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Archive for October, 2012

U.S.-Iran-Israel vortex of conflict: Rushing to an unwanted war?


The drumbeats of war against Iran by Israel defy all conventional geopolitical rationales in the region at a time when the U.S. military interventions in two countries of Afghanistan and Iraq have led to enormous costs and disappointing results in both blood and treasure.

Thus far, more than 6,300 American troops killed and nearly 50,000 wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, with an unbelievable cost estimated at $3 trillion—not to mention the horrendous human and material costs in victimized countries. And now enter the talk of military strikes against Iran. Attacking Iran is likely to descend the Persian Gulf region into chaos, sending oil prices through the roof. A military strike will also inflame Iranians’ nationalistic sentiments and cause them to rally around the government. Furthermore, an Osiraq-style attack, carried out in 1981 against Iraq, stands little chance of success in a huge country like Iran that has dispersed its nuclear power installations across the country. How many sorties are needed to accomplish a successful military mission, if there ever was one in such a context: 200 sorties? And 7-10 days of constant bombing? I am not a military analyst, but I am dumbfounded at the duplicity and naiveté with which such talk of war intoxicates the political ambiance in which Republican contenders who are running for the 2012 presidential elections utter their preference for marching toward war with Iran.

For its part, the Netanyahu administration in Israel intends to drag the United States into the war with Iran—a war that many politicians on left and right consider incompatible with the U.S. long-term interests in the region—in large part because Israelis know that an attack on Iran is not an easy task, nor much can be achieved by doing so; thus they intend to use the U.S. presidential elections as an opportunity to ratchet up the pressure on the Obama administration to cave in. Yet, U.S. military generals, who see no desirable outcome stemming from attacking Iran, have frequently warned against being sucked into an unwanted war.

To escape the pressure of Israeli Lobby (AIPAC), the Obama administration is constantly hammering at the point that economic sanctions will effect change in Iran’s behavior, while insisting on imposing the most devastating economic sanctions on Iran’s central bank. Many experts argue that this level of intensity of multilateral sanctions could choke off Iran’s economy, weakening the possibility of compelling Iranians to negotiate. Meanwhile, the United States has yet to provide any realistic and tangible opportunity for Iran to come to the negotiating table. On December 5, 2001, at the Bonn Conference, Iranians and their American counterparts negotiated over the future of Afghanistan—a diplomatic exchange that lasted for only 45 minutes. Since then, U.S. foreign policymakers have emphasized either sanctions or military options, as if there is no realistic chance for diplomacy and negotiations to work.

As a result, the trust between Iran and the United States has reached a nadir in the modern history of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Today, the United States has nearly 45 military bases around Iran, bent on containing Chinese influence in the region, and using the occasion of the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, as some observers note, to effect regime change in Iran. The Netanyahu administration is threatening Iran with air strikes, while sabotaging military installations, deploying the Stuxnet computer worm and virus, and assassinating Iranian nuclear scientists inside Iran. While the United States has approximately 8,500 nuclear warheads and Israel nearly 75-200, it is mindboggling that all of the sudden Iran has become the greatest threat of all time in the region, even as there is no evidence that Iranian leaders have decided to weaponize their nuclear energy program. The basic question that remains unanswered is this: given that nuclear weapons haven’t rendered Russia, China, Pakistan, and India hostile in the past, why should then they make Iran hostile, if Iranian leaders ever decide to move in that direction? Nuclear weapons aren’t enough for Iran, and for that matter, any other country to yield power, and, therefore, the threat has been exaggerated. Quite the contrary, China’s influence and its ability to leverage its economic power across the globe has to do with its competitive economic clout. Similarly, it is India’s software industry—not its nuclear might—that has resulted in its great stride on the global scene. It is also fair to ask: how has Pakistan’s nuclear power contributed to its influence and power in the region? All this saber-rattling against Iran—a country that since 1798 has not invaded any of its neighbors—is beyond any conventional wisdom.

There are reasons to hold a serious negotiation with Iran. The mutual security interests of the United States and Iran in restoring stability to Iraq and Afghanistan have unexpectedly merged. Both Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan’s president, and Nouri Al-Maliki, Iraq’s prime minister, see Iran’s role as positive and vitally significant to their country’s stability. Moreover, there is a growing consensus in Iran—in spite of its polarized politics—that dialogue with its neighbors, such as Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan, is the only way to enhance peace in the region. Increasingly, experts and diplomats, inside and outside the region, argue that a military attack against Iran will prove to be a geopolitical disaster and that no single factor would more aid the U.S. capacity to redress the power balance in the Middle East than U.S.-Iran cooperation. It is time to pursue serious, direct negotiations that address Iran’s security concerns and its legitimate desire as well as right to enrich uranium for medical purposes and build an infrastructure for power generation, bearing in mind that bargaining is not appeasement.

Mahmood Monshipouri is associate professor of International Relations at San Francisco State University. He is working on a book on the Arab Spring and its regional implications.

Thursday 01 March 2012

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IN MEMORY OF PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL TREASURE: Aga Talish


Aga Talish

Agha Talish best recognized as Talish. He was a renowned personality and finest actor of the Pakistani cinema. His real name was Agha Ali Abbas Qazalbash, born in Ludhiana, India. On January 5, 1962 his biggest hit, Shaheed was released. A film on the pertinent topic of Palestine with a script by Riaz Shahid and music by Rasheed Attre; it was produced and directed by Khalil Qaiser. The highlight was the immediate hit “Uss bewafa ka shehr” by famous poet Muneer Niazi. Talish was considered as an international standards actor because he played a number of momentous roles in some very big films lincluding Shaheed, Farangi, Zarqa and Yeh Amman. He also played an unbelievable comedy and leading role in Barey Mian Deevaney (1977). He was born as Agha Ali Abbas Qazalbash who fits in to Ludhina in Indian Punjab, but acknowledged as Agha Talish in film industry. He died on February 19, 1998 at Lahore, Pakistan.

Agha Talish
Villain, Character Actor
First film: Nath (Punjabi – 1952)
Last film: ?
Talish was an international standards actor and he played some historic roles in some very big films likeShaheed, Farangi, Zarqa and Yeh Amman. He got breakthrough from a drunk role who sang “Yaro mujhe muaaf rakho, main nashey mein hun… (by Salim Raza in Saat Lakh in 1957). Talish played some unforgettable roles in Pakistani films. His role in Shaheed from 1961 – and then a remake of this film as Watan in 1981 was one of the best role on silver screen. He was “Ajnabi” – The Stranger (an englishman who discovered oil in the Arabian dessert). Talish also played a remarkable role as an Israeli officer in film Zarqa (1969). His roles as Nawab inUmrao Jan Ada and Zeenat were all time best roles in social films. He also played a fantastic comedy and title role in Barey Mian Deevaney (1977).
Talish worked in an Indian film Saraey key baher in 1947 and he acted as hero with Rehana in film Apna Paraya in 1959, with Nayyar Sultana and Laila in Touheed. He was second hero in Guddi Gudda with Musarrat Nazir and Sudhir. Talish appeared in more than 450 films.
Born as Agha Ali Abbas Qazalbash who belongs to Ludhina, Indian Punjab, was known as Agha Talish in film industry. He died on February 19, 1998 at Lahore. (by Mohammad Ayub Qureshi, Saudi Arabia)
Filmography of Talish:

1955 Jheel Kinarey
1956 Jabroo, Miss 56
1957 Saat Lakh, Sehti and Sardar
1958 Touheed, Akhri dawo and Aadmi
1959 Boodi shah, Sachey moti, Neend and Saathi
1960 Rahguzar, Yeh dunya, Allahdin ka Beta, Sahil, Roop Mati Baz Bahadur and Sahaili
1961 Gulfam, Ajab khan, Sunehrey sapney, Farishta, Chotey sarkar, Haboo, and Bara bajey
1962 Shake hand, Azra, Qaidi, Paharan, Shaheed, Sukh ka sapna, Aulad, Ghoonghat, Awaz dey kahan hay, Dosheeaa, Anchal
1963 Baghawat, Kala pani, Yahoodi ki Larki, Baji, Daman, Mahndi waly heth, Chacha khamkhowah
1964 Chingari, Lutaira, Mama jee, Piar na kar naadan, Gehra dagh, Shabab, Havaili, Landa bazar andFarangi
1965 Doli, Devdas, Aurat, Kaneez, Malangi and Raqasa
1966 Gawandi, Jokar, Ruswai, Bharia Mela, Paidagir, Pail ki jhankar and Janbaz
1967 Lakhon mein aik, Zinda lash, Kafir, Shola aur shabnam, Hamraz, Hamdam
1968 Lala rukh, Zindagi, Mafroor, Aurat aur zamana, Saiqa, Ashiq, Beti Beta, and Taj Mahal
1969 Neela parbat , Pia milan ki aas, Aneela, Jang-e-Azadi, Zindagi kitni haseen hai, Andleeb, Dia aur Toofan, Tere ishq nachaya, Jind Jan and Zarqa
1970 Shama aur Parwana, Takht-o-Taj, Maa Puttar, Nya sawera, Darinda, Bedardi, Aik phool aik Pathar, Charda Sooraj and Rootha na karo
1971 Dosti, Bhen bhara, Khak aur khoon, Yeh aman, Neend hamari khawab tumhar and Al-Asifa
1972 Naag Mini, Bazar, Mere hamsafar, Soudagar, Khoun apna koun paraya, Niazam, Ehsas, and Umrao jan ada
1973 , Aan, Sarhad ki goud mein, Jithey vagdi ay Ravi, Sadho aur Sheitan, and Baharoon ki manzil
1974 Main bani dulhan, Dillagi, Nouker Wohti da, Imandar, Jawan mere Des da, Laila Majnoon, Haqiqat, and Bahisht
1975 Zindagi te toofan, Izzat, Farz aur mamta, Be aulad, Milap, Shireen Farhad, Zeenat, Aik gunah aur sahi, Neiki badi, Ganwar and Umang
1976 Hukam da ghulam, Haibat khan, Aulad, Chor noon mor, Kothey tapni, Mahboob mera mastana, Zaibunisa, Sachai, Sazish, AnnDaata, Insanyat, Zuroorat, and Kil kil mera naa
1977 Ishq ishq, Haji khokhar, Barey mian deewaney, and Salakhein
1978 Aag aur zindagi, Mazi haal mustaqbil, Inqilab, Seeta Maryam Margrete, Zindgi, Haider Ali, Play boy, and Ankho ankho main
1979 Mohammed bin Qasim
1980 Bandish, Sardar and Bahram Daku
1981 Dil ney phir yaad kia, Watan, Alahdin, Basheera tey Qanoon, Wafa, Do dil, and Sultan tey varyam
1982 Bara bhai, and Tairey bina kia jeena
1983 Dehleez, Love story
1984 Doorian, Ucha shimla jat da, Chor chowkidar, Dulla Bhati and Ishq nachavey gali gali
1985 Dhee Rani, Ashyana, Deewaney do, Khuddar and Direct Hawaldar
1986 Domoro intiqam (Pushto), Faisla, and Nazdeekian
1987 Allah rakha, Duniya and Nijat
1988 Mukhra, Roti, Baghi Haseena, Bano and Piasi
1989 Shani, Roop ki rani, Madam bawri, Zabardast, Miss Allah rakhi, Karmoo dada, Rakhwala, Achoo 302,Mohabbat ho to aisi ho, Nangi talwar, Zakhmi aurat and Gori dian jhanjhran
1990 Bulandi, Flak shair, Dil and Nag devta
1991 Adil
1994 Mohabbat ki aag
1995 Ajab Khan

DETAILS ABOUT PAKISTANI FILMS:

PLEASE VISIT:

http://mazhar.dk/film/stars/villains50s.htm

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PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL TREASURE: Sufi Sachal Sarmast – عظیم صوفی شاعر سچل سر مست

Sufi Sachal Sarmast – عظیم صوفی شاعر سچل سر مست

Sachal Sarmast was a Sufi poet from Sindh during the Talpur era. He was born in Daraza near Ranipur, Sindh. His real name was Abdul Wahab Farouqi and “Sachal” was his nickname. He also used it in his own poetry. Wikipedia

Born: 1739, Daraza Died: 182
>>>>***<<<< Courtesy:Farzana Khan Naina Please visit her beautiful website:http://farzana.wordpress.com/ خیرپور+گمبٹ – سندھ کے عظیم صوفی شاعر حضرت سچل سرمست کا 187 واں عرس درازہ شریف 14 رمضان المبارک کو شروع ہوگا۔ انتظامات کیلئے ای ڈی او ریونیو احمد علی قریشی کی صدارت میں سچل یادگار کمیٹی کی سب کمیٹی کا اجلاس ہوا جس میں صوفی راگ گانے والوں، ادیبوں، شاعروں اور نامور فنکاروں کی فہرست کو حتمی شکل دی گئی۔ سندھ کے وزیراعلیٰ سید قائم علی شاہ درگاہ پر پھولوں کی چادر چڑھا کر عرس کا افتتاح کریں گے۔ ثقافت اور سیاحت کے محکمے کی طرف سے نیشنل ادبی کانفرنس ہوگی۔ اجلاس میں عابدہ پروین، حمیرا چنہ، احمد مغل، صوفی شاعروں سہراب فقیر، موٹن شاہ، فقیر سوہنو، شمن فقیر، زاہدہ پروین، شاہدہ پروین اور دیگر فنکاروں کو دعوت دینے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا۔ ***پیدائش : 1739 وفات : 1242 ھجری سندھی زبان کے مشہور شاعر جو عرف عام میں ہفت زبان شاعر کہلاتے ہیں کیوں کہ آپ کا کلام سات زبانوں میں ملتا ہے۔ سچل سرمست کی پیدائش 1739ء میں سابق ریاست خیرپور کے چھوٹے گاؤں درازا میں ایک مذہبی خاندان میں ہوئی۔ان کا اصل نام تو عبدالوہاب تھا مگر ان کی صاف گوئی کو دیکھ کر لوگ انہیں سچل یعنی سچ بولنے والا کہنے لگے۔ بعد میں ان کی شاعری کے شعلے دیکھ کر انہیں سرمست بھی کہا گیا۔ سچل سرمست کی پیدائش سندھ کے روایتی مذہبی گھرانے میں ہوئی مگر انہوں نے اپنی شاعری میں اپنی خاندانی اور اس وقت کی مذہبی روایات کو توڑ کر اپنی محفلوں میں ہندو مسلم کا فرق مٹا دیا۔ان کے عقیدت مندوں میں کئی ہندو بھی شامل ہیں۔ سچل سرمست تصوف میں وحدت الوجود کے قائل تھے۔ شاہ عبدالطیف بھٹائی اور سچل سرمست کی زندگیوں میں ستر برس کا فاصلہ ہے۔ سچل ستر برس بعد جب صوفیانہ شاعری میں آیا تو ان کی وجدانیت بھی منفرد تھی۔ان کے ساتھ صوفی ازم کی موسیقی نے بھی سرمستی کا سفر کیا اور شاہ بھٹائی کے نسبتاً دھیمے لہجے والے فقیروں سے سچل کے فقیروں کا انداز بیان منفرد اور بیباک تھا۔ سچل سرمست نے سندھ کے کلہوڑا اور تالپور حکمرانوں کے ایسے دور اقتدار میں زندگی بسر کی جب مذہبی انتہاپسندی اپنے عروج پر تھی۔انہوں نے اپنے آس پاس مذہبی نفرتوں کو دیکھ کر سندھی میں کہا: مذہبن ملک میں ماٹھو منجھایا، شیخی پیری بیحد بھلایا۔ جس کا سادہ ترجمہ اس طرح ہے کہ مذہبوں نے ملک میں لوگوں کو مایوس کیا اور شیخی، پیری نے انہیں بھول بھلیوں میں ڈال دیا ہے۔ سچل سرمست نوّے برس کی عمر میں 14 رمضان 1242ء ھجری میں وفات کر گئے۔وہ شادی شدہ تھے مگر ان کی کوئی اولاد نہیں ہے۔انہوں نے بنیادی عربی فارسی کی تعلیم اپنے خاندان کے بزرگ اپنے چچا مرشد اور سسر خواجہ عبدالحق سے حاصل کی۔سچل سرمست کا کلام سندھی، اردو، عربی، فارسی اور سرائیکی میں موجود ہے۔ انہیں اور ان کا کلام سنانے والے فقیروں کو سندھ میں ایک منفرد مقام اس لیے بھی حاصل ہے کہ کسی بھی محفل میں جب بھی مذہبی انتہا پسندی کو للکارا جاتا ہے تو آج بھی سہارا سچل کا لیا جاتا ہے۔ یہ معلومات وکیپیڈیا سے لی گئی ہے *** Sachal Sarmast (1739-1829) (Sindhi: سچلُ سرمستُ ) (Urdu: سچل سرمست ) was a renowned Sindhi Sufi poet during the Kalhora era. Abdul Wahab was his real name and “Sachal” was the name he used in his own poetry. Sachu means truth in Sindhi and Sachalu means truthful. Sarmast means mystic in Sindhi and Urdu. Suchal Sarmast literally means ‘truthful mystic’. Sachal Sarmast was an ardent follower of Wahdat-ul-Wujood, an Islamic Philosophy synonymous with Hamah Oost. Poetry of Sachal Sarmast The brave speak the truth Let others like it or not; For the talk of false friendship we care not. “Sarmast” (pronounced Sarimastu in Sindhi, meaning leader of the ‘intoxicated’ or ‘mad’) is the title often used by his followers. The title, given to him first by Agha Sufi, a compiler of his Risalo (collection of poems), refers to the fact that Sachal was intoxicated by love. Sachal Sarmast was an ardent follower of Wahdat-ul-Wujood (unity of existence), an Islamic Philosophy synonymous with Hamah Oost (all from One), and Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The concept of Hamah Oost (all from One) is similar to that found in Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Sachal says (translation by Gul Agha): There is no other Beloved, There is only what I see everyday! I was sitting by the roadside, When the path became clear to me; In the palace the Beloved I saw, a glimpse the Beauty gave; Through the window was the vision, a glimpse the Beauty saw; Take care of the ignorant; Our bond was made for a reason. I truly recognized the Lord, My companion He sure became; ‘He is the Creator of all and intrinsic to all’, All doubts in this perished; With happiness shall I carry Sisters, if your trust I have. All the journeys, all the manifestations The Dear One’s own; Friend ‘Sachal’ know this correctly, Slumber has created illusions. Like other sufis of Sindh, Sachal made no distinctions based on religion, but regarded love as the path to spirituality: ‘Tis not in religion I believe ‘Tis love I live in. When love comes to you. Say Amen! ‘Tis not with the infidel that love resides Nor with the faithful. Rather, Sachal advocated self-realization as the path to liberation. Sachal says (translation by Jethmal Parsram Gulrajani): O friend! this is the only way to learn the secrets of the path: Follow not the road of another, however virtuous he may be. Rend the veil over thee, Searcher expose thy being. Books on Sachal Study of Mysticism in Darazi: School of Sufi Thought: Author: Dr.Sakhi Qabool Muhammad Faruqi: -Sajjada Nashin.: Publisher: Darazi Publications: Priceless Pearls Picked from Wonderous Waters of Wisdom: Author: Dr.Sakhi Qabool Muhammad Faruqi – Sajjada Nashin.: SachalSarmast: Edited by:Tanveer Abbasi: Publisher: Sachal Chair: SachalJo Kalam urf Aashiqi Ilham (Sindhi): Publisher: Sachal Chair: Muntakhab alam Sachal Sarmast (Urdu): Publisher: Sachal Chair: Sachal Sarmast (Sindh): Author – Jethmal Parsram : Publisher-Sachal Chair: Sarmast(Sindhi) Arrangedby: Muhammad Ali Hadaad Publisher: Sachal Sarmast Yadgar Committee. Sachal Sarmast Ja Talib (Sindhi): Author – Dr.Nawaz Ali Shauq: Publisher-Sachal Chair

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Mr. Orya Maqbool Jan — Columnist, Senior Journalist Speaking at Hajvery University (HU)


Mr. Orya Maqbool Jan — Columnist, senior Journalist, expressed his desire for a country where people owned their culture, identity and language. He added that only technological and economic development could not ensure success. He said Pakistan should follow the example of Iran, a country that he said, had stuck to its language and culture and was all the better because of it. TEDxHUP International Conference was Organized by Hajvery University (HU) under license from TED, USA. It was held on Saturday, February 4 at the HU. The Conference brought together the Movers & Shakers of Pakistan as Keynote Speakers.The Theme of the Conference was — I Dream of a Pakistan.. You can view Videos of TEDx Talks by these remarkable speakers on www.TEDxHUP.com, and www.hup.edu.pk FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT SUCH CONFERENCES, AND ATTENDING FUTURE CONFERENCES, VISIT WWW.HUP.EDU.PK Thank you for all the appreciation we received, it will inspire us to arrange even more remarkable events in future! =) Hajvery University (HU) w: www.hup.edu.pk e: admin@hup.edu.pk blog: hup.edu.pk/blog uan: 042- 111 777 007

This is the Office Channel of Hajvery University (HU). It helps you keep up with the news and events of HU, with regular entries of happenings, and events. For more detail visit HUP blog: www.hup.edu.pk/blog

Hajvery University From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hajvery University Motto Motto in English Established Type Location Campus Colors Website
Kashf Al Mahjub[1]
Unveiling the Veiled
2002[2]
Private university
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Urban/suburban
Red and blue
hup.edu.pk HU Main Entrance
Hajvery University (HU) is an institution of higher education in Lahore, Pakistan. HU is chartered by the government of Pakistan as an Autonomous Degree Awarding Institution.[3] The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan recognizes Hajvery University as a “category W” institution.[4]

Hajvery University has a main campus in the Industrial Area of Gulberg III, Lahore; a second campus (called the Euro Campus) near Gulberg III; a third campus under construction in Multan; and a fourth campus planned for Dubai.[5] The university has six constituent schools, each focused on a specific field of study: business; commerce and banking; engineering and computer science; fashion design; humanities and social sciences; and pharmacy.[6] The library at the main campus provides support for the courses offered with books, videos, journals and other reference sources.[5]

International relations

HU has international linkages and student/academic/staff exchange agreements with over 35 reputed universities from around world.[7] HU was a joint signatory of Erasmus Mundus 2009, 2010 Mobility Program. Some of the recent memorandums of understandings are with Istanbul Technical University (ITU)[8] and Ozyegin University, Istanbul.[9]

References

^ “Hajvery University Mission Statement”. Hajvery University. Retrieved 2010-08-16. ^ “Charter, Reputation & Accreditation”. Hajvery University. Retrieved 2010-08-16. ^ http://www.hup.edu.pk/features/charter-reputation-a-accreditation.html ^ “List of excluded universities in Pakistan”. Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Retrieved 2010-08-16. ^ a b “The HU edge: Our Study Environment & Facilities”. Hajvery University. Retrieved 2010-08-16. ^ “Academics”. Hajvery University. Retrieved 2010-08-16. ^ Joint Signatory ^ HU & ITU MoU ^ HU OzU MoU HU Website

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Golda Meir’s Lesson from The Life of Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (PBUH)

In 1973 the war between Arabs and Israel was about to start. Meanwhile an American Senator visited Israel on a special mission. He was chief of the Senate Arms Committee. A meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir was arranged immediately.

Golda Meir welcomed him into her home, like any common housewife welcoming a family guest. She took him to the kitchen. While seating him at the kitchen dining table, she went over to prepare tea for the guest.

As the water was kept for boiling, she came over and sat on a chair near the dining table. She opened the discussion regarding planes, missiles, and guns. In the course of negotiations, she got the aroma of the brew.

She prepared two cups of tea, and offered one cup to the Senator, and another to an American guard who was standing at the gate. On returning, she came back, continued talking with the Senator. After a discussion they settled the arms deal. In the meantime, she stood up, collected all the cups, and turned to senator and said “I agree to this deal. You can send your secretary to my secretary for written deal”.

It may be remembered that Israel at that time was facing a serious economic crisis, but the huge arms deal was settled by Meir with the greatest of ease in the history of Israel. It was quite astonishing that earlier, the Israeli cabinet had rejected the same deal, because they thought it would be so costly, that the whole nation would have to make do with a single meal a day, for years to come.

Meir knew about their stand, and said, “Your doubt are well founded, but if we win this war, and defeat the Arabs, history will remember us as the victors, and in history, once a community is know as the victor, it forgets how many eggs they ate and how many times they had food. Whether there was jam, honey, butter on the table, and how many holes they had in their shoes. Or whether the sheaths of their swords were new or old! A conqueror is a conqueror.”

Based on Meir’s solid logic, the Israeli cabinet approved the deal. Later it was proved that the decision taken by Meir was right, and the whole world witnessed the Jews knocking on the doors of the Arabs with this artillery. A war took place, and the Arabs faced a shameful defeat at the hands of an old lady.

After a gap of one decade after the war, a reporter of the Washington Post interviewed Meir, asking “Was the logic you had in your mind for the arms was spur of the moment decision or you had had an advance strategy?”

Meir’s reply was very surprising.

She answered, “I got this logic from the Prophet (of the Muslims) Mohammed (peace be upon him). When I was a student, my favorite topic was comparative study of religions. Those days I studied the life of Mohammed (PBUH). One author stated that when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) died, there was not enough money to buy oil for a lamp, his wife (Ayesha Siddiqua (RA)) mortgaged his battle shield to buy oil, yet there were nine swords hung on the wall of his house.

When I read this account, it occurred to me- how many people in the world would have known about the worst economic condition of Islamic state? But everyone recognizes them as conquerors of half the world. So I decided that I would buy arms at any cost; even if we would have to starve or to live in camps instead of buildings, but we would prove ourselves as the victor”.

Meir revealed this secret, but requested the interviewer to keep it “off the record”, and refrain from publishing it, because if she referred to Prophet Mohammed, the Jews would have revolted against her and the Muslim position would have strengthened.

Over the time, world situation changed. Golda Meir died. By this time the interviewer had given up the profession of journalism. Meanwhile another correspondent was busy interviewing 20 famous American journalists. In connection with this, he met the journalist who had interviewed Meir as a representative of the Washington Post.

In this interview, he recounted the story of Meir that drew on the life of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

He said he was not ashamed to tell the story. Further, he said, “After this incident I studied the history of Islam, and was astonished to know about the savoir-faire of Arabs. Because I learnt that Tariq bin Ziyad conquered Spain through Gibraltar, while more than half his army did not have complete suit of clothes. They subsisted for 72 hours at time on water and dried bread.

It was then that the interviewer agreed with Meir’s view that history counts victory; it does not count the eggs, jams and butter on the table.”

When the interview with Meir was published, the whole world learned of this entire story.

This astonishing incident is history’s wake-up call to the Muslims of the world. It teaches them a lesson; it reveals how 14 centuries ago, a shepherd, clad in a cloak and worn-out shoes became the leader of the world, and conquered four continents.

Could enormous castles, grand palaces, magnificent gardens, splendid clothes, adorned rest places of silk and sleepless, gold silver, boxes, gems and jewels, spread of savory dishes and the jingle of coins save them? The locust-swarm of Tartar forces did not reach the palace of Musta’sim Billah by trampling over Baghdad. What a terrible and astonishing scene it was in the history of Islam, when Musta’sim Billah was bound in chains, standing like a prisoner before Halaku Khan (grandson of Changiz Khan). And at mealtime, Halaku Khan ate in simple plates, but offered plates of gems and precious metals to Caliph Musta’sim Billah, mocking “Eat from these diamonds, gems, gold and precious metals you have collected!” There stood the Sovereign of Baghdad, helplessness, powerless, lonely, destitute, saying, “How can I eat gold?” Halaku Khan replied, “Then why you have collected all this silver and gold?”

The Muslim, whose religion calls on him to make arms and rear horses, had no reply. Halaku Khan glanced at the palace doors and windows, asking, “Why did you not make iron arrows by melting these iron nets? Why did you collect these diamonds instead of paying money to your soldiers, so they could fight bravely against my forces?”

“It was the will of Allah”, replied the grieved Caliph.

The arrogant Halaku shot back, “Whatever is now going to happen with you is also God’s wish”.

Then Halaku covered Musta’sim Billah in a cloak and crushed him under the hooves of horses, and proceeded to make a graveyard of Baghdad.

– Courtesy: Urdu Times, Mumbai and translated to English by ViaMedia.MumbaiNews

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