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Gaza Flotilla - Would mere condemnation suffice???

Posted by aim_abdullah in Labels:

World leaders and the international community once again voiced their criticism and condemnations over Israel's deadly commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip. All the media throughout the world reported the sad tragedy but would it merely remain hollow condemnations with no actions being taken against Israel for its blatant disregard for international laws. No argument whatsoever provided by Israel would provide justification for such brutality to unarmed person or non-combatants. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reported to have said that the commandos who raided a Gaza aid flotilla, killing nine and injuring dozens of others, were under attack and acting in self defense. What self defense are they talking about when it was them that boarded and carried the raid on the ships.The attack has happened in international waters, 75 miles off the coast of Israel, in direct violation of international law. The flotilla was not even in Israel’s waters. So under which particular section of the international law does Israel applies to justify their actions?





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Looking back to the past, one would not be surprised of Israel’s actions. There were merely finding an excuse to divert the world attention from continuously pursuing the agenda of peace talks to find a lasting solution to the Middle East crisis. The earlier agreement to convene proximity talks will no longer be a priority and remains shelved to a later date. This is typical of Israel and the international community should be fully cognizant of this. But will the world allows itself to be continuously hoodwinked by Israel.

Lets us see what the Americans have to say about this latest human tragedy??? Would the Americans, under the leadership of President Obama, continues to protect Israel's punitive actions ????





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Sonidos de la Terra (Sounds of the Earth)

Posted by aim_abdullah in Labels:



Spent the evening attending a musical performance by a group known as “Sonidos de la Tierra” or literally translated to Sounds of the Earth. It should have been more appropriate to mean Sounds of Hope. It comprise of youngsters playing music from classical to the more modern upbeat tempo. It is not the music that interests me to blog but more on the group as a whole.

Briefly, Sonidos de la Tierra was founded in 2002 by internationally recognized master musician, composer, and orchestral conductor, Luis Szaran. He envisioned providing underprivileged kids from the shanty towns and slums of Paraguay with the opportunities to learn how to play musical instruments and, on a more philosophical level, rescue traditional Paraguayan culture and improve the sustainability of local communities by teaching kids skills that can pave the way to higher education and a professional career.

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This program has proven successful where it not only showed how music has changed the lives of many of these children, but how Szaran has created what he calls "a network for social change" in his country, where communities are coming together and organizing through music. What is important to take note is that the program was not initiated with the objective of producing musicians but merely to provide an avenue and opportunity for the children from the poor communities to be responsible citizens.

“The young person who plays Mozart by day does not
break shop windows at night.”

"You need to understand that Sonidos is not only about good musicians, but also about good citizens," Szaran says. He has established music schools in more than a hundred communities across Paraguay and is now expanding into five other countries.

This is one program which could be emulated by Malaysia in addressing the increasing social ills in our societies. Though the focus of Sonidos de la Tierra was more towards the underprivileged children, we could perhaps consider it for others as well, including those dabbling in illegal road racing, etc. It will hopefully creates sense of belongings and instill responsibility among them. With not much success achieved through the PBLKN, perhaps it is perhaps timely that we look at other avenues/programs that could help towards achieving 1Malaysia. ……..





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Farewell Syria (Thoughts penned on 10 March 2010)

Posted by aim_abdullah in Labels:


Counting the days for my imminent departure from Damascus, upon the completion of my tour of duty, makes me realize that there is still much more for me to see, learn and experience in Syria. The kind hospitality and friendly disposition of the people makes my stay interesting, despite my obvious language handicap. Guided by Malaysians, including students, that have resided in Syria for quite some time and that have acquired proficiency in the Arabic language, I had managed to travel to some interesting places throughout Syria, as reflected in my previous blogging notes, though many more I would had to miss.



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I feel proud and elated moving around Syria when the mention of Malaysia brings positive response from the Syrians. The names of Tun Mahathir and other leaders always cropped up in my numerous conversations with the locals and their aspirations to be able to emulate Malaysia’s successful economic transformation. They too feel proud that Malaysia, being an Islamic nation, had proven that economic development is achievable and within their reach. They strongly believe that they too could get out of the so-called poverty, economic malaise cycle one day. And from what I see during my brief stay in Syria, I too believe that Syria would be able to transform her economy much faster than some of the other Arab countries, provided that the government continues with its efforts at restructuring the economy as well as bringing the bureaucracy up to meet the fast paced demand of a developing society and economy.


The many friends and acquaintances I leave behind, at both in the official and personal capacity, I say thank you or “shukran jazillan” and hope that we would be able continue to keep in touch in the future.


In And Out







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