Peace deals the only option

WHETHER Dargai suicide bomber had any link with the earlier missile attack on the seminary in Bajaur , it is indeed gratifying to note that the authorities have no intention of changing the policy of entering into Waziristan -type peace deals with the local tribesmen so as to marginalize the militants using Pak territory for terrorist activities. In any case, investigating agencies are still clueless on the motive behind the dastardly attack at the Army training centre which has shaken the nation. This is the first incident of this magnitude in Pakistan’s history which involved an attack on our military facility. This though shocking and most disturbing, should underscore the need for a dialogue with the concerned stakeholders than using force to settle an issue which is not purely of security nature alone but also touches upon sensibilities of our tribal population
Major General Shaukat Sultan, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations, has told a news correspondent that the Government did not intend to deviate from its earlier policy of striking peace deals with tribesmen in the aftermath of the Dargai tragedy. There is a widespread belief that the attack on the Army recruits in which 42 young men died and dozens others received critical injuries was in retaliation of last month’s missile attack on the Bajaur seminary in which as many as 83 persons died. The Government claims that those killed were all terrorists using the seminary as a hideout. The locals however contest official claim that Pakistan Army had targeted the seminary. They allege that the attack was launched by US armed forces operating near the border from Afghan territory and that those killed included mostly young students The incident has sent a wave of shock throughout tribal areas and NWFP and the saner elements want the Government to take adequate measures to stop further deterioration of security situation. It is generally argued that the tribal areas have their own culture and traditions which need to be zealously protected in the national interest. The foreign powers which started the war on terror want Islamabad to “do more” to fight terrorism but toeing their line has already caused lot of embarrassment. It is heartening that the Government has opted to put Pakistan on top of all considerations and that a peace deal in Waziristan has been signed with the locals to stop cycle of violence. One should not worry about the unfavourable reaction from outside because our national interests must not be made subservient to the policies of the foreign powers.
A radical change in the policies of the US Administration in the wake of the results of America’s midterm polls can not be expected but ground realities will force it to review its military strategy. At our end, we should not alienate a section of our people because others wants us to “do more”. It is also to be noted that Kabul regime is also convinced that peaddeals with the disgruntled population is the only option. It is gratifying to note that President Pervez Musharraf and President Hamid Karzai intend to attend a grand jirga, scheduled for next month, of the tribes inhabiting the adjoining border areas so as to strike a peace deal.

It’s about all of us

Shanghai is a beehive of activity as the city prepares to host the Special Olympics World Summer Games in October 2007. At present, Special Olympics China and the Shanghai Organizing Committee for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, together with thousands of volunteers, are working hard to offer the 2.25 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world and all of humanity a magnificent pageant.
The visit to China in 1985 by Sargent Shriver, then Chairman of the Special Olympics International (SOI), marked the beginning of the Special Olympics cause in China. Twenty years ago, China’s Special Olympics movement only had 5,000 participants, but it has now attracted 500,000 participants. Currently, the China Special Olympics has 10 national training centers, 30 provincial training bases and 100 training locations. By 2005, 5,000 community-based activity centers for people with disabilities had been set up.
Four years ago, China won the bid for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2007, making itself the first Asian country to host this event. The energy of the spirit entrenched in the Special Olympics is blazing like wildfire across China. As a result, the Chinese are able to get a better understanding of this event. This energy is playing a big role in influencing the country’s attitude and the face it presents to the world.
If the “swifter, higher, stronger” slogan of the Olympics is a challenge to us all, the Special Olympics challenges the will of each individual participant beyond just sport. The Special Olympics means to offer conditions and opportunities for the intellectually disabled above the age of eight to take part in daily Olympic sports training and competition, so that they will share joy, exchange techniques and promote friendship with fellow participants. The spirit of the Special Olympics is skill, courage, sharing and joy—incorporating universal values that transcend all boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, race or religion. The objective of the Special Olympics is to achieve a uniform understanding of people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
The emblem for the 2007 Shanghai Special Olympics, an eye, symbolizes the hope that those with intellectual disabilities see kindness in the eyes of others when they enter the world; when encountering frustrations and difficulties in the process of growth, they hope for encouraging looks and when entering society, they hope for looks that show “equality, tolerance and acceptance” from the world around them.
This emblem is a reflection of people’s care: All members of society should show the greatest love and care to those with mental disabilities. It’s our responsibility to treat them as equals, to encourage them and help them integrate into society. A caring look will go a long way to inspire their self-confidence and self-reliance in life. For the common aspiration of all the mankind, let’s embrace the 2007 Special Olympics.

—Beijing Review