Separation was only remedy
THE republic of South Sudan is one of the newest countries in the world with a population of around eight million. The UN will deploy 7,000 military personnel and 900 international policemen to maintain peace and help in the development of the new nation.
The separation of North and South Sudan was the only remedy after 21 years of civil war in which both sides lost enormous number of innocent men, women and children and which caused extensive damage to roads, buildings and services.
Surely, the UN peacekeepers will have a vital role to play in transforming an area of outlaws to a new country by patrolling the streets to prevent conflicts between the new established state and any militant combatants.
They will also have to support other UN agencies in the peace-building programs by promoting development and ensuring security of the civilians.
Moreover, the new government, in cooperation with the UN, will need to take steps to ensure the rule of law, justice, political space and democratic rights, and will have to make extraordinary efforts to combat poverty and the previous loss of order.
One can only hope that the dispute does not get reignited between the Arab-dominated north and the ethnic African south because of greed on reserves of oil on the borders between the two capitals Khartoum in the north and Juba in the south, especially now when many geographic and demographic changes are expected to occur in the new Arab world order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171313/reftab/73/t/The-new-republic-of-South-Sudan/Default.aspx
Monday, 11 July 2011
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Hezbollah and Special Tribunal
New stage in fact-finding
THE indictment the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) released on June 30, 2011, accusing four members of Hezbollah group and 22 others in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri was a declaration of a new stage in the fact-finding mission.
The court mentioned in its statement that ‘this is not a verdict of guilt and an accused in presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established in a trail.
’International reports said thorough investigations were conducted in many countries, including Lebanon and the surrounding countries, to find the political motives that led to the decision to kill Hariri and how the plans for the assassination were made and implemented, besides the steps taken to cover the traces left behind by the assassins.
After his speech on July 1, 2011, Hassan Nasrallah vowed that the four members of his group indicted by the STL will never be arrested.
He fully denied the role of the court, rejected all charges against the group and raised doubts about the competence of the court.
No doubt, there will be lots of challenges for the Lebanese government in the coming stage.
It had initially requested the UN to establish a tribunal of an international character to try those who are responsible for the attack on Rafiq Al-Hariri.
Now, it must serve the indictment in 30 days or the court will publish the indictment in the local media.In fact, the court might proceed with the trial against the suspects in absentia or decide to re-draft the indictment like how it happened in Jan 2011.It can show many doubts in the evidence to make sure that the court will have enough to rely on to go for trial against the above-mentioned suspects or any others in the whole issue.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171141/reftab/36/t/Hezbollah-and-Special-Tribunal/Default.aspx
THE indictment the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) released on June 30, 2011, accusing four members of Hezbollah group and 22 others in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri was a declaration of a new stage in the fact-finding mission.
The court mentioned in its statement that ‘this is not a verdict of guilt and an accused in presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established in a trail.
’International reports said thorough investigations were conducted in many countries, including Lebanon and the surrounding countries, to find the political motives that led to the decision to kill Hariri and how the plans for the assassination were made and implemented, besides the steps taken to cover the traces left behind by the assassins.
After his speech on July 1, 2011, Hassan Nasrallah vowed that the four members of his group indicted by the STL will never be arrested.
He fully denied the role of the court, rejected all charges against the group and raised doubts about the competence of the court.
No doubt, there will be lots of challenges for the Lebanese government in the coming stage.
It had initially requested the UN to establish a tribunal of an international character to try those who are responsible for the attack on Rafiq Al-Hariri.
Now, it must serve the indictment in 30 days or the court will publish the indictment in the local media.In fact, the court might proceed with the trial against the suspects in absentia or decide to re-draft the indictment like how it happened in Jan 2011.It can show many doubts in the evidence to make sure that the court will have enough to rely on to go for trial against the above-mentioned suspects or any others in the whole issue.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171141/reftab/36/t/Hezbollah-and-Special-Tribunal/Default.aspx
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Gaddafi and criminal justice
Libyan leader on wanted list
The arrest order issued by the Netherlands-based international court against Muammar Gaddafi, his son and his intelligence chief Abdullah Al-Sanoussi is a historic decision as it is aimed at bringing to justice some of the dictators in the Middle East.The court convicted them for murdering Libyan civilians who rebelled against the regime and for orchestrating the killings, arrests and imprisonment of hundreds of civilians during the first 12 days of the uprising.
Adding Gaddafi to the list of wanted international criminal suspects from the Middle East is considered a vital step in widening the scope of the international criminal justice system and its reach.
It has also delivered an important message to all those rulers who they think the world is not watching them commit atrocities against their fellow countrymen, women and children.
Moreover, Tunisia became the 116th state to join the ICC’s governing treaty, the Rome treaty, on June 24, 2011. It is the 23rd country from Africa, the first from North Africa and the fourth country from the Arab world to do so.
It is a highly recognized step in the international community as it is practically an expression of commitment to the rule of the international law from Tunisia, given the dynamic changes there after the Jasmine revolution and the never-ending threats in the region.
More Arab countries need to take similar steps to seriously end the impunity of perpetrators of the most serious crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression and racial cleansing, which threaten peace, security and the wellbeing of the world.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171017/reftab/73/t/Gaddafi-and-criminal-justice/Default.aspx
The arrest order issued by the Netherlands-based international court against Muammar Gaddafi, his son and his intelligence chief Abdullah Al-Sanoussi is a historic decision as it is aimed at bringing to justice some of the dictators in the Middle East.The court convicted them for murdering Libyan civilians who rebelled against the regime and for orchestrating the killings, arrests and imprisonment of hundreds of civilians during the first 12 days of the uprising.
Adding Gaddafi to the list of wanted international criminal suspects from the Middle East is considered a vital step in widening the scope of the international criminal justice system and its reach.
It has also delivered an important message to all those rulers who they think the world is not watching them commit atrocities against their fellow countrymen, women and children.
Moreover, Tunisia became the 116th state to join the ICC’s governing treaty, the Rome treaty, on June 24, 2011. It is the 23rd country from Africa, the first from North Africa and the fourth country from the Arab world to do so.
It is a highly recognized step in the international community as it is practically an expression of commitment to the rule of the international law from Tunisia, given the dynamic changes there after the Jasmine revolution and the never-ending threats in the region.
More Arab countries need to take similar steps to seriously end the impunity of perpetrators of the most serious crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression and racial cleansing, which threaten peace, security and the wellbeing of the world.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171017/reftab/73/t/Gaddafi-and-criminal-justice/Default.aspx
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Spain and Middle Eastern spring
Need to listen to people’s voice ...
THE youth gatherings in Spain to express anger on the rising unemployment rate, inflation and the government’s austerity measures, which were deemed against the middle class, have worsened the situation in the West Europe.Over 25,000 demonstrators recently gathered in Madrid’s main plaza in protest against the high unemployment rate in Spain, which now stands at 21 percent - the highest in the western world and a record of more than 4.5 million people without jobs.
Maybe the Middle Eastern springs have focused on the ouster of regimes engulfed in corruption, poverty and outright disregard of people’s demand for freedom of expression, while the spring of Spain emerged in an attempt to solve the unemployment problem.
However, one can still say Spain is a democratic country and It was wise not to use force against the protesters.
All that remains to be done is the quick implementation of economic reforms without overthrowing the regime.
The main point in both cases is the need to listen to the people’s voice at the right time and the right place. The citizens of any country should not be deprived of their basic needs like jobs, education and health programs.Governments all over the world must form crisis management teams to immediately take the necessary action and help the people. They should not remain in their respective posts for a long time and refrain from engaging in absolute denial.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170787/reftab/73/Default.aspx
THE youth gatherings in Spain to express anger on the rising unemployment rate, inflation and the government’s austerity measures, which were deemed against the middle class, have worsened the situation in the West Europe.Over 25,000 demonstrators recently gathered in Madrid’s main plaza in protest against the high unemployment rate in Spain, which now stands at 21 percent - the highest in the western world and a record of more than 4.5 million people without jobs.
Maybe the Middle Eastern springs have focused on the ouster of regimes engulfed in corruption, poverty and outright disregard of people’s demand for freedom of expression, while the spring of Spain emerged in an attempt to solve the unemployment problem.
However, one can still say Spain is a democratic country and It was wise not to use force against the protesters.
All that remains to be done is the quick implementation of economic reforms without overthrowing the regime.
The main point in both cases is the need to listen to the people’s voice at the right time and the right place. The citizens of any country should not be deprived of their basic needs like jobs, education and health programs.Governments all over the world must form crisis management teams to immediately take the necessary action and help the people. They should not remain in their respective posts for a long time and refrain from engaging in absolute denial.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170787/reftab/73/Default.aspx
‘Luxury spring’ in Kuwait
Rallies put off due to hot weather
Some Kuwaiti MPs, who repeatedly called for the resignation of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in the series of Friday protests recently, proved they are not serious in their demand when they postponed the demonstrations due to the scorching heat of summer and for them to spend their summer holiday in Europe.
Under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the prime minister, Kuwait has started moving towards advancement. It has laid down the $145 million development plan, which includes health cities, educational villages, underground transportation and rail road systems, new airports and other infrastructure projects.
Nevertheless, the incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the Parliament have stopped it from playing its role effectively. It should focus on the enactment of new legislation and monitor the performance of the ministers, particularly in carrying out their administrative duties and implementing public policy.
The Middle Eastern springs emerged due to rising unemployment rate and poverty. The average income in Egypt is two dollars a day and most people there cannot even afford to buy food, yet here we are busy trying different diet programs and undergoing surgeries to remove body fats.
As part of the Kuwaiti nation, we are responsible for building the country. We must work closely with our leaders to achieve the Amir’s vision of transforming Kuwait into a financial hub in the region without any further delay. However, the pointless escalation of tension has delayed the implementation of many mega projects and this will undoubtedly cost Kuwait billions of dollars!
By: Labeed Abdal -
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170779/reftab/73/Default.aspx
Some Kuwaiti MPs, who repeatedly called for the resignation of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in the series of Friday protests recently, proved they are not serious in their demand when they postponed the demonstrations due to the scorching heat of summer and for them to spend their summer holiday in Europe.
Under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the prime minister, Kuwait has started moving towards advancement. It has laid down the $145 million development plan, which includes health cities, educational villages, underground transportation and rail road systems, new airports and other infrastructure projects.
Nevertheless, the incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the Parliament have stopped it from playing its role effectively. It should focus on the enactment of new legislation and monitor the performance of the ministers, particularly in carrying out their administrative duties and implementing public policy.
The Middle Eastern springs emerged due to rising unemployment rate and poverty. The average income in Egypt is two dollars a day and most people there cannot even afford to buy food, yet here we are busy trying different diet programs and undergoing surgeries to remove body fats.
As part of the Kuwaiti nation, we are responsible for building the country. We must work closely with our leaders to achieve the Amir’s vision of transforming Kuwait into a financial hub in the region without any further delay. However, the pointless escalation of tension has delayed the implementation of many mega projects and this will undoubtedly cost Kuwait billions of dollars!
By: Labeed Abdal -
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170779/reftab/73/Default.aspx
Monday, 20 June 2011
New Arab world order
‘People suffering from tyranny’
The escape of former Tunisian president Zine Abidine Ben Ali after the Jasmine Revolution, the prosecution of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak on the charges of corruption and killing of protesters, and the rocket attack on the palace of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh which wounded him and forced him to flee from Yemen show how intensely the people of the Middle East are pursuing the goals of change and liberty.
The incidents in Iran, Bahrain and the recent events in Syria should also not be ignored as people have been delivering an important message through all of them.
The people in countries affected by the Middle East spring were suffering from corruption, poverty, tyranny, lack of dignity and unemployment. The rulers of these countries either ignored peoples’ voice for decades or suppressed them brutally, while spending the country’s wealth on themselves and their families.
After the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia and the Tahrir Square revolution of Egypt, it has become vital for charismatic and active leaders to take charge, form active democratic institutions, protect public rights, avoid belated superficial reforms and truly separate powers in order to prevent the loss of momentum and to avoid getting into the tunnel of unpredictable negative results.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170517/reftab/73/t/New-Arab-world-order/Default.aspx
The escape of former Tunisian president Zine Abidine Ben Ali after the Jasmine Revolution, the prosecution of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak on the charges of corruption and killing of protesters, and the rocket attack on the palace of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh which wounded him and forced him to flee from Yemen show how intensely the people of the Middle East are pursuing the goals of change and liberty.
The incidents in Iran, Bahrain and the recent events in Syria should also not be ignored as people have been delivering an important message through all of them.
The people in countries affected by the Middle East spring were suffering from corruption, poverty, tyranny, lack of dignity and unemployment. The rulers of these countries either ignored peoples’ voice for decades or suppressed them brutally, while spending the country’s wealth on themselves and their families.
After the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia and the Tahrir Square revolution of Egypt, it has become vital for charismatic and active leaders to take charge, form active democratic institutions, protect public rights, avoid belated superficial reforms and truly separate powers in order to prevent the loss of momentum and to avoid getting into the tunnel of unpredictable negative results.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170517/reftab/73/t/New-Arab-world-order/Default.aspx
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
E-wars and state security
‘E-forces needed to protect the country’
According to a report published in Britain’s Guardian newspaper on May 31, 2011, the UK will be developing a cyber weapons program that will give ministers an attacking capability to help counter the growing threats to national security from cyber space. It will be part of a new range of offensive options the governments will have when they are under the attack by hackers.There is no doubt that we are living at the peak of the e-era wherein President Barack Obama is the first e-president who used the e-technology to the maximum in his campaign through Google and Youtube. We have also lately seen the e-revolutions waged through Facebook and Twitter in Tunisia and Egypt.There are also huge differences in the rules of the new e-wars as there will be a need for new e-military for special e-operations by cyber defense units ready for air, land and cyber space attacks.The battlefield will also be different where along with the conventional weapons, new cyber weapons will be included in the state armory.Countries will need special e-forces equipped with the new e-arms for the World Wide Web and its domains as it is an arena for e-conflicts without borders.The matter took high priority in many countries, including the UK after the Stuxnet virus attack which was used to disrupt Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The attack forced all countries to think more seriously about e-self defense and e-cyber security.Public government networks and e-infrastructure at airports, railroads, TV stations, army etc and in private sectors like banks, hospitals etc will get affected by such attacks and therefore, they will need to employ highly advanced and sophisticated e-army to build strong e-barriers and e-defense to avoid e-attacks from states or individuals.We need the same in Kuwait as the World Wide Web has become an open area for different types of battles.E-military and e-police are essential now and in the future to build strategic defense and protection systems to protect the actual borders, prevent economic harm and maintain security in the country.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal - Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170275/reftab/73/t/E-wars-and-state-security/Default.aspx
According to a report published in Britain’s Guardian newspaper on May 31, 2011, the UK will be developing a cyber weapons program that will give ministers an attacking capability to help counter the growing threats to national security from cyber space. It will be part of a new range of offensive options the governments will have when they are under the attack by hackers.There is no doubt that we are living at the peak of the e-era wherein President Barack Obama is the first e-president who used the e-technology to the maximum in his campaign through Google and Youtube. We have also lately seen the e-revolutions waged through Facebook and Twitter in Tunisia and Egypt.There are also huge differences in the rules of the new e-wars as there will be a need for new e-military for special e-operations by cyber defense units ready for air, land and cyber space attacks.The battlefield will also be different where along with the conventional weapons, new cyber weapons will be included in the state armory.Countries will need special e-forces equipped with the new e-arms for the World Wide Web and its domains as it is an arena for e-conflicts without borders.The matter took high priority in many countries, including the UK after the Stuxnet virus attack which was used to disrupt Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The attack forced all countries to think more seriously about e-self defense and e-cyber security.Public government networks and e-infrastructure at airports, railroads, TV stations, army etc and in private sectors like banks, hospitals etc will get affected by such attacks and therefore, they will need to employ highly advanced and sophisticated e-army to build strong e-barriers and e-defense to avoid e-attacks from states or individuals.We need the same in Kuwait as the World Wide Web has become an open area for different types of battles.E-military and e-police are essential now and in the future to build strategic defense and protection systems to protect the actual borders, prevent economic harm and maintain security in the country.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal - Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170275/reftab/73/t/E-wars-and-state-security/Default.aspx
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