P.D.A- When to stop

We all know what PDA is. We have all seen it. We have all done it: When we held an aunt’s hand in the supermarket; when, as children, we kissed each other goodbye in the middle of the street; when, as adolescents, we let our boyfriend (or girlfriend) hold our hands in the theatres; and when, as adults, we kiss our lovers before they board a plane. We have all committed the act of PDA.

So how much is too much? It all depends on how we were raised. Did we see our parents commit the act of PDA? What were our schools’ guidelines regarding PDA and what were the unwritten guidelines in the culture we grew up in? These are all important in determing how much is too much when it comes to PDA. In the end, it seems the question of what is too much is better put another way. How much PDA do you tolerate? Your tolerance level provides you with your own gauge of what is too much.- Habeas Moubarak

American Withdrawl from Iraq- Really?

The famous saying "Leave the dinner table as you found it" relates significantly to American presence in Iraq.

American troops have more or less been the root cause of significant sect violence amongst Iraqi Muslims, and have "secured" the Iraqi capital.

In only 9 months, American troops are expected to have withdrawn from Iraq. In only the past few days, 100 Iraqis have been killed in the Green Zone stressing a need for extended troop presence.

A cleaner, more long term viable withdraw is necessary in order to stabilize Iraq, and the past few days have proven this.

American troops arrived at a better functioning country than it is now, and plan on leaving it very soon which will inevitably lead to its implosion.

The expected withdrawl is quite un realistic- Habeas Moubarak

Hamas, a Phone, and America

It is amazing that an American administrator would contact a senior Hamas official. In doing so, the American administration has in a sense, legitemized the Hamas movement and made clear a change of tone.

Contacting Hamas officials increases liking towards both President elect Barack Obama and his followers by many.

Not much has been verified, but the willingness to co-operate with both parties (Israel and some Palestinians) is very likeable from a neutral perspectve.- Habeas Moubarak

Suspension of Spanish Judge

Baltasar Garzón, a world-famous spanish judge is being suspended as the Audiencia Nacional, Spain's highest criminal court, accuses him of overreaching his powers after deciding to open a public investigation on crimes committed during the spanish civil war, and during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.

It is not exactly clear as to why he decided to open an investigation after nation wide amnesty was granted to all participants in both conflicts. Garzon has exhumed 2 mass graves of some of the 100,000 disappeared spanish citizens, and decided to openly discuss the events of 1936-39 and 1939-75.

A 1977 Amnesty Coalition investigated both conflicts in detail and eventually closed both cases. For that reason, Garzon is being accused of abusing his power.

I personally feel Garzon's reputable name is far too great to be shattered after simply re-opening investigations. As one of the most credible judges in Spain, Garzon issued arrest warrants for people like Augusto Pinochet (an ex spanish dictator) who resided in England at the time of his arrest. It has been made clear that Garzon is very liked by the spanish people. -Habeas Moubarak

Palestinian- Israeli Humour

I have always found this image to be entertaining. It depicts the 3 wisemen prevented from reaching their destination as they are blocked off by the occupational walls imposed by Israel.- Habeas Moubarak

Celibacy vs The Vatican

Thought it is uncertain whether allowing priests to break celibacy will prevent sex scandals throughout the world, the permission of the church for priests to begin marrying and procreating is a somewhat wise choice on behalf of the pope.

In doing so, the Pope has made it clear he is a legitemate leader who is not afraid to reivew the precious, and ancient laws of the Church. He has in a sense, epitomized the true power of the Church.

Good luck to the Vatican. Its reputation has tarnished increasingly in past years.-Habeas Moubarak

The Sharpeville Massacre- 69 Dead

As commonly stated, it is essential that one understands the events of the past to better prepare for the future.

The events which took place on the spring afternoon of March 20, 1960 not only reflect an image of shame throughout South Africa, but also serve to testify the importance of equality.

As South African Police fired upon peaceful protestors attempting to condemn the "Dompass", 60 innocent South African citizens were killed. These citizens were clearly unarmed and peaceful, but Black Nationalism was not a popular theme amongst many.

It would not be enough to say that the deaths of the 60 South Africans is regretted, rather, something must be done in their names...In support of the very oppressive force they condemned; apartheid. Just as history has a way of repeating itself, it is important we learn from our mistakes of the past and avoid such future incidents. - Habeas Moubarak