Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog

Welcome to Palestine
Mr. President of the United States of America
Jad Kanaan Jadallah Tawil

On my behalf as a son of this land, and as a Palestinian-American, I welcome you to Palestine.
I was born in the Holy city of Jerusalem and reside at the moment in Al-Bireh City, which is part of the Palestinian territory in the heart of historical Palestine, with many of my fellow Americans who call West Bank and Gaza Strip their second home.

As I understand, you will visit Al-Bireh Youth Foundation in Al-Bireh City, where many of its expatriates and their families still reside in various US states, not to forget other Palestinian-Americans from near-by and far-away Palestinian villages, cities and refugee camps.

The aspirations of African Americans and the dream of Palestinians in liberation, equality and justice deeply started to solidify in my soul and grew up with me since childhood through the influence of my late father’s beliefs and passions which affected me. God Bless his sole, my father started to shape-up my social and political believes after he returned from his active duty in Vietnam War, as an American veteran, where he was drafted through Compulsory US army service.

My late father, Kanaan Jadalla, in that era used to chant and recap on regular bases certain clauses from Dr Martin Luther King’s famous Speech” I Have a Dream” to me, emphasizing the core meanings of the speech with the inevitability of the victory to the social movement in the USA and at the same time equating that with the rights of the Palestinians for liberty and justice by ending the illegal Israeli occupation to Palestinian land.

As an American citizen who lived for two-and-a-half decades in the heart of the city of Detroit, I associated with the under-served segments of the community and I came to know the common suffering of the oppressed people and their ambitions for social justice all around the world. Through my community activism, my work with the State of Michigan’s Social Welfare Agency and my volunteerism and advocacy in humanitarian and labour unions and media agencies I was given the chance to deeply know and understand what it means to be poor, oppressed and feeling inferior anywhere around the world.

At the same time, I was optimistic by the hopes and ambitions of the marginalized people and their hard work to achieve their political and social claimant specially my fellow African American brothers and sisters that I associated and still associate with their suffering, which is analogous to the suffering of the Palestinian people. The African-American experience made me a stronger believer and increased my certainty that the rights of the oppressed will prevail one day and injustice inevitably will disappear despite all of the odds.

Living and working for decades not that far from where Rosa Parks lived and Colman A. Young worked, and working side-by-side with congressman John Conyers from Michigan were the founding stones of this strong belief I have to represent the less fortuned segments of the society worldwide.

I was not far from Chicago when the rainbow coalition had mobilized people to vote for Jesse Jackson in his presidential bid, But years later Senator Barack Obama done it and become the First African American president of the United States of America.

Then and now I realized and got even more motivated by the hard working and determination of our American civil society and its leadership to abolish injustice and vindication of rights. On the other hand I will not forget what I learned from the refugees from Eastern socialist Europe while they were awaiting that fascist regimes to tumble down and how people received Nelson Mandela Liberation after 27 years of imprisonment, Where I was among the masses that received him at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, whose experience is similar to the thousands of Palestinian political prisoners are still languishing in Israeli Jails Such as Samer Al Issawi who has been on hunger strike for over than 240 days.

Following the social, academic and activities of many famous Palestinian Americans in the USA including the late Professor Edward Said and Al-Khaldi brothers and their well- known international writings , made many of us certain and inevitable of a certain famous Palestinian proverb which could be translated as “no right will be lost as long as there is claimant behind it”. The insistence of the owners of the rights to their demands is their way of success and access to their demands.

I am a humanist and not a politician, I do not believe war is a solution to political issues around the world, I know most Palestinians and Americans believe the same way.
Mr President, I ask you with a strong logic to look at the suffering of the Palestinian people from Humanistic perspectives, and stay away from the pressures and interests of political and economic lobbyers and their groups, and I appeal to you also as the President of the United States of America, and I ask your colleagues members of the Senate and Congress to realize that Palestinian land has been and still being confiscated and the displacement of the Palestinian population, and the establishment of the Israeli settlements is taking place. Where the geographical separation of Palestinian cities, villages and refugee camps is depriving Palestinians to move and live in prosperity. As distal and proximal realize that the economic and social situation is very bad for the Palestinian people in villages and refugee camps and rural areas in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip which is not in the best state and the simplest rights does not exist.

Palestinian citizens are prevented from reaching the Christian and Islamic places of worship freely, especially in the city of Jerusalem and also getting proper education and health care for Palestinians. We are facing major obstacles where we are not getting specialized and effectiveness care. (As Hemophilia patient myself and I have a liver transplant I am facing this problem too).

I am sorry to tell the American people that, in a parallel context, US citizens holding dual Palestinian residency (with the Israeli occupation ID cards), our American Passports are ignored and not respected by the Israeli authority and we are not allowed to enter the occupied Jerusalem and perform prayers in churches and mosques by the Israelis. The Israelis are not respecting us as Humans and as Palestinians at first, then they are (Israelis) are not respecting US citizens to move freely in the region, while our US tax money is used to support the oppression of Israel.

Mr President, as Palestinians and American citizens We appeal to you to become a pioneer as the US president , and since you are being of African descent you understand the meaning of injustice, so we are awaiting you to take the initiative to redress the Palestinians penile their rights in your second governing session ,based on your human vision and civil rights history and the understanding of our people(Palestinians) suffering , and linking this to the suffering of other peoples and ethnicities scattered around the world, Let the history records that President Barack Obama took the initiative and worked, but ended the last colonial occupation on this planet, and you as a human being also stood up with the oppressed against the unjust occupier and usurper of our Palestinian land.

In conclusion, I will quote Dr Martin Luther King’s speech title , “I Have a Dream”, and I will say my dream will be that the President of the United States of America Barack Obama stand at the podium in Al-Bireh city during his visit to Palestine and he will say, ” Israel, Enough injustice to the Palestinian People and Israel you must stop the occupation to the Palestinian land” and “ we hope Mr President of the United States of America will declare and recognizes the historic rights of the Palestinians which has been ignored by the world for decades.”

Jad Kanaan Jadallah Tawil

jkjtawil@yahoo.com

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”

“NO TO DRONES AND MILITARY OPERATIONS”

VOICES FROM TRIBAL AREAS MUST BE HEARD

Officials promoting Obama’s drone programme continue to churn out the same old rhetoric of how grateful those in the Tribal Areas are every time a drone strike is launched on Waziristan. Well I have news for the White House…  Open your eyes, stop being in denial and listen to the voices of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s)  from Pakistan’s South Waziristan Agency (SWA) camped out in front of National Press Club in Islamabad and now in their 7^th day of hunger strike.

“The IDPs from Mehsud tribe have demanded an immediate halt to US drone strikes and prolonged military operation in SWA which was launched in 2009 against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Protestors are vowing to continue their protest until the halt of military operations, which has resulted in the mass displacement of many (civilians ) from the region” (Saleem Mehsud)

On Sunday, Dr Farzarna Bari, Human Right Activists, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf  leader of South Waziristan Agency, Doost Mohammad Khan and elders of Mehsud tribe participated in the protest camp. IDPs stated that the Pakistan government should also take the matter seriously because “the coming generation of the Mehsud tribe are facing immense problems and are being deprived of basic facilities as a result of military operations”. The plight of the IDP’s can be viewed on the following website http://www.internal-displacement.org/idmc/website/countries.nsf/%28httpEnvelopes%29/944667B8E6F38FDFC125778C00711DD9?OpenDocument

Advocate, Sherpao Khan Mehsud said the sit-in would continue until the fulfilment of their demands. He said that drone attacks were not only killing innocent people, but were also violating the sovereignty of Pakistan. Mehsud Youth President, Jamal Shah stressed that “the military operation should be stopped immediately in which houses, markets, schools and colleges had been destroyed.” He also said the military operation “Rah-e-Nijaat” was started in 2009 in Waziristan and now hundreds of people, mostly children and women are living in slums and are facing various difficulties http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/02/15/news/national/idps-vow-to-continue-sit-in-until-halt-of-operation-in-swa/

The Mehsuds are not alone in calling for an end to drone strikes. I spoke to two members of the Wazir tribe, Arman Khan Wazir told me, “I myself am from Waziristan, due to drones people are becoming against Pakistan army and America. Children are joining Taliban because they have no facilities, they become destructive minded. I can’t explain the destruction there in words. How can we show devotion to the world if anybody is not giving me my rights and if any one destroys my home place.”

Politician Imran Khan (PTI) has long condemned US drone attacks calling them a violation of international laws which also violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and is calling for America to identify the victims of drone strikes. He also criticised the Pakistan government saying it had turned the country into a “banana republic” and that US authorities “were allowed to hit and kill any civilian at will inside Pakistani territory”.

Always quick to be on the scene for peaceful protestors, a tweet from Imran Khan’s official Twitter account today read, “my full support for our FATA youth protesting drone attacks in front of Islamabad Press Club. Will try to go personally to join their protest.”

Raheem Ullah Wazir had this to say; “if we start doing justice from the skies than we should get rid of courts from the world. If somebody is a culprit he should be brought into the limelight so that the truth and reality is known to the world. Secondly where is the sanctity of international borders? This is going to set a very wrong precedent. The money that is invested in drone technology could have been used to seal the Pakistan -Afghanistan border thus no infiltration of insurgents if there is any.”

Hanif Ullah highlighted his arguements against the use of drones in an email to me, laying out the following points:- 1) Its illegal? 2) Collateral damage. 3) No international law, norms for strike 4) Counterproductive. 5) Extrajudicial killing…. if Nazis could be brought to trial and prosecuted, why are others killed before they are brought into the realms of the law.

I asked several people whether drones radicalized young people in the Tribal Areas, the answer was unanimously “yes”. One man (name withheld) told me, “many of them, I’ve witnessed on my own. They take revenge on Pakistan army and get more close to Al Qaeda”. He admitted that he himself had considered joining Taliban after drone strikes though decided to stick to his studies.

It is important to note that a recent bombing of an army checkpoint which killed 35 people was claimed by Taliban to be in retaliation for the killing of two of its commanders by drone strikes thus creating more violence. I argue that these “secondary” drone victims should also be added to the death figures to give a true picture of the impact of drone warfare. The Taliban also attacked the Pakistan government for what it called its “complicity” in drone strikes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-gH6gLEgxE

This week more fuel was added to the drone fire by the Pentagon with the announcement of a medal for “remote warriors” outranking the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. This did not go down well with anti-drone campaigners or indeed Veterans of Foreign Wars. The medal has been dubbed the “Geek Cross”. VFW spokesperson described the decision as “bone –headed” arguing that it is going to affect morale and “is sending troops in the field a horrible message” http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/02/14/medal-misfire-pentagon-new-off-site-medal/

Meanwhile the White House still refuses to identify drone victims and continues to spend considerable amounts of money and effort droning the children of Waziristan. Some would argue time could perhaps be better spent investigating America’s ever expanding child pornography industry and its alleged ties to the “holier than thou” Pentagon http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2012/09/19/to-catch-government-workers-with-ties-to-child-porn-call-the-irs/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”.

UNITED STATES OF ASSASSINATION: PEACE ACTIVISTS DISRUPT BRENNAN AND ANGRY VETERANS ATTEMPT TO TAKE THE LAW INTO THEIR OWN HANDS

In a week where CIA director nominee John Brennan was questioned on and defended US drone strikes and ideas of a court to regulate assassination were floated http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21373996 some among the American public openly displayed their resistance to US drone policy. Peace activists CodePink repeatedly interrupted Brennan’s confirmation hearing with former US diplomat Col Anne Wright waving the names of Pakistani children killed in drone strikes. Activists from the group had recently visited Pakistan to participate in a peace march to Waziristan organized by politician Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI )party that have long raised legal and ethical arguments against the use of targeted killing  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6S9uR6KhFU

Speaking to Democracy Now, Medea Benjamin, co -founder of Code Pink and author of Drone Warfare: Killing By Remote Control voiced her concerns, “it’s not only the killing, it’s the terrorizing of entire populations, where they hear the drones buzzing overhead 24 hours a day, where they’re afraid to go to school, afraid to go to the markets, to funerals, to weddings, where it disrupts entire communities.” Benjamin stated “we are trying to get this information to our elected officials, to say, ‘You are making us unsafe here at home,’ to say nothing of how illegal, immoral and inhumane these policies are.” A video of the women disrupting Brennan can be seen on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQxO_PzCCvQ

In a discussion today with Norwegian Ingyerd Johansen who works in cross cultural management, we discussed the importance of more females being involved in conflict resolution which is inherently gender biased and generally left to those who initiated conflict in the first place. Johansen argued that “along with dialogue skills we certainly need to develop an understanding & tolerance towards other values and ways than our own. Learning more about each other is a good place to start – seeing that “different” doesn’t mean “bad”… and I also think that bringing in more women really could change the game! Women have another set of experiences on mediating and bridging disagreements.”

Meanwhile anti -drone activism took an unexpected twist in the US as former marines claiming to be part of the Occupy Movement objected to the fact that Christopher Dorner, former LAPD officer, Navy reservist, and trained marksman and the prime suspect in the murder of three people is being hunted down by a surveillance drone. Some activists fear that it is only one step from surveillance on US soil to being targeted by an armed drone and subsequent annhiliation. Dorner who formerly worked for the Los Angeles Police Department has a $1million bounty on his head and concerned authorities are considering the use of drone thermal imaging cameras to aid their search http://rt.com/usa/news/dorner-police-dhs-surveillance-941/

A transmission drafted by US Marine veterans involved in the Occupy Movement (and displayed on the wall of a former soldier, now peace activist, who served in Iraq) declared that they are prepared to offer Christopher Dorner a safe haven.  Written as follows:-

(006)

Lt. Christopher Dorner we are prepared to receive you at your command.

We are an organization not associated with any American Law Enforcement agency. we do not, nor will, collaborate with such dishonorable organizations. We are veterans regulated by our own code of ethics; honor, courage, and commitment. We are not Veterans the powerful elite can intimidate, bully, or backdown.

We understand the LAPD has placed a standing kill order for your life and have collaborated with elements of the MSM to paint a picture of a rogue, troubled soul. Moreover, the FBI has been participative in the LAPD corruption culture and will serve the department to that same end, to kill you and bury the truth you carry.

What OMC offers is safe haven, a place to share with the public your side of the story. We offer the assurance that true justice will be preserved.

Contact us before it is too late. LAPD is not to be trusted.

For LAPD and the FBI: each day you pursue Lt. Christopher Dorner we will wage digital war upon your infrastructures.

We will not fail. Semper Fi Lt. God be with you.

OMC
Oath of Service
Marine Corps Values
Commitment to Civil Disobedience

(End)

In a time when non –violent peace activists are arrested and a President who presides over a drone programmes is rewarded with a Nobel Peace Prize, more and more ordinary civilian are beginning to ask whether there is one rule for government and authorities and one rule for them. Therefore we should not be too surprised if those who fought in America’s wars and turned their back on US aggression abroad are now developing their own rules to tackle what they now see as the United States of Assassination!

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”.

PESHAWAR: TRIBESMEN PROTEST KILLINGS AT BARA, BODIES OF THE DEAD CARRIED TO GOVERNOR HOUSE

Today, much to my concern I awoke to the following message on my Facebook from a journalist friend in Peshawar which read,

“18 dead bodies recovered from Bara, sub division of Khyber agency. Dear, I am in protest now going to governor house with 18 dead bodies so please give coverage and spread it on all media and social media” (later figure was amended to 15)

I was soon to learn that the previous evening houses had been raided in Bara Tehsil, Khyber Agency allegedly by men in military uniform and a number of villages shot dead. Relatives blamed the security services who in turn claimed militants were responsible. There was some suggestion that militants disguised in military uniforms could have carried out attacks to discredit security services but protestors thought that unlikely.

It seems once again the people of the Tribal Areas are caught between a rock and a hard place. Venting their anger, tribesmen proceeded to transport the bodies of their deceased relatives blocking some roads on route to the Governor House in Peshawar where they were lain out for all to see…

Express News reported that a scuffle broke out as Senator Hameedullah Jan Afridi attempted to address the sit-in:-

“The mob attacked the senator by hurling stones and shoes at him. Soon after, a supporter who was accompanying Afridi fired in the air to disperse the mob and the senator was escorted to his car to escape the clash.
The protestors said that they had not seen the senator, who hails from the Bara region, for almost four and a half years. They said that Afridi resided peacefully in Islamabad, while the situation in Bara worsened over the years.
A 12-member delegation has been constituted to negotiate with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s governor. The committee will put forth the demands of the protestors, including ending military offensive in Bara and compensating the heirs.”

I received a number of photos of dead bodies and a video of the demonstration. One placard read simply, “stop killing Pakhtuns”. The victims were named as follows:- Umargul, Haji Umar Atiq, Hazart Ali, Fazal Khaliq, Minhaj, Hazart Ali, Alamgir, Nor Jamal, Jahangir, Nihar Khan, Abdul Jalil, Samo Din, Lal Haider, Gul Jamal, and Rehamat Khan. There were said to be 7 persons killed from one family.

DAWN reported that,

“Security forces denied the allegations, claiming that the dead included a former Frontier Corps soldier’s father and four brothers – all five gunned down by militants on Tuesday night, they claimed.

Military sources said that militants from the banned Lashkar-i-Islam group had raided the house in Dogra area of former FC-man, Shabbir Ahmed, and gunned down his father and brothers.

“I was a government servant but I don’t know why this injustice done to me,” former FC official, Shabbir, who was also among the protestors outside the Governor House, told Dawn.com.

“I am serving the nation and working for the security of the country but don’t know why and who has killed my four brothers and father. The government must answer why this has been done to me,” he said… “ http://dawn.com/2013/01/16/relatives-of-slain-bara-tribesmen-march-towards-governors-house/

An Amnesty International spokesperson reiterated the findings of a December 2012 report “The Hands of Cruelty” which documented abuses by both the armed forces and the Taliban http://amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA33/019/2012/en  Mustafa Qadri tweeted that “according to activists Barra has been under continuous curfew for the last 40 months”. He stressed the importance of all sides working within the law, stating, “a very careless attitude towards distinguishing civilians from combatants and failure to follow rules of law create system of abuses”. He also reminded followers that “even in war there are rules, burdens of proof, prosecution for unlawful killings, otherwise people will continue to die needlessly, and their lives will only be remembered after their loss, and only after people take to the streets”.

Protestors raised concerns that their story would not receive adequate media coverage and were worried about revealing their identity. One local community worker sent messages throughout the day and told me,

“There is only one news channel covering,(Khyber)  no other media because government does not allow them to cover, on the other hand street light is also shut up, thousands of people here in the night, they eat their dinner from Alkhedmat org. People are set on roads and 20 member Jirga busy with giving their demands, I want to tell you that still shelling is going on in Bara.”

I spoke with a representative of Alkedmat.org who confirmed that the organisation had also provided coffins and hands on support to the bereaved.

There were repeated worries about what one blogger called “the media black out of FATA” saying “nothing comes out from there only what the military or the militants say. Pakistani mainstream news channels have shown their bias today. DSNG Vans were there but there was zero coverage from them.”

One message read, “I am on stage but govt shut the lights, no media coverage, please cover this, I am in touch with you.”

So what are the demands of the Tribal people? I was informed that the Jirga had come out from  Governor House and the demands are…  to stop mortar shelling, release all prisoners, remove curfew, open Bara Bazzar which should be open, compensation to affectees, stop all killing of all innocent people and  to make an open judiciary to investigate. The governor had apparently agreed and a joint statement was to be released.”

Prime Minsiter Raja Pervaiz Ashraf called Governor Khyber Pakhtukhwa Massod Kasaur over the sit-in according to News International. The Governor informed Prime Minister Ashraf that a report will be presented after speaking with the tribesmen and the Prime Minister assured that the federal government would provide assistance to resolve the problem.

The last update received was that young protestors were refusing to end the demonstration wanting greater guarantees for their security and that attempts were being made to disperse the crowd with water cannons.

Carol Anne Grayson is the Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She has been awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”.

US DRONE STRIKES CONTINUE … WHAT WILL BE THE BACKLASH?

At the start of 2013, the US government continues to bombard Pakistan and Yemen with deadly drone strikes using its self -approved “licence to kill”. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Times recently sought a legal ruling to clarify the position on extra judicial killing. Their efforts were thwarted however when US District Court Judge Colleen McMahon of New York described herself as being caught up in a “paradoxical situation” …… “allowing the administration to claim it was legal to kill enemies outside traditional combat zones while keeping the legal rational secret”. State secrecy was placed above freedom of information and accountability in what is described as an Alice in Wonderland ruling  http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/01/alice-in-wonderland-drone-ruling/

The New York Times responded to this by publishing an opinion piece on what they termed the “misplaced secrecy on targeted killings” and voiced appreciation for the judge’s honesty, highlighting the following comment from Judge McMahon…

“More fulsome disclosure of the legal reasoning on which the administration relies to justify the targeted killing of individuals, including united States citizens, far from any recognizable ‘hot’ field of battle, would allow for intelligent discussion and assessment of a tactic that (like torture before it) remains hotly debated”

Across the ocean, the Radaa Tribes of Yemen took to the streets last Friday to voice their ever increasing anger at the US (five drone strikes in ten days) to protest the alleged killing of seven innocent civilians. There were threats to occupy government institutions if drone strikes do not cease and a photo I received showed al- Qaeda black flags raised in protest. Anti-drone campaigners have repeatedly argued that drones are counter -productive as they radicalize young people not only in the targeted areas but other regions further afield.

A number of cases against alleged terrorists in UK and US have pointed to the anger of the accused regarding drone strikes with some stating that seeing the impact of drones on civilians was a key factor leading to their radicalization. I was recently told of such a case by a community leader from Waziristan who had spoken to the father of a suicide bomber, the grieving relative wanting America to understand the impact drone strikes and death of civilian friends had on his son…

Additional victims that die in such suicide bombings are often not linked back to effects of US drone policy as they should be… It is difficult for researchers to explore this area. Radicalization is a highly sensitive subject and there are security issues for those trying to research in this field who may find that they come under suspicion themselves for simply writing on the subject.

Yemeni journalist Mohamed al – Ahmadi shared the following words voicing his concerns related to drone strikes:-

“We have often written and other free Yemeni and American journalists have written numerous reports and stories about US drone strikes in Yemen… Many rights organizations have condemned them, and many free journalists have conducted spontaneous media campaigns… They said and we said that these American strikes on Yemen, besides being criminal extra-judicial killings according to international law, and besides being a glaring violation of Yemeni sovereignty, it will also produce opposite results. No one listened, but Yemeni tribes will not remain quiet either. The initiative of the Radaa Tribes who went out in the streets today raising al-Qaeda flags was first, but it is expected to expand. We will see the flags of al-Qaeda flying everywhere… and you will remember what I am telling you.”

There was anger too in Pakistan at the killing of militant commander Mullah Nazir who died along with several others as drones pounded South Waziristan.  Seen by the US as a terrorist with “a great deal of blood on his hands” he was also viewed by some in the Tribal Areas as “good Taliban”. Nazir’s men concentrated their fight on Afghan soil and avoided targeting army and civilians within Pakistan. Nazir also initiated an offensive against Uzbek fighters, said to have the approval of the Pakistan military http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20896839

I received the following statement from a member of Wazir tribe informing me of the strike which killed Nazir though I have been unable to independently verify alleged deaths of all those mentioned. I have left the message exactly as I received it:-

“I have listened that total number of them are six persons including Commander Nazir and Amir Rafa khan ,Attaullah,Ihsanullah ,Kochai and the other guy name I do,nt remember but an hour ago their funneral are performed togather in Azam Worsak and it said that thousand of people participate in the funeral … I think that it will effect the peace agreement wihih was signed amid the Govt of pakistan and the local Taliban and again they will target the pak army and the taliban will stop the development work and if they will do it the govt will must react and will start the military operation which will effect the civil lives and I just listen now that MR Bawal khan is Appointed to replace Mulvi Nazir and Mr Taj is Appointed to replace his cousion Rafa khan…

Dear it,s not controversy it,s truth and the are my neighbors and I just contacted and I have been told that the people are very upset and greave with rthe death of Mullah Nazir and Rafa khan and today in wana bazar the whole business was stopped.”

The following piece from a local blogger (name withheld in case of reprisals) seems to sum up the feelings of many in the Tribal Areas caught between a rock and a hard place:-

I would like to tell you that I am never in favour of militancy of Taliban or any other. I never support or like militant activities whether of Mullah Nazir or someone other. I am a big critic of such things. You can find in my articles and blog.

I think we all are agree at the point that their militant activities are liked/supported neither by you nor by me. I am saying it loudly that:
“Militancy is never good. We neither like nor support it.”

But here I just pointed out that how much this person (Nazir) was brave, couragious and clever. I said several times that this is the few aspects of his personality. When I was with him for a few hours for an interview, I was thinking that why did he got this position, the head of Taliban in South Waziristan. I found the reasons that he got the title of “pro-government Taliban commander”.

He controlled because he was well aware of the situation, that people will be destroyed if somebody other than him controlled. That’s why he signed several peace agreements and turned off fighting against Pakistani forces.

Hopefully you may get it now that I doesn’t mean his militancy. I just mean his personality. Many people might not like his in personal too. But I said that the characteristics shown in the photo were in his personality. In short; this is what I found in him.”

Yesterday I heard that further drone strikes involving a series of missiles have just killed between 7 and 18 people in the Babar Ghar area of South Waziristan… the focus was thought to be a militant training camp. Two local journalist have informed me that “its 9 deaths not higher” and that “also killing of Qari Hussain’s Successor identified as Wali Mohammad also known as Toofani has been targeted”.

As mentioned in previous articles there are additional negative outcomes from drone strikes such as militants halting the polio programme until drone strikes are stopped. There have also been murders of polio vaccination workers (covered in an earlier article on my blog) but it is unclear who exactly is responsible.

Then there is the execution of alleged spies that are paid to place GPS devices to guide drones to targets. Impoverished locals or those with a grudge may be inclined to take up the offer of 350 US dollars but if caught could pay with their life. I was also told of people on the ground in Pakistan using lazers again to highlight targets and an alleged instruction manual though have not seen evidence of this to date. Those in Tribal Areas explained to me how those seen as “informants” are removed quickly by militants, along with any evidence, tortured, sometimes made to participate in confession videos and killed which is shown here in New York Times film… http://www.nytimes.com/video/2012/12/29/world/asia/100000001978140/drone-spy-wars.html

Last year I received a video from Yemen which claimed to be of the crucifiction of an alleged drone spy.

On Saturday, thousands of Tribesmen turned out to protest  the killing of Mullah Nazir in “Black Day”. According to DAWN “more than 3,000 tribesmen, carrying black flags, marched towards Azam Warsak, around seven kilometres (four miles) west of Wana and passed a resolution against the US”. The past decade has shown that however many alleged militants are killed, the suicide bombings continue… and at times increase after drone strikes. Campaigners fear there will be further reprisals following recent drone attacks. Pakistani politician Imran Khan, a long standing opponent of target killing has once again strongly condemnd the latest strikes and calls for drones to be grounded in 2013 http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/R1x1tGYMqsshU0DWbwqzXM/Ground-the-drones-in-2013.html There are always emerging successors to take over from deceased insurgents and sadly no shortage of newly radicalized youth prepared to train at the next militant camp wherever it is set up… Drone strikes are ultimately self –defeating and can never be justified.

Carol Anne Grayson is the Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She has been awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”.

During another week of extreme violence in Pakistan where bloody images of mutilated civilians, soldiers and militants dominate the media, one image stood out for me. It was of a man in a smart grey suit administering a polio vaccine drop to a baby. A fairly routine procedure you might think until you look beyond the photograph and learn that this simple act now carries a risk.

The man is politician Imran Khan, PTI (Pakistan Tehreek -e- Insaf) leading by example, an action that could save the lives of children at a time when polio vaccination workers such as Fehmida Shah (44) are being gunned down in Karachi by men on motorbikes  http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/23/uk-pakistan-polio-idUKBRE8BM00S20121223

The polio campaign has become another battleground with the Taliban who succeeded in putting a halt to the programme at one point declaring no vaccinations unless US drone strikes were ended in the tribal regions of Waziristan. It is still unclear though who is behind the latest shootings. Not long ago I received an indication that this important work could continue without interference and some media are reporting a TTP denial regarding this week’s murders.

I also condemn the use of drones to target kill which has obliterated families in the Tribal Areas but attacking a vaccination programme only harms more children.

Problems arose around vaccination programmes when the CIA took an extraordinary and unethical decision to launch a “fake” hepatitis vaccination programme. They acquired the services of Dr Shakil Afridi to access Osama Bin Laden’s compound using the programme as a cover and gather evidence that he was in residence.  An act which would end in Bin Laden’s assassination by American navy seals  and destroy trust in a vital health initiative http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201301/doctor-cia-blood-of-bin-laden-january-2013

There is also concern from some quarters that vaccines could lead to sterilization. It is easy to dismiss these concerns without addressing them but some community leaders point to a history of western pharmaceutical companies using those in the developing world as guinea pigs for medical research. That is a fact…it has happened on occasions. However in the case of the polio vaccine this has been widely used for many years now with a good safety record and eradicated the crippling disease of polio in some areas.

The United Nations have now estimated that 3.5 million children have missed out on the vaccine this week. Those unable to receive the polio drops could suffer from nerve damage, muscle wasting, paralysis of the arms and legs and breathing difficulties which could lead to death http://dawn.com/2012/12/21/more-than-3-5-million-pakistani-children-miss-polio-vaccine-who/

The polio issue has wider political implications too as highlighted by Tribal Area journalist Rasool Dawar. He drew my attention to the fact that Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) North Waziristan Agency political administration “has suspended all perks and privilege of Othmanzai Dawar and Wazir tribes for not cooperating with the authorities in the anti-polio drive in their areas” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontier_Crimes_Regulations

Rasool feels this is very unfair. He points to the fact that “Political Agent Siraj Ahmed on Monday issued directives to heads of all government departments including Nadra, passport and Tehsildar office to stop issuing passports, national identity cards and domiciles certificates to members of Wazir and Dawar — two major tribes of North Waziristan”.

Rasool asserts that the ban on the polio campaign in the tribal agency was imposed by Hafiz Gul Bahadar group of Taliban and Maulvi Nazir group not by Othmanzai Dawar and Wazir tribes. He stated that “more children will die and health workers also trying to save children” and explained that “mostly local people of Waziristan are also not in favour of a ban on the polio campaign but people of waziristan are also not in any position to influence on local Taliban”.

Reuters reported last week that an “alliance of clerics” were to protest against the killings of polio workers and Tahir Ashrafi, who heads the moderate Ulema Council, said that “24,000 mosques associated with his organisation would preach against the killings of health workers during Friday prayers”. He also emphasised that “neither Pakistani customs nor Islam would allow or endorse this” adding that “far from doing something wrong, these girls are martyrs for Islam because they were doing a service to humanity and Islam.”  http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/20/uk-pakistan-polio-idUKBRE8BI08T20121220

As a nurse, I appeal to all sides to think. Polio does not discriminate, it can attack any child. Who is being punished here, it’s the children and health workers that are trying to protect communities from disease. Those who stop the programme may inadvertently harm their own children by doing so, could they live with that knowledge if their beautiful child could no longer walk or breathe freely! There are already reports of deaths.

As someone trained in health education it is my moral duty to consider the arguments for and against any health care intervention or treatment. When I qualified, I made an ethical commitment to present health information as honestly as possible. Local health workers are there in Pakistan to answer any concerns that might arise. I have had the polio vaccine myself as have my sister and son and have come to the conclusion that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

To conclude with the words of my sister in humanity, Amina Masood Janua, “death is dancing in every nook and corner of Pakistan. From drones in tribal areas to target killings in Karachi, everything signifies utter failure and lack of ability of the present government and all its departments.”

What is needed now is to ensure that alongside Imran Khan, other key figures take positive steps and support the country’s health workers to deliver their polio vaccines and help save lives.

Carol Anne Grayson is a qualified nurse and Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She has been awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”.

LORD GILBERT DROPS A BOMBSHELL:

SUGGESTS BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD DROP A NEUTRON BOMB OVER BORDER AREA OF AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN

Labour peer, Lord Gilbert dropped a bombshell on the House of Lords on Friday when he suggested nuking the border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan, known as AfPak. The highly controversial comments came during a debate on multi-lateral nuclear disarmament and were reported on Asian Image website and in the Nation. This is apparently his solution to dealing with militancy in the region http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/24-Nov-2012/drop-neutron-bomb-on-afpak-region-uk-mp

Lord Gilbert left the Lords stunned as he stated that the borders could be made safe after dropping ERRB warheads commonly known as neutron bombs in the respective areas. He stated,

“Your Lordships may say that this is impractical, but nobody lives up in the mountains on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan except for a few goats and a handful of people herding them. If you told them that some ERRB warheads were going to be dropped there and that it would be a very unpleasant place to go, they would not go there. You would greatly reduce your problem of protecting those borders from infiltration from one side or another and would create a “cordon sanitaire”.

One person who might well take umbrage with these comments is a friend of mine Kurshid Zaman, (not a goat or a herder) but Resident Engineer at the National Engineering Service Pakistan who works very hard to maintain the roads in the region. My stomach turns with the utter callousness of Lord Gilbert’s words, a man prepared to obliterate the lives of those working on the latest building project in an area already subjected to repeated US drone strikes.

I am sharing the following conversation between Kurshid and his colleagues showing pride in their work carried out in Waziristan. in an effort to get across that hard working civilians reside in AfPak. In front of me is a photograph of a new construction on the border, a gateway described as “a wonderful example of modern Islamic architecture”. It is a design pleasing to the eye and greeted with words of congratulations and happy banter from friends and fellow workers.

I examine a very impressive image of a structure with two round towers like castle turrets, flying both the Pakistan and Afghan flag. There are two covered archways between the towers where traffic will flow in either direction crossing this border region. Kurshid, (a man considered to be the best at his work) states,

“Shukar Alhamdulillah, my suggestions are approved and are transformed into Dynamic architectural Monument by NESPAK architects and designers, to be constructed at Pak Afghan Border at Ghulam Khan on Bannu-Miranshah-Ghulam Khan highway…Pray for our success, may Allah bring peace, harmony and best relationship among our Pakistan and neighbour Afghanistan, ameen”.

Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal writes, “I can’t wait to see it on the ground” to which Kurshid replies,

“Muhammad Jamshed Iqbal Sb, thank you, it’s your dream come true, inshallah the work’ll be started soon as the design and construction drawings are also approved I’ll receive them on coming ROD inshallah…  This also represents and reflects the tribal culture besides two way relations with Afghanistan having the same culture and architecture. The architect did his job well and all the praise goes to him, the designer has to design the structural components whereas I have to ensure the construction in accordance with the design provided if… my life permits to perform the job in this high life risk area, I request all my friends to pray for our success in the best construction of this gate of peace and harmony between two brother countries.”

Kurshid finishes the conversation with his colleagues with the words, “thank-you a lot for taking interest, your appreciation and good wishes put new spirits into me to work and do more for my Waziristan and Pakistan, the land of pure and pride. May Allah keep you happy ameen.”

I feel tearful taking in the sentiments, knowing how my friends love this region, their home, how pleased they are with their achievements having to deal both with internal conflict, (often working with support from the Pakistan military) and a difficult and isolated terrain.

I asked Kurshid what he makes of Lord Gilbert’s comments, “it’ll not eliminate militancy but for sure will ignite the militancy at a very large scale, militancy is due to presence of foreign troops in the area. Thank you a lot, dear sister for taking interest in this war torn region.”

Lord Gilbert did however come under heavy criticism for his proposals for a “cordon sanitaire” with Cabinet spokesperson Lord Wallace of Saltaire stating that the government did not share Lord Gilbert’s “rumbustious” views on this sensitive issue. Labour former defence secretary Lord Browne of Ladyton also went on the attack accusing Gilbert of being at his “most challenging and contrarian”.

I am somewhat perturbed that this outburst from Gilbert received hardly any coverage in the British Press apart from a small piece in the Morning Star http://shop.morningstaronline.co.uk/node/129  In fact it was a lawyer friend Yasmeen Ali in Pakistan that alerted me to the debate.

She had the following to say:-

“I am in deep grief and a state of shock. A UK MP has made a detailed comment that a neutron bomb should be dropped on the borders of Afghanistan-Pakistan. Anyone with sensibilities will appreciate that such Hate Speech can only lead to more hate. Should it be allowed to slide? Can the world afford more hate? Should not the UK Government be made to haul up the MP and issue an apology of the statement? ” http://pakpotpourri2.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/uk-lord-for-using-neutron-bomb-on-pak-afghan-border/

My own feelings are of anger and dismay at the rhetoric used by Gilbert and I will be taking up the matter with my own MP having already forwarded the article to Tom Watson MP who heads up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Drones. I hope to travel under Kurshid’s structure one day and take up his offer of being my driver. It appears that if Lord Gilbert has his way however, the buzzing of drones will not be the only concern for Kurshid and friends as they maintain the roadways of Waziristan.

Carol Anne Grayson is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She has been awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”.

DRONES: SETTING UP A REGISTER, THE POWER OF TRIBUNAL AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

One of the remarks often levelled at foreign journalists and human rights activists is the lack of reporting on drone victims in the Tribal Areas of Pakistan. This is sadly the case due to the difficulties of entering Waziristan, a “no go” area for international journalists due to internal conflict, (denial of a visa even to enter Pakistan at times, let alone Waziristan) and ongoing security issues. Thank goodness for the courage of Tribal Area journalists reporting on drone strikes who recently received a human rights award for from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) “for consolidating media freedom in one on the world’s most dangerous regions” http://www.dw.de/germanys-fes-honors-pakistans-tribal-journalists/a-16326404

It is interesting to note that bombing of Waziristan is nothing new, the following is a British Royal Air Force (RAF) 1924 directive on “air policing” of the region, “in warfare against savage tribes who do not conform to codes of civilized warfare, aerial bombardment is not necessarily limited in its methods or objectives by rules agreed upon in international law” http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/The-Bombing-of-Waziristan.html  It’s a chilling statement and no different in my opinion to US policy today regarding drone strikes, hence recent legal attempts to investigate  whether  killing by drone and assisting with intelligence leading to strikes amount to a war crime http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/23/uk-support-us-drones-pakistan-war-crime

Often, we know so little about those killed or injured during targeted killing operations. It is not enough to only refer to deaths of “alleged” militants without proper identification of those killed in drone strikes and to have no official recording of those termed as “other” the civilian casualties. Back in September, politician Imran Khan called on the US to reveal drone victims. In an interview with Channel 4 News, he stated,

“if the strikes are as accurate as being suggested, the identities of the victims should be disclosed for the world to see the efficacy of the drones in eliminating terrorists. We believe that these strikes are killing people indiscriminately, complete media censorship and non disclosure of victim identities supports our assertion.”

I agree with Mr Khan’s words, I also believe that it is important to set up an official register of civilian victims and their families within Pakistan itself (if one is not already in existence) which is possible with the goodwill of authorities and the relevant support and training to help accurately record those affected.  What types of recording do we have so far? There is the personal testament of victims and families (that may not necessarily reach international bodies) accounts of those on scene shortly after a drone attack, local authorities, any emergency services, army, doctors at treating hospitals, lawyers for victims, politicians, researchers, religious leaders conducting funerals and possibly pathologists. There are clearly a number of sources if a co-ordinated recording system was in place.

Drone strikes are a “man-made disaster”. Such human created catastrophes can be divided into different categories and they include technological hazards, sociological hazards and transportation hazards among others.  A nuclear bomb is an example of a man-made disaster. “Whether the disaster is natural or man -made, the manner in which action is taken goes a long way to determine how people fair from the experience” Disasterium.  In both instances, “casualties should be treated immediately and the best way to meet this end is placing the necessary measures in place that counteract such incidents in the first place.” Drone strikes must stop!

With regard to technologically assisted killing I highlight a number of questions…

1)      Why has the Pakistan government failed to protect its civilian population in drone targeted areas? (I hear a lot of rhetoric but little meaningful action to prevent target killing).

2)      What Disaster Preparedness Plan does the Pakistan government have in place regarding drone strikes which occur in remote and difficult terrain (often Taliban controlled) with limited access for those responding to a disaster?

3)      What action has the US and Pakistan taken when civilian drone victims have been identified? Both countries are responsible for drone strikes and must be accountable. 

As mentioned earlier, I am aware of legal action on behalf of drone victims which is a positive step forward http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15532916. However as a victim of “US collateral damage” myself (though not drones) and having litigated in both the UK and US, I am only too aware that litigation can take many years and “justice” can be very limited.  To give an example, a friend of mine began a legal case in 1989 (it is still ongoing and the case is going through a fifth firm of lawyers). The poor man has still not set foot in court to this day!

It is within the power of Pakistani authorities to act now and put measures in place to ease the suffering of drone victims. There are examples that I know of when an act is so morally reprehensible and damage to civilians so great that a government has taken a decision to act on ethical grounds irrespective of whether a victim is involved in litigation or not, (this happened in Ireland with contaminated blood victims). In this case a government takes action immediately, doesn’t wait years for a judge to come to a decision. A government can decide on ethical grounds that it cannot justify NOT taking action and choose to act in advance of any decision by a court and address LOSS and NEED which is immediate following disaster. Such action is rare but not impossible and involves the setting up of a tribunal where each case can be assessed. I would argue that drones strikes harming civilians is one of those special cases and these are exceptional circumstances.

There is a need in the first instance to provide an official register of those civilians affected. There are so many discrepancies over figures. I believe it is important to record all drone deaths but that is problematic where insurgents are concerned. We rely on militants own statements on websites which we may have difficulty accessing or through reports from Tribal Area journalists.(I was recently made aware that a contact of mine has filmed “19 to 22 burial places of insurgents killed in US drone strikes”). I am aware that insurgents may not declare deaths for a number of reasons or delay for several months while they regroup, and decide who will take over key positions. Governments have not been forthcoming with information due to their secrecy policies over drone programmes.

What role could a tribunal play? As well as collating figures to assess the number of those affected, a tribunal could help identify the impact of drone strikes and the needs of victims. The process should actively involve registrants, looking at physical and psycho-social difficulties, financial problems, housing, care needs, employment, retraining if injured. It can also be focus for communication between affected communities thus providing a larger support network.

I have adapted a model of criteria of Persons Entitled To Claim from an existing Tribunal system of which I am familiar as a simple example.

1.  a person who has been identified as being the victim of a US drone strike within Pakistan
2. the spouse of any person identified as being the victim of a US drone strike within Pakistan 
3. children identified as being the victim of a US drone strike within Pakistan or directly related/dependent upon a identified  victim of a US drone within Pakistan.
4.  any person who is responsible for the care of a person referred to above and who has incurred or will incur financial loss or expenses as a direct result of providing such care arising from the person being cared for having been identified as the victim directly or indirectly of a US drone strike within Pakistan
5. 5.       where a person referred to in paragraph 1,2,3 has died as a result of having been injured in a drone strike or where a US drone strike was a significant contributory factor to the cause of death, any dependant of such person

Unfortunately those who provide services for civilians affected by man-made disaster including drone strikes often fail to include the skills of those that have themselves survived man -made disasters and undergone extreme trauma and years of litigation. There is a saying “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.  It is not my intention to undermine the professionals involved in disaster management, or initiating legal actions but with the best will in the world it’s a very different experience when you are being paid and are not living 24 hours a day for the rest of your life with the consequences of a man -made catastrophe.

Those of us that have suffered multiple losses and unlawful death through government actions, lived through the most terrible circumstances inflicted upon us, not only have empathy but a strong sense of what questions to ask and what practical help is required to support a person and for them to move forward. We are a resource to be utilised but are rarely considered. We have learned to think out of the box, act quickly, cut through a lot of red tape, lobby, litigate, motivate, liaise with press and organise practical and emotional support. We are victims that have empowered ourselves and will continue to fight to find a way to help empower others triumph over similar adversity!

CAROL  ANNE  GRAYSON is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and Executive Producer of Oscar nominated Incident in New Baghdad http://www.incidentinnewbaghdad.com/

DRONES: HARASSMENT, HIGH COURT ACTION AND THAT IMRAN KHAN “INQUISITION”

A lot can happen in a week in the world of drones and I am pleased to say that there is now much more media interest in reporting the many aspects of drone warfare than when I first began writing on “target killing” several years ago. One article that was welcomed  was the Glenn Greenwald piece in the Guardian “US detention of Imran Khan part of trend to harass anti-drone advocates” http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/oct/28/detention-imran-khan-drones The author highlights a series of incidents where anti -drone advocates including film-makers and a lawyer have experienced difficulties trying to enter the United States such as being denied visas. However Mr Greenwald failed to mention that the same is happening with anti- drone activists trying to enter Pakistan as I know only too well with my colleague documentary maker Yacine Helali and I being denied visas to film Imran Khan’s peace march to Waziristan last month. We weren’t the only ones nor is harassment new but it does appear to be increasing  http://www.lhrtimes.com/2012/10/01/im-facing-visa-problems-for-pakistan-to-participate-pti-waziristan-march-against-us-drone-strikes-carol-grayson/#ixzz284R5j

I reflect back to May 2011. At that time I had written a series of articles on drones for our website Asia Despatch which was set up by my colleague investigative journalist Saleem Shahzad and also for my blog https://activist1.wordpress.com/2011/05/  Saleem and I covered a series of drone stories, including the first legal case in Pakistan in 2010 and Imran Khan’s dharnas (peaceful demonstrations) against drones including blocking the NATO supply line. Saleem had contacts in every direction to enhance his reporting. He was also a regular visitor to the Tribal Areas so through ongoing discussions and new contacts I started to question official narratives on drone warfare including the number of civilians killed.

Saleem and I and close associates had planned to film a documentary on drones, we did not hide that fact and were vocal also regarding planning a drone conference in the UK with the Fellowship of Reconciliation, a national centre for peace and justice in Oxford and our intention to invite Imran Khan as our guest speaker.

At that time I was receiving feedback regularly both for and against drones after each article I wrote but one person stuck out in my mind for his comments, he called himself “Muhammad Atta in Hell” (MAIH) a name designed to draw attention and referring to one of the men who flew into the Twin Towers (slightly different spelling) causing such devastation on 9/11 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/sep/23/september11.education

I am used to heated debates on drones and relish discussion but this felt different. My every word was being scrutinised by someone who was clearly articulate with a detailed knowledge relating to the “war on terror” conflict and security issues. My adversary showed he was well versed in the politics of Israel/Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Caucasus, Vietnam… whatever I wrote on he replied covering the historical context and up to the moment current affairs. I was impressed by his range and depth of learning.

It has always been important to me to cover all sides of the drone debate (which does not mean I necessarily agree with certain views) but I do believe in investigating different narratives and freedom of speech. I interacted with MAIH, taking time to respond to all points raised. Then I noticed MAIH becoming increasingly aggressive in his comments with veiled threats… it was clear he was unhappy with me writing on drones and criticised any mention I made of “insurgents” (which is all part of the drone debate). There was also a suggestion I should be careful and may come to harm.

When his words exceeded what I considered to be acceptable behaviour, I took the unusual step of warning him that due to his attitude and perceived threats I would no longer respond. On 24^th May, 2011 I wrote, “@Muhammad Atta in hell…(I believe that’s your full name on blog)… your most recent comments (not published) 1) have turned into personal attacks on my family and I and 2) are not addressing the subject on the blog. I find them highly offensive. If in the future you can stick to the subject in question and refrain from personal insults, perhaps we can continue our debate” …His last comments I declined to post but did keep.

During that period towards the end of May 2011 I was uneasy, something felt amiss, a “gut feeling” but tried to dismiss my concerns. I took a break from writing one day and headed into town to buy some needed items and whilst in Boots department store was seized by an overwhelming sense of “doom”. The feeling struck me so hard I felt faint. A shop assistant saw me grab hold of a counter and came to my aid… my heaving indicated I was about to vomit. I aimed for the carrier bag she grabbed and held in front of me and was violently sick.

When I had calmed down a little I headed home, once there, the first thing I did was check my emails, only to discover that my colleague Saleem Shahzad had gone missing on his way to television studios for an interview. I was briefed very closely from then on regarding developments from contacts within Pakistan. Not long after he disappeared Saleem was found dead, tortured to death. I was confronted with graphic images of my friend on the front pages of international press for days to come!

It would appear some were not happy with his reporting and the fact that he knew too much on a number of issues, one of these I suspect was drones http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13599172 To report objectively and factually (a reporters task) is a dangerous profession. Just four days after Saleem was murdered, Ilyas Kashmiri, a militant whom Saleem had interviewed for a book he was writing was also suddenly located and killed in a drone strike… coincidence, I think not http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13653324 Advocates for drone victims and their families continue to challenge “target killing” through different channels despite what at times can amount to intimidation.

In recent days there has been action in the High Court in London with claims that UK support for US drone strikes in Pakistan may be a “war crime”. The action is stepping up. This question is now being echoed by the United Nations (UN) and human rights groups such as Amnesty International.  The High Court case is brought by lawyers for Noor Khan (27) whose father was killed in a drone strike in North Waziristan http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/23/uk-support-us-drones-pakistan-war-crime

One question that arose during the case was the role of Pakistan in drone strikes and whether questioning of authorities there could take place. This past week also saw former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf being issued with a notice by Peshawar High Court for  allegedly allowing drone strikes over Pakistan http://tribune.com.pk/story/456278/phc-issues-notice-to-musharraf-for-allowing-drone-campaign/  Questions raised in the British court included whether for example an intelligence officer could be held to account for his actions whilst a drone operator or his superiors may be legally protected in the US. It is going to be a complicated affair.

This legal case comes at a time when Britain is increasing investment in drones and a new squadron will operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) out of Waddington airbase in Lincolnshire http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2012/10/unmanned-drone-squadron-stood-up-at-raf-waddington/ There have already been peaceful protests, photos can be seen on this link  http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501880.html Anti -drone activism is escalating globally as awareness grows with demonstrations, petitions and peace camps alongside research projects and articles from both mainstream and independent media highlighting legal and moral arguments. What we also have is a growing number of arrests of demonstrators whilst those using methods of “terror” and “target killing” remain free http://thesop.org/story/20121031/peace-activists-arrested-for-blocking-main-gate-to-beale-afb.html

Then there is the Imran Khan “inquisition”. Mr Khan, a popular politician who many think is on the road to becoming Pakistan’s next prime minister was scheduled to fly from Canada to New York to attend a fund raising event last week when he was removed from the aircraft for questioning regarding his stance on drones.  He tweeted, “I was taken off from plane and interrogated by US Immigration in Canada on my views on drones. My stance is known. Drone attacks must stop.” I received a photo of Imran at the airport looking somewhat fed up at the delay and a further tweet read, “missed flight and sad to miss the Fundraising lunch in NY but nothing will change my stance. Still looking forward to meet PTI family there.”

However, although late, a determined Imran Khan was soon to be captured on video addressing an enthusiastic and very welcoming crowd in New York on his interrogation and the reasons why drones should be stopped. He was reported in International News as saying, “I am cool. Such intimidating tactics cannot faze me. I am absolutely not upset at having to spend three or four hours at an airport against my will. It’s not a big deal for me”. I am sure this incident will only serve to increase his action on drones along with other activists. Let’s hope Mr Khan makes it to Slough later this month without any similar incident at a UK airport!

Anti-drone activism is expanding and new initiatives are now taking place, an All Party Parliamentary Group (UK) is being chaired by Tom Watson MP and I look forward to meeting him soon to discuss some of my concerns. The Ummah channel ran a televised debate last night attended by Asif Khan a Pakistan Tehreek –Insaf (PTI) representative for Imran Khan (which stands for Justice, Humanity, Self Esteem). I also gave my contribution by phone. On the 29^th November a debate will be held at the House of Lords around the book, “The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam” written by Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun, Chair of Islamic Studies and Professor of International Relations at American University, Washington DC http://www.brookings.edu/experts/ahmeda I look forward to being on the discussion panel.

There are many ways to try to shut down campaigners. I have had attempts to discredit me following Saleem’s death with accusations of “yellow journalism”, that I am a “CIA operative” which I joke means “Carol In Action” as I am in no way attached to any security services. Neither am I part of any major news corporation or aid organisation. I remain fiercely independent and let’s make it perfectly clear, despite harassment and intimidation, I will continue as ever … anti- drone activists are most definitely here to stay!

CARO ANNE GRAYSON is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and Executive Producer of Oscar nominated Incident in New Baghdad http://www.incidentinnewbaghdad.com/

THE SCHOOLGIRL AND THE TALIBAN

A friend of mine Yasmeen Ali, a lawyer and Professor at Beaconhouse University in Pakistan has recently had her book published “A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan”. I noticed an excerpt on her Facebook page taken from the chapter Social Responsibility of the Media which reads as follows :-
“Media must be ‘politically accountable’ too. Can the media ‘take sides’ as a policy? ‘In one’s primary capacity as a reporter of news one must be objective, impartial and as accurate as possible. There is no room for the injection of opinion. Someone reading a news item in a newspaper or listening to it on radio or television should have no idea what the reporter thinks about the story. “It is the reporter’s job to tell the story, not to let people have his opinion on it. Tell the tale properly and let people form their own opinion; never try to tell them what to think. It is patronizing and highly unprofessional.”

So I have taken a story currently in the headlines of world’s press with just that in mind.

International media recently reported an attack on 14 year old Pakistani schoolgirl Malalala Yousasfzai as she sat on a bus with two friends. The Tehreek –e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have claimed responsibility for shooting the teenager at close range in the head and leg and injuring two of her classmates. They have since released a statement detailing their reasons for the attack.

It is noted in some press stories that Malala from Swat has become a “symbol of resistance for many” campaigning for the right to attend school in her country which led to her being presented with Pakistan’s first National Peace Award. The young girl became known internationally when aged just 11 she began writing an account of life under the Taliban and the difficulty she and others faced trying to continue their education. Malala was recorded in a video interview with IBN/CNN stating, “I have the right to play, I have the right to sing, I have the right to talk, I have the right to go to market, I have the right to speak up”.

The global media is filled with articles of condemnation and outrage from human rights advocates to the White House (though there is no similar outrage from the latter with regard to US killing children as a result of drone strikes). Schools in Swat Valley closed to express their concerns and solidarity with Malala who has now had the bullet to her neck removed. She was described by Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik who visited Malala at a hospital in Peshawar to be “out of danger but she will be kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for next 48 hours”. Imran Khan, Pakistan Tereek-e-Insaf  (PTI) also visited, having earlier condemned those responsible in a statement released shortly after the attack and said he was “deeply saddened by this inhumane act”.

Protests have been held across Pakistan. Such is the level of disgust expressed by the public that the Kyber- Pakhtunkhwa government are offering a reward of RS 1 crore to anyone who helps identify those who attacked the schoolgirl, announced by provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain. Secrecy is offered to anyone coming forward.

Rehman Malik also told journalists that authorities had identified the attackers who shot the 14-year-old schoolgirl and they would be brought to justice. He claimed they had come from the Afghan province of Kunar to Swat to target Malala”.

My questions to the current government of Pakistan would be:-

Do you operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence against women in Pakistan, whoever commits such acts?

Does the current legislation support this?

If not what needs to change?

In her Diary for BBC Urdu, Malala had documented her response to a decree by the Taliban to close down her school in Mingora. So let’s look at what one well educated young Pakistani teacher of English had to say about women and education giving examples from the Quran. As well as women being educated by other women, she states:-

Women can be educated by men. The Prophet sent Umar Ibn al-Khattab to teach the women of the Ansar:

It is reported by Umm `Atiyah thaat when the Messenger of Allah came to Madinah, he ordered the women of the Ansar (Muslims of Madinah) to gather in one house, and sent Umar Ibn al-Khattab to them (to convey the teachings of Islam). He saluted them while standing at at the door of the house and they returned his greeting. Then he said, `I am a messenger of the Messenger of Allah, sent especially to you.’

And women taught men too, not only the wives of the Prophet but many others later were teachers of men, e.g. Aishah bt. Sa’id Ibn Abi Waqqas, who taught the first compiler of Hadith, Malik; and Sayyida Nafisa, granddaughter of al-Hasan, the Prophet’s grandson, who taught Imam Shafi’i, and much later a woman taught Ibn al-Arabi, the famous Sufi thinker and greatly influenced his thought.

I thought about what questions I would put to the Taliban given the opportunity, they are as follows:-

Who ordered the attack on Mala Yousafzai?

Why did you attack a young girl, who is little more than a child?

What are your objections to women’s education?

How does this attack fit into the teachings of the Quran?

How does this attack fit into statements from Mullah Omar not to target civilians?

I was not able to submit the above but did receive a copy of the general statement given by TTP spokesperson via a contact in the region. I am aware that these statements are heavily censored in the press but am presenting the public with the full statement exactly as received.

“TTP successfully targeted Malala Yousafzai in Mingora, although she was young and a girl and TTP does not believe in attacking on women, but whom so ever leads campaign against Islam & Shariah is Ordered to be killed by Shariah.

When its a matter of Shariah, and someone tries to bring fitnah with his/her activities, and it involves in leading a campaign against shariah and tries to involve whole community in such campaign, and that personality become a symbol of anti shariah campaign, not just its allowed to kill such person but its Obligatory in Islam.

If anyone Argues about her so young age , then the Story of Hazrat Khizar in Quran that relates that Hazrat Khizar while Traveling with Prophet Musa (AS) killed a child, arguing about the reason of his killing he said that the parents of this child are Pious and in future he will cause bad name for them.
If anyone argues that she was female, then we can see the incident of killing of wife by a blind Companion of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) because she use to say insultive words for prophet. And prophet praised this act.

Its a clear command of shariah that any female, that by any means play role in war against mujahideen, should be killed.Malala Yousafzai was playing a vital role in bucking up the emotions of Murtad army and Government of Pakistan, and was inviting muslims to hate mujahideen.
Tehrik taliban’s crime wasn’t that they banned education for girls, instead our crime is that we tried to bring Education system for both boys and girls under shariah.We are deadly against co-education and secular education syestem, and shriah orders us to be against it.

If anyone thinks thinks that Malala is targeted because of education, that’s absolutely wrong, and a propaganda of Media, Malala is targeted because of her pioneer role in preaching secularism and so called enlightened moderation. And whom so ever will commit so in future too will be targeted again by TTP.

After this incident Media pour out all of its smelly propaganda against Taliban mujahideen with their poisonous tounges, they are shouting that malala has suffered tyranny like there is no else in the country whom is facing same.Were our sister in lal masjid whom were bombed, gassed and burnt to death, were not humans?? and the sinless women and children of swat , bajour, mohmand, orakzai, & Wazeeristan whom suffered inhumane bombardments by Murtad army don’t qualify to bestow mercy upon them?

Will the blind media pay any attention to Hundreds of Respectful sisters whom are in secret detention centers of ISI and MI and suffering by their captives? Will you like to put an eye on more then three thousand young men whom are killed in secret detention centers and their bodies are found in different areas of swat, claimed to be killed in encounters and died by Cardiac Arrest??”

Gain Conscious, Otherwise…………

From: Ihsan-ullah-Ihsan
Central Spokesman TTP

I understand that since this statement was released Taliban have allegedly said they would strike at Malala again. So to refer back to the words of my friend cited at the beginning of the article, “tell the tale properly and let people form their own opinion, never try to tell them what to think”. Readers now have the opportunity to do just that and can come to their own conclusions regarding the attack on a schoolgirl.…

Carol Anne Grayson has a Masters in Gender, Culture and Development and was Executive Producer of Oscar nominated Incident in New Baghdad and awarded ESRC Michael Young Prize for research 2009