Basics remain still a far cry
A HIGH court had ordered the eviction of protesters of the Occupy London movement who have been camping since the last three months outside St Paul Cathedral in protest against capitalism. After long deliberation, the court had issued the order and described the camping as ‘public nuisance,’ which obstructed the highway and restricted the rights of people wanting to worship in the church.
The movement started in Wall Street last September and soon spread to London, Sydney and many other cities around the world.
Protesters everywhere raised their voice and demanded solutions to problems of unemployment and economic difficulties. They demanded that governments and parliaments be more responsible in bringing better solutions and minimize the gap between the rich and the poor. People have toppled regimes using their e-rights, and the common factor among all the toppled regimes in the Middle East is the need to provide urgent remedies to concerns of people. The remedies have to come through the executive and legislative powers and these countries should minimize the pressure on the judiciary which has to act as the judge between the other two powers.Moreover, the next question after all this is: what next after preventing protests through security units or court orders? Shouldn’t we listen more to the demands and provide remedies for all the problems for which thousands of people slept and suffered in street tents? Shouldn’t measures be taken to bring back peace and satisfaction to them somehow?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178724/reftab/96/t/Is
Monday 23 January 2012
Demand of Bedouns for their rights must be taken seriously
Major resolutions needed
THE stateless people in Kuwait who started their protests from Dec 16th, 2011 to demand citizenship and other public rights must be taken seriously at governmental and administrative level.
The setting up of barricades in Jahra area, the arresting of some protesters and the using of tear gas, water cannons and batons by Kuwaiti police to disperse the stateless protesters are enormous signs that we urgently need major resolutions to resolve this dilemma.The Ministry of Interior’s announcement not to tolerate any further demonstrations after having promised to resolve their problems can be considered right action towards solving this humanitarian problem.
Real and tangible remedies for the concerned parties should follow this action. Yet, as a quick legal reform, the new coming parliament should amend the administrative law which prohibits courts from intervening in nationality issues. Since 1981, the matter is considered a sovereign issue.
This ban must be lifted sooner or later to allow the court of law to review and cancel unjustified administrative decisions that prevented some individuals from gaining Kuwaiti nationality or any other legitimate rights. I would like to mention that not all the stateless people in Kuwait were affected by such decisions.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178694/reftab/36/t/Demand-of-Bedouns-for-their-rights-must-be-taken-seriously/Default.aspx
THE stateless people in Kuwait who started their protests from Dec 16th, 2011 to demand citizenship and other public rights must be taken seriously at governmental and administrative level.
The setting up of barricades in Jahra area, the arresting of some protesters and the using of tear gas, water cannons and batons by Kuwaiti police to disperse the stateless protesters are enormous signs that we urgently need major resolutions to resolve this dilemma.The Ministry of Interior’s announcement not to tolerate any further demonstrations after having promised to resolve their problems can be considered right action towards solving this humanitarian problem.
Real and tangible remedies for the concerned parties should follow this action. Yet, as a quick legal reform, the new coming parliament should amend the administrative law which prohibits courts from intervening in nationality issues. Since 1981, the matter is considered a sovereign issue.
This ban must be lifted sooner or later to allow the court of law to review and cancel unjustified administrative decisions that prevented some individuals from gaining Kuwaiti nationality or any other legitimate rights. I would like to mention that not all the stateless people in Kuwait were affected by such decisions.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178694/reftab/36/t/Demand-of-Bedouns-for-their-rights-must-be-taken-seriously/Default.aspx
New S. Sudan fighting
Needs unified efforts to end chaos
THE re-ignition of violence and massacres in South Sudan is an unexpected replica of an old, dark and shocking segment of the country’s history, which one cannot easily like, dislike, comment on or share.
It is heartbreaking to know the new-born country, (just six months old) is, of late, getting embroiled into internal racial and ethnic cleansing.
Moreover, it is truly surprising the situation is getting out of hands of even the superpowers which were supporting the new government in Joba. The vicious intrusion of the new small ‘armies’ to lead the destruction and mass killing of men, women and children shows the support given by the United Nations was not enough.
This means South Sudan is deprived of the right quantity and quality of arsenal and logistics needed to fend off the expected crisis.There is no doubt the new chaos created by the Murle fighters against the Nure villagers require unified efforts between the government in South Sudan, the supporting powers and the UN peacekeepers to overcome more bloodshed unleashed against the hungry, innocent and hopeless human being in their hour of need.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178575/reftab/36/t/Needs-unified-efforts-to-end-chaos/Default.aspx
THE re-ignition of violence and massacres in South Sudan is an unexpected replica of an old, dark and shocking segment of the country’s history, which one cannot easily like, dislike, comment on or share.
It is heartbreaking to know the new-born country, (just six months old) is, of late, getting embroiled into internal racial and ethnic cleansing.
Moreover, it is truly surprising the situation is getting out of hands of even the superpowers which were supporting the new government in Joba. The vicious intrusion of the new small ‘armies’ to lead the destruction and mass killing of men, women and children shows the support given by the United Nations was not enough.
This means South Sudan is deprived of the right quantity and quality of arsenal and logistics needed to fend off the expected crisis.There is no doubt the new chaos created by the Murle fighters against the Nure villagers require unified efforts between the government in South Sudan, the supporting powers and the UN peacekeepers to overcome more bloodshed unleashed against the hungry, innocent and hopeless human being in their hour of need.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178575/reftab/36/t/Needs-unified-efforts-to-end-chaos/Default.aspx
North Korea and the future
Big expectations from Swiss-educated Jong-Un
THE death of North Korean President Kim Jong II led to wide speculations about the future of North East Asia and surrounding countries.
There are big expectations from his Swiss-educated son Kim Jong-Un who can lead the winds of change and bring about an easy and moderate interaction between his people and the world.
We are living in a historic time of global springs that were ignited with people’s voice and the social media which was utilized against poverty, unemployment and for demanding more equality, dignity, freedoms and rights.
The North Koreans must rethink over these issues and must choose stability and cooperation, especially with South Korea, Japan, China and other countries in the region.
Moreover, the focus — in this era — must be on development and security in that area and on preventing any conflict of interests or ideologies which can lead to a new cold war that might eventually affect world peace and order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178431/reftab/36/t/North-Korea-and-the-future/Default.aspx
THE death of North Korean President Kim Jong II led to wide speculations about the future of North East Asia and surrounding countries.
There are big expectations from his Swiss-educated son Kim Jong-Un who can lead the winds of change and bring about an easy and moderate interaction between his people and the world.
We are living in a historic time of global springs that were ignited with people’s voice and the social media which was utilized against poverty, unemployment and for demanding more equality, dignity, freedoms and rights.
The North Koreans must rethink over these issues and must choose stability and cooperation, especially with South Korea, Japan, China and other countries in the region.
Moreover, the focus — in this era — must be on development and security in that area and on preventing any conflict of interests or ideologies which can lead to a new cold war that might eventually affect world peace and order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178431/reftab/36/t/North-Korea-and-the-future/Default.aspx
North Korea and the future
Big expectations from Swiss-educated Jong-Un
THE death of North Korean President Kim Jong II led to wide speculations about the future of North East Asia and surrounding countries.
There are big expectations from his Swiss-educated son Kim Jong-Un who can lead the winds of change and bring about an easy and moderate interaction between his people and the world.
We are living in a historic time of global springs that were ignited with people’s voice and the social media which was utilized against poverty, unemployment and for demanding more equality, dignity, freedoms and rights.
The North Koreans must rethink over these issues and must choose stability and cooperation, especially with South Korea, Japan, China and other countries in the region.
Moreover, the focus — in this era — must be on development and security in that area and on preventing any conflict of interests or ideologies which can lead to a new cold war that might eventually affect world peace and order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178431/reftab/36/t/North-Korea-and-the-future/Default.aspx
THE death of North Korean President Kim Jong II led to wide speculations about the future of North East Asia and surrounding countries.
There are big expectations from his Swiss-educated son Kim Jong-Un who can lead the winds of change and bring about an easy and moderate interaction between his people and the world.
We are living in a historic time of global springs that were ignited with people’s voice and the social media which was utilized against poverty, unemployment and for demanding more equality, dignity, freedoms and rights.
The North Koreans must rethink over these issues and must choose stability and cooperation, especially with South Korea, Japan, China and other countries in the region.
Moreover, the focus — in this era — must be on development and security in that area and on preventing any conflict of interests or ideologies which can lead to a new cold war that might eventually affect world peace and order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178431/reftab/36/t/North-Korea-and-the-future/Default.aspx
Iran file needs wise handling
World can’t afford another war
THE nuclear activities in Iran, which are under investigation, resulted lately in a European resolution on further freezing of Iranian assets.
We hope this does not build up the conflict. The world’s major powers should not get involved in any more political tensions.
It is wiser to avoid complications and arguments, especially now when the world is facing a financial crisis and huge debts.
Protecting national interests should be the priority now, particularly as internal frustration is growing over the heavy and direct and indirect cost of intelligence, cyber and economical wars.
Moreover, it is becoming obvious that fighting other people’s wars is proving detrimental to national unity, peace and security.
The benefits of such conflicts are being reaped by antisocial elements and their greed is costing countries their existence. Only real, responsible and genuine involvement of international bodies like the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the comprehensive understanding of peace among all parties can guarantee global peace.
The Iranian issue must not be left suspended; it must be resolved by wise, sincere and responsible peace-makers among the world community. We don’t want any more unnecessary suffering, headache or agony.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178170/reftab/36/t/Iran-file-needs-wise-handling/Default.aspx
THE nuclear activities in Iran, which are under investigation, resulted lately in a European resolution on further freezing of Iranian assets.
We hope this does not build up the conflict. The world’s major powers should not get involved in any more political tensions.
It is wiser to avoid complications and arguments, especially now when the world is facing a financial crisis and huge debts.
Protecting national interests should be the priority now, particularly as internal frustration is growing over the heavy and direct and indirect cost of intelligence, cyber and economical wars.
Moreover, it is becoming obvious that fighting other people’s wars is proving detrimental to national unity, peace and security.
The benefits of such conflicts are being reaped by antisocial elements and their greed is costing countries their existence. Only real, responsible and genuine involvement of international bodies like the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the comprehensive understanding of peace among all parties can guarantee global peace.
The Iranian issue must not be left suspended; it must be resolved by wise, sincere and responsible peace-makers among the world community. We don’t want any more unnecessary suffering, headache or agony.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178170/reftab/36/t/Iran-file-needs-wise-handling/Default.aspx
Bouazizi lit rebellion
Onus on young
THE year 2011 can be marked the Bouazizi year, as this Tunisian street vendor Mohammad Bouazizi, who had set himself ablaze in protest against harassment by the local authorities, had set off a chain of revolutions in the entire Middle East.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Bouazizi caused the fall of long serving dictators: Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.
He also shook many other regimes in the Middle East, like those in Yemen, Syria and some Gulf countries. One can see how Tunisia and Egypt held free elections for the parliament and the presidency after the revolutions. In fact, countries like Jordan and Morocco also made reforms that led to more participation of people in the country’s affairs. Moreover, after the North African springs, Gulf countries started spending more on their people, added more social programs and granted more freedoms like freedom of speech, expression, and so on.
Although Bouazizi was behind the start of the domino effect, he also made the future of these countries more challenging.
It is now the responsibility of people and the young generation in these countries to do their bit after seeing ‘the sun of freedom.’ Will they be as genuine and pure as this man in building their future in a solid and constructive way?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177989/reftab/36/t/Bouazizi-lit-rebellion/Default.aspx
THE year 2011 can be marked the Bouazizi year, as this Tunisian street vendor Mohammad Bouazizi, who had set himself ablaze in protest against harassment by the local authorities, had set off a chain of revolutions in the entire Middle East.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Bouazizi caused the fall of long serving dictators: Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.
He also shook many other regimes in the Middle East, like those in Yemen, Syria and some Gulf countries. One can see how Tunisia and Egypt held free elections for the parliament and the presidency after the revolutions. In fact, countries like Jordan and Morocco also made reforms that led to more participation of people in the country’s affairs. Moreover, after the North African springs, Gulf countries started spending more on their people, added more social programs and granted more freedoms like freedom of speech, expression, and so on.
Although Bouazizi was behind the start of the domino effect, he also made the future of these countries more challenging.
It is now the responsibility of people and the young generation in these countries to do their bit after seeing ‘the sun of freedom.’ Will they be as genuine and pure as this man in building their future in a solid and constructive way?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177989/reftab/36/t/Bouazizi-lit-rebellion/Default.aspx
Hopes for better future
Be it 2012
AS we enter the new year 2012, we tend to recall the historic changes and events that took place during 2011, like the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria and the street protests in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, UK, USA, Russia and many other countries.
Year 2011 saw violence in Norway where 77 innocent people lost their lives and it was in this year that the whistle blower website WikiLeaks revealed thousands of secrets of several regimes.Also, huge natural disasters took place, like the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan that damaged Fukoshima nuclear reactor.
There were also problems of hunger in Somalia and floods in Brazil.The Arab Spring and riots in general showed that people who remained silent for ages do have a say and want their demands to be prioritized. Also, a very important lesson was learnt — the need of transparency in governance and in managing public money. Money in state coffers was freely used by some rulers and their families and the elites in the society, which forced other citizens to suffer poverty, unemployment, hunger and loss of dignity.Although, many predictions for economy, politics and other things have been made for year 2012, we no doubt will wake up every morning with high hopes and live and believe in justice and peace.
We will try to build a better future in 2012 and achieve a lot more.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177907/reftab/36/t/Hopes-for-better-future/Default.aspx
AS we enter the new year 2012, we tend to recall the historic changes and events that took place during 2011, like the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen and Syria and the street protests in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, UK, USA, Russia and many other countries.
Year 2011 saw violence in Norway where 77 innocent people lost their lives and it was in this year that the whistle blower website WikiLeaks revealed thousands of secrets of several regimes.Also, huge natural disasters took place, like the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan that damaged Fukoshima nuclear reactor.
There were also problems of hunger in Somalia and floods in Brazil.The Arab Spring and riots in general showed that people who remained silent for ages do have a say and want their demands to be prioritized. Also, a very important lesson was learnt — the need of transparency in governance and in managing public money. Money in state coffers was freely used by some rulers and their families and the elites in the society, which forced other citizens to suffer poverty, unemployment, hunger and loss of dignity.Although, many predictions for economy, politics and other things have been made for year 2012, we no doubt will wake up every morning with high hopes and live and believe in justice and peace.
We will try to build a better future in 2012 and achieve a lot more.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177907/reftab/36/t/Hopes-for-better-future/Default.aspx
Sunday 22 January 2012
A need today for new blood
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 18: We have to ensure the right application of the constitution in this stage of political volatility in the country, says leading Kuwaiti lawyer, Labeed Abdal, who was talking to the Arab Times Sunday.
‘There is a need for new blood in the Parliament, and as HH the Amir rightly pointed out, the voters have to be more judicious in their choice of candidates. We need highly educated MPs with the caliber to push the line for necessary changes.’ The lawyer further noted that the success of the new Parliament will depend on how much the Parliament and the executive are able to conform to each other’s views, and act in the best interest of the nation.
‘We have to focus on development plans for a promising future for the nation.’To a question on the protests that preceded the dissolution of the Parliament, Labeed Abdal said that it would have been better if those MPs who stoked the protests had instead chosen to use the Parliament and the offices optimally to constructive ends.
The lawyer added that issuing new legislations is the right procedure for reforms. When quizzed about the youth movements that took part in the protests, which were apolitical in their affiliations to MPs, he said the movements were inspired by the Arab Spring, and reflects the deep yearning among the youth for change.
‘The young generation needs better opportunities, employment and transparency in the public affairs. They want to free the nation of corruption and the misuse of public funds.’Labeed Abdal expects to see a change of 20 to 30 percent in the Parliament.
‘There are former MPs who continue to wield a great deal of influence on the voters and who enjoy strong vote banks. So, these MPs will surely make a comeback.
‘However, the MPs, whether they are old faces or new ones, must change their priorities, and appreciate the fact that the people all across the world are fed up of being excluded from the actual decision making process.
‘The Parliament and the government must appreciate the changes taking place in the world and act in accordance with the real aspirations of the people.
If the people are asking for a structural change, leading to greater empowerment of their representatives in the Parliament, then legislations must be passed to make deeper systemic changes.’
By: Valiya S. Sajjad
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177445/reftab/36/t/A-need-today-for-new-blood/Default.aspx
‘There is a need for new blood in the Parliament, and as HH the Amir rightly pointed out, the voters have to be more judicious in their choice of candidates. We need highly educated MPs with the caliber to push the line for necessary changes.’ The lawyer further noted that the success of the new Parliament will depend on how much the Parliament and the executive are able to conform to each other’s views, and act in the best interest of the nation.
‘We have to focus on development plans for a promising future for the nation.’To a question on the protests that preceded the dissolution of the Parliament, Labeed Abdal said that it would have been better if those MPs who stoked the protests had instead chosen to use the Parliament and the offices optimally to constructive ends.
The lawyer added that issuing new legislations is the right procedure for reforms. When quizzed about the youth movements that took part in the protests, which were apolitical in their affiliations to MPs, he said the movements were inspired by the Arab Spring, and reflects the deep yearning among the youth for change.
‘The young generation needs better opportunities, employment and transparency in the public affairs. They want to free the nation of corruption and the misuse of public funds.’Labeed Abdal expects to see a change of 20 to 30 percent in the Parliament.
‘There are former MPs who continue to wield a great deal of influence on the voters and who enjoy strong vote banks. So, these MPs will surely make a comeback.
‘However, the MPs, whether they are old faces or new ones, must change their priorities, and appreciate the fact that the people all across the world are fed up of being excluded from the actual decision making process.
‘The Parliament and the government must appreciate the changes taking place in the world and act in accordance with the real aspirations of the people.
If the people are asking for a structural change, leading to greater empowerment of their representatives in the Parliament, then legislations must be passed to make deeper systemic changes.’
By: Valiya S. Sajjad
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177445/reftab/36/t/A-need-today-for-new-blood/Default.aspx
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