planning, implementation and management;

· Superior interpersonal and leadership skills in a multicultural environment; Excellent team building skills; Analytical skills, supervision, and negotiations;

· Experience with projects and strategies which adhere to USAID Political Party Assistance Policy, which entail the ability to assist all significant democratic parties with equitable levels of assistance.

· Experience with ensuring that gender activities are mainstreamed into all activities, reporting and indicators, and a track record in balancing the participation of women and men;

· Proven track record managing project teams composed of technical experts, finance and support staff;

· Solid understanding of financial systems, planning, and reporting;

· Fluency/Communication skills (both oral and written) in English and Spanish is required;

· Solid skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail programs;

· Advanced Degree in the relevant technical fields (minimum Master’s degree) required.

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Chief of Party - Nicaragua” in subject line of your email.

Closing Date for applications: January 4, 2010

Thank you for viewing this position and hope that if it is not in your area of expertise that you will forward to your colleagues who may be interested.

Happy New Year to all of you,

Sincerely,

Linda Aines, International Link Recruitment Service

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Tel: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

JOB: South Asia correspondent of Windpower Monthly

2009-12-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

Windpower Monthly is looking for a South Asia correspondent.

The candidate's duties would include, but not necessarily be limited to:

* On a monthly basis, pitching stories about wind energy companies, government policy and market economics primarily in India (the world¹s fifth-largest wind power market and expanding) but also in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc. We are also interested in energy economics - in particular, wind¹s role in relation to gas and coal across the region. Depending on the importance of news developments, story lengths would range from 80 words to about 1,500 words. * One in-depth annual market status report on India, to be filed every January on India, and, depending on developments, possibly on neighbors as well. * A handful of Indian wind energy conference reports, yearly.

Stories will be published in print and online. The candidate would need to demonstrate journalistic experience and a professional attitude. Reliability, integrity and responsiveness to queries will be key. I am in discussion with my superiors about what per-word rate we will offer and should know that within the next week.

Kindly invite your contacts to review our newly redesigned Web site: http://www.windpowermonthly.com. We¹ve just done a soft launch so there may be some minor ³issues.² (We¹d love to hear of any, if encountered!) Keep in mind, though, that the magazine itself is a quarter century old, with a Web presence also of a decade or so.

Here is our bio:

About Windpower Monthly

Windpower Monthly is the leading news magazine of the international wind
energy business, publishing non-stop since 1985. Fiercely protective of its
independent status, the magazine provides balanced quality information on wind
power and only wind power.

Our focus is on business, policy and economics. Windpower Monthly's
authoritative articles from around the world provide a concise yet detailed
overview of the essential political, industrial, environmental and technical
developments in the global wind energy arena. National news updates are backed
by regular charting of market forces, thought-provoking editorials and
incisive analyses of business and economic trends.

No other publication offers the same depth and breadth of global news
reporting in this specialised field of power production. We provide a magazine
for as broad a readership as possible, which nonetheless remains an essential
tool for all involved in the job of clean power supply.

It is our aim to increase your awareness of the role being played by an important new technology in electricity generation - and of its potential to play a far greater role in meeting a fundamental need of tomorrow: the clean,
safe and economic supply of electricity to all.

Cheers,
Eric
--
Eric Prideaux
Deputy Editor
Windpower Monthly
Telephone: +44-(0)20-8267-8423
Fax: +44-(0)20-8267-4013
Mobile: +44-(0)7827-981-176
Email: eric.prideaux@haymarket.com

More than 20 years of independent journalism
Online articles archives:
http://www.windpower-monthly.com

CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities job announcement - NYC

2009-12-13T21:22:00.001-05:00

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities (CAAAV) is seeking an experienced, creative, and

visionary individual to serve as CAAAV's next Executive Director.

About CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities

CAAAV is a membership-based, community organization that works to build grassroots

community power across diverse poor and working-class Asian immigrant and refugee

communities in New York City. CAAAV was first founded in 1986 as one of the first groups in

the country to organize against racially motivated violence against Asians. Over the past 23

years, as the only pan-Asian grassroots group in New York City, we have been building the

collective power of low-income Asian immigrant and refugee communities to fight for

institutional change towards racial, gender and economic justice. Through an organizing model

constituted by 5 core elements – base-building, leadership development, campaigns, alliances,

and organizational development – CAAAV organizes communities to exercise selfdetermination

and participates in a broader movement for racial and economic justice.

About the position

The Executive Director provides vision and leadership for CAAAV's political direction,

organizational and programmatic development, and ensures that the organization fulfills its

vision, mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring

CAAAV's fiscal viability and sustainability.

The Executive Director's specific responsibilities include:

• Work with staff and member leaders to oversee the development and implementation of

campaigns that win change, and prioritize base-building and leadership development.

• Oversee planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation of organizational

programs, including organizing projects, communications and resource development.

• Responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the organization, including

administrative systems and coordinating maintenance of office spaces.

• Oversee and manage organizational development, including strategic and operational

planning.

• Ensure fiscal and operational viability of the organization, including maintaining sound

fiscal practices, overseeing the creation of annual organizational budget and monitor

fiscal spending, and maintaining legal operational requirements.

• Hire and manage staff and consultants, including supervision and of staff development.

• Coordinate the development and implementation of multi-pronged fundraising strategies

(foundation, major donor, and grassroots) to support organizational mission and growth.

• Coordinate the organization's participation in alliances in collaboration with staff and

members to advance the organization's mission and strategic goals.

CAAAV ED Job Announcement p. 2 of2

• Coordinate representation of CAAAV's mission and programs in public (as appropriate

on local, state, national and international levels) including with funders, media, elected

officials, networks and coalitions and other relevant organizations.

• Work with and report to the Board on the organization's fiscal, operational and

programmatic status, and participate in deliberations and decisions of the Board of

Directors.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong commitment to CAAAV's mission and movement building.

• Strong working knowledge of issues affecting low-income, immigrant and communities

of color and relevant experience working in Asian immigrant and refugee communities.

• Preferred three to five years of supervisory and management experience within a

community-based organization using team-building, consensus and other participatory

decision-making models.

• Preferred five years experience in campaign and program development, implementation

and evaluation, including the development of base-building plans, leadership

development, and popular education trainings.

• Preferred three to five years experience in fundraising with a successful track record of

securing, expanding and managing multiple funding streams (foundations, individual

donors, membership dues, earned income).

• Strong fiscal management skills with budget management experience that includes

organizational and program budget development and oversight.

• Experience developing strategic alliances and coalition-building.

• Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills; strong public speaking skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, and willingness

to travel.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. A generous fringe benefits package is

provided.

How to Apply:

Please send cover letter, resume, and names and telephone numbers of three professional

references via email or mail to:

CAAAV Organizing Asian Communities

2473 Valentine Avenue

Bronx, NY 10458

Attn: Executive Director Search Committee

jobs@caaav.org (include "ED Search" in subject line")

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until position is filled.

CAAAV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color,

gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sexual

orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, or marital status.

Job Announcement: Technical Writer at International Martime Organization

2009-12-09T17:28:00.002-05:00

INTERNATIONAL MARTIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)

TECHNICAL WRITER (P.3), ENGLISH TRANSLATION SECTION,
CONFERENCE DIVISION
Circular Letter No. 3013

Vacancy announcement number: V.N. 09-08
Admin Number: ADMIN/09/51
Section/Division: English Translation, Conference
Date of Issue: 3 December 2009
Deadline for applications: 7 January 2010
Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

Purpose of the post
Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Section, the successful candidate will be
responsible for writing and editing of draft texts of speeches for delivery by the Secretary-General and Directors. In addition, the candidate will assist in the facilitation and promotion of best writing practices within the Secretariat.
For a full job description, click here.

Required competencies
The successful candidate will have:
a) Analytical abilities; sensitivity of judgment with regard to complex issues;
b) Communication skills adapted to a multi-national and multi-cultural work environment;
c) Proven ability to perform under pressure; sensitivity to confidentiality requirements;
d) Teamwork; ability to be proactive and accountable in a collaborative context.

Professional Experience
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, preferably within the framework of the United Nations Common System or an international organization.

Education
Hold a university degree or equivalent in translation, languages or a relevant technical field, knowledge of maritime technical terminology and regulatory instruments will be an Advantage.

Language Skills
Must have a perfect command of English, knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Other Skills
Knowledge of relevant word processing software and MS Office Applications especially Word and PowerPoint.

Salary and Contract Information:
For information on the salary and entitlements and the type of contract, please click here.

How to apply
This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. The IMO seeks to increase the number of women at all levels and women, particularly, are therefore invited to apply.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter stating the reasons for applying and relevant experience to the post and must be accompanied by an up to date Personal History Form (also available from our website www.imo.org) and should be sent to the following e-mail address: recruitment@imo.org.

Candidates may also send applications to:

Recruitment, Human Resources Services
International Maritime Organization
4, Albert Embankment
London SE1 7SR
United Kingdom

Please do not send applications via multiple routes.

Your application will be acknowledged only in the case that you are short-listed for interview.

Bruce Springsteen Feat. Tom Morello - Ghost Of Tom Joad

2009-12-08T00:46:00.004-05:00

I've never been much of a rock and roll music enthusiast, but this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert blew my mind away. I'm only now understanding the genius that is Bruce Springsteen, for example. I have yet to even scratch the surface of the treasures the Beatles have provided us. The list goes on...

But this performance, for all of us novices and lay people out there, is a great introduction to socially conscious music that is energizing and uplifting. And what to say of young Tom Morello! My goodness, his guitaring and mastery over the art of playing a simple instrument such as a guitar renders one speechless. Check out his raw talent at 4:00 and then at 7:00 till the end. If you're not a rock n' roll convert, what will you be after seeing this video?

All hail!

Final notice for two positions in Southeastern Europe---Business Enabling Advisor and a Senior Trade Facilitation Expert

2009-12-08T00:07:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I have extended the deadline for these two positions as my client will not be reviewing these until next week. There are two positions in the announcement below: a Business Enabling Advisor and a Senior Trade Facilitation Expert. Both are for the anticipated Business Enabling Environment Program that will be based in Southeastern Europe. Please do not apply unless you have a minimum five years of international experience working on business enabling environment projects, with focus on legal regulatory framework and institutional reform and experience in previous USAID projects ---These are primary requirements for the Business Enabling Advisor position. The second position (Trade Facilitation Expert) requires considerable international experience in trade, trade policy development and implementation, trade facilitation strategies with public and private sector, with clear understanding of f relevant treaties, agreements, and MOU related to trade facilitation. Please do not apply unless you meet these specifications.... Many Thanks, Linda

#1--Job Title: Business Enabling Advisor

Location: Southeastern Europe

Start date and length of Contract: expected start is March 2010, for minimum of a 18 month commitment.

Booz Allen Hamilton is currently pursuing a USAID funded Business Enabling Environment Program

in southeastern Europe. The program aims to reform the commercial legal and regulatory framework that will facilitate economic growth, improve business climate, attract foreign investment and facilitate trade. The project will be for duration of three to four years

Responsibilities:

· The Business Enabling Advisor will guide the process of planning, communicating, managing and coordinating the mobilization and implementation phases of the legal regulatory environment reform.

· Develop a work program in close consultation with the COP and other members of the team.

· Provide direct technical assistance to the counterparts in developing strategies and components of the reform process

Qualifications:

· Minimum five years of international experience working on business enabling environment projects, with focus on legal regulatory framework and institutional reform.

· Experience in Eastern Europe and Caucasus.

· Multiple country experience is required.

· Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team on projects of similar scale (legal regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, trade policy development)

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task and simultaneously work successfully with multiple stakeholders;

· Strong leadership, project management, and teamwork skills

· Experience in previous USAID project is required

· An advanced degree in law, economy or business

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Business Enabling Advisor” in subject line of your email.

*************************************************************************

#2--Job Title: Senior Trade Facilitation Expert, Business Enabling Environment Project

Location: Southeastern Europe

Start date and length of Contract: expected start is March 2010, for minimum of a 18 month commitment.

The overall objective of this position is to strengthen the capacity of the private and public institutions to facilitate and ease trade and cooperate with traders.

Responsibilities:

· Lead technical aspects of such projects and be responsible for developing and implementing technical assistance/consulting services for in-country partners.

· Manage teams of consultants in the implementation of capacity building projects.

Qualifications:

To be considered the candidates must meet or exceed the following qualifications:

· Minimum of ten years of international experience, preferably in Eastern Europe and Caucasus;

· Multiple country experience is required.

· Considerable international experience in trade, trade policy development and implementation, trade facilitation strategies with public and private sector, with clear understanding of f relevant treaties, agreements, and MOU related to trade facilitation;

· Experience in working in a complex structure of government ministries and agencies, private sector organizations and companies;

· Excellent knowledge of institutional reform, policy processes, capacity building, trade policy, trade development and trade regulatory reform

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task and simultaneously work successfully with multiple stakeholders;

· Experience with international donors is required. Project experience with USAID is preferred.

· Masters degree of equivalent in law (international trade) economics, international trade or a similar discipline;

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Senior Trade Facilitation Expert” in subject line of your email.

Closing Date for applications: December 7, 2009

Thank you for reviewing this position and hope that if this does not match your area of expertise, you will forward to others who may be a good match.

Many Thanks,

Linda Aines

International Link Recruitment Services

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Phone: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

Linda Aines
International Link Recruitment Service
Sudbury, Vermont, USA
Tel: +802-273-2330
http://www.internationalink.net

PSR Job Opening

2009-11-27T13:56:00.001-05:00

Job Announcement

Chapter Development and Student Program Manager

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) seeks an articulate, creative, and experienced grassroots organizer to conduct field outreach, coordinate chapter development activities and manage the PSR Student Program (SPSR).

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) is a national not-for-profit advocacy and public policy organization. PSR asserts a strong medical voice through education and advocacy to (1) prevent nuclear war and development and use of nuclear weapons and to reduce the role of armed force in US foreign and security policy, emphasizing alternative strategies for conflict resolution; (2) reduce global warming and toxic degradation of the environment; and (3) oppose the construction of new nuclear power plants in the United States.

PSR has a grassroots network of thirty-one affiliated chapters across the country, forty medical student chapters, and over 50,000 members and e-activists regularly engaged on PSR's issues.

The successful candidate will fill two related roles in the organization: field outreach and development of PSR chapters and organizing and overall management of SPSR. He/she will coordinate with program directors, to ensure effective integration of programmatic work being done in PSR's three issue areas by national staff, chapters, and student chapters. He/she reports to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

Chapter Development and Outreach:

Assess PSR's chapter network and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for future growth.
Develop trainings, support materials, etc. to meet identified chapter organizational development needs.
Serve as PSR national office liaison on organizational development issues for chapter network.
Facilitate development of new chapters and/or PSR "core groups".
Devise and implement strategies to grow PSR's network of health professionals.
Develop messages, materials and messengers for outreach
Work collaboratively with other program staff to grow and maximize use of the website and activists list to advance campaign visibility and activism through email alerts, advocate newsletters, and social networking.

Student Program Manager responsibilities:

· Work with volunteer student representatives to service ongoing programmatic and structural needs of student chapters across the country.

· Work with security, environment and health, and safe energy program directors to ensure that PSR programmatic initiatives are conveyed to and carried out within student chapters. Produce and/or update SPSR materials for campus education and recruitment.

· Serve as PSR liaison to the American Medical Student Association and other student groups and assist with ongoing Medical Alliance efforts.

· Serve as editor and maintain SPSR quarterly newsletter and SPSR web site.

· Maintain regular telephone and email contact with SPSR chapter leaders, and help identify and recruit SPSR faculty contacts and mentors.

· Coordinate with and assist in fund-raising, development, and membership efforts as needed to build PSR medical campus activities.

Qualifications:

· Smart, hard working, professional team member ready and willing to undertake necessary tasks.

· Strong work ethic with can do attitude and passion for working on one or more of PSR's mission areas: nuclear disarmament, environmental health, global warming, or nuclear power.

· Bachelors degree with experience in organizing, advocacy, and communications,

· Experience working in a team environment.

· Understanding and appreciation for importance of utilizing a vibrant grassroots network to accomplish program goals.

· Excellent and proven analytical, organizational, written and oral communications, time-management, and teamwork skills; attention to detail; ability to juggle competing priorities.

· Prior public speaking experience.

· Significant computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience in advancing program goals utilizing the internet and electronic advocacy.

· Energetic, friendly, sense of humor, excellent interpersonal skills, and able to work easily with diverse groups.

Salary commensurate with experience. PSR offers excellent benefits and a pleasant working environment, and is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

Please send cover letter including salary requirements and resume, writing sample, and three references, by Friday, December 4:

Chapter Development/SPSR Manager

Physicians for Social Responsibility

1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1012

Washington, D.C. 20009

E-mail: employment@psr.org.

No calls please.

Two new positions for Southeastern Europe: Business Enabling Advisor & Senior Trade Facilitation Expert

2009-11-27T13:55:00.000-05:00

There are two positions in the announcement below: a Business Enabling Advisor and a Senior Trade Facilitation Expert. Both are for the anticipated Business Enabling Environment Program that will be based in Southeastern Europe.

#1--Job Title: Business Enabling Advisor

Location: Southeastern Europe

Start date and length of Contract: expected start is March 2010, for minimum of a 18 month commitment.

Booz Allen Hamilton is currently pursuing a USAID funded Business Enabling Environment Program

Responsibilities:

· The Business Enabling Advisor will guide the process of planning, communicating, managing and coordinating the mobilization and implementation phases of the legal regulatory environment reform.

· Develop a work program in close consultation with the COP and other members of the team.

· Provide direct technical assistance to the counterparts in developing strategies and components of the reform process

Qualifications:

· Minimum five years of international experience working on business enabling environment projects, with focus on legal regulatory framework and institutional reform.

· Experience in Eastern Europe and Caucasus.

· Multiple country experience is required.

· Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team on projects of similar scale (legal regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, trade policy development)

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task and simultaneously work successfully with multiple stakeholders;

· Strong leadership, project management, and teamwork skills

· Experience in previous USAID project is required

· An advanced degree in law, economy or business

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Business Enabling Advisor” in subject line of your email.

*************************************************************************

#2--Job Title: Senior Trade Facilitation Expert, Business Enabling Environment Project

Location: Southeastern Europe

Start date and length of Contract: expected start is March 2010, for minimum of a 18 month commitment.

The overall objective of this position is to strengthen the capacity of the private and public institutions to facilitate and ease trade and cooperate with traders.

Responsibilities:

· Lead technical aspects of such projects and be responsible for developing and implementing technical assistance/consulting services for in-country partners.

· Manage teams of consultants in the implementation of capacity building projects.

Qualifications:

To be considered the candidates must meet or exceed the following qualifications:

· Minimum of ten years of international experience, preferably in Eastern Europe and Caucasus;

· Multiple country experience is required.

· Experience in working in a complex structure of government ministries and agencies, private sector organizations and companies;

· Excellent knowledge of institutional reform, policy processes, capacity building, trade policy, trade development and trade regulatory reform

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task and simultaneously work successfully with multiple stakeholders;

· Experience with international donors is required. Project experience with USAID is preferred.

· Masters degree of equivalent in law (international trade) economics, international trade or a similar discipline;

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Senior Trade Facilitation Expert” in subject line of your email.

Closing Date for applications: November 30, 2009

Thank you for reviewing this position and hope that if this does not match your area of expertise, you will forward to others who may be a good match.

Many Thanks,

Linda Aines

International Link Recruitment Services

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Phone: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

Linda Aines
International Link Recruitment Service
Sudbury, Vermont, USA
Tel: +802-273-2330
http://www.internationalink.net

Second Notice: CHIEF OF PARTY for Business Enabling Environment Project --Southeast Europe

2009-11-21T16:48:00.000-05:00

Hello Again,

I did send out a notice about this position a few weeks ago and did get many responses-- applicants are still being reviewed by my client. However, my client had decided to tighten up the position description and extend the deadline... The project will be very focussed on legal reform/implementation of commercial laws and regulations and they would like to see more applicants that have this special set of experience. Please be sure that, before applying , that your resume clearly shows you have regulatory/legal reform experience and Business Enabling (BEE) experience.

Position Title: Chief of Party (COP) of Business Enabling Environment Project

Location: Southeastern Europe

Start date and length of Contract: expected start is March 2010, for minimum of an 18 month commitment.

Booz Allen Hamilton is currently pursuing a USAID funded program to improve the business enabling environment in southeastern Europe. The program aims to reform the commercial legal and regulatory framework that will facilitate economic growth, improve business climate, attract foreign investment and facilitate trade. The project will also focus in improving monetary and tax policies that affect business growth. The project will be for duration of three to four years.

Responsibilities:

· The COP will manage a large scale project focused on improving business enabling environment, including reform and implementation of commercial laws and regulations, fostering economic growth and facilitating trade.

· Lead technical aspects of such project and be responsible for developing and implementing technical assistance/consulting services for in-country partners.

· Manage teams of consultants in the implementation of capacity building projects.

Qualifications:

To be considered the candidates must meet or exceed the following qualifications:

· An advanced degree in law, economics, business or related field;

· Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in legal regulatory sector as it pertains to setting up Business Enabling E nvironment and Trade,

· Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience in a in an international development environment; experience must be in multiple countries.

· Experience in South-eastern Europe;

· Several years of experience and strong ability in leading similar scale projects in some or all of these is a must: legal regulatory and institutional reforms, and trade facilitation;

· Demonstrated ability to multi-task and simultaneously work successfully with multiple stakeholders;

· Minimum of 3 years experience in leadership, project management on international development projects to enhance business growth, marketing or Economic Development;

· Ability to lead a diverse multicultural team in project management and inspire teamwork;

· Minimum of 3 yrs experience with USAID and US Government-funded projects. Full understanding of USAID regulations, administration requirements, reporting and compliance procedures

How to Apply: Please send resume/CV that clearly shows you meet the required Skills/Experience of the position by email to Linda.aines@internationalink.net. Please include “Chief of Party - SE Europe” in subject line of your email.

Closing Date for applications: November 24, 2009

Thank you for reviewing this position and hope that if this does not match your area of expertise, you will forward to others who may be a good match.

Many Thanks,

Linda Aines

International Link Recruitment Services

Sudbury, Vermont, USA

Phone: +802-273-2330

http://www.internationalink.net

Linda Aines
International Link Recruitment Service
Sudbury, Vermont, USA
Tel: +802-273-2330
http://www.internationalink.net

"The Aloof" - Rich Man's Frug

2009-11-21T14:10:00.001-05:00

Old school is still cool. Watching this video reminds me why i'm proud - and relieved! - i'm aloof from current pop culture trends. We have our "legends" - Beyonce, Shakira, etc. - but they still hark back to these days when their originality and innovation hits a stump.

The Stanley Foundation-Job Opportunity in Muscatine, IA

2009-11-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Program Officer

The Stanley Foundation seeks a program officer for its Policy and Outreach Department. The chosen candidate will conceptualize, design, and implement programming that focuses on strengthening multilateral approaches to peace and security and building support for multilateralism, especially in the United States. Foundation programming in this area relies heavily on expert dialogues (dialogues include US and foreign officials, influential scholars, journalists, and NGO leaders). It also includes analysis and a wide variety of communication and advocacy activities to develop and build support for specific policy initiatives.

The Stanley Foundation brings fresh voices, original ideas, and lasting solutions to debates on global and regional problems. It is a nonpartisan, private operating foundation that focuses primarily on peace and security issues and advocates principled multilateralism. For us, principled multilateralism means working respectfully across differences to create balanced and just solutions.

The Stanley Foundation's work recognizes the essential roles of the policy community, media professionals, and the involved public in building sustainable peace. Much of our work aims at connecting people from different backgrounds, and that often produces clarifying insights and innovative solutions.

The program officer reports to the Director of Policy and Outreach and works closely with other foundation program officers and experts. This is an excellent opportunity to shape and focus programming and analysis that fits within the foundation's highly regarded work on evolving global systems, human protection, and nuclear security.

The ideal candidate will be broadly trained in the field of international relations with an advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline. In addition, a strong candidate should possess:

Project team leadership experience.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Advanced analytical and writing skills.
Demonstrated collaborative skills on behalf of shared goals in a team setting.
Proven capacity to set realistic goals and meet program schedules.
Clear ability to connect larger ideas with the practical realities of their accomplishment.
Initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Desirable traits include direct experience working with the US government or with international organizations, as well as experience with policy or foundation programming. Foreign language skills and international experience are a strong plus. The position requires frequent travel.
LOCATION. This position is located at the foundation headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, a community of 25,000 people on the Mississippi River. The area offers affordable housing, good schools, and a variety of recreational opportunities.
The Stanley Foundation offers competitive salaries and a full benefits package. For more information on the Stanley Foundation, visit our Web site at www.stanleyfoundation.org.

Please send letter of interest, résumé, references, and writing sample that explains an international issue in a clear, direct way to:

Mr. Dana Pittman

Human Resources Administrator

The Stanley Foundation

209 Iowa Avenue

Muscatine, IA 52761

Phone: 563-264-1500

Fax: 563-264-0864

E-mail: stanley@stanleyfoundation.org

Deadline for application: December 30, 2009

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

U.S. CENSUS is Hiring Again!

2009-11-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

U.S. CENSUS is Hiring Again
for positions that start in 2010!

They are recruiting for:

* Census Takers
* Crew Leaders
* Crew Leader Assistants
* Recruiting Assistants
* Census Clerks

Positions can be full or part-time depending upon need and hourly pay ranges from approximately $14.00 per hour to over $20.00 per hour depending upon position.

* Earn Good Pay!
* Get Paid Weekly!
* Work Flexible Hours!
* Receive Paid Training!

QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible all applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Pass the required written test administered by US Census.

TO APPLY CALL:
(866) 861-2010

For more information visit: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/

The US Census Bureau needs local residents for a variety of exciting opportunities, including interviewing, office administration, and supervision. A large part of these jobs involve dealing with the public. Most of the jobs in the field require you to locate and interview households. The information you collect is confidential and must NOT be disclosed to anyone who has not sworn to protect Census Bureau information.

WHEN WILL YOU WORK?
Most jobs will be short term and ALL jobs will be temporary (You may be called for multiple assignments depending on your performance). Your most productive hours will vary based on the type of census operation. For operations that require contact with the public to complete interviews, your availability to work when people are home is critical. The late afternoon, evening, and weekend hours are most productive times to work on these operations, daylight hours are required for some.

Impromptu poll about job postings

2009-11-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

Lately, i've been getting a lot of job postings which end up residing in my email inbox, because i'm not entirely sure about who to send them to. If I spam a listserv, I risk having members consider my emails to be trivial, which is never a good thing. Conversely, if I send a few, pointed emails, I am thanked and considered a good member of the particular online community; a good samaritan almost.

So...I would like to conduct an impromptu poll on whether visitors would like to see job postings here on my blog, or not. Just hit the like or dislike buttons below, but if you have more time than that, please leave comments? Feedback is ALWAYS appreciated.

To be fair, I should mention a word about what sort of jobs I will post: basically, anything that comes to my inbox. Since I get A LOT of emails about jobs, I figure at least someone will be made better off. They will mostly be for the public sector/non-profit world, but with a good smattering of finance jobs, too. For those searching for jobs, please visit regularly, bookmark my blog or just subscribe to the RSS feed! (Thank God Google makes my life so easy and allows me to do these things nearly effortlessly!)

Thanks in advance and happy hunting!

Fwd: Ingenious Muslim rhetoric

2009-11-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

This is a from a trusted friend. It's humorous and insightful. I hope it's enjoyed for the nuanced and eloquent manner in which a profound statement was made.

---------- Forwarded message ----------

As salam mu alaikum,

Thought you would like this one:

An ingenious example of speech and politics occurred recently in the United Nations Assembly and made the world community smile.

The Palestinian Representative's Speech at the UN

'Before beginning my talk I want to tell you something about Moses. When he struck the rock and it brought forth water, he thought, 'What a good opportunity to have a bath!'

He removed his clothes, put them aside on the rock and entered the water.
When he got out and wanted to dress, his clothes had vanished. An Israeli had stolen them.

The Israeli representative jumped up furiously and shouted, 'What are you talking about? The Israelis weren't there then.'

The Palestinian representative smiled and said:
'And now that we have made that clear, I will begin my speech.'

Recent article on the UPF film "Inside Islam"

2009-11-08T00:35:00.000-05:00

Very excited about this recent article on Patheos.com i've co-authored with Sara Reef of Intersections International! We at Americans for Informed Democracy are especially excited to be partners with Intersections and a slew of other organizations who are coming together to premiere the Unity Productions Foundation film, "Inside Islam: What a billion Muslims really think". I hope many of you in NYC can make it, and hope to see you there!

Article link: What Do a Billion Muslims Think?

From Development 2.0 to Development Squared: what skills for the aid sector of the future?

2009-10-22T00:09:00.000-04:00

Here's some very interesting thoughts from fellow World Bank colleague, Giulio Quaggiotto. It's especially important that college students and young professionals read it because of the inherent technical/technological deficiencies many of them have. These are the same youth that then ask why they never get jobs in prestigious, large, well-renowned organizations. Well, it's because the landscape is changing so drastically, but we just aren't keeping up! And this means moving away from book/rote knowledge and moving towards experiential learning and on-the-job training that must yield results/knowledge enhancement quickly. No time to sit and think - just learn, empower, move forward.

Read, enjoy and spread the wealth!

From Development 2.0 to Development Squared: what skills for the aid sector of the future?
http://psdblog.worldbank.org/psdblog/2009/10/from-development-20-to-development-squared-what-skills-for-the-aid-sector-of-the-future.html

Google LatLong: Powerful IT for disaster relief

2009-10-21T17:40:00.001-04:00

Imagine my good fortune a few Thursdays ago, as I walked into Google's funky DC offices (is that an oxymoron? can offices be funky in DC?) to be greeted by a mini-army of cheerful, up-beat, enthusiastic Googlers. They had assembled from all over the country to see how we - in the public/NGO sector - could partner with Google and use their technologies to help in minimizing casualties and losses in global disasters. I met some of their amazing tech gurus and other disaster management experts from many different organizations. It was a great experience!

All credit of course goes to Jen Mazzon who was a superb host and great partnership-builder. I look forward to working with their team soon. meanwhile, here are some resources from the event im sure many people would be interested in seeing:

Google LatLong: Powerful IT for disaster relief

"Inside Islam" NYC Film Premiere - Tuesday, Nov. 10th

2009-10-20T12:40:00.000-04:00

For my friends in NYC! Please do spread the word!

The Muslim Public Affairs Council - New York City Chapter (MPAC-NYC),

Americans for Informed Democracy (AID),

Intersections International/Change the Story,

and Unity Productions Foundation (UPF)

cordially invite you to:

The New York City Premiere of
Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think - A UPF Film

Please join us for the screening and a panel discussion at:

The Scholastic Auditorium, 557 Broadway, NY, NY (SoHo)
Tuesday, November 10^th, 2009
7:00 - 10:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)

Keynote Speaker: Alex Kronemer, Executive Producer & Co-Founder of UPF
To purchase your ticket, go here: http://newyorkpremiere.eventbrite.com

For more information about the event please see attached flyer or email insideislamNYC@gmail.com

To RSVP to this event go to our facebook event or email us at insideislamNYC@gmail.com

We thank our partners - the Interfaith Center and the Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals (CAMP) for their support

About the movie:

Inside Islam, a new documentary film from Unity Productions Foundation (UPF), explores the expertly gathered opinions of Muslims around the globe as revealed in the world's first major opinion poll, conducted by Gallup, the preeminent polling organization. As part of the groundbreaking six-year project, Gallup conducted tens of thousands of interviews with residents in 35 predominantly Muslim nations, as well as populations in Europe and the USA. The broad extent of the polling has delivered findings for the world's 1.4 billion Muslims with a plus or minus accuracy of 3%.

Executive Producers: Michael Wolfe, Alex Kronemer (Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, Cities of Light: The Rise and fall of Islamic Spain, Prince among Slaves.)

Directed by: Rob Gardner (Arab and Jew: Return to the Promised Land; Cities of Light: The Rise and fall of Islamic Spain; Egypt: Quest for Immortality)

The film's hugely successful World Premiere was held in Washington, DC earlier this year with guest speaker Former Secretary of State Dr. Madeline Albright. At this event, thousands of guests had the opportunity to see the movie; and based on the broad exposure and attention garnered from this event there have been numerous private showings and screenings across the country. We are thrilled that a premiere in New York City is one of the many screenings being held across America as part of the world tour for this exciting movie. We hope that New Yorkers will help us host many more events in the Big Apple.

About UPF:

Our mission is to build a respected media foundation, creating high-quality films for worldwide broadcast and long-term educational campaigns that increase understanding and dialogue among the world's spiritual and cultural traditions.

Our vision is to be a catalyst for ending the "Clash of Civilizations." Part of that vision is a future where Islam and Muslims are understood in a wider, contemporary social context and Muslims are part of the modern social fabric. Visit www.upf.tv

Ravel's Bolero

2009-10-10T18:16:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, all it takes is a melodious 7 minute Western classical song to make all your worries disappear. This particular rendition of Bolero by French composer Ravel is just amazing. Enjoy.

Youthink! blog post on Future Leaders of Pakistan

2009-10-07T16:46:00.003-04:00

Very excited about my recent contribution to the World Bank's Youthink! blog! It's about an amazing organization called the Future Leaders of Pakistan (FLP), or as I refer to them, the Current Leaders of Pakistan. They truly are inspirational and have given me new hope for a country that is in dire need of it.

Many thanks to Saadia Iqbal Leal, Youthink!'s editor, who is such a pleasure to work with.

Feedback appreciated!

Google Wave Explained In Two Minutes (CLIP) (GOOG) by Nicholas Carlson

2009-10-06T21:47:00.003-04:00

I am really looking forward to this!

$100 million donation to UN Pakistan from Saudi Arabia

2009-09-24T21:10:00.005-04:00

I couldnt believe I received this news just hours after it was announced! You all must be thinking, "hours? these days we can get news seconds after an event happens!" The reality, my friends, is that news like this gets buried in back pages of newspapers, broadcast media rarely reports this news and people, quite frankly, just think it's a publicity ploy and view the announcement with cynicism.

I recall last year's $500 million landmark donation by the Saudis to the World Food Programme in response to their appeal for assistance to those most affected by the food crisis. WFP issued the appeal for around $700 million, and with the Saudi donation, their appeal was officially closed. How amazing is that. I dont think the US has ever thought of demonstrating their multilateralism like that. Instead, when the Southeast Asia tsunami happened, their initial donation was $35 million which resulted in a huge outcry from the public and the then Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN, Jan Egeland. In fact, Egeland went so far as to call the Americans "stingy". Go Europeans!

Anyway, I am excited to hear that the Saudis are opening up and truly making efforts to build bridges. In fact, King Abdullah expressed a similar sentiment when he inaugurated the newly established King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, one of the top 10 universities in the world according to financial endowment. That's quite an achievement for a university that just opened its doors!

The same article also mentions how the World Bank ranks Saudi Arabia 13th in terms of business friendliness in an annual review called "Doing Business". And not to forget - Saudi Arabia/King Abdullah has/have repeatedly opened their doors to interfaith and intercultural fora.

Seems like the Saudis are well on their way to shattering some stereotypes. We should pay close attention to those folks. Did anyone say Muslim renaissance?

A MOMENT OF SILENCE, BEFORE I START THIS POEM

2009-09-15T09:31:00.002-04:00

This is truly a thought-provoking, heart-softening poem that I needed to share. In the quest for social justice, this poem will help guide the way.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE, BEFORE I START THIS POEM

Before I start this poem,
I'd like to ask you to join me
In a moment of silence
In honor of those who died in the World Trade Center and the
Pentagon last September 11th.

I would also like to ask you
To offer up a moment of silence
For all of those who have been harassed, imprisoned,
disappeared, tortured, raped, or killed in retaliation for those strikes
For the victims in both Afghanistan and the U.S.

And if I could just add one more thing...
A full day of silence
For the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have died at the
hands of U.S.-backed Israeli
forces over decades of occupation.
Six months of silence for the million and-a-half Iraqi people,
mostly children, who have died of
malnourishment or starvation as a result of an 11-year U.S.
embargo against the country.

Before I begin this poem,
Two months of silence for the Blacks under Apartheid in South Africa,
Where homeland security made them aliens in their own country.
Nine months of silence for the dead in Hiroshima and Nagasaki,
Where death rained down and peeled back every layer of
concrete, steel, earth and skin
And the survivors went on as if alive.
A year of silence for the millions of dead in Vietnam - a people,
not a war - for those who
know a thing or two about the scent of burning fuel, their
relatives' bones buried in it, their babies born of it.
A year of silence for the dead in Cambodia and Laos, victims of
a secret war ... ssssshhhhhhh...
Say nothing
we don't want them to learn that they are dead.
Two months of silence for the decades of dead in Colombia,
Whose names, like the corpses they once represented,
have piled up and slipped off our tongues.

Before I begin this poem.
An hour of silence for El Salvador ...
An afternoon of silence for Nicaragua ...
Two days of silence for the Guatemaltecos ...
None of whom ever knew a moment of peace in their living years.
45 seconds of silence for the 45 dead at Acteal, Chiapas

25 years of silence for the hundred million Africans who found
their graves far deeper in the ocean than any building could
poke into the sky.
There will be no DNA testing or dental records to identify their remains.
And for those who were strung and swung from the heights of
sycamore trees in the south, the north, the east, and the west...

100 years of silence...
For the hundreds of millions of Indigenous peoples from this half
of right here,
Whose land and lives were stolen,
In postcard-perfect plots like Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee, Sand Creek,
Fallen Timbers, or the Trail of Tears.
Names now reduced to innocuous magnetic poetry on the
refrigerator of our consciousness ...

So you want a moment of silence?
And we are all left speechless
Our tongues snatched from our mouths
Our eyes stapled shut
A moment of silence
And the poets have all been laid to rest
The drums disintegrating into dust.

Before I begin this poem,
You want a moment of silence
You mourn now as if the world will never be the same
And the rest of us hope to hell it won't be.
Not like it always has
been.

Because this is not a 9/11 poem.
This is a 9/10 poem,
It is a 9/9 poem,
A 9/8 poem,
A 9/7 poem
This is a 1492 poem.

This is a poem about what causes poems like this to be written.
And if this is a 9/11 poem, then:
This is a September 11th poem for Chile, 1971.
This is a September 12th poem for Steven Biko in South Africa, 1977.
This is a September 13th poem for the brothers at Attica Prison, New York, 1971.
This is a September 14th poem for Somalia, 1992.
This is a poem for every date that falls to the ground in ashes
This is a poem for the 110 stories that were never told
The 110 stories that history chose not to write in textbooks
The 110 stories that CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and Newsweek ignored.
This is a poem for interrupting this program.

And still you want a moment of silence for your dead?
We could give you lifetimes of empty:
The unmarked graves
The lost languages
The uprooted trees and histories
The dead stares on the faces of nameless children
Before I start this poem we could be silent forever
Or just long enough to hunger,
For the dust to bury us
And you would still ask us
For more of our silence.

If you want a moment of silence
Then stop the oil pumps
Turn off the engines and the televisions
Sink the cruise ships
Crash the stock markets
Unplug the marquee lights,
Delete the instant messages,
Derail the trains, the light rail transit.

If you want a moment of silence, put a brick through the window of Taco Bell,
And pay the workers for wages lost.
Tear down the liquor stores,
The townhouses, the White Houses, the jailhouses, the
Penthouses and the Playboys.

If you want a moment of silence,
Then take it
On Super Bowl Sunday,
The Fourth of July
During Dayton's 13 hour sale
Or the next time your white guilt fills the room where my beautiful
people have gathered.

You want a moment of silence
Then take it NOW,
Before this poem begins.
Here, in the echo of my voice,
In the pause between goosesteps of the second hand,
In the space between bodies in embrace,
Here is your silence,
Take it.
But take it all...
Don't cut in line.
Let your silence begin at the beginning of crime.
But we,
Tonight we will keep right on singing
For our dead.

By EMMANUEL ORTIZ, 11 Sep 2002

Emmanuel Ortiz is a third-generation Chicano/Puerto Rican/Irish-American community organizer and spoken word poet residing in Minneapolis, MN. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Spoken Word Association, and is the coordinator of Guerrilla Wordfare, a Twin Cities-based grassroots project bringing together artists of color to address socio-political issues and raise funds for progressive organizing in communities of color through art as a tool of social change.

The Azad Kashmir trip

2009-09-02T22:02:00.006-04:00

Can you believe the summer's nearly over? I could've sworn it was just last week that I was getting ready to spend the summer in Pakistan. And now I am already back!

While the post below can suffice for most of the activities in June, July and August warrant their own dedicated blog entry. But unfortunately, that too will have to wait! For now, please make do with an article I wrote about a short trip I took to Azad Kashmir in July.

Obviously, much more to follow. Pray I write it all soon!

Greetings from Pakistan! (And no, I havent gotten married)

2009-06-16T01:01:00.011-04:00

I've been in Pakistan for nearly ten days now, and while most of the days were in Islamabad, relaxing with friends and family, I was reminded of how dire the situation is on a constant, day-to-day basis. There are police checkpoints everywhere. The checking would add at least 5 or 10 minutes to your commute, in a city that is pretty small - compared to Lahore at least.

While I was in Islamabad, the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar (the only 5 star hotel in the entire Northwest Frontier Province just an hour north of Islamabad) was bombed, in very much a similar style to the recent bombings at law enforcement agency offices in Lahore, as well as the Marriott Hotel bombing in Islamabad of last year. Combine the two, and you have nothing but mayhem - a terrorist's dream come true. Many of my friends and colleagues reminded me to take good care when I visited Pakistan in January 2008. Lahore had just experienced its first major terrorist attack during my visit at the time, when the police contingent outside the Lahore High Court was attacked by a suicide bomber. Imagine the fear in our hearts when we realized this was a short distance away from my cousins' law offices.

My family and I went out to dinner to the now-renovated-and-open-for-business Marriott Hotel when I was in Islamabad last week. To call that place a fortress is an understatement. I wonder if Israelis live in as much fear of terrorists as we civilian Pakistanis do now? I mean, there was a checkpoint down the road from the hotel, then one in front of it. Cars are simply not allowed inside the hotel complex anymore (I wonder where the valet service took our car that night?). We walked through a 15 foot barrier of sand, water and concrete, through metal detectors and then finally down a newly constructed ramp that brought you right in front of the hotel doors. A lobby that once buzzed and hummed with energy was now a barren wasteland. I could even hear the silverware clanking, something impossible if you were ever there when the lobby restaurant's singer sang old film songs and the dozens of guests chatted while foreigners conducted business.

My father has solemn memories of the hotel from last year. He often went there for dinner or high tea and the staff recognized him - some of whom lost their lives in the tragic attack. One of the waiters serving us that night survived. What questions, or memories, must haunt them? I shudder to think and hesitate to ask. Needless to say, dinner is bittersweet. It might be a world class establishment, but unfortunately, its recent history will always guide its future.

I arrived in Lahore on the weekend and feel as if ive been stuffed inside a brick oven! It's so hot that I can honestly feel the heat seeping into my skin from the sofa, for example. Westerners cannot understand the lifestyle here, because they are so accustomed to air conditioning. Well, that's a joke here, since the electricity doesnt work half the day - literally! It's called loadshedding and happens in India as well, but it wreaks more havoc across the border, here in Pakistan, because of the dire economic situation.

Speaking of which, the budget was just announced and education accounts for barely one percent of GDP. Industrialized nations budget between three and five percent for education, so we have a long way to go, definitely. The World Bank came out with a report (or some sort of assessment) which I cant locate for now, but the two important conclusions from the article I read were that 1) Madrassah enrollment accounts for around one percent of student enrollment in educational institutions. ie, madrassah students should not be looked at as a credible threat to the country or international security, for that matter. And 2) Private schools are increasingly taking on the challenges that the public sector has shied away from. Private school students have shown superior performance and overall more "bang for the buck".

It should come as no surprise that there is yet another increase in defense spending. Power to the army! I can understand why we need to increase it (can we get some serious support to fight the Taliban, please?), but please, someone explain to me why the U.S. needs to do so? The military-industrial complex in the U.S. that a former U.S. President warned of (Truman? Eisenhower?) is very much a reality in Pakistan as well. Read Ayesha Siddiqa Agha's work for some fascinating insight on this topic, but meanwhile, i've become a staunch supporter of at least direct support to the Pakistani army. They're the ones on the frontlines, fighting this raging insurgency in the country's north. They, along with other law enforcement officers/officials, will always be prime targets. They need true and real assistance. A simple bullet proof vest will go far.

I was pleasantly surprised - and a bit taken aback - when I saw an ad in the local paper for a company that produced these and other vests and devices that might protect law enforcement officers. Great to see that the product is in the marketplace, but why must this company advertise these goods? Is it not logical that the army definitely needs these, no questions asked? I remember an episode of Larry King Live from last year when the American entertainer, Cher, was making the rounds in the media drumming up support for helmets that soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan should use considering the roadside and suicide bombings they were fast becoming victims to. Well, now our soldiers need them too. I'm surprised no one is asking these logical questions and demanding these devices be mandatory. In due time, I truly hope.

And lastly, it's become customary for my South Asian friends to tease me about my age and marital status (i'll be 28 in September and am single). At about my age, South Asian men and their families embark on a journey to find a suitable spouse for the "candidate". Marriage is essentially a social contract in South Asia, as well as the Arab world in general. Spouses (or couples, by extension) are not just friends and companions but also agents of social change, in that, they build bridges and establish linkages among families. This was especially common in the Mughal/medieval times when marriages were almost solely done by virtue of family background. As long as there were similarities between prospective spouses, the rest could be worked on.

So alas, this brings me to my predicament. An eligible bachelor, on vacation for several weeks in his native hometown, yet no word of marriage, or even an engagement? Some of my South Asian friends inquired - half-jokingly - about my "plans" for this trip. My answer of "rest, relaxation and recreation" did not go far with them. For now, I am not letting this issue stress me out. I enjoy what independence I have and am hopeful for the future. A positive approach should do me well, I think!

On that upbeat note, I part ways. Since there is plenty to update you on, i'll try to write soon...

Thoughts on Alliance of Civilizations Istanbul Forum

2009-05-23T20:02:00.004-04:00

I initially compiled these thoughts just days after I arrived back from attending the Alliance of Civilizations Istanbul Forum, but they're officially being published on the World Bank's Youthink! blog now. Thanks very much to the supportive editor at Youthink!, Saadia Iqbal Leal!

As always, feedback appreciated. The event truly was remarkable and the people gathered there could easily steer the world away from the problems it currently finds itself in - only if we maintain and sustain our efforts in the arena of intercultural/interfaith dialogue.

"Class Dismissed" - Short documentary on Swat Valley, Pakistan

2009-02-27T17:28:00.003-05:00

After watching this 14 minute documentary chronicling the last hours before an 11-year old girl's public school in Swat Valley, Pakistan, is closed, I must say, I am very saddened and depressed by the whole situation. I've been reading news about how schools are closing down, week after week, by the dozens, but it never really hits you until you see visuals. Thanks to the documentary, I now appreciate the struggle of women the world over who yearn to be educated.

Ziauddin is not your typical male, and his daughter - or family, in general - are not your typical family. He is a social activist who wants his daughter to be a politician. She, on the other hand, wants to be a doctor. And both dont want to leave Swat! I salute their courage. Not much is left of their once serene valley. I had the pleasure of visiting the northern areas of Pakistan, specifically Swat and some other cities nearby, in 2001, and was blown away. Such beauty! Those images will be eteched in my mind forever.

Tragically, Balakot - the city which is traditionally considered a gateway to the North - was destroyed nearly completely in the October 2005 earthquake. And Swat - well, we know what's happening there now.

My hope is that the New York Times and other media outlets continue to focus on this story. No one should ever live in fear. Please take a moment to thank the Times for this video. I dont agree with a lot of their journalistic viewpoints and policies, but when any one does good, a little encouragement goes a long way.

Fear of living here, fear of going back home

2009-02-16T23:27:00.003-05:00

I just read this piece in the International Herald Tribune, and the violence back home in Pakistan has never hit home this close.

Thankfully, we dont live in Swat. Lahore is not in the northern areas of Pakistan and is not (as) violent, but I have often thought about hypothetical scenarios where I go back, and God forbid, am whisked away in the dark of night, never to be hard of again - only if my family paid a ransom large enough.

These are nightmare situations expats must think of. If this article is to be trusted, my vacations back home will be far from peaceful.

I still recall my last visit, in January 2008. Lahore was the last bastion of calm and serenity. This all changed when the Lahore High Court bombing took place, killing many police officers. My cousins were in the vicinity. Their law offices' glass windows were shattered. My "vacations" would never be the same.

I half-jokingly mentioned to someone recently how I would have to be careful speaking english in future visits to Pakistan. My American accent would invite unwanted listeners. But what to say of the fear in my heart? Would that invite unwanted paranoia? I leave that to you to decide.

Jerusalem Post article: Hagana weapons cache found in Hod Hasharon synagogue

2009-02-08T22:01:00.003-05:00

Does this not remind you of all the allegations made by Israelis that Hamas hides/operates in/within civilian areas? Do I smell hypocrisy? Seems like enemies really do learn from one another - and that some things never change.

NYT op-ed: Why the Muslim World Can’t Hear Obama

2009-02-08T09:42:00.002-05:00

This op-ed piece is perhaps the closest any mainstream media outlet will come to echoing my sentiments on America's new president - Barack Obama.

Several months before he even won the election, his rhetoric on Israel (Jerusalem will be the undivided capitol of Israel, he said to an AIPAC audience) and his silence on Gaza (only one President at a time, he said) disappointed me. For someone who has made the english language beautiful again, these statements - and absence of them - makes little sense to me.

I am cautiously optimistic. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, because he was Illinois's "junior senator". He does not have all the requisite foreign policy experience one might need in his position. But he has the resources at hand to help solve these problems. I will give him time. Many more will, as well. But for how long? The world can't wait. Actions speak louder than words.

Jump into the deep end - i'm finally back!

2009-02-08T00:38:00.005-05:00

Knowledge is power, and I always hope to empower those who visit my blog in the hope of quenching their thirst for knowledge. I offer my apologies for not updating the blog as regularly as I can/should, since so much has happened that is dear to me, yet I still relegated my duty to empower and let it slip to a lower priority. I am sorry.

But, the good news is that I am back! And with a bang, I hope? My good friend from the UN, Dalai Fazio, a capable, accomplished young graduate of Rutgers and Seton Hall's Whitehead School, has started a great blog on diplomacy and power, titled, quite aptly, "Conversations on Diplomacy and Power Politics". He was awfully kind in asking me to engage in a dialogue for a podcast on the current scenario in India-Pakistan relations, with a focus on relations in the aftermath of the Mumbai attack. Please visit the blog and listen/download, comment, and feel free to spread the word, if you deem it worthy.

Meanwhile, I will update my blog more regularly. Should you come across issues, articles, thoughts that deserve a wider audience, please let me know. Some voices deserve - and need - the greater amplification, and I am happy to provide an alternative platform.

Award-winning Benazir Bhutto photo

2008-07-10T11:20:00.003-04:00

I thought this photo was quite amazing. At first glance, one cannot make out who it is, but the jaw structure and facial features are a dead giveaway for those of us familiar with Benazir's photos and her tenure as prime minister. I must confess, she was beautiful.

Citizens Foundation event/fundraiser - 7/10

2008-07-01T23:41:00.002-04:00

First ever US envoy to OIC

2008-03-06T23:20:00.004-05:00

Only time will tell what this announcement means for the OIC or the Islamic world in general, but for now, it is a good move and Cumber deserves our support!

Pictures of the Pakistan I know

2008-03-06T22:16:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I look at photos capturing the sights and sceneries of countries that are foreign to me and that I know the media will never tell me about and that our schools will never teach about.

So, it comes as a welcome and pleasant surprise that people have taken it into their own hands to inform us about people and places in lands far away and hitherto undiscovered, or at least less widely known. My friend, Adeel Rahman, is always the ultimate discoverer of hidden treasures, so I dedicate this post to him - and thank him profusely!

Enjoy these pictures. They may not be of people, but at least show monuments and structures and landscapes of Pakistan in their true glory.

Four articles of interest

2008-03-04T20:49:00.005-05:00

I have rarely been quoted in the media, but apparently when I have, it's been decently substantive! So, with much pleasure, I'd like to share some articles where the authors either interviewed me or just asked for general comments.

1) India Currents article on thoughts after attending a Homeland Security roundtable on post-9/11 civil liberties and human rights issues.

2) PBS Newshour feature on thoughts after an Americans for Informed Democracy conference in 2006.

3) CUNY Graduate Center colleague Mr. Marriah Star's article on social entrepreneurship.

4) The Nation contributor and friend/writer/journalist Jayati Vora's piece on the youth-led movement to restore democratic rule in Pakistan.

As always, feedback much appreciated!

Back to the blogosphere!

2008-03-02T17:57:00.003-05:00

Finally! Back after quite a hiatus!

I must say, it took me a good several days to get back in to the routine of things after returning from my hectic trip to Pakistan (first three weeks of this year). It was the mundane things which took the longest to get used to (cooking/preparing food, cleaning, laundry, groceries, etc.) - even though I was gone only three weeks! - because in Pakistan, it's all done for you by others! Many have commented on why I would ever want to live in New York when I left so much behind in Lahore. But, that's a story for another day.

For now, I will keep things short and post three great analytical pieces my friends Muntasir, Arif and Jumaina wrote on the post-elections situation in Pakistan. I have yet to write about my trip a few months ago, but will do so with some photos, very soon.

Until then, happy reading!

Muntasir's piece is on the South Asian Magazine for Action and Reflection's website, titled "From a Musharraf policy to a Pakistan policy".

Jumaina's piece is on the Henry Stimson Center's website (where she is a Research Associate with the Regional Voices: Transnational Challenges project), titled "Power of the ballot: political transition in Pakistan".

Arif's piece is on The Guardian's website (UK publication), titled "Partnerless in Pakistan".

Updates from Pakistan!

2008-01-07T03:09:00.000-05:00

I just arrived in this magnificent city days ago and while it may have only been two years since my last visit, a lot has changed. And im not surprised! The story of our economic prosperity has yet to reach the Western media, so allow me to tell it :)

There are so many trade centers and shopping plazas here that parking has become a major issue. So are the countless cars on the streets of many of Pakistan's cities. The new money that's flooded homes and businesses is reflected most evidently in cars and clothing.

I am still trying to fathom how Islamabad, the capitol, is getting the world's first 7 star hotel. It's actually 5 stars for technical reasons but how is this possible in Pakistan, and why Islamabad of all cities?

Anyway, on to some socio-political issues. Benazir's assassination has caused obvious political turmoil, but what the Western media has yet to report is that this time around, a lot more has been affected. With the rioting and violence that ensued shortly thereafter, many people have experienced a tremendous loss in amount of gas, water and electricity to their homes. Pipes carrying either of these commodities were damaged in the riots (yes, they are above ground, not underground like in many other parts of the world), so even doing a simple thing like writing an email has been troublesome. Wedding season is in full swing and people have had to rent alternative power supplies which run on petrol. Prices of candles have gone up nearly 300%. Wheat is in shortage, so bread is expensive too. People are basically waiting and hoping and praying for rain so the dams produce something, anything.

And this is the story for everyone. The rich can minimize it because their money can afford them that level of comfort, but even they are affected. My aunt's husband is now retired, but was the highest-ranking official in the federal government's law department/ministry, and they have barely had hot water to cook, bathe, etc. for the past month.

The general sentiment in the public has been overwhelmingly consistent regarding Benazir's death: She may not have been the country's best leader, but she was extraordinarily brave, courageous and very charismatic. She was at least one option for the masses. Scotland Yard is investigating but everyone knows it's a farce. Elections have been delayed. People are trying to get by.

I have been taking lots of pictures, so I will try to upload those as well, but the portrait I can paint without over-generalizing is that poverty still affects so many people. Most of the aid from the West has gone straight to the army with nearly zero accountability. Testimony to the enrichment and consolidation of the army in civilian life is the presence of grandiose housing societies/colonies for senior army officers. Their presence in NGOs cannot be underscored either. What work does an armed forces person have in civil society? Stay on the borders, please! Standing at a traffic light makes one realize how fortunate those of us are who have the means to lead a decent life. If only others were given that chance too.

I will try to update soon, and might add minor addendums to previous posts in future posts.
As always, please pray.

Bhutto on peace?

2007-12-28T22:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, ironic, I know. But after reading this piece she wrote on peace, i've begun to gain a newfound respect for the woman.

Bhutto is dead. Long live Bhutto.

Views on Post-Bhutto Pakistan

2007-12-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

Many friends have messaged me (through all means! phone, facebook, email...) inquiring what my thoughts were on the current socio-political situation Pakistan finds itself in. Thanks so much for your concern amidst this chaos and turbulence.

The fact is, my views are not too different from the views the majority of Pakistanis (around the world) hold - that this event inspires shock, awe, disgust, pessimism and fear. Just when we thought the end of the "State of Emergency" would bring some stability with the prospects of elections just around the corner, things actually took a turn for the worse.

My question, though, is why should Pakistanis be surprised by this twist of fate? Bhutto never had a good reputation to begin with. After being ousted in 1990, she returned in 1993 - only to wreak more havoc. If she did finally return, why didnt she "pay her dues" (literally; no pun intended...) and start afresh, with a clean slate?

Instead, the masses remember her as the woman who looted, raped and pillaged the country. I remember her time in power, and was in awe of her persona. She was charismatic. If one looks at pictures of her from her college and young adult days, you can foresee that she was destined to do great things; not necessarily positive things, but great nonetheless.

And so, today, I am baffled again as to how the Western media is celebrating Bhutto's life. Why, I ask? Yes, she's liberal, progressive, a smart female and the scion of a major political family, but she's also corrupt, greedy, hypocritical, and power hungry. She is one person whose thirst for power and wealth rivals only that of General Pervez Musharraf. I looked to both of them for hope - Bhutto in the 1990's and Musharraf post-9/11 - yet neither stepped up to the plate.

So, I would like to make a humble request. Two, perhaps. For those of you affiliated with the media, please refrain from celebrating her life. It was not worth it. Can anyone recall any of her achievements? At least Nawaz Sharif connected the entire country with a network of highways and beautified the cities of Punjab in his quest to make them the "Paris of the East". Bhutto effectively created an elite class that is politically and socially so secluded from the masses, she could very well be christened Marie Antoinette.

Did Bhutto really intend on coming back to her homeland to "serve" her people? I consider such an action to be highly dubious. If her track record is any indication, she was all set to take the country by storm again. I'm sure she slept so peacefully at night knowing that her largely illiterate voters were to be taken advantage of again. When will my countrymen learn?

My second request is that we pray for her soul. I dont care what political stance one may have, such an event is not only reprehensible and worthy of our highest condemnation, but has led to the breaking of a family and the loss of a mother for three teenage children. No one should ever have to go through this agony. This violence that has emerged in the past few years in Pakistani politics has frightened me beyond words. It is amazing how dissent and divergent opinions can do so much harm to someone. Disappearing people, drive-by shootings, kidnappings are all accepted forms of treatment meted out to people who question authority. It's as if we've forgotten the nature of democracy - yet we yearn for it so intensely?

With Bhutto's passing, we have lost a major battle in the war our masses are fighting to gain democratic control of the country. She was a beacon, maybe not of hope, but a beacon and a trailblazer nonetheless. I will make no predictions about the upcoming elections and instead, am hoping against hope that we finally see some fresh leadership emerge from somewhere, somehow.

It is this very leadership deficit that has brought us to where we are today. In an article I wrote just weeks ago for The Epoch Times when Musharraf declared the State of Emergency, I mentioned in it how many of my generation never even considered a career in public service. So strong was the social stigma against politics; those who pursue it as a profession are probably either illiterate or wealthy, effectively excluding countless people from creating a better future for the country. Clearly, this most harmful trend must be reversed, lest we see the country's law and order situation spiral so out of control that we never see it regain a stable footing.

Lastly, an update from the ground: I have been in conversation with my family back in Pakistan including my father in Islamabad and my mother and sister in Lahore, and both parties basically paint a picture of a barren wasteland. These cities are large, vibrant and dynamic and so to hear of them as being devoid of cars on their streets, with no gas stations or convenience/general stores open is quite odd. Not a soul can be seen apparently. Till yesterday, phones and internet were not functioning.

A friend in Karachi said that the evening following Bhutto's death, there was a wedding in the family that was canceled at the last minute. When news broke of the attack in Rawalpindi, people in Karachi closed businesses immediately and run for dear life. My sister told of another wedding she attended where the groom's procession only included seven people - even close relatives were not present!

The three day mourning period ends Sunday and I imagine that by the time I arrive in Islamabad Monday afternoon, things should be heading back to "normal". I have never heard of nor seen such a day in Pakistani history. This one event will have reverberations across coming generations, let alone mine.

I think this might be my last blog entry till departure (Sunday morning, 12/30), but I will try and update with relevant articles and other resources as and when possible. I return three weeks from now, God willing.

Again, many thanks to all those who've communicated their thoughts and concerns. You've all been like a pillar of support to me in these trying times. As if it's not enough that I am going back to my homeland for a three week vacation (which is crazy in itself!), I now am under this constant tension. The burden, I fear, will not be lifted soon.

Prayers for peace,

Zeeshan

Bhutto killed in attack

2007-12-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Pakistanis around the world are still trying to make sense of this horrific situation. Thanks to all those who have expressed concern and thanks even more for the prayers. Surely, they will not go un-answered.

I travel to Pakistan this weekend and arrive in Islamabad, amid tight security, I assume. Keep me in your prayers as well!

I was never a fan of Benazir and, in fact, thought she did more harm to Pakistan than good, but under no circumstances should such treatment be meted out to any individual.

"From Him do we come, and to Him shall we return..."

The Citizens Foundation fundraiser event - 12/1

2007-11-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

My article on Pakistan's current state of affairs in The Epoch Times

2007-11-20T09:56:00.000-05:00

Can't write in detail now, but as always, comments and feedback gratefully accepted! Hopefully, it should appear in the hard copy version of the paper in a few days. Please pick up a copy if you can!
The article is here.
Many thanks to National Editor for Epoch, Genevieve Long, whose passion for a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan will go far in helping bridge gaps and build bridges in US-Pakistan relations.
Happy reading!

Resources on State of Emergency in Pakistan

2007-11-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

My email inbox has been overflowing with different resources on the State of Emergency in Pakistan, declared last weekend by General Musharraf. It would be a great travesty if I didnt share them. Please do feel free to leave comments with more resources and I can update later. And also please feel free to give any feedback - constructive and/or destructive! - and it will be accepted with gratitude.
Long live the voice of the people!

=====

From my friend Salman Ahmed Usman:

Some internet news sources on Pakistan :

www.pkpolitics.com is updated almost round the clock with latest news and videos of news bulletins and political talk shows. The website is currently also providing full coverage of Emergency Plus in Pakistan in audio format at pkpolitics.com/audio/emergency/ . This includes latest analysis of various hosts from Geo and ARY, including Dr. Shahid Masood and Kashif Abbasi. Also check sister website http://pklatest.com/

Live Geo news (audio only) on www.geo.tv

A number of Pakistani channels at www.jpjc.de. After registering, scroll down to the 'Live TV Channels' section.

Geo TV/ ARY live streaming at www.pakistanvision.com. Click 'Live stream 1' or 'Live stream 2' link on the left hand side.

Geo News live streaming at: http://watchgeotv.info/

Live streaming of Aljazeera English at: http://english.aljazeera.net/English . Click the 'Watch Now' link on the left hand side of the page.

DawnNews live streaming link on their website www.dawn.com

=====

NYT blog entry comparing Musharraf and Abe Lincoln: http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/musharraf-and-lincoln-in-their-own-words/

=====

Petitions being circulated:

http://www.gopetition.com/online/15064.html

http://www.avaaz.org/en/emergency_pakistan

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/legalcourts/

=====

Some anti-Musharraf articles in the Columbia Spectator (Columbia University newspaper):

Pakistan and the U.S.: a Devious Relationship

Pakistan and the American Dream

=====

Some blogs with regular updates:

http://pakistanmartiallaw.blogspot.com/

http://emergepakistan.blogspot.com/

www.PakistanPolicy.com

======

For those of you based in New York, you can sign on to a google group for regular updates at: http://groups.google.com/group/emergency_newyork?hl=en

Updates on State of Emergency in Pakistan

2007-11-03T23:52:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to thank everyone who has expressed concern over the recent disappointing development in Pakistan.

Things seem to be calm; internet and phone are okay for now, though all TV and media seem to be shut down. No unrest as such. At least this is what i've heard.

I can only point to one authoritative source of information and that is the blog page set up by the folks at the South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA). Check out more info here, which is thankfully being updated as well.

Please keep Pakistan and Pakistanis in your prayers.

Madhuri Dixit - the legend - makes a comeback in Aaja Nachle

2007-10-24T23:21:00.001-04:00

And the legend is back!

Madhuri Dixit - Bollywood's leading lady of the 80's and 90's - is making a comeback worth the wait! She's been gone only five years or so, but from the looks of it, she hasn't changed a bit. In fact, this video - which is hopefully reflective of the film in its entirety - is proof that wine only gets better with time.

Cant wait for the film - Aaja Nachle - to come out in a few weeks. Until then, enjoy this brief teaser and marvel at the legend that is Madhuri Dixit.

Thoughts on Ahmedinejad visit to Columbia

2007-09-27T22:28:00.000-04:00

These may be a bit late, but some of my random thoughts have been succinctly summed up aptly in this article authored by my friend Jayati Vora, a Columbia U./SIPA alum.

I know there are divergent views on his speech both at Columbia and at the UN, so i'll save those for my visitors who can voice them in the comments section, but I will say that President Lee Bollinger of Columbia U. was in fact, the real disappointment in this whole affair. He stooped pretty low and displayed a certain arrogance that is uncharacteristic of people of such stature.

Columbia's students must be dumbfounded as to how they should feel after this interesting event on their campus.

In any case, Jayati's article sums up my views quite well.

Arsalan Iftikhar NPR radio show on 9/11 anniversary

2007-09-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

Friends,

Arsalan has blazed a trail as one of the great voices of the Muslim American community, not just as a representative of the Council on American Relations, but now as Contributing Editor and Columnist for Islamica Magazine.

Visit this link to hear some of his thoughts on the recent 9/11 anniversary. I wish I could post more on the event, but just havent had time. Arsalan does perfect justice to what millions would like to say, but dont have the opportunity or access to media like he does.

Here's wishing him luck and success in all endeavors he undertakes!

Young Innovator in Coexistence Award: Radeyah Hack

2007-09-09T19:58:00.001-04:00

I'm on youtube now too! Wow - this is a first! All thanks to my colleague from the CUNY Graduate Center, Marriah Star. He's taken a great interest in AID's social entrepreneurship work and is clearly vested in making it widely known and accessible to as large an audience as possible.
Thanks, Marriah!

Tanda's first benefit - 9/30

2007-09-09T19:53:00.000-04:00

From my friend, Cynthia Shannon - please support!

Tanda (which means "Love" in Zulu) is throwing it's first benefit (appropriately named "First Benefit"...as not to be confused with the many more to come!). Tanda is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 that supports orphans of AIDS in South Africa.

Tanda is currently working to fund the new Tanda After-School Program, which is set to open in January 2008 in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Designed by Tanda's directors, the goal of this program is to empower South African students by providing a safe alternative to risky behavior and by teaching marketable skills.

The bash will be held Sunday, September 30 at Mannahatta, starting at 8 pm. Tickets start at $25 and include a two hour open wine and beer bar, fancy hors d'oeuvres, beautiful jewelry designed by South African women, an extraordinary photography exhibition and a raffle (raffle tickets included with $50 or $100 donation). Music will be provided by DJ Moni and African Drummers.

Tickets can be purchased via the website www.tanda.org or at the door.

It would be a tremendous help if you could mention the event anywhere, everywhere. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or would like additional information.

Kind regards,

Cynthia Shannon

Event Details:

What: Tanda's "First Benefit"

Where: Mannahatta, 316 Bowery (at Bleecker; 6 to Bleecker or B/D/F/V to Broadway Lafayette)

When: Sunday, September 30th 2007; 8 pm

Tickets start at $25 and include two hour open wine-and-beer bar, hors d'oeuvres, photography exhibition, original jewelry and a raffle. Music by DJ Moni and African Drummers.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Info: www.tanda.org

Hope not Hate Film festival: Revitalizing US-Middle East relations - Saturday, 9/15

2007-09-03T22:04:00.000-04:00

Americans for Informed Democracy

Imagining Global Asia at The New School

PRESENT A FILM FESTIVAL

MISSION POSSIBLE:

Revitalizing US-Middle East Relations

FEATURING:

CONTROL ROOM

WHOSE CHILDREN ARE THESE?

A SON’S SACRIFICE

MUHAMMAD: LEGACY OF A PROPHET

DISCUSSION FACILIATATORS:

HAROON MOGHUL - Contributing Editor, Islamica Magazine;

Director of Public Relations, Islamic Center at NYU

YASMIN HAMIDI – Network of Arab-American Professionals of New York

MUSA SYEED - Producer: A Son’s Sacrifice

THERESA THANJAN - Producer/Director: Whose Children Are These?

FATIMA ASHRAF – Community Activist

DATE: Saturday, September 15^th, 2007

TIME: 10 AM – 6 PM

VENUE: The New School

Swayduck Auditorium - Room F-102

65 Fifth Avenue (between 13^th and 14^th streets)

Light refreshments will be served throughout the day!

More info and RSVP at: http://www.aidemocracy.org/hnhfilm.php

Nuclear non-proliferation event - 9/8

2007-08-31T11:45:00.001-04:00

NYCLU Civil Liberties Discussion Series - 9/4

2007-08-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

Published by the New York Civil Liberties Union (http://www.nyclu.org)

Civil Liberties Discussion Series

Date and Time: September 4, 2007 / 4:00 PDT

The NYCLU Civil Liberties Discussion Series takes place from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Each session consists of three parts: a guest speaker, open discussion, and working group updates.

Each month the Discussion Series hosts a speaker from the NYCLU, ACLU or other advocacy group to discuss a current civil liberties issue or controversy. This month's session will feature Donna Lieberman, NYCLU executive director. NYCLU Field Organizers will then facilitate a discussion on the topic.

At the close of the session, NYCLU Working Group members will provide updates on their ongoing advocacy campaigns, how Discussion Series participants can get involved, and the dates of the next Working Group meetings.

To RSVP for this event, please email cdugger@nyclu.org.

Source URL:
http://www.nyclu.org/node/1281

Elan Magazine - new Muslim magazine coming this Fall!

2007-08-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Moniza Khokhar
Publisher/Editor

Elan: A Magazine of Contemporary Muslim Culture
Rockefeller Center, Seventh Floor
New York, NY 10020
Tel: 646-756-2551
Email: mkhokhar@elanthemag.com

AMERICAN MUSLIMS FIND THEIR VOICE

Magazine to Launch in the U.S. Representing the Contemporary Muslim Community

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (August 20, 2007) Americans can barely pick up a
newspaper or turn on the television without hearing news about Muslim terrorists
worldwide. The problem is the terrorists that are making news don’t reflect any of the
values and culture of the seven million Muslims living in the United States. Moniza
Khokhar, President and Publisher of Wahid Media Ventures, a Muslim woman, is set to
represent the cultures influenced by Islam in her publication. “A Magazine of
Contemporary Muslim Culture,” reads the ELAN Magazine heading, a publication set to
launch in January of 2008. The concept of the magazine came about as a response to the
overwhelming need for a Muslim publication that discussed the lifestyle of the jet setting
young professional, rather than other Muslim publications that focused on politics or
religious doctrine. ELAN, the very name means “announcement,” in Arabic, Farsi, and
Urdu; this magazine is the Muslim American community’s statement about their
sophisticated lifestyles. ELAN, a quarterly produced and nationally distributed
publication, is highly anticipated by the Muslim American community, where readers are
already subscribing online.

ELAN is dedicated to quality reporting on the current trends in the arts, business, and
contemporary Muslim lifestyle, also providing a public forum for the young professional
community in print and on the web. “ELAN represents, embraces, and commemorates
the unique and distinct lifestyles of Muslim Americans,” describes Khokhar, “making
ELAN a handbook for the chic Muslim.” This cosmopolitan publication is committed to
incorporating all interpretations of Islam, realizing unity within its diversity.

Moniza Khokhar, whose family is of Kashmiri descent, is more than familiar with the
experience of living as a Muslim in the United States. She was raised in Chicago,
Illinois, and Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Her family always has instilled a strong sense
of culture and tradition in her, while always allowing her to make her own choices and
branch out into the competitive American society. She did just that, when she set in her
idea to create a forum for other Muslims like herself. She thought, “America is the
melting pot for all cultures. It is the land of opportunity for all. Every culture nowadays
has an emblem of representation: Latin Americans have the popular Latina Magazine,
African Americans have succeeded with Vibe Magazine, and its time for the growing
population of Muslims to have a voice as well.” Moniza is committed to providing this
voice for her community.

With current worldwide figures of the Muslim population slightly over a billion people,
the publication is an empowering forum for the mainstream Muslim voice. With seven
million affluent Muslim Americans, ELAN showcases and honors the contemporary
evolution of the cultural experience. ELAN encourages, embraces, and celebrates the
diverse interpretations of these traditions due to the extraordinary beauty, strength, and
unity of the Muslim diversity.

ELAN will be covering topics such as travel abroad, the entertainment scene, current
events, the latest fashion trends, and other topics that the modern, jet-setting Muslim will
find of interest. Of course, as a mainstream publication, ELAN chooses to stay neutral in
topics such as politics and religious doctrine, which are the lenses the Muslim community
is often looked at. ELAN strives to portray the Muslim culture, to provide a common
ground for Muslim people, and to relay current trends and information within the Muslim
community, as opposed to telling people how to live their lives.

“ELAN’s philosophy of relating with our consumers,” provides Khokhar, “allows us to
represent the Muslim community in a way that truly exemplifies the diverse
demographics of today’s ever-changing society.”

# # #

For more information, contact:
Wahid Media Ventures
Rockefeller Center
1230 Avenue of the Americas
Seventh Floor
New York, NY 10020
Telephone: 646-756-2551
Facsimile: 646-756-2999
Email: mkhokhar@elanthemag.com
Website: www.elanthemag.com

WashPost article: In New York, a Word Starts a Fire

2007-08-24T11:51:00.000-04:00

A lot has been written on the topic of the Khalil Gibran International Academy, but not much in the two bigwig newspapers - the New York Times and the Washington Post - but that changed when they finally started covering the school and its Principal-who-was-to-be, Debbie Almontaser.

This article in the Washington Post is pretty informative and balanced and gives good perspective on the issue with a wide variety of quotes from diverse stakeholders in the matter.

The "word" being referred to in the title of the article is intifada. I will not say anything further but I hope you read the article!

NPR article: Acid Attacks on Women in India Prompt Protests

2007-08-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

The article/news below has shocked and disgusted me beyond belief. I had hitherto only heard of these attacks against women during conflict and/or warfare, but to see it used as a weapon in domestic violence scares and shocks me. Interestingly, the article focuses on India, but I always thought these attacks occurred more frequently in Pakistan. Perhaps more research is warranted!

How long will we tolerate this?

Acid Attacks on Women in India Prompt Protests

by Scott Carney

Enlarge

Scott Carney

Haseena Hussain was attacked by her former boss when she did not accept his marriage proposal.

Enlarge

Scott Carney

Women from CSAAAW, including this acid-attack survivor named Jayalakshmi, gathered on the steps of city hall in Bangalore, India, Aug. 12, to call for better prevention and prosecution of acid violence.

Day to Day, August 22, 2007 · Haseena Hussain was an attractive, upwardly mobile woman in Bangalore, India, with everything going for her. But it all changed in 1999, when she turned down her former boss' marriage proposal and he sought revenge by pouring two liters of concentrated hydrochloric acid over her body.

Hussain now works with the Campaign and Struggle Against Acid Attacks on Women (CSAAAW) to fight the surge of acid violence against women. Since 1999, the group has documented 61 such attacks. In the most recent case, a 22-year-old mother of four children was doused with acid and forced to drink a deadly concoction of a corrosive chemical and alcohol by her abusive husband in the city of Mysore.

CSAAAW has had some success in persuading the courts and police to take acid attacks more seriously. In a recent ruling, the sentence of Hussain's attacker was increased from five years to 14. But even that measure of justice rings hollow to Hussain, who had burns over most of her body and lost her nose and eyesight.

In that ruling, the judge also demanded that the government set up a fund of about $250,000 to cover the costs of reconstructive surgery that many of these women need. Survivors of the attacks say that the fund is only enough to care for two women — far short of the needs of the more than 60 survivors.

Even with excellent medical care, the best that most of these women can hope for is survival. If not treated immediately, they can lose their eyesight and spiral into depression. Many commit suicide.

Acid violence seems to be almost unique to South Asia, with most incidents occurring in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Part of the reason is that acid is cheap and widely available. Many Indians use concentrated acid to sterilize their kitchens and bathrooms, as Americans would use bleach.

But the problem affects more than just the women represented by the campaign. A number of politicians, including the wife of the former prime minister of India, have had acid thrown at them. It is also commonplace in mob violence. Popular televised serials and films reinforce the idea by repeatedly portraying acid attacks.

Perhaps the most dangerous thing about acid attacks is the fear that they create. With just a few rupees, anyone can buy a weapon that can ruin another person's life in just a few seconds. For this reason, activists from CSAAAW will raise their voices until the government does something to regulate acid.

Christian Science Monitor article - Islamic Spain: History's refrain

2007-08-22T17:10:00.000-04:00

I just love the Christian Science Monitor. I'd even go so far as to say that it should be patronized more than the Washington Post or The New York Times.

As testimony to its greatness, I bring to my blog visitors' notice a well-written, thoughtful piece on Islamic Spain and what we today can learn from that glorious period in Islamic history.

Happy reading!

from the August 22, 2007 edition - http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0822/p09s02-coop.html

Islamic Spain: History's refrain

It's a model for interfaith ties, and a warning about religious division.

By Alexander Kronemer

Washington

The past sometimes provides examples of glory and success that serve as models. Other times, as the philosopher George Santayana said, it warns of impending calamity for those who do not learn from it.

For the past several years, I've been immersed in a history that does both. As one of the producers for an upcoming PBS documentary on the rise and fall of Islamic Spain, I've witnessed its amazing ascent and tragic fall countless times in the editing room, only to go home and watch some of the same themes playing out on the nightly news.

Islamic Spain lasted longer than the Roman Empire. It marked a period and a place where for hundreds of years a relative religious tolerance prevailed in medieval Europe.

A model for religious tolerance

At its peak, it lit the Dark Ages with science and philosophy, poetry, art, and architecture. It was the period remembered as a golden age for European Jews. Breakthroughs in medicine, the introduction of the number zero, the lost philosophy of Aristotle, even the prototype for the guitar all came to Europe through Islamic Spain.

Not until the Renaissance was so much culture produced in the West. And not until relatively recent times has there been the level of pluralism and religious tolerance that existed in Islamic Spain at its peak. Just as the vibrancy and creativity of America is rooted in the acceptance of diversity, so was it then.

Because Islam's prophet Muhammad founded his mission as a continuation of the Abrahamic tradition, Islamic theology gave special consideration to Jews and Christians. To be sure, there were limits to these accommodations, such as special taxes levied on religious minorities. But in the early Middle Ages, official tolerance of one religion by another was an amazingly liberal point of view. This acceptance became the basis for Islamic Spain's genius. Indeed, it was an important reason Islam took hold there in the first place.

When the first Muslims crossed the straits of Gibraltar into Spain, the large Jewish population there was enduring a period of oppression by the Roman Catholic Visigoths. The Jewish minorities rallied to aid the Arab Muslims as liberators, and the divided Visigoths fell.

The conquering Arab Muslims remained a minority for many years, but they were able to govern their Catholic and Jewish citizens by a policy of inclusiveness. Even as Islam slowly grew over the centuries to be the majority religion in Spain, this spirit was largely, if not always perfectly, maintained.

Pluralistic though it was, Islamic Spain was no democracy. After years of enlightened leadership, a succession of bad leaders caused the unified Muslim kingdom to fragment among many smaller petty kingdoms and fiefdoms.

Though they competed and fought, the spirit of pluralism continued. Indeed, it thrived as rival kings sought the best minds in the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish worlds for their courts. This was just as true in the Christian petty kingdoms, as the Muslim ones. Christian and Muslim armies even fought alongside each other against mutual rivals of both faiths.

It is at this point that the darker parallels to our time begin. Into the competition for land, resources, and power, some leaders on both sides began to appeal to religion to rally support for their cause. Wars became increasingly religious in nature. Into this tinderbox a match was thrown: the Crusades – the same term that many Arabs use today when referring to America's adventure in Iraq.

The Crusades deepened Spain's religious divide. Minorities in both Christian and Muslim kingdoms become increasingly suspect. Persecutions, expulsions, and further warfare ensued. Nothing could stop it, not even the black plague.

Ultimately, Christian kingdoms gained the upper hand as the Muslim kingdoms of Islamic Spain fell. Spain's Muslims and Jews were forced to either leave or convert. This led to the rise of the Inquisition, whose purpose was to verify the loyalty of suspect converts. The expulsions and inquisitions racked Spain economically, culturally, and morally. Its power was severely compromised. The fall of pluralism in Spain was the fall of Spain itself.

Dark parallels with today

This fall directly links to events today and raises many of the same stakes. Though few Americans note it, one of Osama bin Laden's justifications for the 9/11 attacks was to avenge the "tragedy" of Islamic Spain.

So far, the post-9/11 world and the policies it has spawned seem to be heading in the same dangerous direction as witnessed before. The religious intolerance that engulfed and overwhelmed medieval Spain threatens the increasingly beleaguered pluralism of our own time.

At its best, the history of Islamic Spain is a model for interfaith cooperation that inspires those who seek an easier relationship among the three Abrahamic faiths. At its worst, it's a warning of what can occur when political and religious leaders divide the world. It reminds us what really happens when civilizations clash.

• Alexander Kronemer is a writer, lecturer, and documentary producer focusing on religious diversity, Islam, and cross-cultural understanding. His film "Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain" premieres on PBS Aug. 22.

Full HTML version of this story which may include photos, graphics, and related link

Khalil Gibran event a success!

2007-08-21T11:48:00.000-04:00

The Khalil Gibran school event turned out to be amazing! I was there primarily in solidarity, and was upset to have arrived so late, but clearly our community has its act together - finally! Everything was done by 7:15, and the sidewalk was cleared shortly thereafter with lots of media and a surprisingly diverse crowd.

Copied below are links to articles on the coverage - take your pick! - all courtesy of Erica Waples.

Thanks, Erica!

=================================

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Supporters of NYC Arabic school want founding leader
reinstated (multiple news outlets using AP story)
> AM New York: http://www.amny.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--arabicschool0821aug21,0,7617290.story
> International Herald Tribune: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/21/america/NA-GEN-US-NYC-Arabic-School.php
> Staten Island Advance: http://www.silive.com/newsflash/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-27/1187655317296650.xml&storylist=simetro

ASSOCIATED PRESS: U.S. rabbi defends N.Y. Arab school despite charges
it will be anti-Israel
> Ha'aretz: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/895796.html

DAILY NEWS
> http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/08/21/2007-08-21_protest_pans_principals_ouster_over_tshi.html
> http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/08/21/2007-08-21_2language_schools_put_in_spotlight.html

FOX TV CHANNEL (Channel 9, different from Fox News Channel on cable)
> http://www.myfoxny.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=4124172&version=5&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

NEW YORK TIMES
> http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/21/nyregion/21protest.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

NEWSDAY
> http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--arabicschool0821aug21,0,4590078.story

NY1 NEWS
> http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=72822

NY POST
> http://www.nypost.com/seven/08212007/news/regionalnews/rallying_cry.htm

NY SUN
> http://www.nysun.com/article/60909
> http://www.nysun.com/article/60954

** Pre-Event Articles **
> The Arab American News: http://www.arabamericannews.com/newsarticle.php?articleid=9515
> Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2007/08/20/2007-08-20_they_scapegoated_her.html
> New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/15/education/15school.html?fta=y
> NY Sun: http://www.nysun.com/article/60846

Khalil Gibran Intl' Academy event - 8/20

2007-08-18T14:33:00.000-04:00

COMMUNITIES IN SUPPORT OF KHALIL GIBRAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

Press Advisory Contact: Erica

Phone: 718-431-4465

For Immediate Release Email: media@awaam.org

NEW YORKERS COME OUT IN SUPPORT

OF ARABIC-LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Diverse groups applaud Almontaser’s work and urge public officials to “reject racism”

August 17, 2007; New York, NY— Communities in Support of Khalil Gibran International Academy, a diverse

group of community leaders and organizations, plan to express their backing of KGIA on Monday, August 20,

2007. Below is the text of their statement of support.

Statement of Support for Khalil Gibran International Academy

As New Yorkers in support of quality public education for all our communities, we stand in solidarity with the

Khalil Gibran International Academy, which has sustained hateful and false attacks by anti-Arab media and

extremists. In the post-9/11 world, a school educating our children about Arab history, culture, and language is

not only crucial for the next generation to become informed leaders for positive change in our communities; it is

also an extraordinary place of hope for peace, understanding, and justice for our embattled world. We regret

that Debbie Almontaser was pressured to resign and applaud her work to establish this school and promote

intercultural exchange in this diverse global city.

Those who seek to equate the study of Arabic language, culture, and history with religious fanaticism and

violence are irresponsibly aggravating a present moment of hysteria against Arab and Muslim communities, and

are using this moment to promote hatred in a time of war. We urge our public officials to reject these racist and

inaccurate attacks and continue to work towards building a lasting educational institution that promises to bring

our communities together, rather than divide and pit them against each other. We call on all New Yorkers who

want to see peace on our streets and in our world to stand with us in support of the Khalil Gibran International

Academy.

Event Information

Peaceful Demonstration in Support of KGIA

Monday, August 20, 2007 at 6:00 PM

NYC Department of Education

Tweed Courthouse, 52 Chambers Street

###

For an up-to-date list of event sponsors, please visit www.awaam.org. Interviews available upon request.