Tales of a Solitary Soul

I like this pic for some odd reason.

Reminds me of Monet's impressionist paintings - except with a digital camera.
He wasn't much of a talker.

Ameen.

How much for a house with a view like *that* in the background?
Insha Allah.......in jannah!

So the editorial was not published but the Prime Minister’s office sent a response:

Dear Mr. Ahmed:

On behalf of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail.Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister. You may be assured that your comments have been carefully reviewed and are appreciated.

L.A. Lavell
Executive Correspondence Officer

Now this can’t be an automated response because they tend to come in a matter of hours if not minutes (this arrived after 4 days). Unless they reply to every email they receive, a response indicates that they are taking this matter seriously.

Why did a Fin, a Canadian, an Australian, and a Chinese get together in a UN peacekeeping post?
To serve as Israeli target practice.

OK, so that was a bad joke but how blind do you have to be to not see the letters UN written all over the building. The normally docile Fins are furious and demand an apology from Israel while Stephen Harper faults the dead Canadian for being in the post at the time of the attack. Clearly, Canada is beginning to show unconditional support for Israel like the US.

Number of people in anti-war rally in support of Lebanon: 300
Amount of money raised: unknown
Number of people in rally supporting Israel: 8,000
Amount of money raised in fifteen minutes: $6 million!
Realizing how this comparison serves as a microcosm for how one-sided the conflict is: PRICELESS

Dear Mr. Prime Minister (pm@pm.gc.ca):

I write to you as a concerned citizen in regards to the situation unfolding in the Middle East. Not only was I deeply saddened by the indiscriminate death of 8 Canadians but also of the 300 or so dead Lebanese civilians that have fallen victim. The right of self defense does not allow a country a free pass when it comes to civilian casualties.

Another disconcerting point of the conflict was Canada's decision, nay, Canadian government's decision to take Israel's unconditional side by calling the offensive 'measured.' We have broken away from our traditional role of neutrality, a proud heritage started by a great Canadian - Lester B. Pearson - during the Suez Canal crisis of 1956. The world, including the Israelis and the Palestinians, since then have come to see us as impartial mediators and rightly so.

But in breaking away from that stance, we have jeopardized our reputation on the international stage. I do not believe this is the direction that the Canadian public wants to head. Rather it wants to be an active participant in working towards a lasting peace acceptable and fair to both sides instead of providing a stamp of approval for whole scale bombings as is the case now.

I request that you get in touch with the views of Canadians, coast to coast, to realize that not many stand by the stance that has been taken, which is certainly not an enviable position for a minority government to be in.

Yours Sincerely,
Faraz Ahmed

Assuming the worst case scenario that they don't read it, I made sure that the email header in itself clearly states the opposition to Canada's stance. So even a single glance at it will get the point across and insha Allah add to mounting pressure.

To the Globe&Mail editorial section:

In response to the editorial in July 20 edition (Proud to be a Canadian) I would like to ask if the author that if he truly believes that Canada should take the 'morally correct' side by supporting Israel in its offensive, then do we also expect Stephen Harper to condemn illegal Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, constant demolition of Palestinian homes, and illegal detention of thousands of Palestinians and Lebanese without a trial?

And if Stephen Harper will not do that, it's best for Canada to stay neutral rather than compromise its position at the world stage at the expense of a few bonus points with the Bush administration.

If you follow the Middle East conflict on a regular basis, you'd realize that there is no such thing as an initial attack because the cyclical violence has gone on for so long that trying to keep track of who did what over the last six decades is nearly impossible.

They better publish it.
*shakes fist*

Went to a Brazilian co-worker’s son’s birthday party over the weekend. Didn’t really want to but I had turned him down several times before so felt guilty doing it again.

It was an interesting experience to say the least. These Brazilians, or perhaps South Americans in general, are quite the ‘fun loving’ people. I had anticipated this from the start so decided to show up early and only stay for a bit. The problem is that the definition of fun usually tends to include some alcohol – or in their case, an entire fridge with three different kinds. Not to mention the hot weather ensured that I was the most dressed up person by a mile and all I had on were a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

I had a valid excuse to leave anyways because the plan was to head to the anti-war rally and the candle light vigil with a brief stopover with friends at the city game between Edmonton and Calgary.

On a side not, we managed to bring a 16-year old Calgary player close to tears with constant heckling and trash talking every time he touched the ball. In our defense, he asked for it by staring down one of the Edmonton batsman in order to intimidate him. If you talk the talk, better be able to walk the walk.

The rally was a bit disappointing in its turnout. I doubt even half the city’s Lebanese community had bothered to show up. With Canada’s stance tilting more towards Israel every passing day, large-scale rallies do have a way of sending strong messages (especially to minority governments).

I'm still sticking to my guns of going to Pakistan next summer insha Allah. Why?

That's a good question. It's not meant to be a sight seeing trip nor an adventure in a foreign land. No, I will not allow it. I can't afford to -- literally and metaphorically.

I have to establish some clear objectives and goals. There are things that I have to learn and teach. Much needs to be accomplished in a very short span of time. Insha Allah, I plan to carry on my blog till that time atleast because, well, it will play a major role in accomplishing some of the objectives.

I still recall that one solitary evening in Calgary when I danced with my thoughts and in an instance, I knew I had to do it. Even if that meant graduating eight months later than originally planned.

Many tried to convince me otherwise but they couldn't see what I did. Some things are much bigger than education, money, career, etc. The tragedy of the middle income immigrant class is that all we really have is education. It's emphasized to the point that it serves as the focal point of our lives.

Decisions have to be made with regards to how they would effect our education and careers. Nothing is above it. And I admit to being of them. I was daring enough to go against the forces and stick to my decision but it wasn't easy. It never really is.

But when you know something is right, it has to be done. And perhaps that is why I need to go to Pakistan even it means graduating late and theoretically not getting an 'ideal' start to my career.

Some things are simply more important. Period.

Got extremely dizzy today to the point that I couldn't even stand up. The world started to spin with me at the epicentre and blurry faces was all I could see. Body and the soul broke down at the same moment as if executing a pre-meditated plan.

For a second, I thought it was my time and a lonely voice in some corner of my heart looked forward to it. Everything came to a screeching halt and yet it left me alone. I could have laid on the grass all night waiting for it to come back....

But the journey continues. My destination is yet to be found.

Israeli children write messages on missiles that will tear apart Lebanese civilians, many not much older than them. While it's commonplace to see videos of Palestinians celebrating attacks on Israel, you'll NEVER see this on TV.

Wall Street Journal makes me so mad. Not only are they openly extreme right wing but also anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were all members of KKK. I had already exposed their ignorant reporting once and here is another case:

In this article, they intentionally refer to the capital of Israel as Jerusalem when it’s an established fact that it is considered disputed territory. Israel has tried its best to annex as much of Jerusalem as it can, claiming some sort of a God bestowed divine right (while we’re at it, maybe I should bring to world’s attention my right to own the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora).

They accuse the French of being one sided for calling the Israeli offensive ‘totally disproportionate’ but ignore Bush’s statement of unconditional support for Israel. Apparently, it’s only one sided if you don’t defend Israel.

No mention of dead civilians from Israeli air strikes but sympathy is expressed for ‘Israelis hunkering down in bomb shelters.’ I wonder what kind of bomb shelters are being used to protect against the American made laser guided missiles dropped by Israeli jets?

And what’s with the constant reference to Israel as the ‘Jewish State.’ I don’t hear anyone saying ‘the Muslim state was bombed by Israel.’ No wonder people see it as a battle for the Jews to ‘survive’ instead of a struggle by the Palestinians for a homeland.

Another article against the ceasefire is written by someone who is a former Republican and has served as the editor for:

"Showdown: Why China Wants War With the United States"
"Inside the Asylum: Why the U.N. and Old Europe Are Worse Than You Think"

You can imagine how ‘objective’ his views must be. Remember, always look at the history of the author when it comes to press reporting.

[Note: CAIR CAN does very good work in representing Muslims through the media. Support them through D&D -- dua's and donations)

This biased speech by Hillary Clinton in favor of Israel reminds of a desperate cheerleader trying her best to be the homecoming queen at the prom (ie. Presidential candidate 2008). I used to respect her for putting up with Bill Clinton and always thought she would make a good President but so much for that. Just like the Muslims will defend the Palestinian cause at any cost, we should accept the fact that most influential American politicians will side with Israel in every conflict.

In other news, Stephen Harper formally announced his intention of replacing Tony Blair as Bush’s lapdog by declaring that the Israeli attacks on Lebanon that killed over 200 civilians were ‘measured.’

It has become painfully obvious that Israel has a greater goal than just trying to get the soldiers back. This is their chance to destroy the Hezbollah infrastructure (Lebanese one too) and render a swift blow that would take years to recover from. But Israel is cornering itself by taking such extreme measures against Hamas and Hezbollah.

They both enjoy substantial support and punishing the civilian population is not going to erode that. If anything, they are now seen as the sole defenders of the Palestinian cause by the Muslim world. But perhaps, the intention never was for peace but to continue this cycle of violence that further degrades the living conditions and turns Gaza into a ghetto.

So with Palestine and to a lesser extent Lebanon absorbing the major brunt of civilian casualties and property damage since the infitada in 2000, what incentive is there for Israel to change course?

I keep running, chasing shadows in the dark, not wanting a still moment to be alone with my thoughts and yet it confronts me at every corner, at the most unexpected of places. We've become regular companions and even made the best of a bad situation. There are moments of escape that don't last long but do offer support, enough of it till the next one comes along living day by day, hour by hour, second by second.

I have to stop somewhere and make a final stand for this can't go on forever. Standing on top of the mountain with a clear path but no direction; like a bird caught in a storm, getting pulled in every direction before being blown away to the farthest corners. Invisible shackles holding me to one spot, restricting my movements like a prisoner. A captive of myself with no freedom in sight.

Tomorrow begins a new day, a new hope, a new desire but with old challenges. For now I sleep but ring the bell -- a new round awaits.

This 6 year old collects garbage for a living.
How do I sleep peacefully at night??

Latest news in the Haditha case (massacre of 21 civilians) is that cover-up took place up to a high rank in the chain of command. It should be interesting to see what penalties are given to those higher up.

Israel kills scores in Gaza. In return, Hezbollah kidnaps two Israeli soldiers. I have a bad feeling in my stomach about the Middle East situation (well, more so than normal).

Insurgents in Iraq show that they don’t care much to differentiate between innocent and guilty (a better question might be how to define the two). Sad incident in India, where deadly train bombings cause 147 deaths. Widely blamed Kashmiri separatist groups deny involvement.

Bush calls Stephen Harper by the name Steve three times in one press conference!

Now that I’ve depressed everyone with news of killings and bombings, the world’s not such a bad place. We just have to ensure that there is a proper balance between the two extremes. So don’t be obsessed with such news all the time but don’t completely ignore it either because both are harmful in the long term.

The greatest soccer player of the last twenty years, Zinadine Zidane, the heir to the throne after Maradona, called it quits after his last game yesterday in the World Cup Final. It’s the end of an era and I’m proud to say that I watched him in his prime. Yet for all the skill and grace that he brought to the game, you could see a sea of emptiness in his eyes.

He came from a poor immigrant family and his father worked as a night watchman. Originally from Algeria, he grew up in the ghettos of Marseilles, honing his skills while playing a dangerous game of survival. Just like a black kid in inner city LA has only one ticket of getting out – basketball – the same dream, switched with soccer visits every child in the neglected slums of La Castellane, a poor neighborhood of Algerian, Moroccan, and African immigrants.

He proudly calls himself ‘a Kabyle from La Castellane, then an Algerian from Marseille, and then a Frenchman.’ Call it irony or fate but for a country that has a high discrimination rate against minorities, a man of Algerian and Muslim descent is the most admired person in all of France.

Perhaps this is why it was so hard to see him trudge off the field in Berlin, the entire stadium and the world in shock with what had transpired. But I will give him the benefit of the doubt and instead of assuming that the head-butt into the Italian defender's chest was done in a fit of rage, I offer the following possible explanations:

1. Maybe he was trying to bow down in sujood (prostration) and the Italian player just happened to be in the way.
2. Maybe there was a fly sitting on the Italian player’s jersey and Zidane, being the helpful guy that he is, tried to kill it with a powerful head blow.
3. Maybe he was just lowering his head to show the bald spots and ask Mazzarati for a few tips to take better care of his dying hair follicles.
4. Maybe Zidane was trying the Japanese way of greeting their enemy by bowing his head out of respect for the Italian.
5. Maybe he was trying to imitate the annual event of running with the bulls in Spain except that bad communication led to Mazzarati thinking that the objective is to stand in the way of it (French and Italian aren’t exactly the easiest of languages to understand).

It seems like the Iraqi Prime Minister has finally grown a spine and is calling for an independent inquiry into the rape and murder of a 15-year old Iraqi girl and her family by US soldiers. But most certainly, such calls will be rejected as US is already opposed to outside trials of its soldiers as evident by their vehement opposition of the International Criminal Court.

So what legitimacy does US have in trying Saddam Hussein over his criminal acts against the Kurds and Shi'ites? If a man can be (and should be) held accountable for illegal acts against his own people, what about an unwelcomed invading army that tortured prisoners at Abu Ghraib, massacred civilians at Haditha, and raped underage girls (plus other atrocities that we will never hear about or be willing to accept)?

And why is this not front page news? We get the National Post and Globe & Mail at work everyday and no significant coverage yet. Why are op-ed columns not filled with letters demanding independent inquiries and questioning the morals of the US army? Why are we not horrified by this incident to the extent that it is headline news on FOX, ABC, NBC, CBC?? Why don't I see the so-called 'experts' in their expensive suits and fancy degrees discussing this incident? Where are the round table discussions that have become so common place when it comes to 'integration problems?'

These are not rhetorical questions meant to be forgotten once you leave this blog. Think about them long enough and your world view will change forever.

When the first case of alleged terrorism in Canada resulted in 17 behind bars, the public opinion, though not as biased and inflamed as their southern neighors, was hostile. Op-ed articles were filled with questions on the ability of Muslims to integrate as if implying that the alleged 17 somehow represent the entire community.

They very same community that had existed in peace for decades with contributions to every facet of society was now being questioned at the onset of one case of alleged and I repeat alleged terrorism.

So what happens when US soldiers rape an Iraqi women, kill the entire family, and burn the bodies to cover up the evidence?? It's considered an isolated case limited to certain individuals. Was that not the same excuse for Abu Ghuraib??

As a Muslim, do I now have the right to label the entire US army? Of couse not, because I realize that for every soldier raping and killing Iraqi or Afghanistani women, there are those that will stand up against it. But why is this understanding not reciprocated and talked about in media, in newspapers, in the very social and political circles that are up in arms every time a Palestinian child throws a rock at an Israeli tank?

I heard some 'expert' on TV some time back claiming that the war crimes committed in Iraq are low relative to the stress that the soldiers are facing. Now these actions are trying to be justified. Excuses, reasons, and explainations are being offered to bring a sense of rationale because it's hard to accept that atrocious acts can be committed by anyone -- even the American born, sunday church going, baseball playing, hot dog eating soldiers.

How many such war crimes have been covered up or not reported? I guess we'll never know.