_ Quand la politique met sa main sur un match de foot, les conséquences sans doute seront graves. C’est le cas notamment de l’Egypte où 74  personnes ont trouvé la mort, et plus de 1000 personnes ont été blessés, à l’issue d’un  match de foot à Port-Saïd opposant l’équipe Al Masry au club d’Al Ahly. Mais la question qui doit être posée : Quel message les organisateurs de ces violences ont-ils voulu faire passer ?

Jamais les affrontements entre les supporters n’avaient fait autant de victimes, ce qui a poussé de nombreux Egyptiens à exprimer leur colère contre la police et le conseil militaire parce qu’ils étaient capables d’éviter ce drame.

De ce fait, Les manifestants ont organisé une marche jusqu’au ministère de l’intérieur, pour dénoncer le comportement de la police et réclamer le départ du pouvoir militaire.

Les frères musulmans à leur tour, ont accusé l’armée d’être derrière ces faits de violence, et leurs objectifs de ces faits étaient de montrer au peuple Egyptien, que la révolution déclenchée en 25 janvier n’était pas la solution, et la preuve que le pays connait toujours la violence et l’insécurité.

Personnellement, je pense que ce drame est mystérieux, vu que la plupart des assaillants étaient les supporters de l’équipe qui a gagné le match, donc le football n’est pas la cause, mais c’est plutôt la politique !

On Friday January 13th 2012, six hundred political prisoners were released in Burma. Burma has been ruled directly and indirectly by the military since 1962. This regime has been marked by systematic rape, torture and forced labour to the nation’s citizens. Most of the political prisoners took part in demonstrations against this repressive regime that has ruled the nation for decades. The political prisoners included political activists, leaders of repressed ethnic minority groups and journalists.  Many of these prisoners are serving sentences of several decades after trials with none or very little legal representation and they were spread out in the nation’s forty three prisons. The prison conditions are horrific with overcrowding, filth, bugs and a lack of appropriate food. There are several reasons for the prisoners release; one is that it is a step towards the country’s reform and the second is to end Burma’s isolation from the international community by adhering to the international human rights regimes and conventions.  Most of the political prisoners believe they were fighting for fundamental freedom and for them this liberty means that lovers and families are reunited.

Below is a link to a slideshow of pictures marking the special day: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2012/jan/13/burmese-political-prisoners-released-pictures

Le Congo : un cauchemar en milieu d’un vaste paradis. On l’appelle ainsi parce que ce pays est
considéré le cœur de l’Afrique. Riche en ressources naturelles, de fleurs et d’animaux. Cela ne se
suffit guère aux besoins du peuple. Des gens habitants au paradis tout en vivant en plein enfer.
Des milliers et des milliers de personne meurent la bas sans qu’aucun n’intervienne. Chaque
minute et seconde passées, le nombre des morts s’agrandit ne faisant qu’empirer la situation.
Le Congo ne manque de rien, c’est un riche pays. L’argent s’y trouve, les ressources naturelles
s’y trouvent aussi. Cependant, le problème réside dans le désir ardent et immodéré pour ses
biens. Beaucoup d’étrangers ont profité de ce riche pays afin de s’enrichir à travers ses propres
ressources. Beaucoup de pays, sachant parfaitement le conflit que le Congo connait, ferment les
yeux aux nombres de morts et l’abus des enfants. Donc si vous êtes un défenseur des droits des
enfants, vous devriez agir face aux problèmes qu’endurent les enfants congolais. Ou encore, si
vous avez une sœur, une mère ou une fille, et vous préoccupez des droits des femmes, sachez
que plusieurs filles et femmes se font violer et maltraiter au Congo. Si vous portez un diamant
ou un bijou, dites vous que peut être cette merveille est venu du Congo et que beaucoup de
petits enfants ont péris afin que vous le portiez.

It began in mid-March when Syria was catapulted to the frontline of the Arab revolution, not through the workings of any organized opposition or political party, but as a result of a small protest held in the streets of Deraa, Syria. The protest was in response to the brutal torturing and murdering of schoolboys who made anti-government graffiti.   

Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, who inherited Syria’s presidential reigns from his father, Hafez al-Assad, who himself ruled with an iron fist, initially wavered between force and hints of reform. Ultimately, he would choose the former. I guess it’s true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree because in April, Assad would deploy the first of what would be a series of deadly crackdowns. Since then, tanks have been shelling cities and security forces have been opening fire on protestors. Moreover, Friday, a day when Muslims engage in congregational prayers, celebrate their peers and companions, and welcome in the weekend now brings with it unwelcomed guests.  Convoys of cars filled with Assad’s troops shooting out their windows flood the streets and force civilians to have to walk through back alleys and side streets. 

Syria’s president and his crackdown have been condemned internationally. And after months of incessant violence and imprisonment, on November 2nd the Syrian government accepted a plan fashioned by the Arab League to stop violence and convene talks with the opposition. However, in just two days after agreeing to stop the violence, Syrian forces have since killed at least 35 people and injured numerous more. The Syrian government’s commitment to the plan of stopping violence is now being questioned, as it should be.

When you look at Syria and its situation, the motto, “united we stand, divided we fall” has never been more true. There is a laundry list of issues plaguing this nation from division over where loyalties lie to the rising death toll as a result of the enforced crackdowns. But just as the wave of liberation began with Tunisia, it eventually made its way through Egypt and just recently clearing Libya, we hope that it makes an extended stop in Syria…we hope.

You have probably heard something about the Occupy Wall street movement, but what is it really?  Why is it happening? Where is it taking place?

...

The Occupy Wall street movement is a series of demonstrations and protests that started in New York City. The original protest started on September 17, 2011 in New York City and by October 9, 2011 it spread to 70 other major cities in the Unites States. Soon enough these ‘occupy’ protests spread internationally to well over 900 cities (including Toronto)! But what exactly are the protestors rallying about?      Well, their main focus is on:

·         social and economic inequality

·         corporate greed

·         corruption and influence politics have on financial firms

·         They want more and better jobs

·          equal distribution of wealth

Many people are in support of these protests however, there are others who criticize the movements and believe that it does not have a coherent message. I personally believe that this movement does indeed have a coherent message which is that people all over the world want change. More so, it is due to this coherent message that this movement has become international and includes a diversity of people in terms of age, gender, race, religion etc. People have come together in this movement ‘to make our world leaders listen’ and they all bring similar experiences, problems and hardships.  Overall, the main goal of the movement is to create pressure on the government to change their unjust policies which consistently favour the rich.

This mass movement is leaderless and only has organizers who are in charge of arranging events and keeping track of certain issues. Hence, it is the people of the world who have collectively made a decision for themselves and joined forces because they are tired of the same injustices.

The protestor’s international slogan is, “we are the 99%”. The wealthiest are the 1 % who make the most money and pay less taxes and the 99% are the rest of the population, most of those who struggle to make ends meet.  People from all over the world are coming together to stand up for what they believe in and what they believe needs to change.

However, on the other hand how much of a difference do you think these protests will make?

I think Jack Layton has been very clear in his ‘Letter to Canadians’ published on August 22, 2011 about getting his message of hope, optimism and love across Canadians from all walks of life. He lays emphasis on positive aspirations most importantly, with words focusing on the elements of inspiration, spirit and future progressiveness.  I think they are effective in removing feelings of despair that may arise from challenges people face on a personal level e.g. fighting and defeating cancer or at a social or economic level e.g. changes needed to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I find that he wishes all Canadians to work together through solidarity and team-work to achieve goals for a more fair and prosperous society sharing benefits to provide a better future for generations to come.

Through his brave words he is able to instil feelings of courage, passion and optimism by addressing Canadians who are defeating cancer, members of his party, members of parliamentary caucus, his fellow Quebecers and young Canadians as well as all Canadians reading this letter.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html

Push, push, push that envelope.

I am an introvert pushed to be an extrovert.

You see, I’m told that if I want to be a leader that I must perform,

must be LOUD,

give public speeches, flap my wings and take flight as a social butterfly.

that all the greater opportunities are given to those who don’t shy

and for this I’ve tried,

tried to be someone I am not.

I have lived this sweet lie,

And cause of this I have been encouraged, criticized, encouraged, criticized,

but every time a word has left my mouth never had it been so bitter, so forced,

who wants to be a leader, when the truth you speak,

comes from lying to yourself.

So, maybe, just maybe, I rather stay who I am.

I rather, keep it inside of me or put it on paper.

I rather be quiet and all alone in own my home.

Let others be leaders while I mark an X.

Cause if one man can make all the difference,

do I really need a crowd?

Then maybe, just maybe, I should stay quiet, be quiet.

Shhhh.

It was a mere month ago when NDP leader Jack Layton announced he was taking a short break from politics so he could focus on recovering from cancer.

“I’m fighting cancer now, so I can fight for families in September,” he announced on July 25 to his 100,000+ followers on Twitter.

However Layton passed away at the age of 61 in his Toronto home, surrounded by loved ones.

He approached his battle with cancer using the same positive outlook he used in politics.

“I am as hopeful and optimistic about all of this as I was the day I began my political work, many years ago,” Layton said. “I am hopeful and optimistic about the personal battle that lies before me in the weeks to come.”

The NDP leader with the seemingly permanent smile under his bushy mustache strove to change the face of politics.

“If I have tried to bring anything to federal politics, it is the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart,” he said.

In his final tweet, he thanked everyone for their well wishes.

“Thank you. I will fight this – and beat it.”

For the past couple of weeks the issue of Friday prayers in one of the TDSB schools has gained a lot of spotlight.  Valley Park Public School, has for the past three years allowed its Muslim students to partake in obligatory Friday prayers in the school cafeteria for about 30 minutes weekly and it lasts from November to May. This arrangement was set by the TDSB and some of the student’s parents and it allowed those who wish to pray the Friday prayers with the opportunity. The decision to have a local imam come to the school and lead the prayer was agreed upon as it seemed more logical and practical than have the students go to the nearby mosque, which would become too time consuming. Around 300-400 students partake in the weekly Friday prayers out of the 1200. Hence, one can quite clearly see that there is indeed a large Muslim population in the area and understand the reason for the agreement. Moreover, before this agreement was set up many of the students would travel to the nearby mosque to pray and often would not come back to school.

Recently, this issue has caused a lot of controversy and several different religious groups (the Jewish Defence League of Canada, Canadian Hindu Advocacy and several Christian groups) announced their plans to protest at the TDSB headquarters demanding that the Friday prayers at Valley Park come to an immediate end. After researching I have come to the conclusion that some of the reasons that these groups want the Friday prayers to come to a halt at the school is because they believe that the prayers are an act of extremism and also showcases gender inequality (girls have to pray behind boys and those girls who are menstruating have to sit at the back apart from the rest).

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom clearly states in sections two of the fundamental freedoms: “Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion.” Thus, people have the freedom to practise their religion and so this issue doesn’t have to become a controversy because people already have this freedom. Accommodation it seems has become the new tolerance. I believe this issue is more related to islamophobia, it has become a controversy simply because when we fear something we tend to pick at it in every way. When we have a fear of something we try to justify the reasons we are against it and one of the main elements that people tend to pick on in Islam are gender issues. I think it’s time we at least make an attempt to understand other people’s religions, values and their way of life. Is it possible for ignorance to become something of the past?  I think most importantly we need to forgo the colonizer mentality believing that our way is the best way and rather try to understand other people. Hence, those Muslims girls who people might think are forced to pray behind boys because of gender inequality do not need saving. I know, I’m a Muslim girl. I believe it’s simply time that we stop assuming things about people and take the time to research and learn about their way of life, this should be an obligatory because we live in such a diverse society. We should really try not to solely judge on what we see and rather try to decipher the reasons why certain things are taking place the way that they are.  

Moreover, in the teacher training programs these days for future teachers, they are being taught about the importance of multiculturalism and the implementation of an inclusive education. Allowing these Muslim students to congregate and partake in the Friday prayers is showing inclusiveness at all levels because they are being included and not left out.  I also remember colouring a Turkey for Thanksgiving, which was once considered a Christian Holiday, I also remember every year in my elementary classroom there used to be a little Christmas tree and I also remember singing jingle bells. Couldn’t this also be considered extreme practises in some people’s perspective? Couldn’t it also be considered subtle systematic implementation of specific ideologies?  So if we can have all of those little practises then why can’t Muslim students, those who wish to engage in prayer at their schools be allowed to do so? Is it really an act of extremism? The Charter grants them this right and this is an excellent example of inclusive education.                               

The TDSB on Friday July 8 2011 came out with a statement explaining their decision on the above mentioned ‘controversy’, it is pasted below but also can be found on the TDSB website.

Director statement re Religious accommodation for Muslim prayer service at a TDSB school

Toronto, ON, Friday, July 8, 2011 — There has been a great deal written in the past week about the religious accommodation for Muslim prayers that takes place at Valley Park Middle School from November to May. 

There are very many viewpoints that have been expressed concerning this subject.  I wish to make the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) position on this issue clear. 

While the TDSB is part of a secular public school system, like other school boards, we exist within a broader context of law and public policy that protects and defends human rights. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of religion. The Ontario Human Rights Code protects an individual’s freedom from discriminatory or harassing behaviour based on religion. The Toronto District School Board recognizes and is committed to the values of freedom of religion and freedom from discriminatory or harassing behaviour based on religion through our Equity Foundation Statement, Guidelines and Procedures for the Accommodation of Religious Requirements, Practices and Observances, the Human Rights Policy and Procedures, and the Safe Schools Policy.

The Toronto District School Board takes reasonable steps to provide accommodation to members of religious groups who state that the Board’s operations or requirements interfere with their ability to exercise their religious beliefs and practices. The Board balances its decision to accommodate on several factors such as undue hardship, including: the cost of accommodation to the Board; health and safety risks to the person requesting accommodation and to others; and the Board’s ability to fulfill its duties under Board policies and the Education Act.

Where religious accommodation is concerned, the law is quite clear: freedom of religion in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms supersedes the Education Act.  As a public school board, we have a responsibility and an obligation to accommodate faith needs. 

Here are some facts regarding the law:

1. Indoctrinating religious instruction is prohibited in public boards.
2. Non-indoctrinating instruction about religion is allowed.
3. Scriptural readings from a variety of religions and beliefs, and moments of silence, are permitted during opening or closing exercises.

One of our primary goals is always to maximize instructional time for our students. We do this entirely within the context of instruction rather than indoctrination in any religion. In this way, we strive to achieve the respectful separation of religious devotion and education within our public schools. That is our legal and moral duty.

In the case of Valley Park, the school is not teaching the “religious practice.” Rather it is accommodating for the religious and spiritual needs of the students like many other schools do around the country for a number of different faith communities.  Providing this religious accommodation does not violate any Board policies since the service is not a Board or school activity.  

There have been concerns expressed that the practice of Islam separates individuals by gender.  We do not have the authority to tell faith groups how to pray.  The division of the sexes which occurs during the service is a part of the Islamic faith.  Students who participate in the prayer services do so voluntarily and with parental permission, and no one is obligated to participate.

We understand that this is a very sensitive issue for many, and that there will continue to be differing opinions among members of our communities. However, we believe it is the willingness to have courageous conversations like these that has made Canada the diverse yet cohesive society that comes together in Toronto District School Board’s classrooms every day.

If it was not enough for Bin Laden to be found in Pakistan, Pakistan itself keeps getting attacked by its own people. On Sunday, May 22nd, 2011, Pakistan’s Naval Base (Mehran Naval Air Base) was bombarded with attacks with armed men who were able to destroy two P-3C Orion Helicopters within just a matter of few minutes. What does the International community think about this? The fact that the base which is responsible for keeping the country safe is so easily penetrable, then where do the citizens of that country feel safe?

Obviously, for those who were watching this happen in action live on TV, noticed that the initial reaction of the Pakistani Navy was just mere flabbergasted-ness; which did give the attackers a more head start then that of which had already been gained.

The Pakistani Navy has assured time and time again after this terrorist attack that most of the attackers were caught, dead or alive; the one’s which they have alive, the Navy did not release a number of how many, will be brought to justice.

P-3C Orion Helicopters are the Navy’s eyes and ears, one of their most prized possessions. The fact of the matter stands that the attackers went straight for the Helicopters primarily and then started destroying the rest of the naval base. The aircrafts that were destroyed were “gifts” from the US military to Pakistan in June 2010; Pakistan will be receiving eight more by 2012.

There are two guesses as to who this can be:

1.       Taliban

2.       India

Whoever it may be did hit a main target.