Osama Bin Laden - terrorist repentant? tells children not follow jihad

A terrorist who did not bat an eye at the deaths of innocent people finally saw light?

That is if you believe wholesale the words of Osama bin Laden's brother-in-law.

In an interview with a western media, Zakaria Al-Sada claimed that Osama urged his children to get a good education (modern secular?) in the West and refrain from the extremism and religious war path he followed. (paraphrased on condition that meanings are not hidden or lost in translation)

The immediate and superficial impact of resignation would be a blow to Islamist jihadists morale and propaganda to recruit new suicide bombers and warriors.  Is this a tactical retreat for longer term recoup and consolidation.

Conspiracy theorists and sceptics, however, believe that sending fundamentalist kids to the West and receive modern education would raise their stature and allow them to blend in with the crowd, cultivate and breed local-born to join jihad.

Is this really a deception spread by Osama's brother-in-law to impress upon the West not to be too hard on Osama's wives, children and grandchildren. Soothing words - what we love to hear rather than the hard truths - would coax target countries and innocent victims to let our guards down.

Oh dear, the bitter lessons of complacence have taught us to become so disbelieving that we can't even trust anything at face value without suspecting others'  intentions!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/9077505/Osama-bin-Ladens-told-his-children-not-to-follow-him-down-path-of-jihad.html

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/297889/20120213/osama-bin-laden-zakaria-al-sadah-pakistan.htm

http://my.telegraph.co.uk/cheechdog/cheech/15953283/osama-bin-ladendo-not-follow-me-down-the-road-to-jihad/

Would you trust the words of this neat young cool looking guy who is Osama's brother-in-law?

Warren Buffet's Religious Affiliation and Economic / Social Principles

Almost half of the billionaires in the USA are Jews. But Warren Buffet, the world's second richest man, is strictly not a Jew (religion).  He claims to be agnostic though he has many Jewish friends and business associates and has invested in Israeli companies.

 http://www.jewishjournal.com/nation/article/warren_buffetts_jewish_connection_20060602/

Unlike many influential Jews in Hollywood who had manipulated the media to condemn countries which could challenge Israel and US dominance in the Middle East and Africa, Buffet has been neutral and pragmatic.

On the contrary, Buffet has demonstrated lots of strategic patience (as opposed to rash reaction) and generosity towards social equality and redistribution of wealth.

Not one to flaunt his wealth, Buffet continues to live in the same five bedroom house in Ohama, Nebraska, for many year although he has more recently invested in a Californian beach house for chill out.

Buffet may be too old to learn foreign languages, but his friendly gesture on the eve of the Lunar New Year is well received by Chinese and Asian audiences. The guru's next investment destination?

China is no stranger to Buffett. He is venerated among China's wealthy as a "model investor," according to the AFP. Likewise, Buffett is no stranger to China—he's been positive about the country's growth in the past and has a nearly 10% investment in Chinese auto company BYD.

Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-01-05/wall_street/30592195_1_warren-buffett-china-byd#ixzz1lByQYpiA

Rethink of lese majeste :reform proposal divides Thais with divergent interests - wither the King?

Is the monarchy a dinosaur in a modern democracy?

Even the divine status of the Thai King seems to be facing serious challenges. Until today, criticising the King was unthinkable. While the King had been a stabilising force in the days when military coups, protests and security threats were rife, it may no longer be necessary as the country reaches a higher level of economic and political development. Ousted PM Thaksin had tried to weaken the monarchy who is heavily influenced by ex-military chiefs but had cost him dearly. Lese majeste criminal code has been used against foreign visitors who showed disrespect to the monarchy, symbolic or ideological.

The red and yellow shirts have receded when the floods inundated Bangkok. The most hotly debated issue now is to challenge the code which teflons the from threats and insults, and virtually above the law.

Democracy demands debate on lese majeste law

Bangkok Post  1 Feb 2012

Section 112 defines lese majeste as the defaming, insulting or threatening of the King, Queen, Heir-apparent or Regent. The maximum punishment is 15 years in jail for each offence.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16805096

Reform of S 112 is more pressing now than ever as the successor to the ailing King Bhumipol is his only son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, a well known playboy and spoilt brat who has not earned the people's respect.  There is every chance that the next King is not wise and temperamental, hence he could be easily manipulated by both sides. The Crown Prince has been cultivated by the Thaksin camp as well. S 112 may serve as a useful tool for the older generation of power brokers.

Interestingly, the revered Thai King has ever remarked that he is not above the law. However, the Thai establishment prefers to be deaf to such hints. Indeed, ultra-royalists whose power and wealth rests on the unquestionable position of the King and the monarchy as a divine institution, have been the most stake in ensuring continued protection of lese majeste laws. In this latest agitation by academics and intellectuals, conservative oligarchs have again accused reformists of being proxies of Thaksin. The Thai government headed by Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra has been keeping mum for fear of threats. Protectors of the monarchy are powerful forces that continue to dominate Thai politics albeit from behind the scenes and above politicking.

http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/category/thailand/lese-majeste-thailand/

There is an age-old Thai belief which prophecised the demise of the Chakri Dynasty with the passing of King Bhumiphol (Rama IX). Perhaps these are early signs of what is to come. Stay tuned.

http://www.economist.com/node/15718981