What Is Off Limits To Criticize Women About?

 Limit to criticize is an interesting topic shared by Rich Santos. He tries to explain the limits one should talk about and a list one should stay away. Here is an interesting list shared by Rich.

Weight

There is no friendly way for a guy to tell a girl that she's put on weight. Even if there was a friendly way, most of the women Rich Santos talked to about it said they would not want to hear it from a guy. It seems obvious, but not all guys know this. Interesting suggestion is, if someone is really desperate to make a suggestion, maybe tell one of her female friends to do it on your behalf.

Outfit

Someone thinks that he is only allowed to say someone generally looks nice, or one likes her shirt or whatever. Getting too detailed or negative may get you in trouble.

I came across an interesting fact that women dress more to impress other women anyway, and not guys. Basically, one needs to stick to "you look great" and leave it there..

Friends/Family

We've all interacted people with annoying friends. But, people consider their friends as extensions of themselves so if you criticize friends, you're criticizing your significant other indirectly. Its better to avoid criticizing friends or family.

Driving

Every guy thinks he's a better driver than his girlfriend or female friend. When it comes to driving it is good to have "no comment" policy.

Rich Santos believes that “I can't stand not to give my opinion to women, even when it's bad. I want to learn the things I should hold off from criticizing about women. Do you agree with the items above? What do you hate being criticized about by guys”

Lastly I simply apologize to my female friends I had been talking about the outfit lately. Next time I wont do it, and avoid talking about weight thing as well :P

Inspiring Sami Yusaf's Message of Love

Lately i came across an interesting multilingual song of Sami Yusaf. He is inspirational in his singing and spreading the message of love and peace.

Are We Living in the Age of Bullets & Ideas!!!!

A University Professor from Balochistan believes that we are living in the age of bullets and ideas, sharing his thoughts with a friend and it is so profound yet true. Since childhood i had been taught that ideas are powerful than bullets, as i grew up, I witnessed that bullets are powerful enough to silence brilliant minds and ideas. During 16th century, one of the philosophers ‘Machiavelli’ advised to Italian king in his book Prince, that power is reality rest doesn’t matter. Those were the dark ages in Europe but today when I look around I simply say power realism is the order of the day. I still believe that ideas have enormous power, since they form the frame of our understanding of the world, inform our beliefs and drive our behaviors. Great ideas are so profound and frame-shaking that they quickly topple many of the things we believe, and transform our worldviews, our values and hence our actions. I still believe that we need more great ideas, and a deeper understanding of how and when they transform our understanding, our culture, what we do and who we are. There are two best known cases when great ideas were not accepted like Galileo’s discovery and Darwin's model of the evolution of all life so threatened the orthodoxy of ideas that to this day, centuries later, religious fanatics remain in denial about its validity, and try to deprive it of its credibility by calling a 'theory' rather than 'truth'. Looking back socially, there are people in Pakistan come up with better ideas for making a difference in the lives of people; they share new form of relationship between state and its people. Ideas focus on State ensuring the welfare of people and acting like a father further ensuring the socio-economic and political rights of people.

 On the other hand we see ideas generated on political platform for better tomorrow are simply washed away with the power of bullets, be it Balochistan or any other part of the country. Religious minorities are silenced in the name of blasphemy; peaceful gatherings or processions are threatened with suicide bombs, hotels are attacked, mosques are bombed, even girls schools are not spared, people are forcefully kidnapped, tortured in the name of national security and at times political voice is silenced with the power of bullet. Hope emerges, when I see people coming up with better ideas for tomorrow and better future for all of us living in Pakistan.

Sub Saharan Africa Please Don’t Smile, Pakistan is a Nuclear Power!!!

Eighteen people died in a stampede in Karachi during free distribution of food item ‘AATA’, most of them were women and children. Sub Saharan Africa is one of the poorest regions in the world; people back there are smiling on events unfolding in Pakistan. They believe that they suffer food crisis and do not have basic facility such as health care, education and safe drinking water because of resource constraints but when they see Pakistan they simply give a smile and raise their eyebrows. Pakistan has one of the richest agriculture with vast Indus delta, yet we are fighting for basic needs such as food and safe drinking water. Food riots and death of hundreds due to water born diseases is a common story in Pakistan. At times I wonder what the corollaries of a failed state are. It reminds me of the story of declining Soviet Empire, on the one hand high military and space power of state was present and on the other hand people were standing in queue for hours for bread. countries buy more guns than butter, resultantly fail to face socio-economic volcano and disintegrate just like former Soviet Union.

States have choices either to buy gun or butter, unfortunately Pakistan is a nuclear power, yet an ordinary person is struggling with basic needs such as food, safe drinking water, education and basic healthcare. On the one had Pakistan challenges emerging Indian economic prowess with military muscles, intervene in Afghanistan, eyeing on building in house unmanned planes and drones. It simply reminds me of last days of declining and fragile Soviet Empire.

Pakistan has two choices either to be a National Security State or a Social Security State, but unfortunately it has opted for National Security. I usually see people in the media talking about Nuclear Weapon, gone to a level that Paksitan will eat grass but will not compromise on military muscles. Let me simplify, out of every Rs 100, around Rs 50 goes to debt repayment, Rs 25 to military, Rs 20 for salaries etc and Rs 5 is left for 180 million people. No wonder Sub Saharan Africa smiles on Nuclear Pakistan !!!! 

Bullets Sprayed on Innocent Shahnaz, A Baloch School Teacher!!! BBC Urdu Riaz Suhail (9th Sep 09)

On last Sunday FC firing wounded many; Ms Shahnaz was also one of them. Shahnaz is from a remote town of Balochistan known as MAND, it was her first ever participation in public gathering held in TUMP. She didn’t know that first ever step to be part of gathering would pose grave danger to her life. On Sunday, Frontier Constabulary opened fire in TUMP, wounded Ms Shahnaz; she was attending the Soyam “Memorial gathering on 3rd day of death” of young poet Mir Jan Meeral at TUMP High School, Meeral was killed by FC few days back. Shahnaz explains, men, women and children were attending peaceful gathering and listening to Balochi poetry, all of sudden peaceful gathering turned into blood bath. FC surrounded the High School building and entered, neither they asked people to leave or end the gathering instead they baton charged indiscriminatingly and sprayed bullets.

Shahnaz further shared, that her 20 year old cousin received bullets and fell down, she ran away towards him but ended up receiving bullet on her neck. Women took her to TUMP hospital, doctors gave her initial treatment then she was taken to Turbat Hospital and then to Karachi. During this indiscriminate firing, Shahnaz’s cousin a 10th grade student Mukhtar Baloch was killed and her father Abdul Rehman was injured. Shahnaz is a primary school teacher at Former Federal Education Minister Ms Zubeda Jalal’s school, received bullet on her neck, she tells that she can not move her right hand and arm, using oxygen mask and going through extreme pain.

When I asked her, what made her to participate in socio-political gathering, she said, Baloch are not getting their economic rights for example Balochistan provide gas to rest of the country but people in Balochistan are still using Iranian LPG gas cylinders, at times it costs them Rs 1,000 to 1,500. Shahnaz’s father Abdul Rehman Rind believes that his life has turned bleak, young daughter is on death bed, his nephew; he raised him like his own son was killed. But I feel satisfied that my nephew died for the country, his crime was that he was part of peaceful gathering. Abdul Rehman shows his wounded back, he said, FC attacked them as if they were attacking the enemy forces. Abdul Rehman owns a Dumper Truck, for Shahnaz, he sold his land, he explains that in Turbat Hospital, even they are not equipped to treat Malaria so he had to bring Shahnaz to Karachi. Rehman protests that peaceful gathering is our democratic right; even after this brutal attack he will never stop his kids to attend any sociopolitical gathering.

“This report was published on 9th Sept 09 on BBC URDU Web by Riaz Suhail”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/2009/09/090909_shehnaz_sen.shtml

9/11 Still Haunts!!!! US Can Buy Peace But Road Goes Through Pakistan!!!

Today is September 11, every year, this day haunt us, and reminds us the brutal damage inflicted by cruel terrorists. It was 2001 when there were a series of coordinated attack by so called Al Qaeda on US. Hijacking two commercial passenger jet airliners and crashing them into twin towers of WTC in New York City and third one was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. There were no survivors from any of the flight. In total 2,993 including hijackers died in the attacks. NYC ‘The Big Apple’, I love the city, it has its own aura, one of the busiest cities in the US. Arlington in Virginia reminds me of beautiful Pentagon Mall in Pentagon City, right across DC. Terrorist inflicted the damage to the symbols of the success of US economic as well as military power. Every sane person condemns the killing of innocent people but deep down one thought haunts me. Why did they choose to attack US? To find out the answer, I had to refresh the cold memories through various text books. Soviet communism was confronted by US and allies every where, be it Latin America, Asia or Africa. Muslim Jehadi’s were developed by US, Saudi and Pakistan nexus to fight the bad guy “communism”. Well, a monster was created, without realizing that snakes do not differentiate between masters and others, they are born to bite, so are religious extremists. Once the Afghan war theater ended, the Jihad & Company recruits were left behind on the barren land of Afghanistan. Drug money and proxy government support was available. After the demise of Soviet Union, a new enemy was found in the form of West and US. They were bound to attack US, the creator of Jihadi’s during cold war. Well, it was imperative for the strategic interests of US to fight the Soviet expansionism in the region through aligning with a lesser evil but major mistake was leaving the mess after the Soviet withdrawal of Afghanistan.

Well, the mess is getting so out of control that now has its reach to cosmopolitan Europe to America; it is the responsibility of International Community to clean up the cold war mess, affecting everyone. Everyone knows that Pakistani state is fragile and unstable, presence of Taliban in Afghanistan and in Pakistan, pose a great threat and one should not forget that Pakistan is a nuclear power. In general Pakistani society is moderate, simply against any form of extremism. It is also imperative for US to address the root cause of extremism in Afghanistan as well as in Pakistan. Poverty and state negligence at grass level is helping extremists to recruit suicide attackers to fighters. US should spend on infrastructure development and poverty alleviation to buy peace and progress for the region as well as for US and world at large. Enlightened Pakistanis do not forget that in the past 'in post 9/11' over USD 7 billion support was provided to army; extremism has increased instead of decreasing. It is imperative for US to focus on people, avoid corrupt Government in spending the development funds or aid. US-AID along with NGOs, District Government and partly with Government 'with strong cehcks' can effectively spend the money for long lasting social implications. Let us make people interested in living than dyeing !!.

Don't Tell My Mother That I am in Pakistan !!

Don't Tell My Mother That I am in Pakistan is the title of revealing National Geographic documentary on Pakistan. It is about the hidden, unseen and unheard aspect of Pakistani society, i would rather say a journey to under-ground Pakistan. Whenever I travel abroad and interact with people, when they hear about Pakistan, only terror and Taliban related thoughts come in mind. It is not their fault because media only reports the negative aspect of Pakistani society. National Geographic team visits the sex toy product manufacturing factory in Pakistan, it was surprising to see sex products manufacturing facility in conservative and deeply religious Pakistani society. There are few people who may object but liberal and educated Pakistanis do not have problem as long as these products are not publicly marketed in Pakistan. Overall attitude is tolerant and it may surprise those who believe that Pakistan is a stone age society fueled with extremism.  

Next story shows a dance party where girls and guy dancing and drinking freely on the beach. National Geographic guy interviews dancing and drinking couples and was surprised to see the hidden parts of Pakistan, where people live life, have fun and free to choose whatever is acceptable to their value system. In general Pakistani masses are touchy about sex, dancing and drinking and it is considered taboo, if any girl indulges into dancing, smoking or drinking , she would end up carrying social stigma. I always question, to me, in general, our society has double standards, people lie, evade taxes, back bite, corruption, electricity theft, you name it, most of the nerve wrecking practices one could imagine are part of our society. If we get a traffic ticket, we wont mind bribing and do all above without feeling shame. Civilized societies prosper on the basis of ethical behavior, however morality is debatable subject. In our society, we put ethics aside and focus on morality mainly revolves around controlling women and socio-sexual behavior. Instead of social policing, it is the need of the hour to debate and discuss ethics and morality with rationale mindset for social progress.

Hope sanity prevails !!!

Smokers’ Corner: Democracy’s last stand

Nadeem F. Paracha Sunday, 30 Aug, 2009 DAWN  During the tail-end of the first Benazir Bhutto government, a series of ads stormed the pages of the leading newspapers. These were professionally designed ‘anti-corruption’ ads pinpointing the areas where they claimed the Bhutto government was involved in practising fraud. The ads were said to be released by ‘concerned citizens’, even though soon it became clear that it was the work of a bunch of businessmen, industrialists and Ziaul Haq loyalists in the ISI and the media. Even though there is evidence to prove this — starting with the confession of the former ISI chief, Hamid Gul, that his agency bankrolled the anti-PPP political alliance, the Islami Jamhoori Ithehad (IJI) in 1988 — there was also evidence to show that the first Benazir government was marred by corruption. However, those bemoaning corruption at the time forgot to mention, rather purposefully, that corruption was very much part and parcel of the legacy left behind by the 11-year dictatorship. The Benazir regime’s main failing was not corruption alone; it was more its failure to put into practice policies that could have checked and neutralised the deep-seated culture of corruption it had inherited. The press, due to the dictatorship’s many curbs, was left fighting dictatorship on a more macro, ideological level; the relative freedom that it got after Zia’s death made it go all micro now that it was able to name names. The press was right in doing so as the watchdog of society, but what was missed in the process was the fact that corruption scandals that suddenly erupted in newspapers and magazines were really not broken by objective reporters. This was the beginning of a dangerous trend in which only those journalists who were said to have had dubious connections with intelligence agencies were able to get the best of most crackling stories—a practice that still holds true. Again, evidence is ripe, but it is also true that though much of the rancour was aimed at the two Benazir Bhutto governments, backed by the opposition led by Nawaz Sharif and the Jamat-i-Islami, it came back to bite Sharif himself during his second stint as prime minister. By 1999 counter-democratic forces — politicised intelligence agencies and their lackeys in the industrialist/ business communities, political clergy and sections of the media — seemed to have decided that they had built the ground for democracy’s toppling, good enough to even send their once darling democrat, Nawaz Sharif, packing and bring back the normative fold of dictatorship. A sudden eruption again in the media (mostly electronic) of various incidents of corruption (though not always incorrect), and a new set of buzzwords echoing in drawing-rooms, such as ‘minus-one formula,’ is reflective of the itch felt by counter-democracy forces. The electronic media has become explosively popular. However, it has yet to really come of age. It remains somewhat anarchic and thus continues to offer windows of opportunities to elements reflecting frustration among sections of society that refuse to tolerate even a year of populist democracy. Funny thing is, for a year since the 2008 elections, these elements were cheering their former client, Nawaz Sharif, but since his reaction to the stinging he got in 1999 still seems to be fresh, suddenly he too has now come under the fold of the ‘eternally corrupt’ and ‘incompetent’ right, alongside President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani. No matter how loud the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly shouts, there is no doubt that the Sharif brothers now believe that they too are on the same boat as Zardari and Gilani, and indeed the ANP and MQM. What is being ignored by the cynics is that, perhaps for the first time ever, nearly all democratic parties in parliament are on the same page as far as their understanding of Pakistan’s recent political history is concerned. This is owing to their understanding that each one of them will be a loser when certain counter-democratic moves are set afoot by exploiting the differences and grudges among them. This is a refreshing phenomenon. It can be the main spoiler for counter-democratic forces bouncing between non-parliamentary parties and individuals, even patronising certain media men in their desperate move to send democracy packing — because the system breeds corruption. Rational observers must remind themselves that there will be corruption, scandals, some good things and disasters during a lifetime of a democratic set-up. Action in this respect should be reformist not Bonapartist. Criticism should not bear the tone of a demagogue advocating government’s toppling, but that of a conscientious reformist. The final decision must be left with voters. Let them decide when the time comes who or what was good or bad. The public’s right to effect change must not be handed over to a loud group of journalists, intelligence agencies, politicians with little following, mullahs and businessmen.

Who, Me!!!…Not Mugged Yet; Are You Sure You Live In Karachi!!!!!!

I hardly know any of my friends, who have not been mugged on the streets of Karachi. Every person has his or her terrifying story; the feeling of insecurity is the order of the day.

You go on shopping you get mugged, you stop on signal you get mugged, you visit someone you get mugged, you walk on street you get mugged, if your car broke, you get mugged…..there are so many situations I can go on and on. I was mugged yesterday on Main Shahrah e Faisal, lost my brand new Blackberry Curve along with few thousand bucks & It was my third such encounter in Karachi.

Feeling of insecurity leads to stress and it is one of the most common commodities produced in Pakistan. People, surroundings, society, politics, economy, media etc everything add their bit of contribution. The by product of stress is the social abnormality all around. Posttraumatic stress disorder (abbreviated PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to one or more traumatic events that threatened or caused great physical harm. It is a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to an extreme psychological trauma. Safety is one of the basic needs, no one denies, living life with feeling of insecurity creates extreme level of stress disorder. Many of us living in Karachi must be going through same, but compromised to live with it. Lately one of my friends house was robbed twice, she lost her life long work and over thousands of precious pictures stored on Laptop. One of my friends husband was made hostage in his car and finally was mugged, leaving him in trauma. Other colleague also lost his blackberry on a bridge on main Shahrah e Faisal “its like Broad Way of Karachi’. Helplessness, fear, chaos, lack of governance is creating extreme abnormal behavior. Whole Karachi is engulfed with fear and insecurity, we are just living each day. Everyday on one side thoughts of leaving Pakistan occupies mind, on the other had career, family and friends stops. Whole nation is robbed, we are mugged directly on streets, indirectly by state, bureaucracy, military, police, politicians, cleric , you name it. At times I feel, an animal living in Namibian Jungle would feel more freedom than a common person living in Pakistan.

How Much is Too Much??? No Affection in Public!!!

Showing affection and love in Public is taboo, that’s what many people believe, in our society it’s considered criminal. If a couple on Clifton beach in Karachi, tries to smooch, get close, hold hands, sit next to each other and see in the eyes, they may be inviting the risk of public and police harassment. Police may intervene and end up asking for Nikahnama ‘Marriage Certificate’!!! Such a sad society we live in , one can not show his or her affection, smallest bit of love, just holding hands makes people raise their eyebrows.

I fail to understand, how much is too much. Other day I had interesting discussion, few friends lament that they, at times feel like holding their loved one’s ‘wife or girl friend’ hand in public but everyone raises their eyebrows. My friends support public display of affection saying “Life is all about love, affection and small gesture makes a big difference”.

On the other hand, there are people who believe that seriously, what is cool about displaying affection in public? Is it not supposed to be something private and intimate? Why do some couples insist on sharing it with the entire world? One may agree that public display of affection starts with, a mother, holding her son and ending with two people making out. Most of the people still think about display in sexual way. Let me ask a question, what is wrong in holding hands for a while, a hug or a quick kiss and it depends how much is too much.

Very interesting discussion, I never knew, my married Pakistani friends miss so much displaying their affection to their wives or loved ones in public. They envy whenever they travel abroad. I guess cultural norms and values are not infinite, it is time to re-look and get comfortable with nature. We are humans, there should not be any harm in taking every chance to mean a little more to a person we love.

Of a Young Baloch Man

 YAAR Jaan, a proud Baloch from Buleda village, near Turbat, has recently completed his BS in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering and Technology. He did that in style standing first in the final year examinations. He got two gold medals; one for Best academic performance and the other for Best Overall Performance. I had the privilege to interview Yaar Jan for a job. Here is what I learnt about him. Realizing the amount of effort that he had put in to achieve what he has achieved, my first question was, “What was the driving forced behind all this ?” His answer was no less surprising than his academic record. He wanted to do something which will make his father and his village proud and he realized that the only way to achieve his objective was to get education. Key to education was English language and at a very young age he decided that must learn English. He went to a school in Turbat and remained there till Class VIII. He had to get out of Turbat to study further. He came to Karachi and joined a school in Lyari, his resources would not permit anything else. He passed his metric examinations in flying colors which enabled him to get admission in DJ Science College. He was selected for admission in LUMS, However, he knew that business education was not his cup of tea; he must study science and technology. He applied for admission in GIK and got selected there too. Based on his record he got merit based tuition waiver scholarship from government of Balochistan. He has recently completed a 10 week internship in Corrosion and Energy Storage Materials Laboratory in South Korea. Yaar Jan has not restricted himself to books and studies; he takes part in other activities as well. He got selected for President’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, GIK chapter, and was also selected as the general secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Higher Education in Pakistan. He organized electrical engineering conference and educational expositions at GIK. He was the only undergraduate to present a technical paper at the sixth International Conference on Applied Science and Technology held at Bhurban and participated in a six day Young Leaders Conference held in Lahore. Yaar Jaan has not only made his fathers and village proud, he has made all of us proud. He is the future of Buleda, the future of Balochistan and the future of Pakistan. Balochistan, please send more Yaar Jaans, we need them. ‘Zara nam ho to yeh mitti bahut zarkhez hai saaqui’ It was published in Daily Dawn Opinion section on 23rd August 09, written by Mr S Nayyar Iqbal Raza from Karachi.

Obama’s Ramadan Message; Positive & Promising

As a Muslim, when I saw Obama’s Ramadan Kareem message it reminded me of his powerful Cairo speech. Reaching out to Muslims, burying past, promising a better tomorrow and beginning with the process of better understanding through listening and reaching out.

Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar, a time to practice patience and modesty, pray extra and refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn until sunset.

When he says “On behalf of the American people – including Muslim communities in all 50 states – I want to extend best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world. Ramadan Kareem”, we as Muslims feel that these words have deep meaning; it shows that US is moving forward and genuinely trying to understand and bridge the gaps between Muslims & US or West.

He also reminds the importance of the month, our responsibilities as human being to one another, he says “Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, beginning with a simple word – iqra. It is therefore a time when Muslims reflect upon the wisdom and guidance that comes with faith, and the responsibility that human beings have to one another and to God”.

It is generally believed that religion ‘Islam’ breeds hatred and terrorism, however, Obama shares that “These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings. On political front, Iraq withdrawal is already welcomed by Muslim world, however US engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan is much needed to wipe out common enemy. Obama’s promise towards the isolation of violent extremists through empowering people is very positive and promising for regional peace, leading to global harmony. Occasional ceremonial communiqué with Muslim World, have deep impact, it defeats the cynics and more concrete steps towards better understanding is much needed at faster pace. This would help us in getting rid of common enemy, it is not only a plague for Muslim world but for human civilization at large. I hope we may see more concrete steps towards learning from each other, respecting to one another and seeking common grounds.

I am sure; America can be a partner with 1.5 bill Muslims around the world, as per the Muslim World’s aspiration.

Shah Rukh Khan Detained in US; Have Heart Homeland Security !!!

Shah Rukh Khan’s detention at US airport sparked anger among the followers of mega Indian super star. Shah Rukh felt angry and humiliated after he was detained and questioned for couple of hours at Newark Airport in US.

People believe that a mega star had to go through such a hassle because his name is Khan and he is a Muslim. Such thoughts signal the racial and religious discrimination against Muslims.

Obama’s recent speech to Muslims world, calling for new beginning, connecting with positive vigor to fight distrust among Muslims vis a vis US.

Present leadership honestly wants to do away with past policies of Bush Admn, mainly discriminatory in nature towards Muslims.

Lately I came across few movies, New York and other one is Khuda Kay Liye, both critically highlight the discrimination of US security agencies towards Muslims.

 One may urge Homeland Security to have heart and support Obama’s vision through removing biases towards Muslims, esp when it comes to airport security.

I found ordinary Americans, very very friendly, 9/11 nightmare is still fresh in their memories but there is hardly any discrimination. Muslims along with other ethnic groups are at leading positions, even in the government.

I have deep love for the country and people; I met amazing American home hospitality dinners, never felt as if I am a Muslim, may face discrimination, but always received with open arms, hugs and kisses.

Shah Rukh’s detention at Newark, reminds me of my flight from Newark to North Carolina, airport security is tight ‘it should be’, it was the only airport I had to go through red zone, but intense security with a smile did not make me feel bad.

I lament Homeland Securitys' attitude towards an Indian mega start due to his name and religion is extremely appalling.

It is time to bury the past and move on with new beginning, it requires an open heart, suspicions need to be buried, and one should understand that every Muslim is not a terrorist.

Hope Obama’s vision translates into action; hope Homeland security understands what it means when Obama was calling Muslims in Egypt.

One of the leading global news agency headquartered in UK (Reuters) also posted my current blog link on the great debate article on its web........ ( go to http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate-in/2009/08/16/did-indians-overreact-to-shah-rukh-khan-being-questioned/ The incident sparked uproar among Khan’s fans in India, who vented their anger over the Internet and in protest marches) click on hyperlink over the internet.... text

PS:

1) Same blog has been published on US State Deptt International Social Network so that healty discussion could take place "http://connect.state.gov/profiles/blogs/shah-rukh-khan-detained-in-us"

2) Also look at Times of India debate Is the US unduly harsh to those with Muslim names? "http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/debates/Is-the-US-unduly-harsh-to-those-with-Muslim-names/debateshow/4896843.cms"