Ben Tanoborn We are just a decade-short from a century since Balliol College (Oxford) introduced interdisciplinary studies in philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) as a modern alternative to the study of the Classics. Academic programs in much of the world, adopting the granting of degrees which combined the study of these three fields, have been slowly discarding … [Read more...]
Pattie Mallette Refused to Abort her Son Justin Bieber
Clemente Ferrer “I only knew that I couldn’t. I just knew that I had to keep him and do everything as best as I could. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but what I did know was that I couldn’t, that I couldn’t abort. I had to give the best of myself. I had to see what could be done. And I was willing to do what needed to be done.” From her will power, it was obvious … [Read more...]
Do You Know the History of the Afghani Currency?
The history of a country is more often than not represented also by the many twists and turns that its national currency must endure, as well. When the country is also racked by decades of turmoil, economic strife, and foreign occupations, the stories become entwined even deeper still. Afghanistan is one nation where this correlation has been more pronounced, but, hopefully, … [Read more...]
Letter from General Aslam Beg
From: General Mirza Aslam Beg Subject: Supreme Court Judgment on ACM Asghar Khan’s Petition Last night, talking to the ARY TV Channel’s programme “Eleventh Hour”, I said that after appointing Lt Gen M. Asad Durrani as Ambassador to Germany, an Affidavit was obtained from him, naming the politicians, alleged to have received the money from ISI, in … [Read more...]
Letter from General Aslam Beg — Urdu Version
Increased intolerance of Christians in Christian countries
Clemente Ferrer “The bishops of Europe are especially aware of the manifestations of discrimination and intolerance of religion confirm that some values and rights that are fundamental to Europe are far from a reality in some countries on the continent,” said Catholic Bishop András Veres of Szombathely, Hungary, in a comment on a 2011 report in Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore … [Read more...]
Romney Champions the Rich, Obama Champions… No One
Ben Tanosborn A model nation for democracy, is that what we claim to be? My guess is that many political scientists would place the US as democracy’s anti-model, not exactly the nation to emulate. For starts, here we are more than three weeks before Election Day (November 6) and people are already casting ballots in some states. Not that it should matter much, some would … [Read more...]
Unfair subcontracting in Afghanistan: who pays?
Najib Manalai Mohamed Said Fellag, an Algerian humorist, displays in one of his shows a young Algerian embraces the Catholic faith to marry his Swiss lover. During the christening ceremony the priest pours water on him and converts him from Muslim to Catholic. Later, his wife asks him to buy some fish for a Friday lunch. The new convert buys a chicken, pours water on it and … [Read more...]
“Devil” destroys Buddhist History in Bangladesh
Dear Editor, I am a Buddhist citizen of Bangladesh writing on recent riot that was happened on 29th September in Ramu, and other places. I pray and hope that you would be kind enough to publish this article in your news paper and give us chance to send our voice to the world. Thanking you on behalf of the people of Ramu, Bangladesh. Shirupan Barua. “Devil” destroys Buddhist … [Read more...]
“Devising A Robust Defence Policy” – SSCD
General Mirza Aslam Beg, Former Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan The Senate Standing Committee on Defence (SSCD) is presently engaged in “devising a robust defense policy, aimed at making policy guidelines for the parliamentarians”, with three objectives in mind. One, to review current issues pertaining to defense; Two, to determine mandatory changes to the defense policy, Three, … [Read more...]
A Pakistani in an Afghan Hospital
Jamil Omar Outside the snow had been falling thick and fast for the past three days, inside we were closeted in an overheated apartment with diminishing oxygen. Around midnight I felt myself drifting into Fairy Meadows - a condition first experienced during a high altitude trek around the Fairy Meadows. I tossed about a bit, tried sitting up, took long breaths but nothing … [Read more...]
What the new Romney slogan SHOULD be
Don Ciesielski Use of catch phrases/statements are effective – I want to give mine a try with the campaign. Obama used "Yes We Can" in his run up in 2008. In a statement we can remind voters that the promised "Yes We Can" turned into A "No We Didn't" with the Obama team because his lack of experience and a team that didn't understand job creation along with an ideology that … [Read more...]
Person-centered healthcare and Alzheimer’s: What does it mean?
Dr. Ethelle G. Lord Long-term care facilities always promote their person-centered healthcare services. Do you know what it is and does your loved one actually receive person-centered care? How do the providers know if they are delivering person-centered care? How do system managers know where they can improve the quality of care? In the case of a person living with … [Read more...]
The RAP Vote: Alternative to TweedleBar’k and TweedleMitt
Ben Tanosborn Well, the second half of the quadrennial political charade is over, Pres. Barack Obama making his case for a second term in office before a friendly audience of militant Democrats at the convention in Charlotte. Tongue-in-arm Joe Biden, likely to be held accountable for his “America’s best days are ahead of us” remark, introduced the POTUS to give his acceptance … [Read more...]
The RAP Vote: Alternative to Lack of Acceptable Choices
Ben Tanosborn Almost half a millennium ago, Montaigne, in his wisdom, was telling us that “sometimes it is a good choice not to choose at all.” [Essays III.ix]. He could have been addressing what would eventually be American democracy, its captive politics, and the fantasy that voters are making a meaningful choice when casting their ballots for either Tweedledum or … [Read more...]
Green-on-Blue incidents in Afghanistan: Answer from Inside
Najib Manalai During the first few months of 2012, more than 40 NATO soldiers have been killed by the Afghan National Security Forces personnel in around 32 incidents. From 2007 to 2011, 58 alliance military personnel have been killed in 26 such incidents. The rise in number of these incidents is a cause of concern for Afghan and NATO military officials. General Martin … [Read more...]
Основные моменты визита Президента Таджикистана в Туркменистан
Анализ nCa Ашгабат, 28 августа 2012 (nCa — Президент Таджикистана Эмомали Рахмон посетил Туркменистан 22-24 августа 2012 года. Это был очень важный визит, с тяжело нагруженно повесткой дня. В самом деле, «тяжело нагруженный» является точным описанием в данном случае, в результате чего в уме возникает образ тяжело нагруженного судна, лишь менее половины которого видна … [Read more...]
Landmark visit of Tajik president to Turkmenistan
nCa Analysis Ashgabat, 27 August 2012 (nCa) --- President Emomali Rahmon visited Turkmenistan, 22-24 August 2012. It was an important visit, built around a heavily laden agenda. In fact, ‘heavily laden’ is an apt description in this case, bringing to mind the image of a heavily laden ship, only less than half of which is visible to the eye. The summit talks between the … [Read more...]
Characteristics of the Alzheimer’s Trinity in Healthcare: Hard work, Teamwork, and Dealing with Adversity
Dr. Ethelle G. Lord I am witnessing more and more the Alzheimer’s trinity in healthcare is like a battlefield. Management is pushing hard work with a skeleton crew with inadequate teamwork preparation and formation. This leaves the matter of dealing with adversity out on a limb most of the time and too often resulting in needless suffering for individuals living with … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: Information on women’s prison, juvenile detention centre, other matters
Ashgabat, 7 August 2012 (nCa) — The foreign ministry of Turkmenistan arranged Monday a briefing for the local and foreign media. The purpose was to acquaint the journalists with the contents of the legislative bills and resolutions recently passed by the parliament of Turkmenistan. Senior officials (deputy ministers, heads of department) from the parliament, the foreign … [Read more...]
Туркменистан: информация о тюрьмах женщин, несовершеннолетних СИЗО, другие вопросы
Ашгабат, 7 августа 2012 (nCa) — Министерство иностранных дел Туркменистана провело в понедельник брифинг для местных и зарубежных СМИ. Целью брифинга стало ознакомление журналистов с содержанием законопроектов и постановлений, принятых парламентом Туркменистана в ходе недавней сессии. В ходе брифинга с докладами выступили высокопоставленные должностные лица … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan: Case for using intellectual property to increase GDP
What we are presenting here is not just an article; it is a key that can unlock the door to prosperity in the entire Central Asia region. We are grateful to Dr. Hanno Schaumburg and Dr. Peter Fearon for this. Ed. Introduction Prof. em. Dr. Hanno Schaumburg, Hamburg University of Technology, Germany h.schaumburg@tu-harburg.de In his remarkable presentation on June 13, 2012, … [Read more...]
A small feud with BP
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 30 July 2012 (nCa) --- BP conducted a presentation in Ashgabat on 16 July 2012 in connection with the launching of the latest edition of its Statistical Review. This proved to be an opportunity to confront BP on its duplicitous practices. This is the first time that the BP Statistical Review acknowledges a figure that is closer to the actual gas … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s Friendly Healthcare Workforce: Tips on Treating an Alzheimer’s Patient
Dr. Ethelle G. Lord Long-term inpatient care is a reality with many baby-boomers living with Alzheimer’s. We know a cure is really not just around the corner for Alzheimer’s, it seems reasonable to find better ways for our health care workforce, including doctors in the emergency rooms and hospital staff, to strive to integrate various sub-specialties, address future trends … [Read more...]
UN Alliance of Civilizations – Fostering Innovation through Apps and Games
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Wants to Foster Innovation through Apps and Games Promoting Intercultural Dialogue The UNAOC launches Create UNAOC 2012, a global competition organized with MIT Education Arcade and Learning Games Network; International Partners include Global Voices, Fundazione Mondo Digitale, Voice of America, ICT for Peace, John Lennon … [Read more...]
4-й Инвестиционный Форум Туркменистана
4-й Инвестиционный Форум Туркменистана организован Торгово-промышленной палатой Туркменистана и компанией SummitTradeEventsLtd (Великобритания). Это мероприятие инициировано Президентом Туркменистана в 2009 году и проводится при поддержке правительства Туркменистана и Кабинета Министров. Форум состоится 17-19 октября 2012 года в бизнес - центре «Мизан» в Ашхабаде, … [Read more...]
4th Turkmenistan Investment Forum
4th Turkmenistan Investment Forum is organised by Chamber of Commerce of Turkmenistan and Summit Trade Events Ltd (UK). This event is initiated by the President of Turkmenistan in 2009 and supported by the government of Turkmenistan and the Cabinet of Ministers. Forum will take place on 17-19 October 2012 at Mizan Conference Centre in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The aim of the … [Read more...]
Eurozone crisis impact spreads further east
EBRD softens forecasts further as Russia revised down The negative impact of the eurozone crisis on emerging Europe is spreading further east as lower global demand is feeding through to lower commodity prices and generally lower risk appetite. These are now having a negative impact, particularly on Russia, according to the EBRD’s latest economic outlook. The EBRD’s … [Read more...]
Important information for students going to USA under exchange programme
nCa Report Ashgabat, 23 July 2012 (nCa) --- For the young students traveling alone for the first time, it is a big leap into the unknown when they leave home for a year of study in the United States, and stay with a family they never met before. All kinds of things can happen out there when the students are disconnected from their familiar support system of family, friends … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Airlines launches in-flight magazine
Turkmenistan Airlines is proud to announce the launch of their first in-flight magazine, ‘Lachyn’, meaning Falcon in the Turkmen language. The magazine will be published quarterly and will provide passengers with a wide variety of features including business, travel, culture, events, arts, food and sports. The first issue will feature articles on Turkmenistan’s Oil & Gas … [Read more...]
Police Station as Instrument of Power of Feudal Lords in Pakistan
Nadeem M Qureshi The tragedy of politics in Pakistan is that the same people, despite their dismal performance, get elected again and again. This is especially true in the rural areas of the country. And since this is where where the majority of the population live it is people elected from these areas who end up governing the country. So how is it that the same people – … [Read more...]
Prince Bandar’s Wake-Up Call
Peter Chamberlin It feels like something sinister has just occurred, but it may be a long time until we figure-out just what that was (SEE: Saudi Appointment Suggests Bigger Regional Ambitions ). When dealing with the Saudis, nothing is as it seems. Trying to understand the Saudi royal family is something like trying to decipher a hidden code–What does the advancing of … [Read more...]
ECO trains to boost trade
Amir Tahouri Calls for stronger ties with ECO countries lead to the expansion of the region’s railroad. The Islamic republic of Pakistan, Islamic republic of Iran and Republic of Turkey aim to upgrade their railways in an effort to increase trade efficiency encouraging the use of more trains to take cargo to the countries. Project ambitions are to cut travel time between … [Read more...]
The RAP Vote: Repudiation of American Politics
Ben Tanosborn On Wednesday, July 4, Ricky “My-T-Mouth” Johnson, an obscure ghost lyricist in the rap-music world, and also an acquaintance from the early Occupy days, showed up at the porch of my historical townhouse at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. He had brought his family from Portland (Oregon) to see our famed fireworks’ display, he told me; and, knowing that I … [Read more...]
Time to Correct our Political Aberrations
General Mirza Aslam Beg, Former Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan March 1979, General Ziaul Haque directed his Corps Commanders to ascertain the likely reaction of the officers and the troops, if Bhutto was hanged, as per Supreme Court’s verdict. I was commanding 14 Division at Okara and was called for the meeting at Multan. Giving my views on the subject, I said: “Hanging of … [Read more...]
Avesta: The priceless gem of our heritage
Shavkat Davlatov In terms of mankind’s journey to civilization and culture, Central Asia is in the same class as Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and India. Evolution, in part, picks speed and adjusts direction when revolutionary ideas are embraced by large groups of people. In their own time, the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer, the Veda and Upanishad of ancient India, The Shahnama of … [Read more...]
Центральноазиатская конференция – описание слона по частям
Тарик Саииди Ашгабат, 7 июля 2012 (nCa) --- В четверг в Ашгабаде началась двухдневная 14-я Центральноазиатская конференция СМИ, организованная ОБСЕ и Министерством иностранных дел Туркменистана. Тема конференции - «От традиционных к онлайновым медиа: передовая практика и перспективы». Основной вопрос повестки первого дня конференции состоял в том, что Интернет и … [Read more...]
Central Asia Media Conference – Partial description of elephant
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 6 July 2012 (nCa) --- The two-day 14th Central Asia Media Conference, organized by the OSCE and the foreign ministry of Turkmenistan, started Thursday in Ashgabat. The theme of the conference is – ‘From traditional to online media: best practices and perspectives.’ The lead concept on the first day of the conference was that online and social media … [Read more...]
3rd Turkmenistan Gas Congress Post show report – TGC 2012
Avaza welcomed the leading world oil & gas community at the 3rd Turkmenistan Gas Congress 2012, 23-24 May The 3rd Turkmenistan International Gas Congress was held on the 23rd -24th of May in “Avaza” the National Tourism zone on the Turkmenistan Caspian Sea coast. The congress attracted about 500 delegates, representing over 150 organisations from 32 countries. Among … [Read more...]
Hillary Finally Brings Bureau of Spy/Diplomatic Liaisons Out of the Closet
Peter Chamberlin Clinton finally brings the secret military/State Dept. covert operations out into the open (SEE: Clinton Goes Commando, Sells Diplomats as Shadow Warriors). This is the logical outcome of a process started long ago, during the Reagan Administration, when Congress put restrictions on the CIA’s shadow wars in Central America. It was then that this so-called … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Gas Congress 2012
The National Tourism Zone "Avaza" in Turkmenistan, on coast of the Caspian Sea, will host the 3rd International Turkmenistan Gas Congress - TGC 2012, 23-24 May 2012. The organizers of the congress are National Gas Company of Turkmenistan TurkmenGas, Chamber of Commerce of Turkmenistan, and Summit Trade Events (London). TGC 2012 will be attended by about 500 delegates from … [Read more...]
Candid conversation with Pakistani minister of state for foreign affairs
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat 13 May 2012 (nCa) --- His embossed visiting card says Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan but when we sat down for a conversation Saturday in Ashgabat, it was only Amad who spoke – candid, warm and very well informed. Amad, as minister of state for foreign affairs, is one of the youngest ministers in the Pakistani cabinet. His views on some regional issues are … [Read more...]
Pakistan fully committed to both Turkmenistan and Iran gas pipelines
Ashgabat, 13 May 2012 (nCa) --- Pakistan is fully committed to both Turkmenistan and Iran gas pipeline projects, said Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, the minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan in an exclusive conversation Saturday with nCa in Ashgabat. This dispels the impression that Pakistan could be pursuing an either-or approach on its major gas import … [Read more...]
Truth shall Prevail
Dr. S.M. Rahman It was interesting to read General Aslam Beg’s article titled “Say No To It”. In very simple words he has described the conduct of the Army Generals, who imposed military rule; those who directly intervened, but did not take-over, and those, who resisted the temptation to intervene and allowed democracy to follow its due course. In this context, he has … [Read more...]
Say ‘No’ to It
General Mirza Aslam Beg, Former Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan It is indeed very difficult to say ‘No’ to temptation, because the truth is what the famous American Comedian, Bob Hope addressing a young lady, admitted: “I can stand anything but temptation.” This is the kind of phenomenon we have experienced and suffered, during the last fifty years of our checkered history of … [Read more...]
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The Obscenity of Humanitarian Warfare
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“Humanitarian Bombs,” Anthony Freda Art The Obscenity of Humanitarian Warfare By: Peter Chamberlin America and NATO have done a very bad thing, a perplexing thing–they have blurred the lines between war and peace, by turning “humanitarian intervention” into a tool of aggression. It is now logical to view all American humanitarian aid, in all of its forms, as the first … [Read more...]
Mustaqbil Pakistan: Detoxifying politics, promoting micro patriotism, rewriting social contract
[Editor’s note: Mustaqbil Pakistan (MP) is a new political party with fast expanding grassroots presence in the country. The party, composed mostly of successful professionals in a broad array of disciplines, aims to detoxify the political scene of Pakistan by inducing transition from personalities to issues. It is also following a relatively fresh approach by promoting … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s and Long-Term Care Placement: 5 Tips to a Successful Integration
Dr. Ethelle Lord The time may come when long-term care placement becomes a necessity for the person with Alzheimer’s. It was true in our situation. My husband was home about 10 years after his bypass surgery (1999) and subsequent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s (2003). Then when he was unable to walk on his own and I was exhausted from 24/7 care for him, I found it necessary to seek … [Read more...]
Freedom’s Three R’s: Riots, Rebellion and Revolution
Ben Tanosborn April 29 marks a score since the “Los Angeles Riots,” sparked by a “not guilty” verdict rendered on four policemen accused of beating a black man, Rodney King, to a pulp. For six days the nation witnessed via television these riots in South Central Los Angeles where 54 people lost their lives and over 2,000 others were injured, property damage escalating to … [Read more...]
The GEF-NGO Network launches an outreach campaign in Central Asia
CENN, the GEF’s Regional Focal Point for the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), has launched an outreach campaign aimed at increasing membership of the GEF’s NGO Network in Central Asia. The GEF-NGO Network is calling on all eligible NGOs to join the Network and contribute to the development of international and regional environmental policy. The GEF The … [Read more...]