On February 20^th it is the turn of the Moroccan people to demonstrate for constitutional change. People are inspired once again through social media sites including a Facebook call for protest led by Rachid Antid and two friends who began the Freedom and Democracy Now Movement mainly consisting of young people. There are said to be around 19,000 followers who will test a regime said to be more liberal than neighbouring countries. Government spokesman Khalid Naciri did not appear too concerned about the marches on Thursday remarking that Morocco “had for a longer time been engaged in an irreversible process towards democracy and widening public liberties.”

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. King Mohammed VI (47) is both the secular leader and “commander of the faithful” deemed to be a direct descendant of Prophet Mohammed and is said to have extensive powers which include dissolving parliament and deploying the military. Protestors calling for change state they are calling for constitutional reforms that would reduce the King’s control and make the judicial system more independent. Pro-monarchy supporters will be marching in opposition to show their loyalty to the monarchy.

A video “I am Moroccan” lasting just over 2 minutes appeared on YouTube in advance of the protest and featured a number of young adults each stating their wishes as follows:-

“I am Moroccan; I am going out on February the 20^th because I want a Morocco that belongs to all of us. No to hate and Yes to equality.”

“I am Moroccan; I am going out on February 20^th to be able to get a job without paying a bribe first.”

“I am Moroccan; I am going out on February 20^th because I would like free public education for all and not just for the privileged.”

“I am Moroccan; I am going out on February 20^th for the sick to be able to go to public hospitals, with no out of pocket cost, and without having to “know” someone.”

“I am Moroccan; and I am going out on February 20^th to support workers’ rights and against abuse in the workplace.”

“I am Moroccan; and I am going out on February 20^th because I want freedom and peace in my country.”

“I am Moroccan; I am going out on February 20^th because I do not want people living in shanty towns.”

“I am Moroccan; and I am going out on February 20^th against police brutality.”

“I am Moroccan; and going out on February 20^th against corruption in my country.”

“I am Moroccan; and going out on 20^th February against the thieves who destroyed the country.”

“I am Moroccan; I am also going out on February 20^th because we want a new democratic constitution.”

The last person featured was a mature lady who had the following to say:

“I am Moroccan; and I am going out on February 20^th. I am going to protest and maybe even more. The high food prices are killing me. Every time I tried to protest against the high prices I was abused by the authorities. I don’t understand why I am afraid and abused in my own country. I was in a peaceful protest and was beaten and harassed by the police. I am abused by food prices, the lack of life’s essentials, and abused by the authorities all at the same time. That’s too much…”

There were a number of abusive comments left on the site arguing that the video was garbage, Morocco did have free education and was a peaceful country. The insults were explained away by one contributor who stated, “there is a great part of the population that is really uneducated and knows nothing about the world we live in, and if one does not know that he is oppressed he will most likely find excuses to defend the regime that has ruled our beloved homeland since 1956 and as you can see most of them can only speak with insult, that’s an upbringing issue. I hope Morocco can be free someday.”

Reuters reported that there were already disputes brewing prior to the Sunday demonstration between Rachid Antid and his followers and leftists, plus banned group Islamist Justice and Charity which is believed to be the country’s biggest opposition group. It is Sufi inspired and consisting of around 200,000 members, mostly students http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/banned-islamists-say-time-for-change-in-morocco/ Rachid remains supportive of the monarchy while Islamist justice and Charity raise questions over the King’s eligibility for the title “commander of the Faithful” and have said that the country will be subjected to protests  with “autocracy” swept away unless the country pursues deep democratic reforms.

The Freedom and Democracy Now Movement is withdrawing from Sunday’s protest. According to Ocnus.net the organisation has demonstrated concerns in public before, “there have already been smaller protests in Morocco including an anti-government rally in Tangier, northern Morocco, on 30^th January, which was met by police violence. Also in the capital Rabat, there have been minor solidarity manifestations in front of the Egyptian Embassy. An earlier smaller protest by human rights activists in Casablanca on 6^th January went along peacefully, but with leaders later being detained.”

In an act emulating Muhammad Bouazizi (Tunisia), protestor Issan Nadir set himself alight outside the education ministry in the city of Rabat. The 27 year old volunteer teacher was demanding a paid job and spent a week recovering in hospital after firefighters doused the flames. Mourad Raho (26) from Benguerir died of his injuries in a similar self immolation. There have been reports of an additional 5 attempts in recent weeks.

A protest had already begun a day in advance of the nationwide protests planned for Sunday with a police station attacked in Tangiers though it was unknown whether this was part of the wider discontent. Al Jazeera reported that premises linked to French firms were also targeted in a dispute over the local utility firm’s management, one resident claimed truncheons were used to disperse the crowd http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011219163145111944.html

Carol Grayson is Director Coordination Asia Despatch and a UK independent researcher/campaigner on global health/human rights awarded ESRC Michael Young Prize 2009

It seems that Umer Gul will most probably share the new ball with Abdul Razzaq. Spinners have a vital role to play in the World Cup. Saeed Ajmal has been out of color since he was bashed in the T-20 World Cup semi final by Michael Hussey, therefore an inform Abdul Rehman, would be the first preference. He is a better fielder and is also handy with the bat.

Reliable sources have informed Asiadespatch, on condition of anonymity that the team management has decided not to expose Shoaib too much to the hot and humid Sri Lankan weather. Pakistan’s bowling consultant, Aqib Javed has been working hard on Shoaib’s fitness. Team management was relieved to see him bowl his complete quota of overs in the warm match against England.

It’s an open secret in international cricket that Pakistan has been vulnerable in the situation of chasing runs, especially under the lights. Keeping this in mind, Pakistan is playing an extra batsman. Younus Khan is an experienced campaigner, a team man and an excellent fielder. He should be given few more chances to get back in his form before the knock out stage.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (c),  Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal , Younis Khan,  Misbah-ul-Haq,  Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Akhtar, Junaid Khan &  Saeed Ajmal

Kenya: Jimmy Kamande (captain), Seren Waters, Alex Obanda, Elijah Otieno, Rakep Patel, David Obuya, Collins Obuya, Steve Tikolo, Tamnay Mishra, Maurice Ouma, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Thomas Odoyo, Shem Ngoche, James Ngoche, Peter Ongondo

Outlawed Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP) formally released video footage on Saturday of Taliban’s godfather and former Pakistani spymaster Amir Sultan Tarar (alias Colonel Imam) showing his killing. In the video TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud is also sited ordering a masked teenager to execute Imam. The logo of TTP run “Umar Studio” can also be seen in the video.

Colonel Imam was abducted along with his fellow ISI officer Khalid Khawaja and a British journalist Asad Qureshi in March, last year. Soon after, a previously less-known group of Punjabi Taliban, calling itself the “Asian tigers” claimed to be holding the men in a video delivered to local and foreign media outlets. The group was active in the area under the umbrella of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. But later on it fell apart after its leader, Imran alias Usman Punjabi was killed in intra-militants clash in Mirali.

Initially there were rumors of Imam’s death whilst in militants’ captivity but now the footage finally confirms it. His death might provoke intra-Pakistani Taliban rivalry, especially, in North Waziristan where TTP was given a refuge in the wake of Operation Rahe-e-Nejat by Hafiz Gul Bahidar. Apart from TTP other Pakistani Taliban factions, Hafiz Gul Bahidar and Molvi Nazeer Ahmad who are believed to have close ties with Pakistani establishment always condemned Imam’s abduction privately. Just a week earlier, Molvi Nazeer Ahmad, a militant commander, whose group has substantial presence in Ahmadzai Wazir inhabited part of South Waziristan, pledged to avenge his death. But latterly he personally contacted local media persons and termed the news as hearsay in an attempt to sever his group relations with other Taliban factions.

More importantly, Colonel Imam was widely respected among Afghan Taliban for his career-long unwavering support in the creation of Taliban movement in mid 90s. In an interview with a leading private Pakistani news channel, he once claimed that his team had trained approximately 90000 Afghan Mujahideen in the early 70s in order to use them as proxies against pro-Soviet Sardar Daud regime and latter in a decade long national resistance movement against Soviet’s occupation. These include almost all of top echelon Ahmad Shah Masood, Gulbadeen Hikmatyar, Burhadundin Rabbani and Mullah Muhammad Omar. He was also believed to be the first person who paved the way for establishing links between Taliban and Pakistan’s elite intelligence agency ISI in the mid 90s on the basis of his personal relation with Mullah Omar.

History shows that militants can go to any extent if their demands are not accepted. So far, they have slain a number of people including a polish geologist Piotr Stanczak, who was kidnapped on September 28, 2008 when the government failed to meet their demands of paying ransom and releasing their arrested comrades. ?Meanwhile, TTP has also issued a fourth video of Dr. Ajmal Khan, Vice-chancellor of Islamia College University Peshawar in which the latter once again appealed to the government to take immediate steps for his release. With the demise of Colonel Imam, the fate of Dr. Ajmal Khan seems in jeopardy. He has been in the Taliban’s custody for the last six months somewhere in restive North Waziristan. Militants have issued a number of videos demanding the government either accept their demands or he will be executed.

The Writer is Asiadesptach.com analyst on Islamic Militancy.

Bahrain’s crown prince ordered the withdrawal of military from the streets of Bahrain.

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has ordered the withdrawal of all military from the streets of Bahrain with immediate effect,” the statement said.

Previously, Bahrain’s government made a “Unity Alliance” to initiate constructive dialogue with the anti-government protestors, who rejected the offer saying that the government needs to pull out all military officials from the streets of Bahrain’s capital Manama and also needs to step down from its power of governing the country.

Following fears of arms getting into the wrong hands and being used against the government, at least 40 UK arms export licenses for Bahrain have been revoked.

24 individual licenses and 20 open licenses for Bahrain had been revoked, following advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills said Alistair Burt, Foreign office minister.

“We are deeply concerned about the situation in Bahrain and the events which have led to the deaths of several protesters,” he added.

The licenses include 2 single export license for 250 tear gar cartridges to the Britian Defense Force and National Security Agency that were for evaluation purposes.

“In addition, there are a number of open individual export licences that have been approved. One of these includes equipment that can be used for riot control.” Burt added.

Bahrain is going through increased anti-government demonstrations, demanding the government to resign, an uprising that started from Tunisia and has entered into Bahrain and Libiya after toppling down Egypt’s leadership.

Tens of thousands of pro-government Bahrainis congregated Manama, the country capital, in reaction to the ongoing anti-government protests, demanding the government to resign its position and let the main opposition Shiite party take control of the country’s main government decision makings.

The government has also formed unity alliance named “Bahrain National Union” consisting of citizens, considered suitable to initiate peaceful approach in pronouncing their demands. The decision was taken after meetings between civil society, jurists, workers, writers, trade union leaders and artists representing different sects in the country.

The government has also rejected the calls of change by force and has urged the need of adopting dialogue keeping national interest in mind.

The pro-government demonstration held today, included men and women from all forms of ages, who formed a gathering that looked like a huge wave of red and white colors of Bahrain’s national flag, chanting slogans in support of King Hammad and his associates.

It should be noted here that Bahrain’s government put a complete ban on any kind of demonstrations throughout the country, yet there was not blockage or violence seen in the pro-government demonstrations of thousands as the government wants to show its strength and its support from the people of Bahrain against the anti-government uprisings.

On the other hand, the main Shiite opposition group has rejected the dialogue offer by the government and has said that the government needs to resign and have the military forces pulled off the streets of Manama before initiating any possible dialogue.

“To consider dialogue, the government must resign and the army should withdraw from the streets. What we’re seeing now is not the language of dialogue but the language of force.” said Abdul Jalil Khalil Ibrahim, head of the parliamentary group of Al-Wefaq, the largest shia opposition.

Pakistan government, which is already under immense pressure from religious and main opposition parties over its reluctance and negligence over Raymond Davis’s case, a U.S diplomat who killed three Pakistani locals in Punjab province’s largest city Lahore by gun fires and which has also been declared as a “cold blooded murder” by security and investigation forces, has now been warned by the Pakistani Taliban of increased deadly attacks if the government fails to charge the U.S national with murder charges judged by Pakistani courts and deliberately hands him over the U.S amid strategic pressure.

“If Pakistani rulers hand him over to America then we will target these rulers. If Pakistani courts cannot punish Davis then they should hand him over to U.S.  We will give exemplary punishment to the killer Davis” said Azam Tariq, spokesman for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (Taliban movement of Pakistan).

Taliban threat comes at a time when U.S Senator John Kerry is arriving in Pakistan today, expected to bring with him, the documents declaring Raymond Davis as a diplomat and to insert more pressure on Pakistan to release him abiding rules set by the International convention.

U.S also cancelled its crucial meeting with Pakistan and Afghanistan and said that Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with U.S were under question at the moment and restricted it to initiate any further steps of strategic relations until U.S diplomat issue was not resolved.

Pakistan government, a close ally to the United States and also enjoying the financial aids by U.S, has tangled its self in a no way out situation as violent reactions by religious and opposition parties have made it fearful of a backlash from Pakistani locals, who already denounce U.S existence on Pakistan soil and have demanded death sentence to the U.S national.

The locals relate the matter to the injustice demonstrated by the United States in Dr. Afia’s case, who has been sentenced to 86 years of imprisonment, charged on pointing gun towards the U.S military official, trialed in U.S courts. Religious parties say that Afia Siddiqui was sentenced to imprisonment when she did not even shot at the American soldier, then Pakistan should make sure that Raymond Davis is charged accordingly as he, along with his associates, killed 3 locals.

The anger gained more fire when Shazia, wife of one of the killed victims, poisoned herself to death after being frustrated over Pakistan’s government VIP treatment with the U.S national. Her last words said she wanted justice, but she doesn’t think the current government will give it to her as they are bribed from head till toe in American dollars.

With the religious parties joining hands with opposition parties and supporting the families of the victims, who now have the support of Afia Siddiqui’s movement, has further strengthened the opposition power against the Pakistani government.

The warning from the Pakistani Taliban, who have been suspicious of having links within the religious parties or having training recruitments being done from the religious schools in the country, can become a very severe threat to the government, who is blamed by the militants to be a United State’s puppet.

Pakistan is one of the largest recipients of U.S military aid in its support to fighting against terrorism and extremism. But this cash wrapped relation is now at risk, which Pakistan will try its best to maintain, when it meets Senator John Kerry, whose visit is expected to decide, not only the fate of Raymond Davis but also is to decide the fate of Pakistan, which  is expected to be under the firing line, either by the U.S, who justifies its dominance over Pakistan because it supports the country financially, or by opposition, religious and supporters of the anti-American drive, who are working up their homework of brainwashing within Pakistani youth of initiating a revolution in Pakistan, just like the one in Tunisia and Egypt.

Friday is being marked as a day of funeral of the people killed during a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, threatening of more violence and chaos, spreading its wings throughout the Arab nations.

The violence broke when Bahrain’s military took over the capital and showered the protestors with birdshots, tear gas and rubber bullets, which resulted in death of at least 5 people and at least 230 got injured.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Khalifa, the foreign minister of Bahrain said that the protest demonstrations are targeted towards pushing the country towards sectarian void, as majority of the protestors were Shiites, who constitute the majority of the country’s population.

The main objective behind the protests is to abandon Sunni control from government positions and should look into the demands and needs of the suffering Shiites over economic sufferings and discrimination in public service jobs and the military.

It should be noted that foreign recruits are taken on board in Bahrain to serve as police and security officials rather then locals as they mostly belong to Shiite faction, who are considered to be non-trusted citizens to carry weapons.

Threats of increased sectarian violence have spread throughout Bahrain and it is feared that the unrest will increase if the Sunni dominion acts or shows instability.

Bahrain’s unrest has become a concern for other Arab countries ruled by Sunni leaderships like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as both the countries have Shiite population existence in their territory. Arab leaders have been surprised and shaken in the recent days as protests and uprisings have inflamed throughout the region.

After toppling down Husn Mubarak’s long prevailing leadership, the Egyptian opposition youth has called on a million marches today in celebration to the first week of independence on Cairo’s central Tahrir Square.

‘The revolution has not been concluded yet. It will be concluded after all demands of the Egyptian people have been met and the creation of a stable democratic system has started.” were the words of an Egyptian protestor.

Husn Mubarak’s 30 year’s ruling came to an end last Friday when he stepped down as Egypt’s president amid anti-government protests that lasted 18 days starting from January 25. The protests left at least 350 people dead and at least 5500 injured.

Higher Military Council took control after Husn Mubarak’s resignation and has pledged to launch democratic reforms through fair elections in September 2011. The opposition party has continued its strong push the authorities in order to make sure that their demands are met, which include imprisonment of corrupt government officials and uplifting of state of emergency, that has damaged the country since 1981, the year when Husn Mubarak took power.

Currently, the country’s constitution has been suspended and the parliament stays dissolved by the military chiefs. Senior members of Mubarak’s regime are also under investigation with criminal charges.

Military officials have maintained that they want the overhaul to be a reason for stabilization and not towards further disruption for Egypt, a country which has seen a major economic setback after weeks of unrest.

Though the Egyptian military has been appreciated for showing restraint during the 18 days of ongoing protests and uprisings, situation in the country remains under question as it is feared that military council might not implement promised reforms.

The opposition youth are staying alert and with the victory million march, they are making their presence felt to the in power military council, giving a clear message of being on “no compromise” policy on the demands of the Egyptian people.

The wave of revolution that started from Tunisia and Egypt is now showing its colors firstly in Bahrain and now in Iran. Protestors have taken the streets on February 14^th protesting against the ruling government led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The protest gained fire when two students were killed in a protest, called by the opposition leader Mir Horein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, the former parliamentary speaker, in support of the Arab uprisings. The opposition leaders were held under house arrest and were barred from joining in the demonstration.

They were the largest public demonstration against Iran’s authoritarian system since December 2009, when the unrest was followed with the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The protestors, led by the opposition leaders, have called in another big demonstration on Sunday, 20^th of February, to protest against Iran’s hard lined government. Former prime minister Mir Hossein Mousavi has called on Iranians, which comprises majorly of youth and youngsters between 15 and 30 years, to join together in condemnation of the death of two Iranians during 14^th February protest.

Iranian lawmakers have called for deaths of the opposition leaders for attempting to pressure demands of change and to re-emerge the “green movement” an opposition front that skipped from the 2009 elections.

Iranian authorities are now watching nervously as the demands for change echoing across the region sound within their own borders.