Fitna

Dutch MP Geert Wilders, known for his anti-Islamic views, has chosen the word 'Fitna' as the new title for his 15-minute, explosive anti-Islamic film to be released in March. The word fitna is Arabic and occurs a number of times in the Quran, referring to spreading malice or having malicious intent.

According to Mr Wilders, “I insisted on using a phrase that’s also found in the Koran. Islam and the Koran are my ordeal. I use the term in an inverse sense… For me the poisonous Koran is fitna.”

The 15-minute movie will apparently contain an animated cartoon of the prophet Mohammed, and some Dutch media have suggested that the end will show Wilders burning a copy of the Quran.

Fearing an international backlash against the Netherlands, the Dutch government already has instructed its embassies worldwide on how to act after the movie has been released. Security at Dutch embassies is to be increased, while Wilders has been advised to go into hiding abroad after the movie is released. Wilders is already under constant security protection since 2004 because of threats to his life due to his very vocal criticism of Islam in the wake of the murder of Dutch film director Theo Van Gogh.

The debate between provocation and freedom of expression is a very interesting one and has been ongoing for quite some time now, but the question is where do we draw the line? There is a serious need for engaging in reflection and constructive dialogue over this. In the same context, what would we call this movie, freedom of speech or fitna?

Obama: Threat to Pakistan?

I've seen a lot of support for Obama in the press and media, and especially by so many Pakistanis living in the U.S. While I like him compared to Clinton (and any Republican) on a number of important issues, what is really bothering me is his stand in support of bombing targets inside Pakistan territory if Islamabad is not willing to cooperate.

He said on Tuesday, “I never said I would bomb Pakistan. What I said was that if we have actionable intelligence against (Osama) bin Laden or other key Al Qaeda officials and Pakistan is unwilling or unable to strike against them, we should."

Striking targets inside the territory of a sovereign country? Is that not arrogance? And yet Pakistanis abroad support Obama. Why?

Out'bursts'!

By now six nights have passed since the result of the elections were announced, yet there is no reprieve from the loud noise of Klashinkov and TT bursts that seem to be echoing all over Karachi till the wee hours of the morning. I had no idea ordinary people had so much weaponry and ammunition to use with such impunity in expressing their jubilation that there is a total disregard for public peace or safety.

How exactly are we different from our tribal neighbours?

Management Gem 1

One of the first things to frustrate me after taking on managing a team of people for the first time back in late 2005 was how difficult it was to be pleased with the work of other individuals. No matter what the task, I was simply never satisfied with the quality I expected. After a number of frustrating weeks I realized I was simply trying to create my clones here.

The key learning for me has been to realize that managing people is not about getting them to perform as good as you think you can, but as good as they can. It's been great fun managing since then and developing people by helping them to realize their own true potential.