News
Turkey in the Black Sea Region: Risks for Russia?
On February 3, 2022, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an official visit to Ukraine, during which he managed to put his signature to a Turkey–Ukraine free trade agreement following more than ten years of negotiations on the provisions of the document. But this was not the only achievement of the President’s visit: Ankara and Kiev also signed a framework document on the construction of a facility that will produce Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine.
The dynamically developing relations between Ankara and Kiev bring into focus such issues as Turkey’s vigorous penetration into the post-Soviet space, its willingness to act as a military and political patron of a number of former Soviet countries and aid them in strengthening their relations with NATO despite their non-NATO member status. Do these developments make conflict in the Black Sea more likely? What risks would this create for Russia and its interests?
The Caucasus and Ukraine: Two Links in the Same Chain
After the Second Karabakh War, the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict was no longer a predominantly regional ethnopolitical confrontation rooted in the consequences of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The strategic link between Ankara and Baku formed in the early 1990s has gone from strength to strength. Opportunities for Turkey and Azerbaijan to collectively exert pressure on Armenia (military, political and diplomatic) and Georgia (in terms of economic cooperation) have expanded. Russia’s hegemony in the South Caucasus has been challenged. At the same time, the Turkish strategy of strengthening its positions in Eurasia has created additional tensions in Ankara’s relations with its NATO allies and with Iran.
However, the events of 2020 did not lead to changes in just one region of the post-Soviet space. Turkey’s growing presence in the South Caucasus has opened up opportunities for it to build up political and economic influence in the Black Sea. And the expansion of multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine is one of the most obvious consequences of Turkey’s encroachment into the former Soviet Union.
Today, President Erdogan consistently promotes the idea of Turkey being a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Yet, he is just as consistent in promoting ideas and practices that are unacceptable to Moscow. Erdogan has made no secret of the fact that he does not recognize Russian jurisdiction over Crimea, while the Russian authorities have declared that the issue of the status of the peninsula is “closed.”
Military-technical cooperation between Ankara and Kiev has long ceased to be merely a part of the foreign policy activity of the two states. On September 29, 2021, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Bayraktar Savunma signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the construction of a joint training and testing centre for the maintenance, repair and modernization of UAVs and training of personnel. In late October 2021, Ukraine used a Bayraktar strike drone for the first time in the armed conflict in the southeast of the country, in violation of the peace agreement between the parties. Following the strike, a group of reconnaissance officers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine infiltrated and captured the village of Staromaryevka located in the so-called “grey zone” between the DPR (the unrecognized Donetsk People’s Republic) and Ukraine. Such operations are very much to the liking of Ukraine’s partner countries in Eastern Europe. In the autumn of 2021, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia Artis Pabriks suggested that EU and NATO countries follow Ankara’s example and learn from its experience in developing relations with Kiev without taking the position of Moscow into consideration.
In this context, it is worth noting a certain incongruence between the approaches of the United States and Turkey’s other NATO allies to its actions in the Caucasus and Ukraine. France could not (and cannot) tolerate Ankara’s unequivocal support for Baku, while the United States has adopted a position of cautious restraint. Washington and Paris are co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, and they are concerned about Turkey’s “revisionism” in the Caucasus. This explains why both the French and the American sides are prepared to put up with Russia being the only major player in Nagorno-Karabakh as an inevitability or a lesser evil.
There is an Armenian lobby in the United States and France. Without exaggerating the role that it plays in the politics of both countries, we can say that the issues of Karabakh independence and the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire are present in the American and French narratives. Yet there is no scenario in which one could possibly imagine a discussion of the self-determination of the Donbass republics taking place in Congress or the National Assembly of France. It is unlikely that influential groups (not individual members of parliaments) calling for the recognition of Crimea as part of Russia will appear in either country any time soon.
Thus, the collective West sees Turkey’s advances in Ukraine as being far less nuanced than the strengthening of the strategic alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Some countries of the “New Europe” even believe that Ankara is acting as any NATO member can (and should) act in its relations with Ukraine—without any kind of political correctness or reservations, something that representatives of Germany, France, Italy, Hungary and other EU countries resort to from time to time. All this cannot but embolden Turkey to take new steps to build allied relations with Kiev. In turn, Ukraine, tired of sitting on its hands waiting for NATO to make up its mind about the country’s membership in the organization, is ready to welcome Turkey with open arms.
But does Turkey’s growing activity in the Black Sea necessarily mean that its relations with Russia will suffer greatly? Well, the answer to this question is not as clear-cut as it may seem at first. To understand why this is the case, it is vital to examine the foundations on which the bilateral partnership between Ukraine and Turkey was built.
Ukraine and Turkey: It is more than just about Crimea
For Ukraine, President Erdogan and the Turkish establishment are a sympathetic audience, especially when it comes to the loss of Kiev’s sovereignty over Crimea. Turkish officials miss no opportunity to stress that they do not recognize Russian authority over the peninsula.
But the Crimean Tatar community is an important domestic factor for Turkey. According to various estimates, approximately 4–5 million descendants of Crimean Tatars live in the country. Russian expert in Turkic languages and civilization Pavel Shlykov has noted that, “there are forces in Turkey that are ready to exploit the romantic moods of a part of the Turkish elite who dream of expanding more actively into the Caucasus, Crimea, the Volga Region and Central Asia, and who view Russia not as a partner, but as a geopolitical rival.” In this regard, it is no coincidence that Erdogan, justifying his initiative to act as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev, has pointed out just how important it is for the Black Sea region as a whole to see a positive resolution to the Crimean Tatar issue. During his visit to Ukraine in February, Erdogan met with a delegation from the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People (an organization banned in the Russian Federation).
But Turkey does not focus on Crimea only. The Turkish elite, realizing the complexity of relations between Moscow and Kiev, uses Ukrainian channels to express its dissatisfaction with Russian stance on other foreign policy issues. This was the case during Erdogan’s visit to Kiev on February 3, 2020, which was timed to coincide with the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Turkey and post-Soviet Ukraine. It also took place against the backdrop of a sharp military escalation in Syria. The Turkish President lambasted the Russian leadership for deliberately turning a blind eye to the actions of the “Syrian regime.”
We should keep in mind that contacts with Bartholomew I of Constantinople are extremely important for the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky (as they were for his predecessor Petro Poroshenko), as he wants to use the Archbishop’s influence to fuel the “nationalization” of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. And there are no two ways about it—he needs Erdogan to do this. Arguably, Ukraine is willing to showcase its privileged relations with Azerbaijan, while it also seems poised to affirm the policy of non-recognition towards the genocide of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. Following the Second Karabakh War, Kiev has noted a change in the behaviour of the Azerbaijani leadership, deeming it more relevant to today than the example of the 1995 “pacification” of the Republic of Serbian Krajina it relied on before.
However, despite the commonality of interests and growing cooperation between the sides, Ankara will most likely try to compensate for its emotions with regard to Ukraine by being pragmatic in its relations with Russia. No matter how intensively cooperation between Ankara and Kiev may develop, Erdogan is not trying to give up its role as an “intermediary” between Ukraine and Russia. He is under no illusion that the West would be satisfied if it were Turkey pulling the chestnuts out of the fire and not the “Euro-Atlantic brotherhood.” But the Turkish leadership is trying to raise its profile in the dialogue with the United States and the European Union by appealing to its “special relations” with Moscow. For all intents and purposes, this looks similar to how Ankara is conducting the dialogue with the European Union around the problem of refugees and migrants from the Middle East. For Turkey, getting caught up in an open confrontation with Russia would mean losing its status as a “special member” of NATO that needs to be coaxed and coddled.
Over recent years, Erdogan has thrown down the gauntlet to a number of countries, such as when putting Moscow, Washington, Beijing, and New Delhi, among others, on notice. However, by embracing his image as a major troublemaker, the President of Turkey has repeatedly shown that he is able to rationalize confrontation. This was the case in 2016 when Turkey and Russia disagreed over Syria, and in 2021 when Joe Biden called the tragedy of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire a genocide.
However, no matter how the Turkish President and his inner circle maneuver, Turkey is becoming more and more militarily and politically involved in post-Soviet affairs with each passing day. And we are no longer talking exclusively about the Caucasus region. It appears as if Erdogan wants to become one of the key actors in the Ukrainian game—a player without whom any reconfiguration in the Black Sea region would be, if not impossible, then extremely unlikely.
The district of Kashmore in Sindh, Pakistan, is grappling with a deteriorating law and order situation that has left its residents in a state of perpetual fear. The district administration and police have failed to curb rampant criminal activities, including kidnappings for ransom, tribal killings, and extortion. This article explores the current state of affairs, the failures of law enforcement, and the impact on the community.
Table of Contents
Current State of Law and Order
Kidnappings for Ransom
Kashmore has witnessed a surge in kidnappings, with incidents like the abduction of a three-year-old Hindu girl highlighting the severity of the problem[1][2]. The district has seen numerous cases where individuals are taken hostage for ransom, creating an atmosphere of terror among residents. According to reports, 218 people were kidnapped recently, with 11 still in captivity[5].
Tribal Killings and Extortion
Tribal conflicts have exacerbated the lawlessness in Kashmore. These disputes often lead to violent clashes and extortion demands that go unchecked by authorities[1][4]. The lack of decisive action against such crimes has emboldened perpetrators.
Failure of District Administration and Police
Inadequate Response to Crime
The local police’s inability to effectively respond to criminal activities is evident from their failure to register cases promptly or trace perpetrators[1][2]. Community leaders have expressed frustration over the police’s apathy, accusing them of neglecting their duties[3].
Corruption and Mismanagement
Corruption within the police force further compounds the problem. Recently, 22 police officers were dismissed for having connections with criminals, underscoring systemic issues within law enforcement[4].
Impact on Community
Fear and Insecurity Among Residents
The rampant crime has instilled fear among Kashmore’s residents, particularly its minority communities. Protests by the Hindu community following kidnappings reflect their desperation for safety[1][2]. The frequent strikes called in response to these crimes disrupt daily life and economic activities[3].
Targeting of Minority Communities
The Hindu community in Kashmore has been disproportionately targeted for kidnappings, adding a layer of communal tension to the district’s problems. This targeting not only threatens their safety but also their sense of belonging in their homeland[1][3].
Government and Law Enforcement Initiatives
Planned Operations Against Criminals
In response to public outcry, a joint operation involving the Army and Rangers is planned to dismantle dacoit hideouts along the Sindh-Punjab border[5]. This initiative aims to address the root causes of crime by removing entrenched criminal networks.
Enhancement of Security Measures
Efforts are underway to bolster security through the establishment of additional police posts in high-risk areas. These measures are intended to provide a more robust law enforcement presence capable of deterring crime[5].
Conclusion
Kashmore’s lawlessness is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention from both local authorities and higher government officials. The failure to effectively address crime not only endangers lives but also undermines trust in public institutions. It is imperative that comprehensive strategies are implemented to restore peace and security in Kashmore, ensuring that all residents can live without fear.
World Teachers Day, celebrated on October 5, 2024, emphasizes the pivotal role teachers play in shaping society. This year’s theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” underscores the necessity of recognizing educators as vital contributors to learning and societal progress[1][2].
Table of Contents
Teachers as Catalysts for Change
Teachers are not just transmitters of knowledge; they are catalysts for change. They inspire critical thinking, creativity, and resilience in students, equipping them to tackle global challenges. By fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility, educators help cultivate informed citizens who can contribute positively to their communities[2][3].
Challenges Faced by Educators
Despite their crucial role, teachers often face significant challenges, including inadequate resources and overwhelming workloads. Addressing these issues is essential for unlocking their full potential as change agents. A renewed commitment to supporting teachers through professional development and improved working conditions is necessary to enhance educational outcomes globally[2][4].
Conclusion
As we celebrate World Teachers Day 2024, let us honor the dedication and impact of educators. By valuing their voices and addressing their needs, we can empower teachers to continue transforming lives and shaping a better future for all.
Citations:
[1] Happy World Teachers’ Day 2024: 30+ Quotes, Wishes, Messages to … https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/happy-world-teachers-day-2024-top-quotes-wishes-messages-to-share-with-educators-around-globe-1728029682-1
[2] World Teachers Day 2024: We Value Teachers’ Role in Transforming … https://www.humana.org/more/news/world-teachers-day-2024-we-value-teachers-role-in-transforming-education
[3] World Teachers’ Day 2024 – The Keyword https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/world-teachers-day-2024/
[4] World Teacher’s Day 2024: Date, History, Significance, Theme https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/world-teachers-day-2024-date-history-significance-theme-all-you-need-to-know-10192128
[5] World Teachers’ Day 2024 Friday 4 October | British Council https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/news-events/world-teachers-day-2024/world-teachers-day-2024-friday-4-october
[6] WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY – 5 October 2024 – THEME – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dw4_d_mzv8
[7] World Teacher’s Day 2024 | Event Information | Twinkl USA https://www.twinkl.com/event/world-teachers-day-usa-2024
[8] Stefania Giannini on LinkedIn: #worldteachersday #education https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stefania-giannini-2bb1ab16a_worldteachersday-education-activity-7248017571747094528-p0tv
Islam
The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): His Role in Reforming Society and Promoting Human Rights
Introduction
The birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is celebrated across the Muslim world as a day of reverence and reflection. Born in the year 570 CE in Mecca, his life and teachings profoundly transformed not only the Arabian Peninsula but also the entire world. Muhammad (PBUH) was not only a religious leader but also a reformer, a statesman, and a champion of human rights. His reforms touched every aspect of life, from social justice to human dignity, and his most revolutionary work was in the area of women’s rights and societal welfare.
Historical Context of the Prophet’s Birth
At the time of the Prophet’s birth, Arabian society was deeply divided by tribalism, superstition, and ignorance. The powerful oppressed the weak, slavery was rampant, and women were treated as second-class citizens. Infanticide, particularly the killing of female infants, was common. The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) marked the beginning of a new era of human rights, equality, and justice.
Reforming Society Through the Teachings of Islam
The Holy Prophet’s mission as a reformer was not just limited to spiritual upliftment. It involved a complete transformation of societal structures to ensure justice, peace, and equality. The Prophet’s teachings, as enshrined in the Quran and the Hadiths (his sayings and actions), reshaped the entire socio-political landscape.
- Social Justice and Equality
One of the Prophet’s earliest reforms was the concept of social equality. In a society divided by tribal hierarchies and economic disparity, Muhammad (PBUH) declared that no one is superior to another based on race, tribe, or wealth. He famously stated in his final sermon:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over a white.”
This teaching laid the foundation for a more egalitarian society where individuals were judged based on their character, not their social standing.
- Abolishing Slavery and Promoting Compassion
While slavery was an accepted norm across the world during the Prophet’s time, Muhammad (PBUH) worked tirelessly to abolish it gradually. He encouraged freeing slaves as an act of piety, and many early Muslims, including his close companions, liberated numerous slaves. The Prophet himself set an example by freeing his own slaves and treating them as equals.
Islam introduced a systematic approach to ending slavery by making it a virtuous deed to free slaves, providing them with rights and dignity.
The Prophet’s Contributions to Human Rights
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Prophet’s teachings on human rights can be viewed as a precursor to modern human rights frameworks. Long before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), Muhammad (PBUH) established a moral and ethical code that guaranteed rights for every individual—whether Muslim or non-Muslim. His Charter of Medina is considered one of the earliest constitutions, establishing justice, tolerance, and freedom of religion for all inhabitants of the city, regardless of their faith.
- Fairness and Justice
The Prophet emphasized that justice was a central component of his mission. He promoted fairness in dealings and impartiality, ensuring that justice was served regardless of someone’s power or influence. In this regard, his treatment of enemies, prisoners, and the disadvantaged was revolutionary. Even in war, the Prophet stressed the importance of safeguarding innocents, prisoners of war, and those unable to defend themselves.
The Prophet’s Reforms for Women’s Rights
Perhaps one of the most significant areas of reform was the Prophet’s work to elevate the status of women. Pre-Islamic Arabia was notorious for its oppression of women, who were denied basic rights, including the right to own property, inherit wealth, or even survive birth in some cases. The birth of Islam under the Prophet’s guidance marked a radical departure from these practices.
- The Right to Life and Dignity
Before Islam, female infanticide was a widespread practice. Women were seen as burdens on the family, and the birth of a girl was often met with sorrow. The Prophet condemned this practice in the strongest terms, declaring the sanctity of life for both males and females. The Quran explicitly forbids the killing of children, stating:
“Do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We provide for them and for you.” (Quran, 17:31)
- Economic Rights
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Prophet’s message was giving women the right to own and manage their own property. This was unprecedented in a world where women were often seen as property themselves. Women in Islamic law could inherit wealth, own land, and conduct business independently of their male relatives. The Prophet’s first wife, Khadijah, was herself a successful businesswoman, and Muhammad (PBUH) worked alongside her in managing her enterprise.
- Educational Rights
The Prophet emphasized the importance of education for both men and women. He stated, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” This command was inclusive of women, granting them the right and responsibility to seek knowledge—a stark contrast to many contemporary cultures that barred women from education.
- Marital Rights and Consent
In a society where women had little say in their own marriages, the Prophet introduced the concept of marital consent. He made it clear that a woman’s consent was essential for a valid marriage. Furthermore, he limited polygamy and ensured that a woman’s welfare was central to any marital relationship. The Prophet stated that the best of men are those who are kindest to their wives, thus promoting a vision of marriage based on mutual respect and love.
Welfare of Humanity and Social Welfare Initiatives
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also introduced a robust system of charity and social welfare to ensure the wellbeing of society at large. He instituted Zakat, a form of obligatory charity, to redistribute wealth and take care of the poor and needy. His teachings encouraged compassion and generosity, stressing that societal welfare was a collective responsibility.
- Care for Orphans and the Vulnerable
The Prophet had a deep love for orphans, being one himself. He ensured that orphans were cared for and not exploited. His message was clear: those who supported orphans would be in close proximity to him in paradise.
- Public Health and Hygiene
The Prophet also laid down the principles of public health and hygiene long before modern science. He emphasized the importance of cleanliness, preventive care, and overall well-being as part of a holistic approach to human welfare.
Conclusion
The birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not merely a commemoration of his life but a celebration of his profound contributions to humanity. His reforms in the fields of human rights, especially women’s rights, and his advocacy for social justice and welfare make him a timeless figure. His vision for society was one where justice, compassion, and equality reign, setting the foundation for a more just and humane world. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the globe, serving as a beacon of light for all who strive for a better, more equitable world.
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