Pakistan’s dilemma
According to media reports, the US Congress has proposed sanctions and stopped trade with Pakistan unless Pakistan reopened NATO supply routes. US lawmakers also approved a proposal to stop all reimbursements to the country if Pakistan continued to ignore US demands. Despite massive US pressure, Pakistan blocked all NATO supply routes four months ago after an attack on Salalah checkpoint, which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. The truth is that after the closure of the NATO supply line and the tough stance by the Pakistani military and civil government, the number of suicide attacks and terrorist activities has dropped dramatically in the country. Very few drone attacks have been reported in the tribal areas, which is the main cause of suicide attacks in Pakistan. The government is also reviewing all secret agreements that took place during Musharraf's tenure allowing US to carry out drone attacks.
The drop in suicide attacks, drone strikes and other terrorist activities proves that instead of using military power only a shift of strategy can bring about peace in the country. The government must minimize its role in the US-led “War on Terror” in the interest of its people.
Khawaja Umer Farooq
Jeddah
Obama's endorsement
President Obama became the first US president to endorse same-sex marriage when he told ABC News that it "should be legal." Although Obama’s decision is disappointing, it is not surprising. Once an opponent of gay marriage, Obama changed his views in part, because the statement will likely lead to more donations to his campaign from gay and socially progressive donors, who can now pour money into the presidential coffers without reservations.
A close study of American society reveals the bitter truth that this development is utterly lopsided; it is at the cost of their culture, civilization and ethics. The moral health of their society is grossly at the receiving end. They are out to get acts of moral depravity declared legal.
If what constitutes good and evil is so clear and universally agreed upon, why does a varying pattern of moral behavior exists in the world? Why are there so many conflicting moral philosophies? I think the present day moral structures cannot provide a balanced and coherent plan of social conduct due to their failure to prescribe specific limits and roles for the various moral virtues and values. Again, it is due to this legal leniency that their society is getting 'new' but brazen terms like 'live-in relationship', 'single mother,' etc.
It is high time that lawmakers do not base their knowledge of virtues and vices on mere intellect, desire, intuition or experience, all of which constantly undergo changes and modifications and thus fail to provide definite and unchanging standards of morality.
The source that prescribes our moral standards should be permanent, universal and hold good in every age and under all circumstances. The objective of mankind's all endeavors is "seeking the pleasure of the Creator" and this alone can keep an individual and a community on the straight path of virtue.
Israrul Haque
Jeddah
Dammam school
As a father of children studying at the International Indian School-Dammam, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to all members of the managing committee for having taken over and accepting the most important as well as challenging responsibilities under the able chairmanship of Thiru K.M.
Since the new committee has representation from the many states of India, I am sure it will be better positioned to serve the community in an effective manner. Their singular objective must be to take the institution to new heights of excellence in scholastic, moral and social fields. While focusing on a bright future for students, the committee should never lose sight of extending privileges and support to deserving, sincere, dedicated and honest teachers and other staff members. Besides reminding the committee about its many duties and responsibilities, I would request the parents to extend full support and cooperation to all new members with a view to enabling them to perform at optimum level.
Dr. Javed Hafeez
Alkhobar
Letters to the Editor: Pakistan’s dilemma
