How much longer?

I have tried many times over the past week to blog about this. Everytime I started, I couldn't finish my posting. My emotions overwhelmed my ability to transfer my thoughts into words.

I could not just comprehend the inhumane act of terror that is transpiring in Gaza, Palestine. I could not accept the unnecessary loss of innocent human lives as a result of a transgression of the Zionists. People the world over, Muslims or otherwise, are enraged and outraged by the atrocities.

And yet, that is all that we could do. For so long as Israel has its "guardian angel" in the form of the United States of America, then the world is helpless, no matter how disgusted and angered the world is. Everyone knows that what is happening is a war crime against humanity. And yet, no one - including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Arab League, the European Union and what-have-you - could do anything to stop the blatant act of terrorism.

We could only watch. We could only offer our sympathies and prayers. We could probably send in our medical teams (like what Mercy Malaysia is doing). But I guess, those are the only things that we could do. [While world leaders continue doing what they do best - talking and more talking].

This is my two cents on what's going on in Gaza.

The Israelis are bombarding Gaza while they think they can. I suspect they will stop by the 20th of January. Why this date? It is the inauguration day of the 44th president of the United States. None of us know how the new president will be towards Israel. The president-elect has been rather quiet on this issue. No doubt, a certain air of friendliness between the USA and Israel will continue to be there, but will it be at the level of the George W. Bush's era or the Bill Clinton's era? That remains to be seen. So until the question is answered, Israel will pound Palestine like there's no tomorrow (just in case, they won't get to do so when Barrack Obama is in the White House).

Oh, another reason for the attacks on Gaza? What else, 2009 is election year for the 18th Knesset to be held on 10th February, 2009. [Knesset is the legislative branch of Israel]. For Ehud Olmert's party, Kadima, to retain power under the new leadership of Tzipi Livni, it must show to be "in control" of the Palestinian issue. And what better way to show it than by showing brute military force on to the people of Gaza?

How much longer before the aggressions are ended? And how many more lives have to be killed before it all ends?

Call for action

It took a while, but finally the United Nations (UN) has called for action against the Somali pirates who are terrorising the Gulf of Aden. The UN resolution was adopted unanimously by all members calling on "States with naval vessels and military aircraft operating off the Somali coast to use all necessary means against acts of piracy".

Normally, I do not agree with the use of military force. However, in this case, the surge of piracy in the busy waters of the Gulf of Aden, has provided a serious cause for concern. Attacks on trade vessels carrying civilians of various nationalities, hijacking these ships and putting the hostages at gunpoint are, to me at least, uncivilised and uncalled for. Not only are trading countries affected, but lives of these civilians who work on board these vessels are also at risk.

It is even more worrying when these pirates managed to hijack a vessel carrying tanks and weaponry. I hope that with this UN resolution, the threat posed by the pirates could be negated or at least, reduced. And more importantly, at the same time, the UN must also look at the root cause of it all. Lawlessness, poverty and lack of an effective government in Somalia should also be taken care of. Somalis turn to piracy in part because the activity is lucrative. Unless this is changed, I doubt we'll really see the end of the Somali pirates.

World Book and Copyright Day

While publicity on yesterday's Earth Day may be wide, many of us may not be aware that today has been designated as "World Book and Copyright Day" by UNESCO. Anyone who knows that today is World Book and Copyright Day please raise their hands!

As someone who is involved in publishing (directly and indirectly) since 1996, I think that this day is important in increasing the awareness of society on the importance of books and copyright issues. While many talked about piracy in the computing, music and film industries, many forgot that this same problem exists in the publishing industry. Plagiarism in publishing is a serious matter. By the way, let's remember that books are not just printed material, but may also include electronically-published material.

The only other thing that I'd like to emphasise is that we should make reading as our culture and not merely a hobby - for reading is food for the mind.

Let's enjoy reading!

Earth Day

Maybe not many people realise that there are two dates whereby Earth Day is celebrated. The "official" date is 21st March, which is the first day of spring, and this is the date designated by the United Nations. Another date is 22nd April, which has its origins in the eco-activism of the 1960s in the United States. More on the background of these dates from this Wikipedia site. In Malaysia, not many people are aware of any of these dates. For that matter, not many people realise that there is even an Earth Day. This day does not figure prominently in Malaysia, as we have so many special events in the forms of festivities and holidays as it is already.

For me personally, I was first exposed to Earth Day when I was studying in the UK. It was then that I see the need to have a day to drive home the point of preserving and looking after our only home, that is the planet Earth. Environmental conservation is contigent, pertinent and crucial for our future survival.

In light of today's environmental problems we are facing in our country, it is perhaps very timely for us to designate a day to highlight the plight of our planet. To me, rather than focusing so much on entertainment programmes and self-indulgent award ceremonies, the media and corporate sector can play their roles in promoting environmental awareness - at least on Earth Day. However, kudos to Zoo Negara for highlighting the importance of Earth Day.

No doubt, the most important thing is for us as human beings to look after our planet. For Muslims, this is one of the many responsibilities under the task of khalifah or vicegerent of God on this planet. But looking after our planet is not just a task for one day, or just during Earth Day. Instead, it is a daily task.

Unless this is realised, we may have to look for another Earth-like planet to live on, which, coincidentally, scientists claimed may have been found. But we still need to figure out how to get to that distant planet if it is indeed habitable. So, at least for our generation and several generations after, we don't really have a choice, but to look after our planet.