Polytechnic students dismissed: Get better grammar

I'd rather see Noor Al-Derazi re-take some English courses, and re-do the IELTS or TOEFL, and then maybe I would consider feeling some sympathy for her going back to school! Literally is spelled as is, not otherwise. Freedom of Speech comes with a greater responsibility for one's self and others; Polytechnic was created keeping in mind that the growth of our generation was important educationally, and while she and others like her have damaged the reputation of our leaders who have gave the opportunity of a life time to gain a first class education through Polytechnic, a dismissal is not but a small gesture towards punishing her and others as selfish as her.

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Faith: Asking the Questions

I was just at the Designated Smoking Area by the library, and some of you might know or not that some of the best thinkers converse at that very spot about some of the most random yet important topics. About 15 minutes ago, a lady was talking to three of her friends about faith. She brought a really interesting opinion that I think clears up some confusion about faith: especially to me. What she said was basically this: its not about finding the answers but asking the questions. The way she went around it was basically that we will never know for sure as long as we are living, and the only way to approach faith is to ask those important questions but not necessarily try to convince one self of the answers.

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Elections back home

Some of you guys might understand my last post in Arabic - some of you might not so I will now post something of the same sort with regards to the new elections that just occurred in my beloved Kingdom of Bahrain.

Last Saturday on the 23rd of October 2010, my country underwent its third free parliamentary elections. You might know from my previous discussions that Bahrain is certainly different than its neighbors in the middle east. Perhaps being in the top 8 most sin city of the world reflects the extreme end of how a moderate-liberal society in the midst of a very conservative region; however, it does not negate the reality of what is Bahrain - where freedom thrives at the center of modern yet backwards societies where civil liberties are non-existent.

So, even though I have not yet received that privilege of voting - the voting age is 20 - my family and friends were able. It is that very same freedom that we get to exercise, the right to choose representatives in parliament, the same one that Canadians get during election time, that makes me proud and ever so excited to exercise it in 2014.

I am extremely proud to profess that where I come from, i.e. Bahrain - that tiny Kingdom island in the middle of the Arabian (not Persian) Gulf, next to dubai .



-Abdul

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المشاركة... إصرار بحريني ... بكلم ريم خليفة

عاشت البحرين أمس الأول (السبت) أجواء تجربتها الثالثة مع العملية الانتخابية البرلمانية والبلدية، وجاءت النتائج بمفاجأة منها هبوط تمثيل النواب الذين ينضوون تحت جمعية المنبر الإسلامي وجمعية الأصالة، وصعود نجم النواب المستقلين المقربين من الحكومة، هذا في الوقت الذي حققت جمعية الوفاق فوزاً تاريخياً بحصد 18 مقعداً لكتلة واحدة، في جميع الدوائر التي تنافست فيها (من أصل 40 دائرة).

ولعل الدور الثاني للانتخابات المقرر يوم السبت المقبل، وهناك دائرتان يتنافس فيهما الاتجاه اليساري - الليبرالي، ممثَّلٌ بالدكتورة منيرة فخرو والأمين العام لجمعية العمل الوطني الديمقراطي (وعد) إبراهيم شريف، وفي حال فاز أيٌ منهما، أو كلاهما، فإن التاريخ السياسي البحريني سينطلق بصورة مختلفة.

وبلاشك فإن الأجواء الانتخابية التي مررنا بها كانت مميزة، ولاسيما أن الخيام الانتخابية شهدت حراكاً كبيراً وحوارات ساخنة حضرها الناخبون والمراقبون، وطرحت فيها قضايا عبّرت بشكل جَليّ عن حيوية المجتمع البحريني، الذي كان ولايزال من المتمسكين بثوابت ومنطلقات تدعو إلى مزيد من الحريات العامة والتآلف، وبالتالي فإنه ليس مستغرباً لأن تشهد الحملات الانتخابية دعوات لتعزيز المنجزات التي تحققت، باعتبارها حقوقاً مكتسبة، وتطويرها بما يتناسب مع الطموحات.

وكمراقبين شهدنا على أرض الواقع أن الناس كانوا يستعدون ليوم الانتخابات وفي هذا الجانب كان هناك رأي لأستاذ علم الاجتماع في جامعة البحرين باقر النجار في تصريح لوكالة الأنباء الفرنسية قبيل موعد الانتخابات قال فيه إن «الوضع الأمني قد يكون أحد العوامل التي أسهمت في إعطاء هذا الانطباع»، مستدركاً «لا أعتقد أن الوضع الأمني سيؤثر على نسبة إقبال الناخبين»، موضحاً «الإجراءات الأمنية ليست شاملة بل محدودة والمقصود منها ضبط مناوشات تعتقد الحكومة أنها يمكن أن تؤثر على الانتخابات». وهذا بالفعل ما حدث وهو ما يعبّر عن إصرار بحريني على المشاركة وإصرار بحريني على إيجاد حلول لقضاياه وحفظ حقوقه من الانتهاك.

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Oh September - a quick update

So, another month has gone by since the start of my second year at UBC's Okanagan Campus, and oh my has it been an interesting ride in Kelowna, BC. Move-in, being a Resident Advisor, noisy weekends on Cascades lane, going out on out nights with some of the most amazing people I have ever encountered, and of course the grand experience of sky diving!

Many of you know that I came to Canada early this academic year in July and took a couple of courses - my summer was good to begin with - Calgary stampede (enough said). After an intense summer that challenged my balance for academia and fun which energized me for what is to come at RA training with RezLife at UBC-O. August came and the two finals that I wrote meant I was back to my crappy angry self - but I managed to do well for myself I must say; an A in English 112 and a B+ in HIST 145. The last two weeks was definitely a highlight - Boot camp for becoming an RA. Met some good people and went camping for the first time in my life - at least in North American terrain. Beautiful skies of British Columbia and a lake view that was to die for. Too bad there was still a fire ban in BC, but backstreet boys music made up for it.

Then September came and I was ready to become something that my previous RA from Kalamalka inspired me to be. However, I would lie if I were to tell you that I enjoy everything about the first two weeks. Moving in was a beauty, and a lot of people seemed like they were not the partying type - oh boy was I for a treat. Being at the heart of the party scene of ubc-o helped by the existence of a street where people could enjoy the excess amounts of alcohol, I certainly felt frustrated about life. Friends were out there having fun, something I did last year while a freshman, but I appreciate them stopping by and saying hello. Thank you guys for not making me feel completely left out.

One out night was certainly something! Rose's is the new place to be for a cold one and some food, and the occasioal nicotine injestion. And the return of Well Wednesday! Good times, thats all I have to say.

The grand finale of September, I count the weekend to complete a month - I know kinda weird but thats how I function, was the SKY DIVING. I did a tandum for that where you'd go with another person and jump from a completely perfect airplane at a height of 10,000 ft. The free fall was the most excilarating experience, falling for 30 sec at a speed of 200km/hr! Wow.

Pictures to follow soon

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Ground Zero Mosque - my take

I have not spoken on the issue as of yet, nor have I even expressed what I thought of it until now. The hugely biased, partisan media of the United States have now gone far and beyond to magnify what is today termed as Islamophobia. At the center of today's attention is of course the Ground Zero Mosque. Even CBC has reported about it. What made up my mind with regards to this issue is Keith Olbermann's commentary about it on MSNBC. It might come as a shock to you to know I am Muslim, yes sarcasm plays some role - a much needed role when speaking out about a highly sensitive issue.

I do not need to divulge in to the issue's detail but basically, many American's, indeed 59,934,814 of those who voted against President Obama, many as 1 in 5 apparently think he is a Muslim extremist. Now, you might wonder that I have gone too far as to generalize conservative American's who think every Muslim is an extremist. But I do raise one question: do I strike to any of you as an extremist. No. Would it surprise you to know that many Muslims are discreet about their religion, that many Muslims are like me: moderate and liberal minded.

To go as far as to say that building an ISLAMIC CENTER, not a mosque on a site blocks away from the site that shocked the world, an event that made many Muslim nations, including mine to join against the war on Terror, now is that insensitive. I do not believe so. I have friends who have relatives who sacrifice their lives to fight freedom against terror in Afghanistan. Would it shock you to know that some of them were Muslim Americans?

The distinction should be made between what these terrorists are and what I and many others are. We are simply not the same. I leave you with that thought.

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Why I am an optimist?

reconciling because I do not want a planet that disintegrates into more war, into more hatred,into more violence, into more conflict, into more human suffering, we don't want that! Reconciliation is a process that needs to be reached amongst people so that our children would not have to witness what we have witnessed in this day in age.

Everyone does his part, and if you know me well, you know why I am studying the science of politics that would allow me to further the concept of men and women who strive for a better tomorrow.

That is all.

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The Veil: A Secular-Muslim Debate or a Muslim-Muslim debate

It has been a while since I have posted a well-length-ed blog post that relates to my thoughts on general politics that surrounds communities as a whole. So let me start by saying that more, hopefully, blog posts are to come.

Some of you, during the last academic school year at UBC, found it very interesting to know my opinion with regards to Quebec's attempt to ban the full face veil worn by some (a very minority of Muslims). At that point, I was very reluctant to respond, mainly because I wanted the political saga in the French legislature to play out and because I was in a sort of limbo as to what I thought was a 'correct' opinion. However, now I am ready to respond.

But first, let me start by telling you how my opinion with this regard played out. If I am being completely honest, my political stands have changed dramatically since being submerged in North American society. Before coming here, I was very right of wing, conservative sided politically. However, you could say my consciousness have cleared. My political opinion, is one that believes in secularism or Laïcité in the French sense. For those of you who do not know what the term means here is a definition of it: is a concept of a secular society, connoting the absence of religious involvement in government affairs.

Having said that, here is some basic background information as to the passing of the French lower house of parliament bill banning the full face veil. To be more clear, I have included pictures to make it graphic in order to understand.

It has been a while since I have posted a well-length-ed blog post that relates to my thoughts on general politics that surrounds communities as a whole. So let me start by saying that more, hopefully, blog posts are to come.

Some of you, during the last academic school year at UBC, found it very interesting to know my opinion with regards to Quebec's attempt to ban the full face veil worn by some (a very minority of Muslims). At that point, I was very reluctant to respond, mainly because I wanted the political saga in the French legislature to play out and because I was in a sort of limbo as to what I thought was a 'correct' opinion. However, now I am ready to respond.

But first, let me start by telling you how my opinion with this regard played out. If I am being completely honest, my political stands have changed dramatically since being submerged in North American society. Before coming here, I was very right of wing, conservative sided politically. However, you could say my consciousness have cleared. My political opinion, is one that believes in secularism or Laïcité in the French sense. For those of you who do not know what the term means here is a definition of it: is a concept of a secular society, connoting the absence of religious involvement in government affairs.

Having said that, here is some basic background information as to the passing of the French lower house of parliament bill banning the full face veil. To be more clear, I have included pictures to make it graphic in order to understand.

The first one is a hijab - worn by some muslim girls covering the head.

The second picture is the one by which some of the extreme perspectives of Islam wear, covering the complete face.

What is so starking is that, although I have my biases, these pictures show how much different the two are. The first one is of my Bahraini Olympic athlete, who competed, professionally in the 100m sprint, her wearing of hijab does not restrict her. Whereas the second one, does.

Many now are protesting the ban in France of the second picture. My opinion differs from what they say.

I believe, so strongly that the debate that dominates the issue is not one that should take place. It is not a debate for Muslims against the government, it is however, a MUSLIM-MUSLIM debate. The definition of the veil is a very vague one that to this day, Muslim women are not convinced that to become religious, one must wear it anyway.

I think that the ban's attempt in France is truly legitimate, the intent that is to assimilate that part of the community to what France stands for in secularism. The full veil has been proven to restrict women, many of them forced upon them by their families. Hence, if their own definition is opposed by the Muslim Arab community as a whole, why are they debating the parliament and not the Muslim community itself. A Question I propose.

Abdul - Abe - whatever you want to call me

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Reflection of a Canadian Year

So, the academic year is almost coming to an end for me - two more exams in English and Philosophy and a week with a good friend in Calgary (should be good to start the summer with C-town). Anyway, I thought I'd take some time writing this blog as a method of procrastination. Now, I know it would seem like high school to write this out and maybe even include a dedication part but hey, least I could do is do something that has been done anyway right? (wording of that last part of the sentence sucked - kill me now)

University in Kelowna, BC

So, some of you may or may not know but I received a scholarship to attend university quite late in the game, causing me to attend UBCO three weeks late - way to start out university. Makes "late for class" sound so inferior now - I know I'm bad-ass what can I say. Nah I joking 'round with you. Anyway, many and let me stress on many have asked me over the course of the past 8 months: why UBC-O. If you haven't heard the answer here it is: Since the scholarship came late, many of the universities that I applied to and never gave back a response simply did not have a seat for me to fill because they were under the assumption that I have declined their offers earlier in the summer - see what I should have done is deferred to the schools that I didn't defer to and waited a good year to attend. However, I would consider myself blessed to be here in the beautiful Okanagan valley amongst great people all around.

Great stuff: Vancouver 2010!

I'm was so fortunate to have been only an hour's flight from this year's winter Olympics that took place in the city of Vancouver. A friend of mine invited me, and a bunch of close friends to stay at his house for the Olympics. If I haven't yet said this a million times, I'll say it once more here: THANK YOU. I have learned a lot during this trip, a lot about how people can grow closer and initiate long term friendships. For that also: Thank you!

Hope you enjoyed this reflection. :)

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An update during 4/20

Let me start out with this: What is 4/20? If I am being completely honest here, I did not know, or have any clue as to what 420 meant. Thanks to some good friends of mine, more of me has been introduced to this North American culture of what is today April 20 and what it stands for the many people here who advocate towards whats makes this day 'special'. So let me indulge you, those of you who are not aware of what 420 signifies: it is a day where shit loads of people smoke marijuana or 'weed' on April 20 and preferably on 4:20 (I'm not entirely sure whether it's in AM or PM).

So, without any prolonging to this post - my view.

My view is simple, and have stated it quite a few times to some of you. To me, marijuana is illegal. It has been, and not for some time but it still is here and in the USA. Society, for whatever historic reason has looked down upon the use of the drug that gives you that "high" on life feeling. To me, my opinion - surprisingly is indifferent. While I have grown distant towards the use of this drug - I appreciate the arguments that are framed to advocate the decriminalizing use of non-medical marijuana. So, you might be confused here.

Tell me what do you think?

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How tolerant are we? CBC reports discrimination in Canada

According to the website cbc.ca the stats show that:

One-third believe Aboriginal people and Muslims are frequent targets of discrimination.

Twenty-eight percent think that Pakistanis and East Indians face intolerance.

And twenty percent think that Black Canadians are regularly subjected to it.

What do you think? What do I think?

If I myself had an unfortunate case of discrimination put towards me, my view is biased. But I'll tell you this, after that "incident" I still feel more at home here, now more than ever. :) thanks to good friends who are good hearted regardless.

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Cut for Cancer

Thank you Nikos, Alex and Billy for doing it with me, you didn't have to. But, you should realize how much I was impressed by what you did, proud and for that I thank you.

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Water

Margaret Thatcher privatized water ? !

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Something I am really proud of

An article for the Gulf Daily News - my country's main newspaper

TRIBUTE TO BAHRAIN

Posted on » Saturday, March 13, 2010

WASHINGTON: Bahrain's progress has been praised as a role model for other countries. Developments in democratic practices, women's rights and religious freedom could serve as an outstanding example for other countries keen on social peace and outstanding achievement, speakers said at a forum at the US Congress. It focused on reforms launched by His Majesty King Hamad. The session was held on Thursday in the presence of members of the US Congress and Bahrain's Shura Council, diplomats, journalists, members of the Bahrain-US Friendship Society and civil society representatives. Society president Admiral Tony Less said that the forum was a good opportunity to learn about a leading experience in the Middle East, stressing that the positive developments in Bahrain deserve to be highlighted. Admiral Less said that Bahrain's interest in promoting women's right and status deserved to be applauded. He pointed out that the presence of Huda Nonoo, a Jewish Bahraini, as her country's ambassador in the US was evidence about the high level of tolerance and openness prevailing in Bahrain. Congressmen stressed that Bahrain proved that countries small in size could lead the world to changes. Shura Council First Vice Chairman Jamal Fakhro outlined the reforms process that has led to outstanding successes in democracy and human rights. Dr Nada Haffadh, a member of the council and the Supreme Council for Women, highlighted the progress achieved by Bahraini women in the last 10 years. Bahraini author Nancy Khedouri praised religious freedom in the country, saying that it was an oasis of peace, tolerance, peaceful co-existence and cultural diversity.

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BAHRAIN WITHOUT OIL - We are awesome that way

Watch it, and learn to love abdul's home country :)

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For Those of you who don't know

This is the original words of the national anthem: HINT: the neutral lyrics compared to today

O Canada!

Our home, our native land,

True patriot love thou dost in us command.

We see thee rising fair, dear land,

The True North strong and free;

And stand on guard,

O Canada,

We stand on guard for thee

I am not for or against changing the anthem, I have, again no big vested importance in having to change it.

But now, its no excuse for you to say that its the way its been always sung

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Beautiful day

its a beautiful day outside in the okanagan, and the federal budget is out - good sign

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A Petition by University Professors across Canada

The following is the prompt which Political Science Professors across Canada signed that voices the concerns many of you, young Canadians about the electoral process. I hear you, and I think these words echo very much so what you think.

Canada is now faced with a significant democracy deficit, illustrated by unstable short-sighted minority governments, superficial partisan posturing, steadily declining voter turnout and, most disturbing, an increasing majority of younger Canadians who see little value in voting or engaging in electoral politics.

As political scientists at Canadian universities and colleges across the country, we believe Canada can no longer afford to ignore the urgent need for electoral reform. We need an inclusive and functioning representative democracy based on a fair and proportional voting system.

We call on the Prime Minister and leaders of all parliamentary parties to set aside partisan interests and together support a substantive program to engage Canadians in a national discussion on: 1) fair voting principles – voter equality, proportional results and the formation of governments whose policies reflect the majority of voters, and 2) the various types of fair voting systems based on those principles.

We call on the government to engage experts, consult widely with citizens, and implement a Canadian version of a more proportional and fair voting system within the next five years.

As with normal practices, the citation for this can be found here:

132 Political Scientists Call for Action on the Democratic Deficit | Fair Vote Canada." Fair Vote Canada | Make Every Vote Count. Web. 03 Mar. 2010. .

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Speech from the Throne

Are you watching it, its quite important.

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georgetown

Its hard to put this into context, but I am sincerely considering going there next year.

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