دہشت گرد داعش اور جسمانی اعضاءکا کاروبار

(ڈاکٹر محمد رضوان)

        حال ہی میں منتخب امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے وزیرِ اعظم پاکستان میاں محمد نواز شریف سے چند روز پہلے ہونے والی گفتگو کے دوران پاکستانیوں کے بارے میں اپنے خیالات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان ایک عظیم قوم ہے اور یہاں رہنے والے لوگ بہت ذہین اور سمجھدار ہیں۔ ٹرمپ کے اس بیان نے ساری دنیا کو حیرت میں ڈال دیا اور خاص طور پر مودی سرکار کے سر پر تو جیسے ایٹم بمب پھاڑ دیا۔ کیونکہ ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کے منہ سے پاکستانی عوام کے بارے میں تعریفی کلمات سننے کی نہ تو مودی سرکار توقع رکھتی تھی اور نہ ہی یہ ان کے لئے قابلِ ہضم ہے، تو سمجھ لی جیئے کہ تشویش کی شدت کے باعث مودی سرکار، انکی کابینہ اور اس کے چاہنے والے آج کل تمام ٹیلفونک گفتگو رفاءحاجت کے با کثرت دباﺅ کی وجہ سے حاجت خانے میں ہی فرما رہے ہونگے۔ اس میں کچھ عجب بھی نہیں ہے، کہ شدتِ سے تشویش کا لاحق ہونا اس طرح کی صورتِ حال کا باعث بنتا ہی ہے۔ بہت ممکن ہے کہ انڈیا میں اب معدے کے معالجوں کی مانگ میں شدت سے اضافہ دیکھنے کو ملے۔ اور متعلقہ ادویات بھی مانگ میں تباہ کُن اضافے کی وجہ سے اضافی قیمت میں فروخت کی جائیں۔ اس بات کو اگر مدِ نظر رکھتے ہوئے ہمارے ایک شرارتی دوست چٹکلہ چھوڑا کہ ٹرمپ کیونکہ بہت بڑے بزنس مین ہیں تو بہت ممکن ہے کہ انکا یہ بیان انڈیا میں معدہ کے علاج کی ادویات بنانے والی کمپنیوں سے کوئی خاص پرسنٹیج پر الحاق ہونے کے باعث دیا گیا ہو، اس طرح ٹرمپ صرف انڈیا سے ملنے والے اس بزنس کی بنیاد پر الیکشن میں لگی رقم حلف اُٹھانے سے پہلے ہی وصول کر لیں گے۔ بات تو پتے کی کہی صاحب نے، پر ہم حقیقت کا پرچار کرنے پر زور ڈالنا چاہتے ہیں اس لئے بس یہی کہیں گے کے ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا یہ بیان صرف اور صرف انکی تحقیق کی بنیاد پر ہے، جو اس حقیقت کو آشکار کرنے کے لئے کی گئی کہ پاکستانی قوم کی ذہنی صلاحیتیں کیسی ہیں، اور تحقیق کے نتائج نے ثابت کر دیا کہ پاکستان ایک ذہین قوم ہے، اور یہ حقیقت آخر ماننا ہی ہوگی، تو پھر دیر نہ کی جائے اور شروع میں ہی مان لیا جائے۔

      میرے پیارے پاکستانیوں، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کیا مانتے اور کیا کہتے ہیں، اور اسکے بھارتی سرکار پر کس طرح کے اثرات ہوتے ہیں سے کہیں گنا زیادہ یہ سمجھنا ضروری ہے کہ ہم پاکستانی اپنے بارے میں کیا سوچتے ہیں، اور جو ہم سوچتے ہیں اس میں مثبت پہلو کو کتنی جگہ دیتے ہیں اور اگر مثبت پہلو کو بھی دیکھ لیتے ہیں، تو اسکا اطلاق اپنے ہی رویوں پر کرتے ہیں یا دوسرے پاکستانی بہن بھائیوں کے رویوں پر کرنا چاہتے ہیں، اور اگر آئیڈیلی ہم مثبت سوچ بھی لیتے ہیں، اور اسکا اطلاق سب سے پہلے اپنے ہی رویوں پر کرتے ہیں نہ کہ دوسروں کو نصیحتیں کرنے پر لگائیں، تو کیا یہ اطلاق آج سے ہی کرنا چاہتے ہیں یا کل کریں گے، یا پھر کبھی کریں گے، یا فرصت ملے گی تب کریں گے۔ ایسے ہی بہت سے سوالات ہیں، جن کا ہمیں جواب ڈھونڈ ھنا چاہئے۔ تا کہ ہم اپنے معاشرے کو کم از کم ایک ذمہ دار شہری مہیا کر دیں، اور آپ یقین کریں، آپ کا کردار آپکو رول ماڈل کا درجہ دلوا سکتا ہے، اور اچھے اخلاق اور کردار کی وجہ سے آپ کی دنیا اور آخرت دونوں سنور سکتی ہیں۔ اوہ ہو۔۔میں ذرا سنجیدہ بات کر گیا! پر ہمیں اب سنجیدہ ہو ہی جانا چاہئے۔

ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی بات بلکل درست ہے کہ ہم پاکستانی، ایک ذہین قوم ہیں۔ ساتھ ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ ایک اور حقیقت بیان کی کہ پاکستانی سرزمین وسائل اور اور مواقوں سے لبریز ہے۔ اگر ان دونوں باتوں کو ایک صفحے پر رکھا جائے، یعنی ذہین قوم وسائل سے مالا مال دھرتی پر ٹھنڈی سانس لیتی ہے، اس دھرتی کے رنگوں سے اپنی آنکھوں کو سکون پہنچاتی ہے، اس دھرتی کے چرند پرند کی آوازوں کے سروں کی مستی سے مسکراتی ہے، خوش رنگ پھول اور انکی سانسوں کو معطر کرنے والی بھینی بھینی خوشبوﺅں سے آنکھوں اور سینے میں ٹھنڈک پہنچاتی ہے، یہاں کی ٹھنڈی ٹھنڈی ہواﺅ ں میں اپنے پسینے کو سوکھاتی ہے اور اللہ کی عنایت کردہ ہر نعمت سے سے لطف انداز ہوتی ہے، یقین کیجئے اللہ کی یہ سب عنایتیں دنیا میں بہت قوموں کو میسر ہیں۔ ایسے میں دل سے کیوں نہیں نکلے گا۔ پاکستان زندہ باد! پاکستان زندہ باد! پاکستان زندہ باد!

      بس کمی اس بات کی ہے، کہ ہم سب اپنی ذہانت کو درست طرح استعمال میں نہیں لا رہے ہیں، اور سازشی عناصروں کی باتوں میں آکر، اپنے ملک، اپنے شہر، اپنے محلے، اپنی گلی، اپنے گھر اور سب سے اہم اپنے بچوں کے بہترین مستقبل کے لئے اپنا پسینہ نہیں بہا نے سے گریز کر رہے ہیں۔ اور دشمن اس موقع سے فائدہ اُٹھا کر ہم سے ہمارا ہی خون بہانے کی کامیاب شازششیں کر رہا ہے۔ ہمیں بہت محنت کرنا ہوگی، بہت زیادہ، تب جا کر ہم اپنی آنے والی نسل کے بھی ہیرو ہونگے، اللہ کی عطا کردہ اس ذہانت کا حق بھی ادا کر دیں گے۔ اللہ تعالی ہمارے نیک کاموں کے لئے اٹھتے قدموں کو کامیابی سے ہمکنار کرے اور اس کامیابی میں ہر اگلے دن مزید برکتیں شامل کرے۔ آمین !

ٹرمپ نے بھی مان لیا کہ پاکستانی قوم بہت ذہین ہے

(ڈاکٹر محمد رضوان)

        حال ہی میں منتخب امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ نے وزیرِ اعظم پاکستان میاں محمد نواز شریف سے چند روز پہلے ہونے والی گفتگو کے دوران پاکستانیوں کے بارے میں اپنے خیالات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان ایک عظیم قوم ہے اور یہاں رہنے والے لوگ بہت ذہین اور سمجھدار ہیں۔ ٹرمپ کے اس بیان نے ساری دنیا کو حیرت میں ڈال دیا اور خاص طور پر مودی سرکار کے سر پر تو جیسے ایٹم بمب پھاڑ دیا۔ کیونکہ ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کے منہ سے پاکستانی عوام کے بارے میں تعریفی کلمات سننے کی نہ تو مودی سرکار توقع رکھتی تھی اور نہ ہی یہ ان کے لئے قابلِ ہضم ہے، تو سمجھ لی جیئے کہ تشویش کی شدت کے باعث مودی سرکار، انکی کابینہ اور اس کے چاہنے والے آج کل تمام ٹیلفونک گفتگو رفاءحاجت کے با کثرت دباﺅ کی وجہ سے حاجت خانے میں ہی فرما رہے ہونگے۔ اس میں کچھ عجب بھی نہیں ہے، کہ شدتِ سے تشویش کا لاحق ہونا اس طرح کی صورتِ حال کا باعث بنتا ہی ہے۔ بہت ممکن ہے کہ انڈیا میں اب معدے کے معالجوں کی مانگ میں شدت سے اضافہ دیکھنے کو ملے۔ اور متعلقہ ادویات بھی مانگ میں تباہ کُن اضافے کی وجہ سے اضافی قیمت میں فروخت کی جائیں۔ اس بات کو اگر مدِ نظر رکھتے ہوئے ہمارے ایک شرارتی دوست چٹکلہ چھوڑا کہ ٹرمپ کیونکہ بہت بڑے بزنس مین ہیں تو بہت ممکن ہے کہ انکا یہ بیان انڈیا میں معدہ کے علاج کی ادویات بنانے والی کمپنیوں سے کوئی خاص پرسنٹیج پر الحاق ہونے کے باعث دیا گیا ہو، اس طرح ٹرمپ صرف انڈیا سے ملنے والے اس بزنس کی بنیاد پر الیکشن میں لگی رقم حلف اُٹھانے سے پہلے ہی وصول کر لیں گے۔ بات تو پتے کی کہی صاحب نے، پر ہم حقیقت کا پرچار کرنے پر زور ڈالنا چاہتے ہیں اس لئے بس یہی کہیں گے کے ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا یہ بیان صرف اور صرف انکی تحقیق کی بنیاد پر ہے، جو اس حقیقت کو آشکار کرنے کے لئے کی گئی کہ پاکستانی قوم کی ذہنی صلاحیتیں کیسی ہیں، اور تحقیق کے نتائج نے ثابت کر دیا کہ پاکستان ایک ذہین قوم ہے، اور یہ حقیقت آخر ماننا ہی ہوگی، تو پھر دیر نہ کی جائے اور شروع میں ہی مان لیا جائے۔

      میرے پیارے پاکستانیوں، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کیا مانتے اور کیا کہتے ہیں، اور اسکے بھارتی سرکار پر کس طرح کے اثرات ہوتے ہیں سے کہیں گنا زیادہ یہ سمجھنا ضروری ہے کہ ہم پاکستانی اپنے بارے میں کیا سوچتے ہیں، اور جو ہم سوچتے ہیں اس میں مثبت پہلو کو کتنی جگہ دیتے ہیں اور اگر مثبت پہلو کو بھی دیکھ لیتے ہیں، تو اسکا اطلاق اپنے ہی رویوں پر کرتے ہیں یا دوسرے پاکستانی بہن بھائیوں کے رویوں پر کرنا چاہتے ہیں، اور اگر آئیڈیلی ہم مثبت سوچ بھی لیتے ہیں، اور اسکا اطلاق سب سے پہلے اپنے ہی رویوں پر کرتے ہیں نہ کہ دوسروں کو نصیحتیں کرنے پر لگائیں، تو کیا یہ اطلاق آج سے ہی کرنا چاہتے ہیں یا کل کریں گے، یا پھر کبھی کریں گے، یا فرصت ملے گی تب کریں گے۔ ایسے ہی بہت سے سوالات ہیں، جن کا ہمیں جواب ڈھونڈ ھنا چاہئے۔ تا کہ ہم اپنے معاشرے کو کم از کم ایک ذمہ دار شہری مہیا کر دیں، اور آپ یقین کریں، آپ کا کردار آپکو رول ماڈل کا درجہ دلوا سکتا ہے، اور اچھے اخلاق اور کردار کی وجہ سے آپ کی دنیا اور آخرت دونوں سنور سکتی ہیں۔ اوہ ہو۔۔میں ذرا سنجیدہ بات کر گیا! پر ہمیں اب سنجیدہ ہو ہی جانا چاہئے۔

ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی بات بلکل درست ہے کہ ہم پاکستانی، ایک ذہین قوم ہیں۔ ساتھ ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ ایک اور حقیقت بیان کی کہ پاکستانی سرزمین وسائل اور اور مواقوں سے لبریز ہے۔ اگر ان دونوں باتوں کو ایک صفحے پر رکھا جائے، یعنی ذہین قوم وسائل سے مالا مال دھرتی پر ٹھنڈی سانس لیتی ہے، اس دھرتی کے رنگوں سے اپنی آنکھوں کو سکون پہنچاتی ہے، اس دھرتی کے چرند پرند کی آوازوں کے سروں کی مستی سے مسکراتی ہے، خوش رنگ پھول اور انکی سانسوں کو معطر کرنے والی بھینی بھینی خوشبوﺅں سے آنکھوں اور سینے میں ٹھنڈک پہنچاتی ہے، یہاں کی ٹھنڈی ٹھنڈی ہواﺅ ں میں اپنے پسینے کو سوکھاتی ہے اور اللہ کی عنایت کردہ ہر نعمت سے سے لطف انداز ہوتی ہے، یقین کیجئے اللہ کی یہ سب عنایتیں دنیا میں بہت قوموں کو میسر ہیں۔ ایسے میں دل سے کیوں نہیں نکلے گا۔ پاکستان زندہ باد! پاکستان زندہ باد! پاکستان زندہ باد!

      بس کمی اس بات کی ہے، کہ ہم سب اپنی ذہانت کو درست طرح استعمال میں نہیں لا رہے ہیں، اور سازشی عناصروں کی باتوں میں آکر، اپنے ملک، اپنے شہر، اپنے محلے، اپنی گلی، اپنے گھر اور سب سے اہم اپنے بچوں کے بہترین مستقبل کے لئے اپنا پسینہ نہیں بہا نے سے گریز کر رہے ہیں۔ اور دشمن اس موقع سے فائدہ اُٹھا کر ہم سے ہمارا ہی خون بہانے کی کامیاب شازششیں کر رہا ہے۔ ہمیں بہت محنت کرنا ہوگی، بہت زیادہ، تب جا کر ہم اپنی آنے والی نسل کے بھی ہیرو ہونگے، اللہ کی عطا کردہ اس ذہانت کا حق بھی ادا کر دیں گے۔ اللہ تعالی ہمارے نیک کاموں کے لئے اٹھتے قدموں کو کامیابی سے ہمکنار کرے اور اس کامیابی میں ہر اگلے دن مزید برکتیں شامل کرے۔ آمین !

Rumiyah II: Frustrated DAISH Turns in Communication and Tactics

(Syed Saqib Ali Shah)

The use of propaganda in conflicts is nothing revolutionary, however what differentiates contemporary extremist propaganda from previous forms is the method of communication.  DAISH has switched away from Dabiq in favor of an easier to read, less theological online magazine Rumiyah. The issue of its magazine is part of the group’s sophisticated propaganda efforts to disseminate their message around the world in as many languages as possible using the internet. With the release of Rumiyah’s second issue, it is increasingly clear that so-called DAISH’s failed propaganda efforts have strategically shifted, characterised by two key trends. First, DAISH’s propaganda machine is under immense pressure evidenced by, for example, the killing of key figures such as Abu Muhammad Al-Adnani and Wa’il Al-Fayad, the repercussions of which can be seen in lower rates of propaganda output and the prominence of rehashed material in that messaging. Second, the key themes in its propaganda have been altered in ways that reflect both its contracting campaign and the need to recalibrate its messaging in accordance with declining fortunes on the ground.

It contains detailed graphic information about carrying out terror attacks including how to choose victims, how to kill them and when and where to strike. Some of the articles about slaughtering non-believers referred to as ‘kafir’ or ‘kuffar’ are illustrated with images of beheaded men, weapons and a child with a gun. The general principles of Islam when fighting is permitted is clear as Quran states, “Allah forbids you not regarding those who have not fought against you in religion and expelled you not from your homes, that you may show favour to them and act justly towards them. Undoubtedly, the just are loved by Allah”. (Surah Al-Mumtahana: 8). There is no compulsion in religion; no doubt the virtuous path has become clearly distinct from the erring; then who so does not accept devil and believes in Allah, he grasped a very firm knot which is never to open and Allah Hears and Knows. (Surah Al-Baqara: 256)

In second issue the readers are offered a discussion on the psychological and practical problems one might run into before conducting a “just terror attack”. Promoting the knife as the weapon of choice, the reader is presented concocted religious guidance aimed at legitimizing the tactic as well as a practical discussion on pros and cons of different types of knives. Moreover, this article replaced the term “lone wolf” with “just terror operations” reflecting the importance of semantics in a propaganda war and the need for DAISH to frame such actions as inherently legitimate and morally justified as DAISH has used “just terror” before in Dabiq Issue 12. This message has further reinforced by the article “Brutality and Severity Towards the Kuffar” which inundates the reader with examples of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the Sahabah (R.A), punishing their enemies. On the contrary, in Madina the people of other faiths were protected from harm as much as the Muslims. In the Muslim society the lives of the practitioners of other religions were also given protective status.  As the Prophet (PBUH) said, “whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise” (Saheeh Muslim). The actual teachings of Islam clearly state about infidels that if the government state gives them shelter, then they have right to enjoy the freedom and follow their religion. They are bound to pay the taxes which are alternative of zakah.

The editorial “A message from East Africa” includes instructions for followers to “hurl themselves into the midst of the battle by attacking the (disbeliever) nearest to them”. “Let them follow the example of the lions who have preceded them by striking the crusader citizens and interests wherever they are found in the West,” it reads. The report attributes jehad with the sunnah as it says sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was to march forth and wage war against the enemies of Allah. The report provoking the Muslims to kill those living in west by saying, those Muslims residing in the west have an opportunity to terrorize the Crusaders themselves. Therefore, the Prophet (PBUH) was only a Warner not and enforcer. Quran states that “Say you, the knowledge of it is with Allah, and I am only a clear Warner”. (Al-Mulk :26). If non-believers live in a country which is democratic state with specific rules and regulations then they are entitled to live their life peacefully there and no one has the right to impose anything else on them. Islam respects the followers of others religion as Quran asks just to turn away from those who reject the truth, and say “peace” to them. “And by the saying of the Messenger, O My Lord, they do not believe. Therefore overlook them and say, peace: soon they shall l know”. (Az-Zukhraf :88,89). 

To further reinforce their point, Rumiyah’s architects have DAISH’s “boom-bust” history to draw upon for inspirational examples of staying true to the cause in the face of losses. A leader of DAISH’s antecedent, Abu Hamzah Al-Muhajir’s “Paths to Victory Part 1” argues along these lines not only stating that “every Muslim must be certain that complete victory is coming” but asserts that “whoever rejects or doubts that is nothing but one of the disbelieving fear mongers.  According to the extremist approach of the report, the difference between them and the non-Muslims is that those of them who accepted Islam received much good, honor, and glory. And those of them who remained in kufr were afflicted with humiliation, subservience, and the jizyah. However, Islam is a religion of peace, in the times of Islamic glory, Muslims and non-Muslims used to live together in peace and harmony. Quran states, “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition and argue with them in a way that is best. No doubt. Your Lord knows well who has strayed from His way and He knows well those who are guided”. (An-Nahl :125). There have come to you the eye opener arguments from your Lord, then whosoever saw it, then it is for his own good and whosoever became blind, then it is for his own bad and I am not a guardian over you. (Al-An’am:104).

The Shuhada from the Gulshan Attack, is an article in which DAISH explains why the cafe in Dhaka was selected as a target. In the report it is written that after a careful survey of several potential targets, the Crusader-owned Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant was selected for this blessed operation because it was well known for being frequented by the citizens of Crusader countries and other kafir nations. Whereas, Islam respects the followers of others religion, in fact when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina, he found that there was a large Jewish community but that did not bother Him. He did not contemplate on forcing them into the Fold of Islam, instead, he made a peace truce with them and called them (Ahlul kitab), the people of the Scripture. Diversity of faith and culture is an oft-repeated theme in the Quran. Allah Almighty’s plan has granted freedom of choice to humankind, the only justification for ultimate individual accountability, so always there would be unbelievers intermixed with believers. “And if your Lord had willed, all those who are in the earth would have believed together. Will you, then force people until they become Muslims? And no soul has power to believe but by the leave of Allah. And He lays His torment upon those who have no wisdom”. (Surah Yunus :99-100).

Rumiyah’s architects have sought to deploy the strategies of meaning, credibility and behavioural change that have helped to inspire many in the West to become foreign fighters or engage in homegrown terrorism. The relentless output of propaganda by DAISH and its focus on reaching every corner of the globe with its malicious message is a critical part of the DAISH's tragic strategy. They want to delude Muslims by controlling the phony narrative of Islam and Jihad and provoking the West into a backlash against Muslims, thus driving them to look to the DAISH as protectors. By understanding what they are really saying and what they really want people will be better equipped to deconstruct their foraged narrative and ultimately defeat not just DAISH but radical approach in general.

The writer can be contacted at email

saqib.gardezi@gmail.com

Rumiyah II: Frustrated DAISH Turns in Communication and Tactics

(Syed Saqib Ali Shah)

The use of propaganda in conflicts is nothing revolutionary, however what differentiates contemporary extremist propaganda from previous forms is the method of communication.  DAISH has switched away from Dabiq in favor of an easier to read, less theological online magazine Rumiyah. The issue of its magazine is part of the group’s sophisticated propaganda efforts to disseminate their message around the world in as many languages as possible using the internet. With the release of Rumiyah’s second issue, it is increasingly clear that so-called DAISH’s failed propaganda efforts have strategically shifted, characterised by two key trends. First, DAISH’s propaganda machine is under immense pressure evidenced by, for example, the killing of key figures such as Abu Muhammad Al-Adnani and Wa’il Al-Fayad, the repercussions of which can be seen in lower rates of propaganda output and the prominence of rehashed material in that messaging. Second, the key themes in its propaganda have been altered in ways that reflect both its contracting campaign and the need to recalibrate its messaging in accordance with declining fortunes on the ground.

It contains detailed graphic information about carrying out terror attacks including how to choose victims, how to kill them and when and where to strike. Some of the articles about slaughtering non-believers referred to as ‘kafir’ or ‘kuffar’ are illustrated with images of beheaded men, weapons and a child with a gun. The general principles of Islam when fighting is permitted is clear as Quran states, “Allah forbids you not regarding those who have not fought against you in religion and expelled you not from your homes, that you may show favour to them and act justly towards them. Undoubtedly, the just are loved by Allah”. (Surah Al-Mumtahana: 8). There is no compulsion in religion; no doubt the virtuous path has become clearly distinct from the erring; then who so does not accept devil and believes in Allah, he grasped a very firm knot which is never to open and Allah Hears and Knows. (Surah Al-Baqara: 256)

In second issue the readers are offered a discussion on the psychological and practical problems one might run into before conducting a “just terror attack”. Promoting the knife as the weapon of choice, the reader is presented concocted religious guidance aimed at legitimizing the tactic as well as a practical discussion on pros and cons of different types of knives. Moreover, this article replaced the term “lone wolf” with “just terror operations” reflecting the importance of semantics in a propaganda war and the need for DAISH to frame such actions as inherently legitimate and morally justified as DAISH has used “just terror” before in Dabiq Issue 12. This message has further reinforced by the article “Brutality and Severity Towards the Kuffar” which inundates the reader with examples of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the Sahabah (R.A), punishing their enemies. On the contrary, in Madina the people of other faiths were protected from harm as much as the Muslims. In the Muslim society the lives of the practitioners of other religions were also given protective status.  As the Prophet (PBUH) said, “whoever kills a person who has a truce with the Muslims will never smell the fragrance of Paradise” (Saheeh Muslim). The actual teachings of Islam clearly state about infidels that if the government state gives them shelter, then they have right to enjoy the freedom and follow their religion. They are bound to pay the taxes which are alternative of zakah.

The editorial “A message from East Africa” includes instructions for followers to “hurl themselves into the midst of the battle by attacking the (disbeliever) nearest to them”. “Let them follow the example of the lions who have preceded them by striking the crusader citizens and interests wherever they are found in the West,” it reads. The report attributes jehad with the sunnah as it says sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was to march forth and wage war against the enemies of Allah. The report provoking the Muslims to kill those living in west by saying, those Muslims residing in the west have an opportunity to terrorize the Crusaders themselves. Therefore, the Prophet (PBUH) was only a Warner not and enforcer. Quran states that “Say you, the knowledge of it is with Allah, and I am only a clear Warner”. (Al-Mulk :26). If non-believers live in a country which is democratic state with specific rules and regulations then they are entitled to live their life peacefully there and no one has the right to impose anything else on them. Islam respects the followers of others religion as Quran asks just to turn away from those who reject the truth, and say “peace” to them. “And by the saying of the Messenger, O My Lord, they do not believe. Therefore overlook them and say, peace: soon they shall l know”. (Az-Zukhraf :88,89). 

To further reinforce their point, Rumiyah’s architects have DAISH’s “boom-bust” history to draw upon for inspirational examples of staying true to the cause in the face of losses. A leader of DAISH’s antecedent, Abu Hamzah Al-Muhajir’s “Paths to Victory Part 1” argues along these lines not only stating that “every Muslim must be certain that complete victory is coming” but asserts that “whoever rejects or doubts that is nothing but one of the disbelieving fear mongers.  According to the extremist approach of the report, the difference between them and the non-Muslims is that those of them who accepted Islam received much good, honor, and glory. And those of them who remained in kufr were afflicted with humiliation, subservience, and the jizyah. However, Islam is a religion of peace, in the times of Islamic glory, Muslims and non-Muslims used to live together in peace and harmony. Quran states, “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition and argue with them in a way that is best. No doubt. Your Lord knows well who has strayed from His way and He knows well those who are guided”. (An-Nahl :125). There have come to you the eye opener arguments from your Lord, then whosoever saw it, then it is for his own good and whosoever became blind, then it is for his own bad and I am not a guardian over you. (Al-An’am:104).

The Shuhada from the Gulshan Attack, is an article in which DAISH explains why the cafe in Dhaka was selected as a target. In the report it is written that after a careful survey of several potential targets, the Crusader-owned Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant was selected for this blessed operation because it was well known for being frequented by the citizens of Crusader countries and other kafir nations. Whereas, Islam respects the followers of others religion, in fact when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) migrated to Medina, he found that there was a large Jewish community but that did not bother Him. He did not contemplate on forcing them into the Fold of Islam, instead, he made a peace truce with them and called them (Ahlul kitab), the people of the Scripture. Diversity of faith and culture is an oft-repeated theme in the Quran. Allah Almighty’s plan has granted freedom of choice to humankind, the only justification for ultimate individual accountability, so always there would be unbelievers intermixed with believers. “And if your Lord had willed, all those who are in the earth would have believed together. Will you, then force people until they become Muslims? And no soul has power to believe but by the leave of Allah. And He lays His torment upon those who have no wisdom”. (Surah Yunus :99-100).

Rumiyah’s architects have sought to deploy the strategies of meaning, credibility and behavioural change that have helped to inspire many in the West to become foreign fighters or engage in homegrown terrorism. The relentless output of propaganda by DAISH and its focus on reaching every corner of the globe with its malicious message is a critical part of the DAISH's tragic strategy. They want to delude Muslims by controlling the phony narrative of Islam and Jihad and provoking the West into a backlash against Muslims, thus driving them to look to the DAISH as protectors. By understanding what they are really saying and what they really want people will be better equipped to deconstruct their foraged narrative and ultimately defeat not just DAISH but radical approach in general.

The writer can be contacted at email

saqib.gardezi@gmail.com

Author Confirms American Designs to Counterbalance China

By Sajjad Shaukat

During the last two decades, political analysts have been opining that the US which is acting upon a secret strategy, wants to make India the superpower of Asia in order to counterbalance China, while this game was, openly, disclosed by the then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who was on three-day trip to India in 2011.

In this respect, on July 20, 2011, the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India to be more assertive in Asia, saying that the country should play more of a leadership role. She explained, “India has the potential to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific.” Clinton further stated, “India should play a role as a US ally in regional forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).” On the other hand, while concealing American double game, She remarked, “New Delhi could also help promote trade links in violence-wracked South Asia, which would bring prosperity and peace to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan…Pakistan must do more to tackle terror groups operating from its territory being used for attacks that destabilize Afghanistan or India.”

During his trip to Australia, on November 17, 2011, President Barrack Obama, while sending an unmistakable message to Beijing said, “The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay.” The then US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta also made statements in this connection during his Asia visit. He revealed during his visit to Singapore that the US will shift a majority of its warships to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 as part of a new US military strategy in Asia. Panetta’s Asia visit came at a time of renewed tension between China and Philippines, the latter being a major US ally.

With regards to strengthening its position in the Pacific, America has also cultivated security relations with New Zealand. It is also working with several Gulf countries to solidify its entrenchment in the region. American strategic thinkers take China’s military modernization as a great threat to its military bases in the continent.

During American President Barack Obama’s visit to India, on January 25, 2010, the US and India announced a breakthrough on a pact which would allow American companies to supply New Delhi with civilian nuclear technology. On November 2, 2010, US agreed to sell India the most expensive—the new F-35 fighter jets including US F-16 and F-18 fighters, C-17 and C-130 aircraft, radar systems, Harpoon weapons etc. Besides acquisition of arms and weapons from other western countries—especially Israel, America is a potential military supplier to India.

During President Obama’s second visit to India, the US ensured India to permit American companies to supply India with civilian nuclear technology, as agreed upon in 2008.  US President Obama also announced $4 billion of new initiatives aimed at boosting trade and investment ties as well as jobs in India.

However, setting aside the Indian irresponsible record of non-proliferation, and safety of nuclear arms, Washington also pressurized the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) to sign an accord of specific safeguards with India. America had already contacted the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to grant a waiver to India for starting civil nuclear trade on larger scale.

As part of the double game, based in Afghanistan, operatives of American CIA, India RAW and Israeli Mossad which have well-established their secret network in Afghanistan, and are well-penetrated in the terrorist outfits like ISIS, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their affiliated Taliban groups are using their terrorists to destabilize Tibetan regions of China, Iranian Sistan-Baluchistan and Pakistan’s Balochistan by arranging the subversive activities. In this context, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is their special target. Recent acts of terrorism in Pakistan’s Balochistan are part of the same scheme.   

Undoubtedly, in case of Balochistan, these militant outfits and separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and their affiliated groups, including Jundollah (God’s soldiers) and Lashkar-i-Janghvi which have been creating unrest in the Balochistan get logistic support from RAW and Mossad with the tactical assistance of America. In the recent years, these terrorist outfits massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. These externally-supported insurgent groups had kidnapped and killed many Chinese and Iranian nationals in Pakistan, including Iranian diplomats. They have claimed responsibility for a number of terror assaults, including those on Shias in Balochsitan and Iranian Sistan-Baluchistan.

Notably, located on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, Balochistan’s Gwadar deep seaport which is the main part of the CPEC is close to the Strait of Hormuz from where more than 17 million barrels of oil passes every day. Its location among South Asia, the oil-rich Middle East, and oil and gas-resourced Central Asia has further increased its strategic significance. Besides, Balochistan’s abundant mineral resources irritate the eyes of the US, India and Israel which intend to weaken Pakistan for their collective aims.

In this context, in his book, titled “The Pivot: Future of American Statecraft in Asia,” published in June 7, 2016, America’s former assistant secretary of state Kurt M. Campbell has confirmed a new major shift in American foreign policy and its interests in Asia, while the US-led entities have already been playing out American foreign policy drama far from the upheaval in the Middle East and South Asia and the hovering drone attacks under the cover of the so-called the war on terror.

After destabilizing the region of the Middle East, the US is making giant strides in Asia Pacific in term of political, economic and military engagement. The main aim of Pivot to Asia Pacific is to counter a rising China, as the Campbell has analyzed.

The main irritant to US/India is “Pak-China Partnership”, particularly the CPEC project. Surprisingly, the book has not given importance to the said project, but it needs no justification that it is the only irritant for US and its lynchpin in Pacific, India to gain larger role in Asia.

The book holds significance for Pakistan, because it is, in fact, premised on the idea to contain Chinese hegemony in the region. The book offers a deep insight into US Asia Pivot policy.

But, by closely analyzing the US policy, there is a need to develop a counter strategy seeking guidance from ten point strategy which the author has recommended for America to implement Asia Pivot in the Pacific region.

Plan for the Pivot is composed of ten core elements including: clarifying the Pivot and mobilizing the public by Presidential speeches and statements as well as an annual strategy documents, articulating a whole-of-government approach to Asia.

While, bolstering and integrating alliances to the American Asia allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philipines, Thailand, and Singapore (a quasi ally)—setting the contours of China’s rise by embedding China policy fully within a larger Asia policy framework, building partnership with Taiwan and New Zealand as well as new partners including India, Vietnam, Indonesia—Malaysia and the Pacific island states, embracing economic statecraft through the expansion of free trade agreements and economic interaction, including through the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), engaging regional institutions, diversifying military forces, promoting democratic values, strengthening people to people ties involving European partners, the heart of author’s argument is a 10-point American strategy for Asia, in which he sets out in considerable details—his recommendations for intensified political, economic and military engagement with the various nations of the continent. But, he ignored the fact that the real game changer in the region will be CPEC which will result in dependence of the US and its allies on Pak-China Gwadar port for sea routes to Asia Pacific.

Given his diplomatic experience, the author is well-informed and deeply thoughtful. He is considered as pioneer of “Asia Pivot Policy”. Campbell’s main emphasis has been on greater boots and greater engagement in the Asia Pacific region without realizing the US role in Middle East and Afghanistan. While, without a stable Middle East, US would not be able to implement the economic aspects of the Pivot, as narrated by Campbell, because the two regions are separated apart by huge distances. A tumultuous and neglected Middle East will not augment well for Asian Century.

While reading Preface and Acknowledgement of the book, it appeared that Indian lobbyists and analysts were quite active in formulation of the Pivot strategy. The author was also assisted by a number of Indians for completion of this book. Campbell—assisted by Indians has suggested to Washington engagement with a number of states which also includes Mongolia and Burma, but there is no mention of Pakistan, which depicts strong Indian influence over the said strategy formulation. Few policymakers in US have termed India as lynchpin of US policies in the Pacific region.

China-Pak project-CPEC is facing challenges, as it is being developed in least stable province of Pakistan. Foregoing in view, the ten-point strategy, crafted in the book may also be relevant to China-Pak for enhancing relevance in the Pacific region, while, Pakistan is likely to counter Asia pivot policy in Asia Pacific.

Although in the book, author has also given some positive suggestions to the US, yet in other words, he has confirmed American designs to counterbalance China in Asia.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

India Failed in Diverting Attention from Kashmir

By Sajjad Shaukat

Although by arranging various false flag operations like the attacks on Indian Parliament in January 12, 2001, in Mumbai attacks on November 26, 2008, at Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot on January 2, 2016 etc., India succeeded in deflecting attention of the world from the uprising in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) due to the US-led West’s double standard, yet Indian rulers have failed in diverting the attention of the international community from the drastic situation of Kashmir in the aftermath of the Uri base assault which was also managed by the Indian intelligence agencies, especially RAW.

It is notable that on July 19, 2013, the Indian former home ministry and ex-investigating officer Satish Verma disclosed that terror attacks in Mumbai in November 26, 2008 and assault on Indian Parliament in January 12, 2001 were carried out by the Indian government to strengthen anti-terrorism laws.

However, continuing false flag operations, on Setember18, this year, India staged the drama of the terror attack in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) at a military base in Uri, close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

After the Uri episode, without any investigation, India’s top civil and military officials, including their media started propaganda against Pakistan by accusing that the militants who targeted the Uri base came from Pakistan’s side of Azad Kashmir and the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba controlled by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were involved in it. Under the mask of the Uri base attack, India created war-hysteria against Pakistan and started mobilization of troops near the LoC, while claiming surgical strikes on the Azad Kashmir.

But, the myth of Indian surgical strikes was exposed, when in a statement, DG of Pakistan’s the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen, Asim Saleem Bajwa said, “The notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects. This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross border fire as surgical strike is a fabrication of truth.” He repeatedly stated that Pakistani troops have been giving equal response to Indian unprovoked firing across the LoC.

Differences also arose between the Indian civil and military leadership—as to how cover the falsehood. In this regard, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and country’s Army Chief Gen. Dalbir Singh had decided to prepare a ‘fake video’ of surgical strikes so as to pacify the Indian public, media and the opposition parties.

In fact, since July 8, 2016 against the martyrdom of the young Kashmir leader Burhan Wani by the Indian security forces in the Indian Held Kashmir in wake of continued sieges and prolonged curfew, Indian forces have martyred more than 120 innocent persons who have been protesting against the martyrdom of Burhan Wani.

With the acceleration of war of liberation and Indian state terrorism in the Indian controlled Kashmir, pressure on the Indian government led by BJP has been mounting both domestically and internationally.

In this respect, A. S. Dulat, former chief of India’s spy agency RAW, published in the magazine, ‘The Wire’ on August 27, 2016 said “Pakistan’s role is not the only catalyst for the crisis, talks about the need for the Indian government to start talking to separatist leaders in the Hurriyat Conference, Pakistan, and other important political players.” His condemnation of the Modi government for not talking to Hurriyat and for its high handedness in IOK is spot on. He rightly concludes that the Kashmiri uprising is 100% indigenous.

While, in response to the letter of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, on August 19, 2016, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon deplored the killings of the Kashmiris in Indian-held Kashmir, and urged India and Pakistan to settle Kashmir and other issues through dialogue by offering his “good offices”.

Meanwhile, on September 21, 2016, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif emphatically highlighted Kashmir situation during the annual session of the UN General Assembly. In this context, he said, “Kashmiris had to face barbarism from India, which made Burhan Wani, the face of freedom movement…Pakistan fully supports the demand of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, as promised by several Security Council resolutions. Their struggle is a legitimate one for liberation from alien occupation.”

During his visit to Pakistan, in the joint press conference with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on November 17, 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged for an immediate resolution of the Kashmir dispute and stated that “the escalating tensions on the Pakistan-India border and the atrocities in Kashmir cannot be ignored. He elaborated, “The Turkish government and the Turkish nation stand in solidarity with the Kashmiri people.”

Earlier, the visiting Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Ayad Ameen Madani in Islamabad expressed grave concern over extra-judicial killings of people in the Indian-occupied Kashmir and added, “OIC will support Pakistan on Kashmir issue”.

Besides, Western politicians and media have also taken serious notice of the deteriorating situation of Kashmir. For instance, the Italian Minister for Defence, Mrs. Roberta Pinotti who visited Pakistan said September 19, this year that her country “opposes use of force and lethal weapons against peaceful protestors in Kashmir and stated that it cannot be allowed to go on.” She further said that Italy will apprise the international community about what is going on in Indian held Kashmir.

Renowned TV channels and newspapers are giving appropriate coverage to the ongoing uprising in Kashmir, while pointing out Indian atrocities. For example, with the title, “India’s crackdown in Kashmir: is this the world’s first mass blinding?”, The Guardian wrote on November 8, 2016,  “The Long Read: A bloody summer of protest in Kashmir has been met with a ruthless response from Indian security forces, who fired hundreds of thousands of metal pellets into crowds of civilians, leaving hundreds blinded.”

Notably, in frustration, during the sixth Heart of Asia Conference which was held in the Indian city of Amritsar on December 3 and 4, this year, the Indian government did not allow the Pakistan’s Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz to hold a scheduled press conference. In sheer violation of diplomatic norms, the adviser was also barred from leaving the hotel premises and the media persons were not allowed to meet him in the hotel. The Indian authorities also stopped Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit to enter the Media Centre set up at the conference venue.

Nevertheless, Kashmir dispute has been internationalized, while India has failed in diverting world’s attention from the present situation of Kashmir.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com

The dire consequences of India’s demonetisation initiative

Withdrawing 86% by value of the cash in circulation in India was a bad idea, badly executed

SUPPOSE that one day the government of a large and fast-growing economy became convinced that its highest priority was to purge the country of black-economy millionaires hoarding piles of illicit cash. Seeking popular approval, it sent the printing presses into overdrive, hoping to inflate away the value of these secret piles of wealth. It worked: rising prices struck a blow against the undeserving rich, and by egging on others to deposit their money in banks (where it could at least earn interest), the shadow economy shrank. The government could plough the newly created money into tax breaks and public-works schemes.

Critics, rightly, would stand aghast. Inflation would affect everyone who held cash, law-abiding or not. Much of the wealth of those enriched by the black economy would be insulated, because lots of their lucre is held not in cash but in property, gold or jewellery. Such heavy-handed measures could undermine the credibility of important government institutions. Fear that they might be used again in future could weaken confidence in the currency as a store of value—paving the way for some broader institutional failure, like hyperinflation. Long-run trust in the judgment of the state might be threatened.

On November 8th India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, announced a course of action just as radical as that described above, if the converse of it. He declared that all 500- and 1,000-rupee notes—making up 86% of the cash in circulation in India—could no longer be used in shops. More financially mature economies than India would struggle to cope with such a scheme, but this one floundered at once. Though Indians have until the end of the year to swap their defunct bills, the roll-out of new ones has been bungled. A broad cash crunch and broken supply chains threaten a sharp economic slowdown—albeit one that will abate, at least in part, as the cash squeeze is alleviated. India’s “demonetisation” is a cautionary tale of the reckless misuse of one of the most potent of policy tools: control over an economy’s money.

Unlike most currency reforms, designed to boost confidence in the currency, Mr Modi’s motivation is different. The primary aim of demonetisation is reasonable enough: the government hopes to improve the functioning of the economy and boost its tax take by cracking down on the shadow economy. The vast majority of transactions in India take place in cash; many escape book-keepers’ notice. Economists reckon that India’s black economy accounts for at least 20% of GDP. Such off-the-books activity shields fortunes from taxation and allows corruption to flourish. Past efforts to attract black money into the light—using tax amnesties, for example—have had little effect.

Demonetisation forces the issue. Indians can swap their hoards of useless bills for useful ones, but those that cannot present paperwork accounting for their cash piles will receive unwanted attention, and tax bills, from the government. Demonetisation also increases use of electronic and bank-based payment systems, which will make record-keeping easier and more common, allowing government better to track and tax the proceeds.

Yet the government also reckons it can profit from bills that are not turned in. In economic textbooks, money is considered a liability of the central bank—a debt. In most modern economies that debt sits on its balance-sheet, and is offset, on the asset side, by holdings of securities like government bonds. The old and unreturned notes, if they are recognised as cancelled liabilities, would therefore create a huge positive asset position on the central bank’s balance-sheet. The Reserve Bank of India could, if it chose, create new currency liabilities (that is, print money) and transfer that money to the government to spend. Some economists hope the money will be recycled back into the economy through a fiscal stimulus, which might help soothe some of the pain caused by demonetisation.

The status of this would-be windfall is uncertain. If the government allows Indians to redeem dead notes for live ones indefinitely, it is not clear when or if the RBI might recognise cancelled liabilities on its balance-sheet. So far, Indians are depositing their money in the banking system with impressive haste. Of the 14trn rupees ($207bn) invalidated by demonetisation, an estimated 8.5trn has already been deposited. Still, as much as 3trn rupees could remain in the wild as a potential government windfall, reckons a recent analysis by Credit Suisse, a bank.

The other rupee drops

However clever the plan looked on paper, it is both extraordinarily blunt and risky. Demonetisation will probably make only limited strides in shrinking the black economy while affecting all of India’s 1.3bn citizens, the poorest most of all.

In much of the Indian economy, and especially outside big cities, where cash transactions are most common and financial infrastructure least developed, the sudden invalidation of a vast amount of outstanding currency represents a significant monetary shock. Not all of India’s shadow economy—which provides real employment and income, if not real tax revenues—can migrate quickly and easily above board. Whatever cannot easily be shifted represents a potential loss of economic activity, and a drag on broader Indian economic growth. Similarly, if a cash crunch forces small firms without access to credit to shut down, the eventual alleviation of the cash shortage might not lead to an immediate and complete revival of economic activity.

Managing an economy’s money is among the most important tasks of the government. Clumsy use of monetary instruments comes with high risk. John Maynard Keynes, an economist, was echoing Lenin when he wrote in 1919: “There is no subtler, no surer means of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency.” Trust is fragile, and precious.

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This article appeared in the Finance and economics section of the print edition under the headline “Paper pains”