Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

It is with great sadness that Modern Tokyo Times hears about the death of Bahukutumbi Raman who was a foremost expert in the field of counter-terrorism, national security and geopolitics in India. Raman passed away after fighting against cancer during the later part of his life. However, true to the very nature of Raman he kept on churning out essential analysis of major international events related to India and the surrounding region until the very late stages of his life.

I myself contacted Raman several years ago when Modern Tokyo Times was in its infancy and he kindly allowed our agency to publish his work until we could get off the ground. The beauty of Raman is that despite knowing extremely powerful individuals within India and much further afield; he was also open to anyone who cared and had a valid message to give to the world. Therefore, it was a great honor when such a distinguished individual gave the Modern Tokyo Times a helping hand in the cut-throat world of the mass media.

His distinguished career runs of the pen naturally when it comes to security related issues and being at the center of safeguarding India. Raman is a former Additional Secretary (retired), Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India. Also, Raman is the former head of India’s intelligence agency called Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) which applies to external threats. Therefore, by being a former head (and one of the founding fathers of RAW) of this important counter-terrorism agency; it is clear that Raman was very important within the power mechanisms of India in relation to national security.

Raman also was the director of the distinguished Institute for Topical Studies which is based in Chennai. Alongside this, Raman was also an important contributor to the South Asia Analysis Group. Outside of major institutions he frequently wrote about geopolitics, counter-terrrorism, military issues, national security and other related areas in relation to India and South Asia. He also kept in touch “with the street” by utilizing social media and was open to individuals irrespective of their position because he firmly believed in humanity.

India Express states that Raman was “One of the few officers who witnessed the creation of RAW in 1968 by RN Kao, his analysis on Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and China have been an asset to the intelligence community. In his memoir Kaoboys of Research and Analysis Wing: Down Memory Lane, he talked about his days in the agency.”

Raman cared passionately for the national security of India and to create mechanisms whereby terrorism and geopolitical land grabs by hostile nations could be dampened and repulsed before chaos broke out. On May 10, 2013, despite the pain of his severe cancer Raman bravely stated about the elections in Pakistan that “Better relations with India will be a minefield. The sensitivities of the army and the fundamentalist and jihadi organizations may have to be taken into consideration by the mainstream parties doing well in the elections before they take any major initiative for a policy change in a positive direction. They have to go very slow and keep down their enthusiasm. Better relations with India are, therefore, unlikely to be for tomorrow unless the PML (N) comes out with an absolute majority of its own.”

“India’s immediate policy interest ought to be not in the prospects for a quick improvement in the bilateral relations, but in the prospects for the better internal stability and better internal security in Pakistan with a genuine control over the activities of the TTP, the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LEJ) and other jihadi organizations.”

“India has had a contentious relationship with Pakistan ever since the two countries became independent in 1947. If this contentious relationship continues for some more years, we can live with it provided the new ruling dispensation in Pakistan shows the courage and foresight to take on the fundamentalist and jihadi organizations and defeat them in the interest of the people of Pakistan and at the same time persuade the Army to co-operate with the civilian leadership in this direction.”

Raman even in the last days of his life and suffering enormous pain showed the passion of youth but with the knowledge of age. India should note the wise words above because Raman was focused on seeing the events of the day and the reality of long term problems which he foresaw in the future.

Raman stated about international terrorism which is eating away at many nations based on various different factors that “How would I characterise international jihadi terrorism as personified by Al Qaeda and the International Islamic Front (IIF) formed by it in 1998, which pose the greatest threat to international peace and harmony? It is revanchist in character, medieval in its objectives and modern in its methods of operation. It wants to avenge through mass killings the imaginary wrongs which, according to it, were done to the Muslims of the world over the ages by the rest of the world. It is not a clash between civilizations. It is a clash between savagery and civilization. Civilization has to prevail over savagery and it will. It wants to take the Islamic world not forward into the modern world of democracy, prosperity and enlightenment, but back to the days of the Islamic Caliphate. It has mastered or is trying to master modern means of destruction in order to achieve the destruction of modernity and take the Islamic world back to its dark ages. “

“International jihad terrorism has only pretexts for its actions. It has no legitimate root causes. In its revanchist, it is like the Nazism of the past. Imagine what could have happened to the world if leaders such as President Franklin Roosevelt, Sir Winston Churchill, Gen. de Gaulle and others had said “let us first address the root causes of Nazism before we eliminate Adolf Hitler and his cohorts.” Where would the world be today? It would be equally absurd for us to say “let us first address the root causes of Al Qaeda and the IIF before we eliminate the leaders of Al Qaeda, the IIF and their cohorts.” They have to be eliminated first by all of us thinking and acting in unison.”

After the death of Osama bin Laden the distinguished Raman commented that “The death of the jihadi Frankenstein’s monster in the cradle of the Pakistan Army has thrown the spotlight even more intensely than till now on another Frankenstein’s monster— namely, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan.” 

“Since the 1980s,the ISI was was pampered, fed and fattened by the US along with the Pakistan Army. The US, which closed its eyes to the pernicious role played by this State Frankenstein’s monster in sponsoring terrorism of various kinds against India, Afghanistan and other countries, is confused and does not know how to act against this State Frankenstein’s monster after having killed the non-State monster.” 

“The end of Osama bin Laden will not be the end of international jihadi terrorism. The non-state head of international jihadi terrorism may be dead, but the State of Pakistan, which continues to use this terrorism, lives in a denial mode. Neither the State of Pakistan nor its civil society is prepared to admit that Al Qaeda and its surviving leaders have managed to escape arrest, prosecution or death so far, because of the support extended to them by the State of Pakistan. The same is the case with the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET) and other jihadi affiliates of Al Qaeda.” 

Raman gave his soul to India and helped the international community because of his enormous wisdom. He passed away on June 16, 2013. However, he will live on within the people he touched based on his writing, knowledge and the humanity he showed the world.

Rest in peace dear Bahukutumbi Raman.

http://ramanstrategicanalysis.blogspot.jp/2013/05/impact-of-pak-elections-on-ties-with.html

http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?271660

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Paul Joseph Nzeribe and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Pakistan continues to be blighted by barbaric terrorist attacks against the minority Shia community and against anyone deemed to be worthy for killing in the name of Allah. In the latest suspected Sunni Islamist terrorist outrage women were killed in the region of Quetta. It is known that Sunni Islamist terrorist groups are opposed to women obtaining an education and in the past attacks have taken place against women in Afghanistan and Pakistan respectively.

The local police chief, Zubair Mahmood, commented that “It was an improvised explosive device placed in the women university bus.” Sadly, people in Pakistan are no longer shocked by such barbarity because it appears to be second nature for Sunni Islamist terrorists who just espouse hatred and kill innocents. Therefore, it is clear that Pakistan is a nation whereby religious minorities reside in fear and women can be killed for just wanting to study.

In Balochistan you also have a separatist movement and this sums-up the current situation in this country. After all, it is clear that mother India was carved up but is mainly Muslim Pakistan a nation which protects the citizens of this nation? Clearly the answer is no because Ahmadiyya Muslims and Shia Muslims are deemed apostates therefore both communities suffer untold persecution. Ironically, in mother India the Ahmadiyya and Shia don’t worry about being slaughtered and victimized by Sunni Islamist militants.

Other religious minorities including Christians, Hindus and Sikhs also suffer state institutional discrimination because many women are forced to convert to Islam but the state does little to intervene. Likewise, the dreaded blasphemy law can be used against Muslims and non-Muslims alike on a mere whim. This reality means that many people reside in fear.

In the past the government of Pakistan involved itself in Afghanistan alongside America, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and other Gulf nations. The upshot of this was that Gulf petrodollars spread Takfiri and Salafi Islam alongside supporting indigenous Sunni Islamist militant organizations. America, Pakistan and the United Kingdom utilized the CIA, ISI and MI6 respectively in order to train Islamist fanatics against the communist government of Afghanistan in the 1980s. Several decades later and the folly of this policy can be seen by the fact that so many women reside in shadows in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Of course, you have places in both nations which are more open but the darkness of religious bigotry resides within terrorist organizations and in state institutions in both countries.

In a past article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “…if we turn the clock back to the early 1980s then nations like America, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom supported radical Sunni Islamists against communist Afghanistan. This meant that special operatives from within the CIA representing America and the ISI from Pakistan, and other operatives from nations like the United Kingdom, enabled international Islamists to get a foothold in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The upshot of all this was that a nightmare was created and today the world is witnessing this ongoing nightmare.”

“It is abundantly clear that the roots of September 11 are connected with the political naivety and crassness of nations like America and the United Kingdom. After all, it is clear that Saudi Arabia and the elites within Pakistan in the 1980s were intent on spreading Islamism based on religious and political factors. Yet for America and the United Kingdom it was about “turning the Islamist clock on and off” to when it suited.”

“Of course, the events of September 11 woke America up briefly but under the Obama administration it is clear that the “Islamist clock is being turned on” once more. The same now applies to nations like France, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. After all, these nations are now behind many atrocities in Syria. This applies to killing religious minorities, killing pro-Sunni supporters of the government, beheading people, daily car bombings, torturing Syrian soldiers and a plethora of crimes against humanity.”

America, the United Kingdom and other allied forces are now fighting the same Islamist Sunni militant groups that they helped to train and support in the past. Likewise, the government of Pakistan managed to destabilize itself by supporting the Taliban and a host of other militant terrorist organizations. Therefore, the latest terrorist attack which killed at least 11 females can be traced to the barbaric policies of the past. This applies to unleashing Takfiri ideas, Salafi concepts and other dangerous religious ideologies.

Turning back to the attack against female students then the BBC reports that “Hospital sources say some of the wounded are in critical condition.”

“No group has said it carried out the attack.”

“Later another explosion was reported at the hospital where the victims were being treated, Police and militants exchanged fire there, according to eyewitnesses.”

It is clear that all educational institutions in Pakistan should come under the state and that religious institutions inciting sectarianism and hatred should be closed down. At the same time, Gulf petrodollars need to be stopped from spreading dangerous ideologies which are threatening the state of Pakistan. The ISI also needs to come under full control and the CIA and MI6 needs to be cleansed of using dangerous religious ideologies for short-term gains. After all, in Libya it is clear that the CIA and MI6 had links with terrorist groups in order to overthrow the Gaddafi government and the same applies to France. Now in Libya many Sufi shrines have been attacked and the small Christian population is facing more hostility. Currently it is also clear that the CIA, MI6 and their French counterparts are involved in many underhanded dealings with terrorist groups in order to defeat the government of Syria. However, the short term geopolitical gains become long term nightmares for people who reside in the nations where outside forces are meddling. Likewise, Gulf petrodollars are inciting Sunni Islamist hatred against Muslim minorities, indigenous Islam which is more liberal and against non-Muslims.

The latest terrorist attack which killed at least 11 females (death toll may increase further) in Pakistan is further evidence that radical Sunni Islam is a threat to all and sundry. Sadly, elites within America, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and several Gulf nations are never held accountable for their respective destabilizing policies and crimes against humanity. However, innocent Muslims and non-Muslims continue to be slaughtered by forces which were unleashed in the 1980s because the “Sunni Islamist genie” can’t be forced back into its lamp.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Outside nations involved themselves in Afghanistan over forty years ago by firstly supporting the same thought patterns that they are currently trying to prevent from ruling this nation in the modern period. Gulf nations, America, the United Kingdom and Pakistan created “this nightmare” whereby the rights of women didn’t matter one jot providing communist forces would be defeated. Similarly, outside nations then crushed the military and political system of Iraq which in turn unleashed chaos, sectarianism, the cleansing of Christians and other religious minorities like the Mandaeans; the end result being daily terrorism and then America and other allies leave the scene while chaos abounds. Not content with this, then Libya became another venture whereby today you just have chaos and a failed state. Despite this, major Gulf and Western powers have no shame because they are collectively destroying the fabric of society in Syria by stealth.

It matters not that America, France and the United Kingdom are bankrupting their respective nations at home while being involved in the deaths of untold numbers in distant lands. Major Gulf powers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar also have no qualms in supporting terrorist and sectarianism forces directly or covertly when Western hands are involved. Of course, democracy, religious freedom, the rights of women and pluralism at home in Saudi Arabia is not on the agenda. However, sowing the seeds of sectarianism and enabling the dark forces of terrorism to spread untold misery is on the agenda for Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf states involved in the many ratlines against Syria.

It is now known that the Jabhat al-Nusra have just slaughtered vast numbers of Shia Muslims because they showed part of their destruction themselves on social media while celebrating. France, just like America and the United Kingdom, responds to massacres like this – and killing a young boy for “allegedly” insulting Islam – by merely issuing more threats against the Syrian government.

The BBC reports that the “French foreign ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot said the conflict in Syria was “at a turning point.”

“What should we do under these conditions to reinforce the opposition armed forces? We have had these discussions with our partners, with the Americans, the Saudis, the Turks, many others.”

“We cannot leave the opposition in the current state.”

Yet, these massacres are being done by Takfiri Islamists, the Free Syrian Army (FSA), various different terrorist and sectarian groups, and by mercenaries from all over the world. Indeed, religious minorities are being protected by the Syrian armed forces because Christians and others are not fleeing government controlled areas. On the contrary, they only feel secure in areas under the full control of the Syrian armed forces. It must be remembered that Christian bishops are being held by the allies of Gulf and Western nations. Also, when did so-called “opposition armed forces” belonging to “a mythical anti-Syrian group which is democratic” attack al-Qaeda backed terrorists? However, the illusions and lies will keep on coming by America, France and the United Kingdom.

Despite everything, America, France and the United Kingdom are pinning the blame on the central government of Syria while doing nothing to stem Gulf petrodollars from funding and supporting terrorism and sectarianism. The same Western states don’t care that Saudi Arabia supports killing all apostates to Christianity because how many decades does it take before religious apartheid nations are issued trade sanctions? This reality highlights the sham of Western nations coming up with the “democratic game” but it still doesn’t stop the mass media and senior politicians from whipping up hatred against independent Syria.

CBS News comments about the recent massacre of Shia Muslims by international Sunni Islamic terrorists. This news agency states that “With a steady drumbeat from some U.S. and European politicians calling for the West to arm Syria’s rebels, the composition of the rebel force on the ground is vital to understand, and the men who committed at least some of the killings in Hatla were not Syrian, and were not men who the West would want to arm.”

“In a video posted on YouTube, a man shows the dead bodies of several Shiite Syrians in Hatla, and angrily calls on his fellow Sunnis to “massacre” their Shiite compatriots. The man speaking is not Syrian, he is Kuwaiti, and very few of the armed “rebels” seen with him in the video sound Syrian — the accents are largely Kuwaiti and Iraqi. There were other, similar videos posted of the alleged massacre in Hatla.”

This reality makes a mockery of the “so-called civil war” because if it wasn’t for outside nations supporting terrorism, sectarianism and sedition then clearly this crisis would have petered out quickly. Syria is a nation whereby “civil war” applies despite vast numbers of international jihadists and terrorists coming from all over the world. Of course, political elites in America, France, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom know this – alongside major media agencies in the Gulf and West – however, it doesn’t stop the “tools of oppression” from open manipulation.

CBS news also states that “While leaders in Washington, Paris and London continue to suggest the option of arming “vetted” rebel groups remains on the table, there’s strong evidence to suggest that previous covert efforts to funnel arms into opposition hands through neighboring countries (efforts which were reportedly green-lighted by the Obama administration) ended up arming the extremists.”

Under the current leaders of America, France and the United Kingdom they have assisted Gulf powers and international jihadist groups from reaching further into the Levant, North Africa and West Africa. At the same time, terrorism and sectarianism is increasing in Iraq and Syria because of the evil deeds of outside nations meddling into the internal affairs of both nations. The upshot of all this is daily massacres against the Shia; the spreading of hatred towards the Alawites in Syria; the cleansing of Christians in several nations; the destruction of Sufi shrines in Libya, Mali and Somalia; the murder of pro-Syrian Sunni Muslim clerics in Syria; women are firmly being put into the shadows and honor killings are increasing; and all this is being done by Takfiri Islamist groups, the Salafists, Gulf nations and the political leaders of America, France and the United Kingdom who are cohorts in this barbarity when it suits their geopolitical agendas.

Independent and secular Syria prior to outside meddling under Bashar al-Assad was a nation that took in millions of Iraqi and Palestinian nationals which had fled past Western policy objectives. At no point did the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad reject people on religious grounds. On the contrary, vast numbers of Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims and Christians entered Syria in order to escape troubles in their respective nations of birth. However, this mosaic is now being crushed and Gulf and Western powers alongside NATO Turkey are trying to destroy the Syrian government by spreading sectarianism, destroying the economy, forcing people to flee from terrorism and other evil methods. At no point have the leaders of America, France and the United Kingdom condemned Gulf powers for supporting sectarianism and terrorism. Therefore, the latest massacre of Shia Muslims in Syria by Takfiri Islamists and the FSA should be firmly pinned on the nations supporting the destabilization of Syria and the same applies to the entire crisis.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57588904/syria-rebels-behind-alleged-massacre-of-shiites/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22870776

http://sana.sy/eng/337/2013/06/13/487202.htm

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Boutros Hussein and Murad Makhmudov

Modern Tokyo Times

Iranian Shia Muslim pilgrims planned to show their piety by visiting holy places in Iraq but once more many were slaughtered by Sunni Islamists which deem the Shia to be non-Muslim and worthy of killing in the name of Allah. Of course, this reality is replicated in other nations like Pakistan whereby countless attacks have slaughtered untold numbers of Shia Muslims inside mosques or during religious pilgrimage. Surely, if Shia Muslims were being slaughtered in mainly Christian nations like this then the mass media would be in frenzy mode; however, it is just another massacre against innocent Shia followers at the hands of Sunni Islamist fanatics.

The latest attack (http://www.shiamassacre.org/) was carried out against Shia pilgrims who were travelling on a bus. Indeed, images from Pakistan show clearly that Takfiri Islamists sometimes stop buses and then single out Shia Muslims before slaughtering them. Iran needs to wake up from the “Zionist scapegoat” and acknowledge that their co-religionist are being slaughtered and persecuted by a plethora of Islamist terrorist organizations in the Sunni Muslim world.

In so-called moderate Malaysia it is illegal for Shia Muslims to build holy places and be treated equally. Of course, this doesn’t suit the usual rhetoric coming out of Tehran. However, something needs to be done during major Islamic conferences in order to address the mass hatred towards the Shia. If not, then more massacres will take place in Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, and other nations, where the Shia suffer enormous persecution at the hands of Sunni Islamic intolerance.

Clearly the issue isn’t only about Takfiri Islamists spreading hatred because Malaysia isn’t governed by these thought patterns. It is time for Iran to do more to help their co-religionists. After all, look at the treachery of Hamas in Gaza because this organization soon showed its sectarian hand despite Iran and Syria being pro-Palestinian. Therefore, Hamas soon favored the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) and began to infiltrate Palestinian areas in Syria in order to spread the sectarian message.

In the latest massacre against Shia pilgrims AP reports that “Suicide attackers rammed car bombs on Friday into a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims and a police checkpoint west of Baghdad, killing 19 people in all, in the latest bout of violence to rattle Iraq.”

“The attacks follow the deadliest two months in Iraq in half a decade, raising fears the country is descending into a renewed wave of widespread killing like the one that drove the nation to the brink of civil war following the U.S.-led invasion.”

In Syria despite the armed forces being multi-religious and all major Sunni Muslim religious leaders supporting the government to control the crisis created by Gulf petrodollars and Western meddling. It is clear that Sunni Muslim militants are entering Syria in order to kill the Alawites, Shia and to persecute the minority Christian community. At the same time, mainstream Sunni Muslim leaders are being killed and targeted by Takfiri Islamists in Syria because they believe that moderate Sunni Islam is a betrayal to their worldview based on enormous hatred.

Once more Shia pilgrims were slaughtered like sheep by Sunni Islamist militants and like usual nothing will be done to alter the enormous blind hatred towards the embattled followers of this faith. Iran needs to do more because this nation is the most powerful mainly Shia nation in the world. If not, then just like in Bahrain, their co-religionists will continue to suffer throughout the Sunni Muslim world. Something needs to be done to stem the tide of this hatred and quickly!

http://www.shiamassacre.org/ Shia Rights Watch

Lee Jay Walker supported both main writers

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Ri Kuk-Chol and Sarah Deschamps

Modern Tokyo Times

Throughout Japan major fashion brands like Forever 21, H&M and Zara continue to attract much attention because all three companies are highly desired by hip fashion lovers. The above three brands provide a lovely edge to fashion and in many surveys done by Modern Tokyo Times in Tokyo they were well represented when it came to popularity. Also, their respective price mechanisms alongside providing adorable products, is a real winner and the same applies to churning out new goods based on short cycles.

Mixxo (E. Land Group) from South Korea entered the Japanese market in late March 2013. Production and sales are closely woven by adopting a powerful in-house system which is extremely comprehensive. Flexibility is also essential based on changing trends and the different climatic seasons. Therefore, Mixxo, Forever 21, H&M and Zara focus heavily on responding quickly and producing an abundant flow of new fashion products in order to maintain their respective rich vitality.

The power of fast-fashion in Tokyo can be seen by H&M and others entering the crème de la crème of fashion districts in this high octane city. Ginza in the past was firmly connected to exclusive boutiques and exquisite products. However, fast-fashion companies like H&M have entered the market of Ginza easily because of the nature of this company and its mass appeal. Of course, Ginza and the Yurakucho area are still known for exclusive brands but now the fast-fashion angle is altering the dynamics of Ginza. Likewise, H&M also responds naturally to the environment that it is located. In this sense, the changing dynamics also impacts on the styles and products of this powerful brand.

Forever 21, H&M and Zara can be found throughout Japan because each company can relate to the internal dynamics of international nations. This enables all three brands to strengthen new concepts internally – while being open to respective market conditions and designs – which appeal to their respective client base. Mixxo is a latecomer to the Japanese fashion market and while this company will have its own way of thinking and provide fresh new ideas; it is also true to say that they can learn much from Forever 21, H&M and Zara.

Mixxo opened its first outlet in late March 2013 in Yokohama and clearly the K-pop wave meant that a nice touch was provided by After School (Afterschool). This applies to the original opening day on March 22 in the Sogo Department Store in vibrant Yokohama, whereby group members became saleswomen during the start of this new venture for Mixxo in Japan.

It is hoped that Mixxo will gradually expand in Japan because the South Korean fashion angle is powerful from the fashion angle by itself whereby a new freshness emerges. Also, from a cultural point of view, it is essential that Japanese and Korean nationals among the younger generation feel the strong cultures of both nations in the areas of fashion, music, movies, dramas, anime – and a host of other areas – in order to breakdown the political barriers.

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both main writers

https://www.facebook.com/MIXXO.KR Mixxo on Facebook

Modern Tokyo Times images related to street fashion in Tokyo

After School (Afterschool) image by ACROFAN

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Irrespective if people support the Syrian government or are against the political leaders of this nation, it is abundantly clear that past interventions lead to chaos and failed states. Either political elites in Gulf nations, America, France, Turkey and the United Kingdom enjoy mass instability and cleansing religious minorities; or the agenda is to create weak failed states in order to protect the feudal monarchies of the Gulf and Israel. If not, then nothing makes sense and this also applies to Western nations being anti-Christian in the Middle East and in other parts of the world.

It is known that the most powerful religious leader in Saudi Arabia desires that all Christian churches are to be destroyed throughout the region. Of course, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia supporting Sunni Salafi fanatics and terrorists against the government of Syria; then this could be part of the anti-Christian crusade installed by feudal monarchs and religious elites in Saudi Arabia.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Asheikh from Saudi Arabia stated that it was “necessary to destroy all the churches of the region.” This distinguished Islamist cleric who is a close friend of the ruling elites in Saudi Arabia, voiced this opinion to the visiting delegation from Kuwait. It appears that he wants Kuwait to follow the anti-Christian and anti-non-Muslim religious line of Saudi Arabia which refuses to allow one single Buddhist temple, Christian church, Hindu temple and so forth. Therefore, when one militant fanatic desires to burn the Koran (something that Islamists do all the time during their terrorist attacks and destroying Shia mosques) in America the American administration and mass media speaks out; however, having strong relations with Islamist states which hate all other religions is obviously not a concern.

It is clear that Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser was a threat to the elites throughout the Gulf and in major Western nations. Likewise, Saddam Hussein was an ally of the Sunni Gulf dominated monarchies and powerful Western nations during the Iran-Iraq war. Yet the Kuwait question destroyed this unity. Of course, when Saddam Hussein was busy killing the Shia in Iraq and fighting against Iran then this was welcomed. Likewise, when Kurds were gassed in Iraq then this also could be brushed under the carpet. However, to enter a feudal undemocratic state called Kuwait was something else. Therefore, a well orchestrated media campaign was paid to increase many lies about the nation of Kuwait and with regards to many alleged massacres which later turned out to be clear fabrications. Despite this, the United States and United Kingdom will protect anti-Christian Gulf monarchies to the hilt because of energy factors, geopolitics and other important areas.

Over forty years ago the usual nations intervened in Afghanistan by supporting the most “year zero Islamists” on the face of the planet. Not only did America, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and other nations, support Islamist sectarians and terrorists – but they even gave military training, assistance and helped to co-ordinate future terrorist groups. Osama bin Laden was once a friendly ally of major Gulf nations, America, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Of course, September 11 brought this home to America but for the people of Afghanistan, North-Western Pakistan and India ruled Kashmir; then Islamist militancy is continuing to destroy all forms of moderation and helping to cleanse religious minorities. Women also have bore a terrible price and while Islamists may ban alcohol it is clear that selling and taking heroin isn’t deemed un-Islamic. Therefore, you now have a major drug problem in Afghanistan and Pakistan but despite all the chaos it is now the turn to destroy multi-religious and secular Syria.

Even while Afghanistan continues to burn in a spiral of Islamist hatred, enormous indoctrination, forcing women into the shadows and being unable to crush Taliban forces; the next venture had begun against Iraq. The Kuwait debacle highlighted the reality that while approximately 3 to 4 million black Africans were killed in Sudan based on the policies of Arabization and Islamization; then this could be tolerated, but invading a wealthy Gulf state was a different matter. Simply put, just like in East Timor whereby approximately one third of the population was killed by central forces in Indonesia – it is apparent that Christians (Sudan and East Timor) and Animists (Sudan) just don’t count because the US and UK kept on supplying weapons to Indonesia. America also welcomed the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in Sudan under the leadership of President Jaafar Nimeiri in 1983 just like Washington helped this legal framework to take power in Afghanistan, Iraq and most recently Libya.

Clearly, the anti-Muslim rhetoric aimed at America doesn’t hold much weight apart from opposing moderate forces in the Muslim world based on the objectives of Saudi Arabia and other major Gulf nations.  Therefore, the only forces to suffer at the hands of America’s foreign policy in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Cyprus (invasion by Turkey), Kosovo, Libya, Iraq and now in Syria – are Christians, secular forces and mainstream Islam which became attacked by Sunni Islamic jihadists, Salafi militants and a plethora of terrorist groups. These Islamist groups think nothing about killing Shia Muslims, minority Muslim groups like the Alawites, Sunni Muslim clerics which support religious diversity and non-Muslims. In this sense, the political elites in Washington and London have installed compliant Muslim dominated governments in Bosnia and Kosovo – while doing nothing when Orthodox Christians were cleansed by Turkey after this nation invaded Northern Cyprus. Meanwhile, secular forces within the state institutions of Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya have all been vanquished by the implementation of Islamic Sharia law once ruling elites were overthrown in the three above nations. Given this reality, it appears that America and the United Kingdom are implementing a pro-Saudi Arabia and Gulf Islamist agenda which is anti-Christian, anti-secular and anti-mainstream Islam because they always side with conservative and reactionary Islamist forces. The upshot being that approximately 50% of Christians fled Iraq and vast numbers of Christians have fled Kosovo; this happened on the watch of America and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, in Egypt the Coptic Christians are now facing a growing Islamist menace but once more America and the United Kingdom keep on supplying more funds to the Muslim Brotherhood led government.

In Kosovo the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) was implicated in killing people for organs and other massacres. Similarly, in Syria you have video evidence of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and various Islamist groups teaching children to behead Syrian soldiers, cutting open Syrian soldiers and eating organs, killing Sunni Muslim clerics which support the government and a host of other brutal deeds including beheading many Alawites and Shia Muslims. Yet, it appears that all the above – and kidnapping Christian bishops – means zilch to America, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Kingdom. After all, the more massacres are committed by the FSA and various Islamist terrorist groups then the more they obtain funds in order to destroy Syria. It must be stated that Syria, just like Egypt under Nasser, is a proud and free nation which refuses to bow down to international domination. Therefore, the secular government of Syria is deemed to be a threat to Western powers, Gulf powers and treacherous Turkey because these collective forces saw an opportunity to destroy the last major secular and independent nation in the Arabic speaking world.

Libya in the post-Gaddafi period is nothing more than a failed state whereby various militias control parts of the country. Recent terrorist attacks in Algeria, Mali and Niger all have a connection linking the failed state of Libya. At the same time the CIA, MI6 and other security intelligence networks have been involved in sending military arms to terrorists in Syria via Bosnia, Libya, Croatia, Kosovo and other routes. Note, that the US and UK all supported anti-Serb forces in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo; meanwhile, the ruling elites in Libya now rely on London and Washington for economic support.

In another Modern Tokyo Times article about Libya it was stated that “The ‘bomb democracy’ Western and Gulf policy in Libya brought about the massacres of black Africans, killing of Gaddafi loyalists and created a “new society” based on disorder which is currently ongoing. Indeed, the chaos which is engulfing Libya is now destabilizing Northern Mali and creating problems for Tunisia. This destabilization is based on vast quantities of military hardware being available and more dangerously the Salafi ideology is spreading because of money from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.”

“Turning back to Libya and Northern Mali then currently Salafist organizations are intent on destroying all Islamic thought patterns outside of their “blinkered monoculture,” which thrives on hatred and fear. Indeed, in Syria video evidence survives which makes it clear that the Western and Islamist “marriage of convenience” is now spreading this dangerous ideology within this country. Therefore, mainstream Islam and religious minorities have much to fear in Syria. However, like usual political leaders in London, Paris and Washington will support any form of barbarity providing it meets their geopolitical ambitions.”

The nation of Syria welcomed the fleeing Palestinians and took in over one million refugees from Iraq irrespective if the refugees were Christian, Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim or whatever. Syria is a multi-religious nation and secular based. Also, it is abundantly clear that no evidence can be provided which shows massacres by the government of Syria before outside nations sponsored sectarianism, terrorism and sedition against this nation. Therefore, the armed forces of Syria are doing their upmost to protect the people of Syria and preserve the independence of this nation. After all, which side is kidnapping Christian bishops, kidnapping UN personnel, killing Sunni Muslim clerics, beheading Alawites, butchering the Shia, murdering journalists and so forth? Despite this, major Western and Gulf powers alongside Turkey are intent on destroying the fabric of Syrian society and these nations care little about creating another failed state – after all, look at the track record of Afghanistan, Kosovo, Libya and Iraq.

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Ri Kuk-Chol and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The nation of Myanmar (Burma) appears to be at a major crossroads because past intransigence is now being followed by a possible thaw, whereby this nation comes in from the “international cold.” Of course, for nations like China then issues related to human rights was never on the agenda. Similarly, major democratic states have a schizophrenic approach to human rights. This is especially confirmed by major democratic nations having close ties with Saudi Arabia which denies religious freedom, prevents gender equality and allows little children to marry old men under Islamic Sharia law. Therefore, within this chaotic world you have the nation of Myanmar which is trying to break out from isolation in order to exploit its geographic importance and natural resources.

Irrespective if people have a negative or positive impression of this nation; it is essential to understand the fears of elites within this nation which have tried to crush dissent and various ethnic groups for many decades. Nations like Nigeria had a brutal war named Biafra whereby central forces were challenged by ethnic demands for independence. Similarly, the former Yugoslavia was multi-ethnic and multi-religious just like Nigeria and Myanmar are. However, political convulsions and outside meddling led to the demise of the former Yugoslavia.

Indonesia tried to crush the ethnic and religious independent passions of East Timor which led to mass repression and untold numbers of people being killed. Eventually, East Timor became independent after regional powers like Australia intervened on behalf of the international community. Despite this, you still have many tensions throughout Indonesia based on religious and ethnic issues. For example, West Papua (Irian Jaya) faces Javanization and Islamization policies which are aimed at altering the ethnic and religious balance against the mainly Christian Papuans. This issue is replicated in other areas and also against other minority Muslim ethnic groups which desire greater autonomy (or independence) within Indonesia and this notably applies to Aceh.

The geopolitical angle is another major area which pits China, India, Japan and the United States within the Myanmar question. If political leaders in Tokyo and Washington continue with lofty ideals based on human rights, then clearly China and India will gain from this reality. Japan clearly hopes to expand economic, political and military angles to its relationship with India. In Japan the nation of India is viewed favorably based on this nation being the most populace democratic nation in the world and because of power projections aimed at containing China. Past relations between America and India were soured by Washington’s intrigues in Afghanistan and Pakistan. After all, this policy enabled Islamist forces to develop because of the deeds of major security intelligence agencies; this especially applies to the CIA, ISI and MI6. India felt these convulsions within Kashmir and by terrorist attacks throughout India based on the connivance of Pakistan. Therefore, the “right policy” towards Myanmar is not easy and this applies to the internal political mechanisms of this country and how major nations respond to the changes taking place.

In Myanmar you also have a powerful Christian element based on several mainly Christian ethnic groups which have been fighting for decades. Recent attention is focused on Buddhist and Muslim clashes. However, the Christian ethnic angle is the one area of fear for central forces in Myanmar which fear possible disintegration. It is believed that you have approximately 3.4 million Christians in Myanmar and Christian influence within several political movements is very powerful. This is based on being predominant in areas which remain hostile to central forces based on past policies and ongoing military, political, and economic operations, which are aimed at crushing several mainly Christian ethnic groups (or Christian led groups).

On the World Watch Monitor (http://www.worldwatchmonitor.org) website it is stated by Vishal Arora that “Amid global euphoria over reforms in Burman-majority parts of Burma, life has changed little for more than 3 million Christians and other minorities left to suffer from one of the world’s longest running civil wars.”

“Headlines around the world hailed the induction on Wednesday (May 2) of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi into parliament as the beginning of a new era in Burma, officially known as Myanmar. But for the 150,000 Internally Displaced People (IDP) living in eastern Karen state’s 4,000 IDP camps, life is still about landmine blasts, gun and mortar attacks, and the possibility of a final war between armed insurgents and the Burma army.”

Further down in the same article it states that “In predominantly Christian Kachin state, government troops have attacked KIA soldiers and civilians since a 17-year ceasefire broke down in June last year. The fighting has displaced over 75,000 people since then, according to the Kachin Development Networking Group.”

Therefore, it might be champagne and trade for some political and business leaders in America, China, India, Japan, and in other nations. However, on the ground it is a living hell in several parts of Myanmar for various minority Christian ethnic groups.

Like previously mentioned, it is very difficult for America and Japan, and other powerful democracies, because if they stand on the sidelines too much then China and other economic rivals will gain. Also, the geopolitical angle related to Myanmar for America, China, India and Japan is also extremely powerful. This reality needs to be weighed up against the many decades of economic and political discontent within the body politic of Myanmar. Therefore, is it really fine to do business deals in the knowledge that greater economic prosperity in Myanmar may be used against the various different mainly Christian ethnic groups which could be crushed?

This issue applies to a plethora of other nations. For example, in China it is clear that growing economic prosperity is also being aimed at changing the internal dynamics of mainly Buddhist Tibet and vast areas of West China where Islam predominates among the indigenous groups. It is a very fine balance and the same applies to countless other nations whereby minorities often suffer and become even more marginalized once major economic development takes place. After all, economic and growing prosperity in America and Australia during the very foundations of these nations meant that indigenous Native Americans and Aborigines would be crushed and marginalized. Given this reality, the perennial struggle between economic development, control of resources, modernization, and other forces, whereby various ethnic groups suffer greatly is now being played out in the modern world and this certainly applies to Myanmar.

Yet, in the opposite direction you also have the fear of a nation state unraveling based on ethnic and religious grounds. Therefore, the political and military elites in Myanmar are very worried about the right steps to take in order to preserve the territorial integrity of this nation. Also, from a Buddhist point of view, then various Islamic conquests crushed Buddhism in many parts of Asia and The Taliban even want to destroy every vestige of this faith in Afghanistan. Likewise, while Buddhist and Muslim clashes have hit the headlines in relation to Myanmar; it is clear that many massacres against Buddhists have taken place in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh and in southern Thailand. Sadly, the mass media often paints a very simple picture but many militant Buddhist monks look to history and the ongoing reality of what is happening to Buddhists in several nations; therefore, this increases their fear and loathing.

Myanmar therefore is beset with a plethora of challenges and the same applies to how major powers develop their strategy with this nation. Japan appears to want to expand because the BBC reports that “Mt Abe pledged about $500m (£330m) in new loans and wrote off $1.74bn of Burma’s debt to Japan, officials said.”

“Japan, a key donor to Burma, maintained trade ties with the country during its years of military rule.”

“Correspondents say Mr Abe’s visit – the first visit by a Japanese prime minister since 1977 – marks a further improvement in already warm relations.”

This follows on from President Obama who recently stated to President Thein Sein of Myanmar that “We want you to know that the United States will make every effort to assist you on what I know is a long, and sometimes difficult but ultimately correct path to follow.”

The leaders of America and Japan also have their eyes cast on China because while economic trade is welcomed it is clear that both nations are worried by the growing power of this nation. Therefore, both political leaders in America and Japan have to weigh up the geopolitical angle strongly and this also applies to India which is worried about the intentions of Beijing. All in all, the choices are very difficult either way but sadly for ethnic and religious groups on the ground their fate appears to be in the hands of powerful international nations and the real intentions of Thein Sein and other political leaders in Myanmar.

http://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2012/05-May/article_1527548.html/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22673107

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Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker 

Modern Tokyo Times

It appears that aspects of the media in Japan are beset by Western “gilt trips” and the trappings of “multi-cultural apologetics.” This certainly applies to the English speaking media on a whole in Japan. However, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is highlighting a growing confidence within the body politic of Japan. Therefore, if nationalism follows this within the Japanese framework then this should help the nation emerge from several decades of self-defeatism.

China, India and other nations in Asia are continuing to focus on military modernization. At the same time, the United States is faced with a growing debt issue and military cutbacks. Indeed, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq highlight the limited power of America on the ground even when many nations supported the policies of Washington. The Libya debacle was prompted by France and the United Kingdom and increasingly it looks like America relies on many players in order to approach serious foreign policy issues. This reality means that Japan needs to focus on exporting both soft power and in the long-term being able to provide hard power during times of crisis.

America and the European Union don’t have a mighty China in their respective backyard but for Japan the nation of China is a reality. It is therefore essential that political elites in Tokyo focus on building greater bridges with Beijing but not from weakness – but from being equals. If China did lock-on to Japanese vessels in the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) area then no country can tolerate such provocations indefinitely. After all, if China is so concerned about the rights and wrongs of disputed areas then surely this nation should focus on the Tibetan issue and other areas of this country.

It is not in the interest of China and Japan to be at loggerheads because both nations need to focus on stability and strengthening past cultural realities. In history scholars from China and Japan visited each other in order to obtain greater knowledge and understanding. Nobody doubts the influence of Confucianism, Daoism and other ideas emanating from China which influenced Japanese culture. Similarly, Buddhism entered China and the Korean peninsula first before penetrating Japan. Therefore, regional nations need to move on in order to create a powerful economic bloc in Northeast Asia which is based on favorable trade agreements.

Nationalist tendencies within the Abe government don’t have to be destructive. On the contrary, it means that Japan is joining the club because nobody doubts the nationalistic tendencies of China, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan within Northeast Asia. Indeed, for far too many decades the nation of Japan remained hidden by the American umbrella and the constraints of the constitution. However, America now needs greater input from allies because of internal economic weakness and because of past military debacles. Nobody can claim that America’s military defeated Vietnam in the distant past and more recently Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya have led to even greater instability after the intrigues of Washington. Afghanistan and Iraq are now blighted by terrorism, Islamist militancy, sectarianism and other negative forces. Likewise, Libya is now a failed state and all these realities highlight the limitedness of America and other major powers like France and the United Kingdom. This reality means that Japan needs to share the burden of America in Northeast Asia by playing a more active geopolitical and military role because the power of Washington is on the wane. Of course, America is still blessed with many aces but clearly the Cold War era is dead and regional players throughout the globe have their own geopolitical agendas therefore greater mutual understanding is needed between powerful nations in the modern world.

Kumi Yokoe, a senior visiting fellow of the Heritage Foundation, comments that “With amazing consistency, U.S. media have portrayed Abe as a fringe character — typically, as a “hawk” unsuited to pacifist Japan. Yet this supposedly “out-of-step” politician won an electoral landslide in December and enjoys a 71 percent approval rating today.”

Kumi Yokoe continues by stating that “Abe’s views differ sharply from those of the earlier generation. He wants to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and enhance his country’s military capabilities. This arises not from “hawkishness,” but from the great sense of confidence that characterizes the generation of Japanese forty – and fifty somethings now taking the reins of power.”

“…Prime Minister Abe is the voice of this generation. That is why he so roundly condemned the successful nuclear test by North Korea last week. That is why he insisted that China apologize for locking weapons-targeting radar on a Japanese warship and promise that it would not do so again. Politicians of the Dankai generation would have eschewed such responses as too “hawkish.” But for Abe’s generation, confrontation is not synonymous with belligerence. Rather, it is a sign of confidence and realism.”

Abe is also progressive when it comes to the Trans-Pacific Partnership which the current leader in Washington supports. The growing power of China is a reality and the Russian Federation can play many strings in Central Asia, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Northeast Asia. Therefore, it is time for Japan to play a more constructive role and broaden relations with all regional powers based on “normality” and not being “subservient” to the whims of any one single nation. Indeed, with the Obama administration implementing defense cutbacks then it makes sense for Japan to play a more powerful role within the geopolitical interest of both Washington and Tokyo. At the same time, Abe and future Japanese governments need to make increasing overtures to China and the Russian Federation based on mutual interests.

http://www.heritage.org/research/commentary/2013/2/shinzo-abe-voice-of-a-new-generation

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Joachim de Villiers and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is meant to be retired but despite this he remains to be a thorn in the side of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Over the last few years it is abundantly clear that Tutu believes that the ANC is betraying their roots. Therefore, his latest outburst against the ruling party in South Africa is nothing new despite the severity of Tutu’s comments against the ANC.

In the Mail and Guardian newspaper which is published in South Africa the respected Archbishop Tutu doesn’t pull any punches. Instead, he openly makes it clear that he would no longer vote for the ANC despite his firm support for this political organization in the past. He comments in this media group that “…one can point to so many instances of corruption, of unaccountability. Seeing how standards have dropped is so galling because it seems to give ammunition to those who would say: “We warned you that once you had a black majority government you would see a steady decline in standards.”

Archbishop Tutu continues by stating that “I’m not a card-carrying member of any political party. I have over the years voted for the ANC, but I would very sadly not be able to vote for them after the way things have gone.”

The comments above are aimed at many areas but this notably applies to the gap between the poor and rich, corruption, supporting authoritarian governments and bending over backwards towards China. Archbishop Tutu states that “a lot of people in the textile industry have been thrown out of work because the country has been flooded with cheap Chinese goods. But what has been even more distressing for me is how our country has seemed to kowtow to Beijing.”

In fairness to the government of South Africa it must be stated that Archbishop Tutu does have lofty noble ideals which are far from reality. After all, every single major democratic country in the world will have dealings with Saudi Arabia which is the most repressive nation in the world. This applies to Saudi women facing being whipped if not covered up from head to toe; no non-Muslim places of worship; legalized child marriage of young girls to old men under Islamic Sharia law; controlling the movement of women based on passport ownership and other draconian realities – and so much more. Therefore, it could well be that Archbishop Tutu is too idealistic yet despite this he does make fair points about corruption, the growing gap between rich and poor and other important internal issues.

AP reported two years ago that Archbishop Tutu stated that “South Africans will pray for the downfall of the ANC like they did with the apartheid government…Mubarak had a large majority. Gaddafi had a large majority. Watch out. I am warning you. Watch out…People were opposed to injustice and oppression and people believe that we South Africans would be on the side of those who are oppressed. Tibet is being oppressed.” 

Desmond Tutu is highly respected in South Africa and internationally because this Christian leader speaks from the heart. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu are the “old guard” but despite their age and issues related to the health of Nelson Mandela – their respective words on important issues are taken seriously. Therefore, the ANC should take a good look in the mirror and focus on areas related to social inequality and other areas raised by Archbishop Tutu. Of course, you will have areas which are more complex for political parties when they are in power. Despite this, it would be folly to sideline this elder statesman because he clearly connects with the people of South Africa.

http://mg.co.za/article/2013-05-17-00-where-did-our-future-go-asks-tutu Desmond Tutu

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22478916

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Hiroshi Saito and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

China and Japan continue to play cat and mouse over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu territory which neither can claim based on history. Japan had no qualms in recognizing Kosovo under Albanian rule despite this land being blessed with ancient Orthodox Christian architecture. Meanwhile, China can’t say too much because the majority of Tibetans on a whole will not agree with being ruled by distant Beijing. Therefore, the glaring hypocrisy over a region which belonged to ancient Ryukyu (Okinawa) appears to have bypassed the historical nerve centers of Beijing and Tokyo.

Shinzo Abe who is the Prime Minister of Japan used forceful words in denouncing the latest incursion according to the worldview of Tokyo. Abe stated that Japan would “expel by force” any attempted landing by China in relation to the disputed area which Taiwan also claims. However, if China’s military did land then would the cat be Japanese or American or both – or would no cats exist?

After all, it is difficult to believe that Japan would desire to become embroiled militarily with China and clearly America doesn’t desire a limited conflict because the consequences would be too alarming to think about. In this sense, then you have “three mice sitting around” without any “real cat” being able to dictate to either side. Indeed, one mouse might even decide to remain neutral given the size of the potential economic, political and geopolitical ramifications. Therefore, the leader of Japan should be more diplomatic with his words because China may just test the water to find out how Japan would “expel by force.”

In history many minor disputes have ignited events that couldn’t be contained and clearly a military clash isn’t in the interest of America, China and Japan. It would be best to agree on a joint initiative whereby all sides agreed to refrain from military manoeuvers within a certain demarcation area. Also, the United States should notify both nations that nationalist rhetoric from either side isn’t warranted. Not only this, but given the volatility of the Korean peninsula then it is in the interest of both parties to reach a genuine accommodation.

Abe also should not be making such statements during such a sensitive period with regards to 168 lawmakers visiting the Yasukuni war shrine. After all, Japanese politicians fully understand that this reality will continue to hinder relations with regional nations like China and South Korea. Therefore, the timing of Abe’s comments was not productive towards restoring greater understanding between China and Japan.

Likewise, South Korea is extremely annoyed once more by the Yasukuni war shrine visit. In a sense, it appears that this merry-go-round is leading to hostility just for the sake of it because each year negative repercussions happen without any conclusion insight. The Emperor of Japan remains much more dignified because he refuses to pray at this shrine because clearly the Emperor understands the real ulterior motives behind all the symbolism.

Abe also shouldn’t be playing all his cards verbally. This applies to stating that “We would take decisive action against any attempt to enter territorial waters and to land…We would never allow…It would be natural for us to expel by force if (the Chinese) were to make a landing.”

In a similar vein the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, commented that “It is extremely deplorable and unacceptable that Chinese government ships are repeatedly entering Japanese territorial waters.”

Secretly, political elites in America must be pulling their hair out because China is a powerful factor in reigning in North Korea. Therefore, with recent strange comments coming out of Pyongyang then Washington is looking to Beijing to reduce the tension. Surely the leader of Japan understands this therefore why is Abe using such language during a very delicate period surrounding the Korean peninsula?

China during parts of last year also manipulated nationalism with the consequences being anti-Japanese demonstrations. It is time for both nations to stop using rhetoric because a solution needs to be found. After all, you clearly don’t have any cat insight instead different mice ramp up the pressure from time to time. However, one day these mice might create a cat by overstepping the mark and if this happens then what?

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Tomoko Hara and Sarah Deschamps

Modern Tokyo Times

The Tokyo fashion and beauty scene is always evolving and this applies to new companies entering the market, companies expanding and a host of other areas. It is often difficult to keep up because of the wealth of information. Therefore, this article is focused on recent developments within the fashion and beauty scene of buzzing Tokyo. Also, for the latest news then (http://en.fashion-headline.com/) Fashion Headline is a very powerful website to visit for the latest vibes of what is happening in Tokyo and throughout Japan.

Dr Denim from Sweden will open up a pop-up store in the iconic Laforet Harajuku from the middle of April to the ending of July in 2013. This will be the first time for Dr Denim to enter the vibrant Tokyo fashion scene and not surprisingly they picked the vibes of Harajuku. Denim pants for men and women from various stylish angles will be available to Tokyoites. The enormous pull of this company can be seen by the 1.6 million sales of their “KISSY” jeans which proved such a success for the female market of this company.

Aesop from Australia continues to expand in Japan and a new store was recently opened in Shibuya. The districts of Shibuya and Harajuku are known internationally because of the vibrant youthful nature of both fashionable districts therefore it is easy to understand the logic of Dr Denim and Aesop. However, within these two amazing fashion districts you have ample space for the crème de la crème of Japanese and international boutiques – and other companies in the cosmetic sector and so forth – which cater for different ages. After all, the closeness of Omotesando and Aoyama means that you have many overlaps whereby the target market changes quickly.

On the Aesop website it states that “Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for the skin, hair and body. We are committed to using both plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients of the highest quality and proven efficacy – particularly those with the greatest anti-oxidant properties.”

Planet Blue from trendy Los Angeles opened its first select shop in the district of Roppongi Hills. This part of Tokyo is where you have many embassies located and also at night the international mix can be felt deeply. Therefore, Roppongi Hills is famous for many exquisite companies and the nightlife scene also attracts many individuals. It is known that famous people like Sharon Stone cherish this company and the vibes of America can be felt strongly within many parts of the Tokyo fashion scene. The famous Malibu lifestyle and innovative thought patterns are also connected within the fashion scene of Los Angeles therefore Roppongi Hills seems like a perfect match to open their first shop in Japan called “Planet blue world.”

If you adore luxury cosmetics and other products related to this sector then the Parco Department Store in Kichijoji is well worth a visit because the “Isetan MiRROR Make & Cosmetics” area boasts many exquisite companies. Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings produced this luxury concept in early 2012 which witnessed the opening of this idea in Lumine Department Store in Shinjuku. The recently opened venture in Kichijoji is the sixth to open and clearly Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings believes that this new angle is a major step to enhancing the reputation of this vibrant company.

In Kichijoji you have thirteen major Japanese and international brands within “Isetan MiRROR Make & Cosmetics” in Parco. This applies to the brands of Chanel, Yves Saint-Lauren, Addiction, Isetan MiRROR beaute, Lancome, NARS, KOBAKO, Global Shiseido, CLINQUE, CLARINS, Helena Rubinstein, bareMinerals and Laura Mercier.

Other important developments are also happening and this is the beauty of the vibrant Tokyo scene. Also, with many department stores in Tokyo starting 2013 in a good vein when it comes to sales, then you have a nice fresh impetus to the buzzing fashion and beauty sectors.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both writers
http://en.fashion-headline.com/ Fashion Headline

http://www.aesop.com/au/about_aesop/ Aesop

http://shopplanetblue.com/ Planet blue

http://en.fashion-headline.com/article/2013/04/11/705.html Planet blue Tokyo venture

http://www.drdenimjeans.com/ Dr Denim

http://www.fashion-headline.com/ Fashion Headline (Japanese)

https://twitter.com/FASHIONHL Fashion Headline on Twitter

http://en.fashion-headline.com/article/2013/04/09/689.html

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Walter Sebastian and Hiroshi Saito

Modern Tokyo Times

The American dollar and Japanese yen trade directly with the currency of China because of respective agreements. Australia is now following a similar path because an agreement was etched out between this nation and China. Therefore, the Australian dollar will also trade directly with the Chinese yuan.

Over the last decade it is abundantly clear that the influence of China keeps on growing because of major economic growth. Now political leaders in China and senior economists want to move to the next stage whereby this nation can play a more important currency role. The timing seems right for both Australia and China because both nations have largely protected themselves from the worst of the negative global economy. Also, with the eurozone remaining weak then a more competitive currency market is needed but clearly China is still in the early stages because this currency remains protected.

It is clear that China, Iran, the Russian Federation and many others want to see either a more diverse currency system whereby alternatives can be found to challenge the dominance of the US dollar – or to create a stable alternative reserve currency which is used in order to prevent volatility. Therefore, while the yuan is far from being fully convertible it is still apparent that strides are being made.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, is focused on expanding trade with China and to cut costs for both sides in the area of business. In the past Julia Gillard had previously hinted that the yuan should play a more powerful international role whereby this currency becomes a powerful reserve. President Xi Jinping of China also spoke about enhancing and developing new relations with Australia based on the past decade between both nations.

Julia Gillard stated that the new currency deal with China will be “…a huge advantage for Australia….Not only for our big businesses, but also for our small and medium enterprises that want to do business here. This is a strategic step forward for Australia as we add to our economic engagement with China.”

The Daily Telegraph states that “Ms Gillard has used her five-day trip to announce a trade fair in Shanghai to promote Australian tourism and investment. However, she and her Chinese counterparts have made little progress on a long-stalled free-trade agreement which has been under negotiation for eight years.”

Australia was a natural nation to pick for China given similar agreements with America and Japan respectively. Also, with the crisis in the eurozone continuing then this route is currently not feasible. Of course, exports from Australia to China are primarily based on bulk commodities – including coal and iron ore – therefore the dynamics of the new agreement will take time before real changes are under way. However, the new deal bodes well for both nations and it is yet another indicator about the changing dynamics of China.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both main writers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/currency/9978615/Australia-to-trade-currency-directly-with-Chinas-yuan.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22075345

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