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Sir Allama Muhammed Iqbal, one of the greatest poets and thinkers of the last century, once said that “ there would be no peace in the world if there was no peace in Afghanistan”- a  deeply entrenched tribal society known for sacrificing precious lives to preserve their rights and dignity  .  Those in and around Afghanistan understand the extremely complex …

Russia announced on April 16 that it had ended the war in Chechnya. The announcement was largely symbolic because for a long time, there had been no clashes in Grozny. Wars can be won, but conflict resolution requires compromise and goodwill. In Chechnya this did not happen. Might can be right, but not always. In a democracy where human rights …

So the Pope won’t be visiting Gaza on his trip to the Holy Land next month. The Holy Father’s spokesman has told the Israeli press that he’ll refrain from visiting Gaza regardless of attempts to persuade him otherwise. ‘Refrain’ is a telling choice of words: “the Pope will refrain from visiting Gaza….” It smacks of abstinence, as in abstaining from …

ISTANBUL, Apr 7 (IPS) – On his first visit to a Muslim country this week, U.S. President Barack Obama proposed “a new chapter” in U.S. engagement with the Islamic world. He drew much praise, while some remain skeptical. “The United States is not, and never will be, at war with Islam,” he told the Turkish Parliament in capital Ankara Monday. …

In the name of Allah the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. Venerable Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Your Lordship the Right. Reverend. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, Justice Wigneswaran Members of the diplomatic corps, Ladies and gentlemen. May I greet you with the traditional Islamic greeting, Assalamu Alaikum. Meaning May Peace and Blessings be with you. May I also say to …