Lately, ive been getting more and more interested in Sufism - Islamic mysticism. Especially the musical aspect. It's fascinated me since I was young, but Abida Parveen's recent rendition of the evergreen "Chaap tilak" revived that passion after many months.
I recently came across an interesting all-American band called Brook's Qawwali Party, who perform pretty much only Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's (Pakistani sufi music maestro) songs instrumentally. They give it a unique jazzy flavor and take a minimalist approach when it comes to vocals. What I loved most was that the music doesnt lose the energy and vitality through the interpretation and performances by this group.
They're performing friday night in Park Slope, Brooklyn at the Tea Lounge and all tips will go to Pakistani earthquake relief efforts.
Do try to attend!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Hot off the presses - my article on the hunger strike at Guantanamo Bay
Words cannot describe my feelings towards the US government's foreign policy after September 11th. It is mind boggling to see how President Bush has made such a fool of us and in the process, has almost enslaved us.
Guantanamo Bay is yet another issue that infuriates activists and non-activists alike. My most recent column (which was published only moments ago!) in the Pakistani newspaper (The Post), is, among other things, about the recent hunger strike the detainees have gone on. More details can be found by simply doing a google search, but do also read my article.
For more information, and to see what you can do, please contact my friend Seema Ahmad at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) at SAhmad@ccr-ny.org.
Guantanamo Bay is yet another issue that infuriates activists and non-activists alike. My most recent column (which was published only moments ago!) in the Pakistani newspaper (The Post), is, among other things, about the recent hunger strike the detainees have gone on. More details can be found by simply doing a google search, but do also read my article.
For more information, and to see what you can do, please contact my friend Seema Ahmad at the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) at SAhmad@ccr-ny.org.
Center for Constitutional Rights organizes "Fast for Justice" in solidarity with Guantanamo Bay detainees
For those who are outraged by anything remotely related to Guantanamo...
Join the Fast for Justice!
As we mourn the death of 2000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq, the Bush Administration continues their illegal detention of hundreds of men in Guantánamo and secret facilities throughout the world. Since early 2002, the men held at Guantánamo Bay have waged desperate and at times life-threatening hunger strikes to protest their detention without trial and their inhumane treatment. The current hunger strike, which began in August 2005, has involved the participation of over half of the estimated 540 prisoners still there. Many are now prepared to die if they do not receive a fair hearing or humane treatment. Click here to read a report on the history of the hunger strikes at Guantánamo.
During the month of Ramadan (which falls during early October - early November this year), Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) is asking people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in the fast on November 1, 2005. We will also hold a vigil in Washington, D.C., that day to protest the dire plight of the men illegally imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay.
Please join us in the fast and vigil on November 1, 2005 and show your support for this effort by wearing your "Hungry for Justice: Nov. 1" sticker on that day. Sign the letter on CCR's wesbite, which will be sent to your representatives in Washington, and make your voice heard by demanding that the Department of Defense take the following steps to bring torture, abuse and inhumane treatment to an end at Guantánamo:
* give the detainees a fair hearing and immediately release those who have committed no crime;
* provide adequate food, water, shelter, medical treatment and the observance of religious practices;
* provide to families and legal counsel timely reports on the health status of detainees, especially those participating in the hunger strike; and
* provide independent investigators (domestic and international ) access to all detainees.
Join the Fast & Vigil on Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Washington, DC: Join CCR, the Muslim American Society for Freedom, and other faith and community organizations for a Vigil in front of the Department of Justice at 12pm: 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW (Navy Memorial station on the green line).
New York: Join CCR, the NY Coalition for Civil Liberties, ICNA and other faith and community organizations at 26 Federal Plaza (Broadway between Duane and Worth Streets, Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall on the 4,5,6 or City Hall on the R or W).
For more information, email ebetru@ccr-ny.org.
Edget Betru
Organizer
Guantánamo Global Justice Initiative
Center for Constitutional Rights
212-614- 6477
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
World Bank Supports Earthquake Recovery with US$470 million
This looks like wonderful news!
Only thing is, it looks like the international financial institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, etc.) are on their way to ensnaring Pakistan in their web of debt and credit yet again. If it's true development, one hopes this is the start of a fruitful relationship, but if otherwise, we should ask them to keep their funding to themselves.
Only thing is, it looks like the international financial institutions (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, etc.) are on their way to ensnaring Pakistan in their web of debt and credit yet again. If it's true development, one hopes this is the start of a fruitful relationship, but if otherwise, we should ask them to keep their funding to themselves.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Earthquake fundraising update
For those of you who are keeping up with the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts currently underway, but specifically in regard to my earlier posting, one of the organization's I mentioned, Rising Leaders, has recently made an encouraging announcement.
According to an email I received this afternoon, Rising Leaders will raise funds to match all contributions made by Pakistani Students Associations to the President's Relief Fund. A ranked list of schools and how much they have raised, including matched funds, will be maintained at www.embassyofpakistan.org.
Funds may include private and corporate donations.
To have your PSA's funds matched, mail your check made out to President's Relief Fund to:
The President's Relief Fund
C/o Rising Leaders
Congressional House Building
236 Massachusetts Ave, N.E. Suite 207 Washington, D.C. 20002
Please include a description of what your PSA did to raise funds, and the names and email addresses of the individuals who participated along with the school that you represent.
PSAs are encouraged to send checks frequently so that funds can be transferred to Pakistan. The Embassy's website will be updated accordingly.
All questions can be directed to Rising Leaders by accessing their contact information on their website.
According to an email I received this afternoon, Rising Leaders will raise funds to match all contributions made by Pakistani Students Associations to the President's Relief Fund. A ranked list of schools and how much they have raised, including matched funds, will be maintained at www.embassyofpakistan.org.
Funds may include private and corporate donations.
To have your PSA's funds matched, mail your check made out to President's Relief Fund to:
The President's Relief Fund
C/o Rising Leaders
Congressional House Building
236 Massachusetts Ave, N.E. Suite 207 Washington, D.C. 20002
Please include a description of what your PSA did to raise funds, and the names and email addresses of the individuals who participated along with the school that you represent.
PSAs are encouraged to send checks frequently so that funds can be transferred to Pakistan. The Embassy's website will be updated accordingly.
All questions can be directed to Rising Leaders by accessing their contact information on their website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)