“Idealism Collides with Realism on the Streets of Pakistan”

Idealism seems to be the baby of nationalists, chaos and uncertainties favors them to combat realists. Well, to me realists are the ones who think that Pakistan has to move forward with the world, get along with changing regional geo political dynamics. To be an active partner in war on terror, support NATO forces in Afghanistan, be friend with India, avoid any direct support to Taliban. Well on the other side the Idealists, do not agree any kind of active support on war on terror, Indo-Afghan policies are also extreme, they believe on the capability of nuclear warheads the country possesses. These are joined by right wingers to retired armed personnel. Lawyers’ moment is just an issue used to pressurize the present day government, to destabilize so that greater regional agenda could not be implemented. Such direct confrontation does not favor any; it is not at all a good omen to set scores on streets through chaos. Parliament is there, if any Tom Dick and Harry gather 100,000 protestors in Islamabad to topple government then I guess every month we may get to see such topples. I argue that let the democracy mature, let one party complete the tenure, so that evolution could take place. Media also seems to be playing an immature role through constant sensationalized news, making people news hungry minute by minute. We are at the juncture of history where we have to make tough decisions, 1) Should sustained democracy be allowed to function or destabilization measures are chosen. 2) Should the Afghan infiltration be stopped or still the wild quest of strategic depth be perused in the form of interference there, through Taliban. 3) Should we go with the world, align our goals with changing global political dynamics or we peruse our own agenda in the midst of global anger. 4) Should be proliferate the nuclear arsenals along with extremism or we become the ambassador of peace. Future of Pakistan lies in the choices we make mainly pertaining to above questions. Hope sanity prevails. PEACE.

Stop Hatred; A Reality Check

It’s been couple of weeks I am back in town after my US exposure through Exchange Program. Few of my intellectual businessmen friends invited me over coffee for general discussion ‘we often interact’, but this discussion was different. It was because I had completely different perception of US, ‘not the policy but the society’. During the discussion with friends I found there is so much distrust and enmity towards US because of the war on terror and constant drone attacks in Pakistan. Everyone was talking in terms of various conspiracy theories, discussing possibilities, guesses regarding US desires for the region. Few guys went to an extent saying the JEWISH lobby wants to wipe out Nuclear Muslim state. These thought are sold by media and conservative political parties in Pakistan. Even few shared the views that Capitalism is dying in the form of Fall of America. I am glad at least in my circle I am able to make my friends to think rather than being engrossed with Anti US feelings. Once again I just want to let my friends revisit the words I have shared; *US is a place that attracts the best of the best brain from across the globe, why? *It is a place called land of opportunities for all, why? *I met a Pakistani SVP at Bank of America head office. *I saw a Jordanian chief economist in one of prestigious Deptt of Commerce. *Every other person one interacts is an immigrant. *Grass root freedom based on individual rights guaranteed by Bill of Rights is practiced in true spirit to unite the diverse country. *It is the place for idea generation; best innovations come from US, why? *We as Muslim society hardly innovate anything, just consume whatever other societies innovate for us, why? *Muslim radical groups only have short sighted narrow view unlike US world view, why? *Had world been lead by Saudi, what would have been the geo-political map, what would have happened to women, freedom & learning??

Fine, if US economy suffers deeper, i am sure they wont be looking for a Pakistani bail out package! I may agree that US support to Israel, Palestinian conflict is there, war on terror and indiscriminate bombing is there but who can bridge the gap? Who can talk peace? Who can take initiatives? Who can remove distrust? Who can bring hope? I am sure, it is the time, Muslim world should take the initiative, and a renewed dialogue is the need of the hour, as pointed out by President Obama. Lastly I would share one thing, US society offers a lot, it is not perfect but one can learn. Let me sum it up, one of my cool friend asked me to watch a movie ‘ Moulin Rouge’, to me few words from the movie defines US society……Truth, Beauty, Freedom and Love…..truly Bohemian ‘ ideally speaking’

Women’s Day Special: Honor Killing; who’s Honor is this???

Today I was shocked to see a documentary on honor killing in Muslim World. Guy cuts his sisters head and brings it to the police station, to inform police that he had killed her. She was killed because she violated the social honor code that is defined by religion and enforced by MEN. At times women interaction with strangers leads to doubt in the minds of male in her family, such doubts at times leads to killing in the name of honor. Such brutal killing justified by religion is terrifying for women, unimaginable in modern world. People thought human race has emancipated from the brutal past or medieval age is over but I lament that parts of the world are still in dark ages. Female are looking for emancipation and freedom in male chauvinistic society. Women are terrified, no rights, no legal protection…countries like Afghan, Saudi, and Rural Pakistan…….are the worst affected. I have yet to come across any news that says, a man was brutalized for extra marital affair or faced the rage of honor killing. For once, I realized that it is nothing but men’s honor, the big EGO is behind such brutalities, because to them women is coveted deeply personal sex toy for only personal pleasure and controlled as per defined norms by society and religion.

Olympic International Studies Students Host International Visitors

Visitors to Charlotte have a new opinion of American schools and American students after visiting the School of International Studies and Global Economics at Olympic. Visitors to Charlotte have a new opinion of American schools and American students after visiting the School of International Studies and Global Economics at Olympic. On Feb. 9, 25 delegates representing 25 nations participating in an international trade visit met with students and staff. The delegates included ministers of finance, entrepreneurs, lawyers, professors and journalists.

Principal Matthew Hayes opened the visit with introductions and a warm welcome to Charlotte and Olympic. Curriculum coordinator and teacher Brett Haight then gave an overview of school design and curriculum.

A student panel made up of freshmen, seniors and one graduate talked about the school’s international focus, as well as their personal experiences. The panel was followed by a question-and-answer session. During that session, freshman Danielle Gray spoke in Chinese with representative Fuan Kong, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce. Chinese is one of three languages offered at the Global School.

Many issues were discussed during the question and answer period. At one point representative Imran Baloch, senior marketing officer for the Engro Polymer and Chemical Company of Pakistan, said all he knew about American schools was what was on TV: “violence, drugs and apathy of students.” He said when he got home, he would tell everyone he knew about the wonderful things happening in American schools and the efforts students were making to globalize their perspective and learning.

The School of International Studies and Global Economics was the only school the representatives visited during their time in the United States. The event was coordinated through The International House of Charlotte. The International House is an organization dedicated to bringing Charlotte and the world together. Its mission is to promote international understanding by serving as a center for diversity, advocating for people of diverse national backgrounds and facilitating professional and cultural programs.

http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/OlympicInternationalStudiesstudentshostinternationalvisitors.aspx

Tête-à-tête about America; Conversation with a French Guy

It has been over one week; I have been having discussions with many guys regarding US economy, society, politics and culture. I always had perception that French do not like anyone except themselves, they envy Britain; make fun of Italian and of course nothing positive about America. I usually have interesting discussions in hot Jacuzzi in one of the leading hotels in Karachi, I love social interaction in the SPA, get to meet different people from various parts of the world. Today I met one of the CEOs of a global hotel in Karachi, guy is from France, and initially he explained about hotel business in Pakistan then asked me about the industry I work for. Then discussion continued with US economy, all the way from housing crisis to stimulus package and forecasts. I was surprised when French guy shared his perception of America, he told me that if America goes down, world will go down and US will not let anything go down it is simply because they have winning vigor. They make mistakes, learn and bounce back, they have capacity to shift the complete paradigm, it is one of the winning societies unlike economically conservative European and Japanese. He further mentioned that US has capacity to shift paradigm, simply because they do not have any history, it has been over 100 to 200 years they have started moving up, they do not think about past or do not have historical complexes or mental blocks, whereas other societies such as Japanese and Europe has to face past. French guys’ illustration was interesting, never thought or looked at it from such perspective; however, I have an idea that US is not a failure shy country. Frankly, there are negative things about US but mostly positive aspects are so many that one tend to ignore negatives, at times I wonder if SAUDI had been the super power and shaping the global affair, Oh GOSH......i just can not imagine the plight of poor world. What if Soviet had been running the show………US has made many mistakes, atrocities in Vietnam, Iraq and else are there but I am still glad that US is shaping the global history.

Sound of Banjo in Salt Lake City Mountains

Banjo has always been my favorite musical instrument, in Pakistan it is only played in Baloch culture along with Surod ‘another Balochi folk musical instruments’.

During my recent US visit, I was invited over a home hospitality dinner by Michael & Tammy in a three story beautiful wooden house surrounded by icy Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, UTAH. I loved the food and discussion with Michael, Tammy, Ron & Jennifer. Michael served us Broccoli Mascarpone soup and in entrée, saltimbocca chicken was served along with creamy arugula over sweet potato pasta orange cranberry sauce with Brazil nuts, it was so yummy, I still do not forget the taste.

After meal, light instrumental music was played; it was so familiar and captivating to my ears that I could not resist asking Michael about the music, he told me that it was Banjo. I was surprised ‘big time surprise’; I thought Banjo is a folk authentic Balochi musical instrument.

I went to hotel room to research about the origin of Banjo, I found that “The banjo is a stringed instrument developed by enslaved Africans in the United States, adapted from several African instruments.The name banjo is commonly thought to be derived from the Kimbundu term mbanza. Some etymologists derive it from a dialectal pronunciation of "bandore", though recent research suggests that it may come from a Senegambian term for a bamboo stick formerly used for the instrument's neck.

However tune was familiar but the shape of Banjo in Balochi music is different from the one used in US. It is fascinating to know that how historically human interaction resulted in exchange and enrichment of global culture and music.

Globe Trotting: Sleepless in Seattle

Seattle is one of the cities deeply connected to rain, around three hundred days it rains and people call it RAIN CITY. However, to me it is the GREEN CITY because of green surroundings or JET CITY because of Boeing manufacturing plant.

Seattle is the home of world’s leading corporate names such as Boeing, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Big music names such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chain and Sound Garden also originated from there. 

Recently, I was on a US government sponsored exchange program visit to US, after visiting various cities, my last destination was Seattle. It’s beauty completely turned everyone sleepless, city offers a lot, in spite of excessive rain, it is hard to not to fall in love with the city.

Seattle is located in the Northwestern State of Washington of United States. It is a coastal city and major seaport, located in the western part of the state between Puget Sound and an arm of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Washington.

Seattle is the country seat of King County; city has nearly half a million population, making it twenty fourth largest city in US. City is one of the most literate in US, educated work force and strong private sector leadership is the growth factor of Seattle.  During my downtown walk I came across ancient native Indian monument, it gave me idea that area must had been inhabited since ages, later I came know that It was inhibited for at least 4,000 years. However, early European settlement began in mid 19th century.

The downtown is easily walk-able, after Washington DC, I found Seattle a walking friendly city. Within the downtown area the bus service is free for commuters; make it easy to move around. During my interaction, Seattle down town planning impressed me a lot, it is the only city which is focused on developing green building environment i.e., most LEED certified buildings in US are in Seattle. Down town Seattle association shared interesting facts during the interaction, such as the strong tourism and cruise industry attracts alot of tourists, around 190 cruise ships board in port, over two and half million tourists visit every year, strong retail level business provide shopping friendly environment along with 950 restaurants, catering to every taste buds. I found a lot of passion for sport in Seattle; Safeco Baseball Stadium and Qwest Football Stadium are one of the best sporting facilities available in the country. Mariners Baseball team and Seahawk Football team are from Seattle. City offers three live stage theaters along with 30 motion picture screens and new symphony hall. One of the impressive programs I found was Metropolitan Improvement District –Maintenance Program, a team of 36 trash collectors known as Ambassadors on a mission to clean trash, remove graffiti to give neat and clean look to the city. There are 30 ambassadors for safety program, team patrol on foot and bike, aim is to provide directions to tourists and visitors and provide transit and bus direction.  One of the most interesting program I came across was “HAVE A HEART-GIVE SMART” an educational campaign that offers tips on how to respond to beggars while providing information to those in need. Seattle has various landscapes, one of the most prominent is the Space Needle, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks, and Smith Tower was the tallest building on the west coast completed n 1914. Other notable places are Pike Place Market, Fremont Troll, the Experience Music Project and Seattle Central Library.

I got to see Starbucks first ever outlet opened in Pike Place Market in 1971, store is still operating from its original location.

Seattle has been a regional center for the performing arts, century old Seattle Symphony Orchestra is among the worlds most recorded. Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet are also notable. The Seattle Aquarium has been open on the downtown waterfront since 1977. The Seattle Underground Tour, an exhibit of places that existed before the Great Fire, is also popular. One of my Pakistani-American friend took me around for outdoor recreation, I saw people walking around Green Lake, Discovery Park on the Downtown waterfront and Alki Beach in West Seattle. I also got to see hiking and skiing places in the nearby Cascade or Olympic Mountains. Sailing in waters of Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia would be fun activities. No wonder Seattle has received the crown of the fittest city in the United States. I had only few days to explore the city; I was completely sleepless to maximize every bit of time to explore the parts of amazing Seattle. I have truly fallen in love with Seattle.

US is not a Failure Shy Country

One of the interesting concepts that amazed me during my US trip was the concept of the acceptance of failure. I remember when I was in Tokyo, I came across stories related to suicide or Hara-kiri if one fails in life. Failure is not at all acceptable in Japanese society; it puts a lot of pressure on individuals to succeed. Recent economic crisis affected many businesses, a lot of companies have filed chapter 11 of bankruptcy. Organizations and people are determined to come up with better ideas, learn from mistakes and bounce back. There are thousands of ideas generated every year, very few succeed but idea generation process continues, failure does not deter idea generation process. I remember I visited an Incubator in Charlotte ‘North Carolina’, anyone has idea can start with one person organization from a place, having complete infrastructure ‘called incubator’. Experts are housed; provide free expert information to new businesses or entrepreneurs housed there. If an idea fails, entrepreneurs leave the incubators, they come back with better idea, and neither incubators nor banks discourage them. I was impressed, the way everyone responds to failure, it is a nation which is impressively not at all failure shy.

Volunteerism is the Beauty of Winning Societies

Volunteerism and collective efforts result in winning societies, it helps in achieving synergy. I found US, a country built by vigor of volunteerism, it is a country strengthened by non governmental organization. I came across range of think tank organizations, such as CATO, BROOKINGS, all striving to provide quality policy recommendations. I remember CATO published a full page advertisement, carrying the names of leading economists including noble laureate, giving feedback on Obama’s stimulus package. Brookings is also active in coming up with all kind of research and policy recommendations. These think tanks are all working as non profit organizations, aiming to strengthen US policy formulation.

Another interesting organization I came across was SCORE “Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide.. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.

SCORE's 11,200 volunteer counselors have more than 600 business skills. Volunteers are working or retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders who share their wisdom and lessons learned in business. America’s labor movement is interesting to focus, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions. I had an idea that union only focus on collective bargaining but AFL CIO impressed me, they enabled retired US marines to be part of US economy. They enabled them through imparting training programs and short courses. They have helped thousands, all voluntarily. One may disagree with US foreign policy but socio-economic foundation strengthened by the spirit volunteerism, teaches a lot of lessons to developing countries. A model of development one can not afford to ignore.

US is Diverse Yet United

If I sum up my perception of US society in one line I end up writing “US is diverse yet united”. One would say US is one of the most diverse nations, a global melting pot yet phenomenal unity. When I first landed in Washington DC, I found White, Black, Hispanic all around, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus; it was common to find Churches, Synagogue, Temples and Mosque. Then I went to Charlotte North Carolina, it is known to be biblical belt, churches all around, to me all of a sudden as if I landed on a conservative religious land. In the morning I could hear church bell sound, I spotted a huge mosque as well. It seemed religion really matters in that society, mostly German origin conservative immigrants. Then left for New York, a liberal east cost business district was logically cosmopolitan; it was just like any other big city. But when I landed on Mormon land Salt Lake City, UTAH then I realized that yes US is very very diverse and again question rose in my mind, what really makes it united. Utah State is conservative, religious Mormons is dominant religion, one is not allowed to order drinks without ordering food. Bars and restaurants have boards informing people about Utah law. I realized, is it the same liberal America or I am in a conservative Middle Eastern state. During the presentation at Governors office, with trade and economic related officials, it was amazed to get to know that each state compete in wooing or attracting the foreign direct investment. Charlotte trade promotion officials explained how Hollywood movie industry was attracted to come over and make movies in North Carolina through tax incentives. There are counties, which are completely dry ‘alcohol is not at all served’. During my last interaction in Seattle, I came to know US has not signed Kiyoto Protocol on Environment but Seattle is part of it. It was amazing to find diverse, competing, independent states, with diverse population ‘race, caste, creed’ economically compete with each other and the beauty was the UNITY under the flag of US. Small Balkanized multi ethnic states respond to small difference with violence, there are so many lessons one may learn from US to achieve unity in spite of diversity.

Wow; Foreign Language Learning Craze in US!!

My perception of US was narrow, I believed that people would be much inward focused, only interested in American way of life. My recent visit has completely changed my perception, when I visited a High School in Charlotte in North Caroline, I was surprised to see students speaking Chinese Mandarin language, and another student shared his stay in a remote village in Cambodia. Everyone is up for a new language and new international experience. Later I met an International Relations student at a home hospitality dinner in Salt Lake City Utah, she was fluent in Russian. I thought Salt Lake City would be the most inward looking city; however I was surprised to find out that it is one of the cities with the most international exposure and understanding of global culture. It was due to the missionary activities of Mormon’s, they spent couple of years in foreign culture to learn their language and culture so that religious message could easily be communicated. When I visited Temple Square in Salt Lake City, tour guide in every language were available, my friend KONG from China got a Chinese guide. International exposure is not helping only in missionary context but it has also attracted foreign direct investment. It seems there is a strong co relation in understanding the language and culture of foreign investors and the investment. Similarly, I came to know that Germans are the major investors in Charlotte North Caroline, simply because of the people in the area are of German origin. It seems language make a big difference in getting the ends meet. In my last week in US ‘Seattle’ I met an interesting person, she is now a friend, and she knew how to speak Persian, well versed with Persian literature, culture and history. She also inspired me, I am also thinking of taking up Persian or Spanish. No wonder US rules the world, simply because of greater understanding of global culture, issues, problems, opportunities and risks.

Hey IPod, Stop Causing Social Isolation!!

 I came across an interesting study published in The Washington Post, it says “Americans are far more socially isolated today than they were two decades ago, and a sharply growing number of people say they have no one in whom they can confide”. It further says “A quarter of Americans say they have no one with whom they can discuss personal troubles, more than double the number who were similarly isolated in 1985”. Experts believe that increased professional responsibilities, including working two or more jobs to make ends meet, and long commutes leave many people too exhausted to seek social -- as well as family -- connections: "Maybe sitting around watching 'Desperate Housewives' . . . is what counts for family interaction." However, during my interactions in US, I heard strong argument that electronic gadgets such as iPhone and iPod are also be blamed for social isolation. This argument was presented by our host during the home hospitality dinner in Salt Lake City Utah, he was of the opinion that if one notices, people are becoming self centered, highly individualities and selfish in nature. It is partly due to capitalistic economic system and partly due to electronic gadgets. An individual in metro or in bus may not prefer socializing with fellow commuters; instead prefer getting hooked to iPod or iPhone or any other gadget. People enjoy being with themselves instead of being part of social being. Argument is similar, usually presented during the gun control debate, pro gun lobby says its not gun that kills people its people who kill people. If I just relate it, argument would be, it is not gadget that makes people individualistic/socially isolated its people who prefer to be individualistic/socially isolated. On contrary, another aspect was also discussed, at the same time technology help people socializing; people prefer spending more time online to be with friends. To me facebook and other sites have helped me to get socially connected or rather expand my social network. Another argument may suggest that due to facebook and other online sites, people are forced to remain online at the cost of physical social interaction. Well to me it is an interesting debate; I fail to make up my mind, both arguments hold interesting weight. If gadgets mean minimization of social contact, shall we expect virtual sex in future instead of physical!!! Well, there are people discussing such possibilities!!!

Polygamy Porter “Why Have Just One” & Funny Delta Air

My International Visitors Program trip to US has been the most memorable, few of the funny experiences, I will never forget. Delta Air to me had been a boring personality, struggling with economic turmoil, stingy and cost cutting, and no food and even charging for the head phones for boring in flight entertainment. While flying from Charlotte North Carolina to Salt Lake City, it was bumpy and boring long four hour flight. No food was served, boring in flight entertainment, nearly everyone fall asleep. After few hours journey, the fun part started, the funny air hostesses and their announcements, such as “ Please turn off your hair dryers, if you are using” and also there were few front seat available in business class I heard announcement “ there are few seats available for the most beautiful lady traveling in economy class” Flight was bumpy, everyone was scared but announcement made everyone laugh, it says “if you did not like bumpy flight please forget that you are in Delta, rather you are traveling in Airline 9999”. Flight was extremely bumpy and announcement came “please make sure everyone is wearing seatbelt”, attendant further says, “Come on I can not come down in bumpy flight all way to check your seatbelts, please check yourself and the person sitting next to you” I found Delta a funny, friendly and jolly personality, making people laugh. Another interesting thing about Salt Lake City ‘SLC’ Utah was the hilarious Polygamy Porter beer; I was surprised to see SLC is partially a dry state. One can not have more than one beer without ordering food. The other day we went to shopping outlet mall and ended up having dinner at Thai Foon restaurant. I ordered a funny beer its called POLYGAMY PORTER with tag line “Why Just Have One!” It actually refers to Mormon culture, having two wives used to be part of life ‘law doesn’t allow today’.

The Polygamy Porter was tasty. It is only 4% alcohol so it would take the whole 6 pack to get any serious buzz.

The main label proclaims “Why Have Just One?”. Across the neck label it says “Bring some home for the wives” and in small print they claim their motto has always been “We drink our share and sell the rest”.

I also found few t shirts with tagline “ I can share my men but not my beer”. Wasatch Beer ‘that produces Polygamy Porter’ has long satirized the Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) culture with its advertising. Previous Reagan billboards for Wasatch featured the buxom blond namesake for St. Provo Girl Pilsner and catchphrases “Baptize your taste buds,” “Serving the local faithful” and “Oh, my heck.”

Polygamy porter is one of the most hilarious products I have ever come across.