CIA and Terrorism

Gemini was asked about CIA's involvement in world terrorism. It answewd as follows. The question of the CIA’s involvement in "terrorism" is a complex intersection of Cold War history, clandestine operations, and unintended consequences. While the CIA’s official mandate is to combat terrorism, various critics, historians, and international bodies have pointed to specific operations that they argue meet the definition of state-sponsored terrorism or have directly led to the rise of terrorist groups. To understand the scope of this involvement, it is helpful to look at three distinct categories: 1. "Blowback": Unintended Consequences The term "blowback" was actually coined by the CIA to describe the negative, unforeseen consequences of a covert operation. * The Mujahideen (Afghanistan): During the 1980s, the CIA funneled billions through Operation Cyclone to support Afghan rebels fighting the Soviet Union. While the CIA maintains it only supported indigenous Afghan fighters, many of the radicalized "Afghan-Arabs" who joined the fight eventually formed the core of Al-Qaeda. * The Contras (Nicaragua): In the 1980s, the CIA backed the Contras against the Sandinista government. The Contras were frequently accused of using "terrorist tactics" against civilians, including the destruction of health clinics and schools. 2. State-Sponsored Regime Change Historians often cite CIA-led coups as examples of political violence that destabilized regions, sometimes creating power vacuums filled by extremist groups. | Operation | Target | Outcome | |---|---|---| | Operation Ajax (1953) | Iran (PM Mossadegh) | Reinstalled the Shah; fueled the anti-Western sentiment that led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. | | PBSUCCESS (1954) | Guatemala (Pres. Árbenz) | Led to decades of civil war and state-sponsored violence against indigenous populations. | | Bay of Pigs (1961) | Cuba (Fidel Castro) | Failed invasion using CIA-trained exiles; led to increased tensions and the Cuban Missile Crisis. | 3. Controversial Counter-Terrorism Tactics Following the 9/11 attacks, the CIA’s methods came under intense international scrutiny for violating human rights laws. * Enhanced Interrogation: The 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture detailed methods like waterboarding and sleep deprivation used at "black sites" (secret prisons). Critics argue these methods were not only illegal but also served as a powerful recruitment tool for groups like ISIS. * Targeted Killings (Drones): The use of armed drones to eliminate high-value targets in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia has been criticized for "collateral damage" (civilian deaths), which international legal experts argue can constitute war crimes or acts of terror in the eyes of local populations. The Official Stance The CIA and the U.S. government reject the label of "terrorism," arguing that: * Legal Authority: Their actions are authorized by the President and overseen by Congressional committees. * Mission: Their primary role is Counter-Terrorism—collecting intelligence to prevent attacks like 9/11 and dismantling global networks. * Prohibitions: Executive Order 12333 explicitly prohibits the CIA from engaging in assassinations (though "targeted killings" of combatants are legally distinguished from assassination by the U.S. government). > Important Note: In the world of intelligence, one person's "freedom fighter" is often another's "terrorist." The CIA’s involvement usually falls into the gray area of Covert Action, which is designed to achieve foreign policy goals while maintaining "plausible deniability." > Would you like me to look into a specific region, such as Latin America or the Middle East, to see how these operations affected those areas over the long term?

Gemini on Ranking People

 I asked Gemini “How can AI compare the intelligence of a group of people and rank them?” Here is the answer.

Comparing and ranking human intelligence with AI is a complex and highly controversial topic. While AI can analyze data to create rankings based on specific, predefined criteria, it cannot truly measure or understand the multifaceted nature of human intelligence. Here's a breakdown of how it could be approached, along with the significant ethical issues involved.

How an AI System Could Rank People

An AI system would need to be trained on a massive dataset to identify patterns and rank individuals based on a specific, narrow definition of "intelligence." It would not be able to measure something as broad as general intelligence but could evaluate performance on specific tasks or against a set of predetermined metrics.

 * Data Collection: The system would need a wealth of data about each person. This could include information from resumes (education, work experience), performance on tests (like IQ tests or skill assessments), and even behavioral data from things like online activity or job interviews. For example, AI can analyze video interviews for specific keywords, tone of voice, and even facial expressions.

 * Feature Engineering: An AI model would need "features" to analyze. These are the specific metrics it would use to make its comparisons. Examples include:

   * Academic Achievement: Grades, degrees from specific universities, or test scores.

   * Skill Proficiency: Performance on coding challenges, design portfolios, or other practical tests.

   * Problem-Solving Speed: The time it takes to complete a puzzle or solve a logical reasoning problem.

 * Algorithm and Ranking: Once the data is in place, the AI would use a machine learning algorithm to weigh these features and create a ranking. A simple algorithm might give more weight to a higher GPA, while a more complex one could look for correlations between certain skills and successful performance in a specific role.

For instance, in a corporate hiring scenario, an AI could be trained on data from successful employees to identify the most common traits and skills. It would then rank new job applicants based on how closely their resumes, test results, and interview performance align with those of the "model" employees.

🚩 Major Ethical Implications

Using AI to rank people based on intelligence is fraught with ethical dangers. The biggest concerns revolve around bias, transparency, and the reduction of human worth.

 * Algorithmic Bias: AI systems are only as good as the data they're trained on. If the historical data is biased, the AI will learn and amplify those biases. For example, an AI trained on hiring data from a male-dominated industry might learn to favor male applicants, unintentionally discriminating against women. This can perpetuate societal inequalities.

 * The "Black Box" Problem: Many AI models, especially deep learning networks, are "black boxes." This means their decision-making processes are not easily understandable by humans. If an AI ranks someone lower, it can be nearly impossible to explain why, which raises significant issues of fairness and accountability.

 * Oversimplification of Intelligence: Human intelligence is incredibly complex and includes creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and social skills. An AI can only measure what it's been explicitly programmed to look for, which would likely be a very narrow, data-driven definition of intelligence. It would miss the nuances that are often most important in human interactions and problem-solving.

 * Loss of Human Dignity and Autonomy: Reducing a person's worth to a single, AI-generated number can have a dehumanizing effect. It removes the human element of evaluation and judgment, potentially leading to a society where people are sorted and categorized by an opaque, automated system.

The I in AI

 

The advent of AI demonstrates the zenith of the evolutionary process. Just like high precision machines are built using comparatively lesser precision machines, more and more powerful computers and compact data storage devices are built using equipment and software of the previous generation.

Thanks to the human quality of not being jealous to one’s own creations, we have produced machine that can lift tremendous weights, travel at very fast speed and acquire data, calculate, and write it out much faster than us. We are proud of them.

The usefulness of artificial intelligence is undeniable. The logical process of searching data related to a topic with discernment and presenting it in a well-organized format and grammatically correct language is a great help to the process of learning.

The icing on the cake is that AI machines have the capacity of self-learning and reprogramming in the light of the data they acquire on instruction of others. By developing computer coding ability, they are to an extent replacing their own masters and creators.

The other and equally serious concern is whether or not some sort of bias can be built into an AI program and whether or not it can identify and nullify it in due course.

Not many people know that much of the islamophobia experienced in the Christian world during the past quarter century was the result of faulty Arabic, Persian and Urdu to English translation software developed by Microsoft through subcontract to Indians who embedded anti-Islamic bias into the programs.

It is very likely that a number of Israeli agents proficient in coding may have infiltrated into the Silicon Valley in order to ensure the AI programs being developed are biased in favour of Israeli genocidal theocracy.

There are also apprehensions that as the artificially intelligent computers learn all the tricks of human trade, and start running most of the state, industrial, commercial, educational, health and military systems, they may unilaterally decide to do away with the less efficient human beings. It would be a behaviour very similar to human conduct.

I see a silver lining in the clouds of AI. Human feelings such as love, ambition, hatred, greed, lust, and conditions such as pleasure, pain, and weakness have a significant role in human decisions which machines do not have, and hence are supposed to take purely impartial decisions.

Although apparently, machines do not have any such feelings, we do not know weather analytical trends resembling feelings can be developed by self-learning computers. What we do know is that an over-heated chip can send the wrong signals. It is, therefore, necessary to constantly monitor the response of every artificially intelligent machine to critical inputs and have emergency protocols that can safely and systematically turn them off for human intervention.

Casualties in Gaza and Israel.

Gemini search on casualties in Gaza and Israel since 7 Oct 2023.

 According to various sources, the casualty figures for the conflict in Gaza and Israel since October 7, 2023, are as follows:

In Gaza:

 * Total deaths: The number of reported deaths varies, with figures ranging from over 62,000 to more than 76,000. This includes those confirmed killed and those missing and presumed dead.

 * Wounded: More than 156,000 people have been injured.

 * Children and women: Nearly half of the casualties are reported to be women and children. A study published in The Lancet estimated that a significant portion of the deaths from traumatic injuries were women, children, and the elderly.

 * Indirect deaths: It is noted that the total death toll could be significantly higher when considering "indirect" deaths from factors such as disease, malnutrition, and lack of medical care.

In Israel:

 * Total deaths: The death toll from the October 7 attacks has been revised by Israeli officials to 1,139 people. This figure includes both civilians and security forces.

 * Wounded: At least 8,730 people have been injured.

Additional Information:

 * West Bank: There have also been casualties in the occupied West Bank, with reports of nearly 1,000 Palestinians killed and over 7,300 injured.

 * Journalists and Aid Workers: The conflict has also resulted in a significant number of casualties among journalists and humanitarian aid workers.

ICC, ICJ and Israel

 Topic search by GEMINI.

South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has also been involved in a separate investigation related to the conflict in Palestine. It is important to distinguish between these two international legal bodies.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

 * The Case: On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

 * Allegations: South Africa's complaint alleges that Israel's military actions in Gaza demonstrate a genocidal intent against the Palestinian people, citing a pattern of conduct that includes killing, causing serious bodily and mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction.

 * ICJ's Role: The ICJ hears disputes between states and its judgments are legally binding. South Africa invoked its standing as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, which creates an erga omnes obligation, meaning all state parties have a common interest in preventing genocide.

 * Provisional Measures: South Africa requested the court to issue provisional measures, which are emergency orders to prevent further harm while the court considers the full merits of the case. On January 26, 2024, the ICJ issued a ruling on these measures.

 * ICJ's Judgment (Provisional Measures): The ICJ did not order a complete ceasefire. However, it did order Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention. This included ordering Israel to:

   * Prevent and punish any incitement to genocide.

   * Take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.

   * Preserve evidence related to the allegations of genocide.

   * Submit a report to the court on all measures taken to give effect to this order.

The ICJ's ruling found it "plausible" that Israel's actions could amount to genocide, but this is not a final determination on the merits of the case, which is ongoing and is expected to take years.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

 * The Investigation: The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has had an ongoing investigation into the "Situation in the State of Palestine" since March 2021.

 * Jurisdiction: The ICC's jurisdiction was accepted by the State of Palestine, which became a state party to the Rome Statute in 2015. This allows the court to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, since June 13, 2014, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator.

 * Arrest Warrants: In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for senior Hamas leaders and then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The warrants for the Israeli officials were on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including "starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and "willfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health."

 * Relationship to the ICJ Case: It is important to note that the ICC and the ICJ are separate and distinct institutions. The ICJ case is a dispute between states (South Africa v. Israel) regarding the interpretation and application of a treaty. The ICC investigation is a criminal proceeding against individuals for alleged international crimes.

The Irony of the Domes

Copyright waived.

The Dome of Rock in Jerusalem has endured for nearly a millennium and half. Along with Al Aksa mosque, it symbolises the greatness of the Islamic heritage. The Muslims believed that with all the miraculous narratives associated with it, it would protect them from disasters.

But domes only protect one from vagaries of nature, not from inruders. The dome didn't stop the terrorists pretending as successors of Bani Israel from illegitimately occupying their lands and robbing them of whatever they had.

Then came the so-called Israelis backed by the entire European and American states' power that wanted to get rid of them from their own lands.

The  Israelis built an air defence system with the help of the Americans, which they thought would protect them from any and all aerial attacks. It worked well against the nonsophisticated missiles launched by Hammas and Hizbullah, promoting the illusion of invincibility among the Israelis. 

Then came the wanton Israeli attack on Iran and the Iranian response with their sophisticated missiles developed over decades in spite of economic sanctions.

The Iranian missiles successfully breeched the Iron Dome and wreaked havoc on Telaviv, Haifa, and other sites. The illusion of invincibility and being The Chosen people was shattered.

The Israelis had worked for centuries to develop the illusion of being the descendants of Abraham and claiming the blessings awarded to them by God.

To do this, they forged the text of the Torah and inserted the name of Israel in place of Jacob in various location in the Book of Genesis Chapters 32 to 50.   

They also destroyed the corresponding pages in the authentic versions of codices Siniticus and Aleppo.

However, this claim is obviously refuted by both the Torah and the Bible.

The book of Exodus Chapter 19 verse number 3 clearly shows that Israel and the house of Jacob are two different entities.

“{19:3} And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;”

The Gospel of Luke verse 1.33 states:

“1.33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever ; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

So it seems Jesus may have  belonged not to the Israeli clan but to the House of Jacob constituted by the Palestinians. David and Solomon also may have been Palestinian descendants of the House of Jacob.

Oddly enough, the present Israelis seem to be a people with stolen ancestory. 

   

Gandhi’s Dasis

(Generated by Gemini)

The term “Dasi” in Indian culture primarily refers to a female servant or slave.

Historically, it has been used to denote women of low caste or those in servitude. The

Sanskrit root “dāsa” means demon, enemy, infidel, or slave, and “dāsī” is its feminine

form.

While the term can also have other meanings in specific contexts (like a female in

charge of ten villages in Dharmashastra or even a river), its most common and historical

usage points to a woman in a subservient role.

Regarding Mahatma Gandhi, the question “Gandhi had a few?” seems to refer to

whether he had “dasis” in the sense of female servants or companions. This touches

upon a complex and controversial aspect of Gandhi’s life, particularly his “experiments

with brahmacharya” (celibacy) in his later years.

Gandhi, in his pursuit of spiritual purity and self-control, engaged in practices that

involved sharing his bed with young women, including his grandnieces Manu and Abha,

and other female associates like Sushila Nayar and Lilavati Asar. These women often

provided him with personal services like massages and bathing.

It’s important to understand that Gandhi described these as “experiments” to test his

own brahmacharya, asserting that he remained celibate and had no sexual intentions.

However, these practices were highly controversial even among his contemporaries and followers, including his family members, who criticized them.

While these women were not “dasis” in the traditional sense of being bought or forced

into slavery, their role in providing intimate personal service and their close proximity to

Gandhi, often in a position of complete devotion and obedience to his wishes, has led

to discussions about the power dynamics involved and the potential for exploitation,

despite Gandhi’s stated intentions. Many of these women willingly participated, seeing

it as a form of service to a revered leader.

So, while Gandhi did not have “dasis” in the classic sense of chattel slavery, he did have

a number of female companions and attendants who provided intimate personal care and were part of his controversial “brahmacharya experiments.

The Indian Ritual of Sati

AI generated essay

Sati (also known as “suttee”) was a historical and highly controversial custom practiced by some Hindu communities, primarily in India. It involved a widow immolating herself, either voluntarily or under coercion, on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband or soon after his death.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of sati:

 * Meaning: The word “sati” itself in Sanskrit means “good woman” or “chaste wife.” Over time, the term came to refer to the practice itself, as well as the woman who performed it.

 * Motivation and Beliefs:

   * Dutiful Sacrifice: Sati was often viewed as the ultimate act of wifely devotion and loyalty, ensuring an afterlife with the husband and cleansing sins for both the couple and their families.

   * Social Pressure: Widows in traditional Hindu society often faced immense social stigma, economic hardship, and a lack of social standing. For some, sati might have seemed like an escape from a difficult existence. There are documented cases of women being pressured, drugged, or even forced onto the pyre.

   * Religious Interpretation: While some scholars argue that certain religious texts (like Puranas and Mahabharata) mention sati, others contend that the practice was not universally mandated in Hindu scriptures and that ascetic widowhood was often preferred.

 * Variations: While the most common image is of a widow burning on the pyre, historical accounts suggest variations, such as being buried alive with the husband or, in some regions, being stabbed before burning.

 * Historical Prevalence: Sati appeared in historical records during the Gupta Empire (c. 320 to 550 CE) and became more common after the 13^th century, particularly among certain Brahmin and royal castes, and in regions like Rajasthan.

 * Abolition:

   * British Intervention: The British colonial government, under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, outlawed sati in 1829 with the Bengal Sati Regulation, largely due to the tireless efforts of Indian social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

   * Continued Efforts: Despite the legal ban, isolated instances of sati continued for some time. The Indian Parliament later enacted the Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act in 1987 to further strengthen the law and prevent any glorification of the practice.

Sati remains a stark example of a complex social practice deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors, and its abolition marked a significant turning point in social reform in India.

 

 

Hindutva and Arya Samaj in India

 

The following material was obtained through Google AI Geminin Assistant.

The relationship between Hindutva and Arya Samaj is complex, with both movements contributing to the shaping of Hindu identity and nationalism in India, albeit with distinct approaches.

Origins and Core Tenets:

Arya Samaj:

 * Origins: Founded in 1875 by Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay (now Mumbai), the Arya Samaj emerged as a Hindu reform movement during a period of significant social and cultural challenges posed by British colonialism and Christian missionary activities.

 * Core Tenets: Dayananda Saraswati advocated a return to the “pure” and original teachings of the Vedas, rejecting later accretions, rituals, idol worship, the caste system based on birth, child marriage, and other practices he deemed corrupt. He emphasized monotheism, the infallibility of the Vedas, karma, and samsara. The movement also championed women’s education, widow remarriage, and actively engaged in social reform and humanitarian services. The Arya Samaj was notable for being one of the first Hindu organizations to engage in proselytization (Shuddhi movement) to convert non-Hindus, particularly those who had converted to Islam or Christianity, back to Hinduism.

Hindutva:

 * Origins: The term “Hindutva” was coined and popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 booklet “Essentials of Hindutva.” It emerged in the early 20^th century, particularly in the context of growing Hindu-Muslim tensions and the Indian independence movement.

 * Core Tenets: Hindutva is primarily a political ideology that defines the cultural identity of India in terms of Hinduism and seeks to establish India as an overtly Hindu nation-state. Savarkar, an atheist, initially defined Hindutva as a “Hinduness” shaped by India’s indigenous history, geography, politics, and culture, distinct from Hinduism as a religion. It emphasizes a shared ancestry and culture rooted in the land of India. Over time, it drew influence from European ethnonationalism, with an emphasis on race, religion, culture, and language. Key organizations propagating Hindutva include the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Relationship and Overlap:

While distinct, there’s an undeniable relationship:

 * Reform vs. Nationalism: Arya Samaj was fundamentally a socio-religious reform movement aiming to purify Hinduism, while Hindutva is a political ideology focused on Hindu nationalism and cultural assertion.

 * Shared Emphasis on Vedic Heritage: Both movements placed a significant emphasis on the Vedas as a foundational text for Hindu identity, though the Arya Samaj’s interpretation was often more literal and reformist, rejecting many post-Vedic traditions embraced by mainstream Hinduism.

 * Contribution to Hindu Identity: The Arya Samaj, through its reformist efforts and its Shuddhi movement, contributed to a re-awakening of Hindu identity and a sense of pride, which arguably laid some groundwork for later Hindu nationalist movements like Hindutva. Some scholars argue that the Arya Samaj “laid ground for the later Hindu nationalism represented by the Hindu Mahasabha, V.D. Savarkar, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”

 * Points of Divergence: Arya Samaj rejects idol worship, the concept of avatars, and hereditary caste, focusing instead on Vedic rituals. Mainstream Hinduism, often associated with Hindutva, generally embraces idol worship, avatars, and a more traditional understanding of caste, though it has also undergone reform efforts.

Resurgence:

Arya Samaj:

·       The resurgence of Arya Samaj in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries was a direct response to British colonialism, Western influence, and perceived internal decay within Hindu society. It sought to modernize Hinduism, promote rational thinking, and foster a sense of pride in Indian traditions. Its emphasis on education, social equality, and women’s empowerment resonated with a section of the population.

Hindutva:

 * The resurgence of Hindutva, particularly in the late 20^th and 21^st centuries, is linked to several factors:

   * Post-Partition Tensions: The aftermath of India’s partition in 1947 fueled religious tensions and the desire for a strong Hindu identity.

   * Political Mobilization: The rise of political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopting Hindutva as their core ideology has been a major driver.

   * Communal Conflicts: Incidents of communal violence have often exacerbated religious polarization and strengthened Hindutva narratives.

   * Cultural Assertiveness: A desire to assert a distinct Hindu cultural identity in a globalized world.

   * Erosion of Secularism: Criticisms point to the BJP’s policies and rhetoric since 2014 as contributing to a shift towards Hindu nationalism, with perceived erosion of India’s secular foundations and increased targeting of religious minorities.

Future:

Arya Samaj:

·       While not as politically prominent as Hindutva, the Arya Samaj continues to be relevant as a socio-religious reform movement. Its principles of education, gender equality, and social justice continue to resonate. It aims to bridge tradition with modern life and provide solutions to contemporary challenges based on Vedic values. Its focus remains on spreading Vedic knowledge and working for social well-being.

Hindutva:

 * The future of Hindutva appears to be significant in contemporary Indian politics and society. The ideology has gained considerable traction, particularly with the continued electoral success of the BJP.

 * Continued Influence: Hindutva’s presence and power are widely acknowledged to be here to stay in India, influencing political, cultural, and social spheres.

 * Challenges to Secularism: Critics express concern that Hindutva’s agenda poses a threat to India’s secular foundations, potentially leading to increased majoritarianism, religious polarization, and a shift towards an overtly Hindu nationalist state where minorities might face challenges to their equal status.

 * Social and Political Impact: The trajectory of Hindutva will likely continue to shape India’s domestic policies, inter-community relations, and its international standing.

In essence, while the Arya Samaj was a reformist movement that contributed to a renewed sense of Hindu identity, Hindutva represents a more explicitly political and often exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism that has become a dominant force in modern India.

Adivasi --- Plight of Natives in India

 

(This information was provided by Gemini, the Google AI assistant.)

The Adivasis are various ethnic groups considered to be the original inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent. The term "Adivasi" itself, meaning "of earliest times" or "original inhabitants," was coined in the 1930s as a political movement to foster a sense of identity among India's diverse indigenous peoples. Officially, they are known as Scheduled Tribes in the Indian Constitution, a legal and constitutional term that varies across states and regions.

There are over 700 distinct Adivasi communities in India, speaking more than 100 languages, and exhibiting a wide range of ethnicities and cultures. Their population is over 104 million, constituting about 8.6% of India's total population according to the 2011 census. They primarily reside in the northeastern states, as well as the hills and forests of central and southern India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Major groups include the Bhil, Munda, and Santhal.

Regarding independence movements, it's more accurate to frame Adivasi aspirations as seeking self-determination, autonomy, and the protection of their land, identity, culture, and resources, rather than outright independence as separate nation-states in the traditional sense. While some groups in the Northeast have historically pursued secessionist movements, the broader Adivasi struggle across India centers on:

 * Self-rule and autonomy: Adivasi communities have long traditions of self-governance, and they are demanding greater control over their affairs and resources, often in line with constitutional provisions like the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, which aim to provide some measure of autonomy. The Pathalgadi movement in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh is a prominent recent example of Adivasi communities asserting their customary rights and challenging state authority through the erection of stone slabs proclaiming their self-governance.

 * Land and resource rights: A significant aspect of their struggle involves reclaiming traditional ownership rights over their lands, territories, and natural resources, which have been historically threatened by development projects, industrialization, and population growth.

 * Cultural and religious identity: Adivasis are also demanding recognition and protection of their distinct languages, religions (like the Sarna religion), and cultural practices.

While there isn't a single, unified movement for "independence" across all Adivasi groups, numerous regional and community-specific movements are actively demanding greater self-determination and the protection of their rights within the Indian federal structure. The Indian state has often responded to these movements with repression, sometimes portraying them as "anti-national" or linking them to Naxalite (Maoist) insurgencies.

Gemini on Terrorism

 

This information was obtained through Google AI, Gemini.

Terrorism, while a historically present phenomenon, has evolved significantly in its origins, identity, and current manifestations.

Origins of Terrorism

The term "terrorism" itself originated during the French Revolution's "Reign of Terror" (1793-1794), where the Jacobin government used systematic violence, including mass executions, to suppress opposition and enforce state obedience. Initially, the term was associated with state-sponsored violence.

However, the use of terror as a political weapon by non-state actors has much older roots:

 * Ancient Times: Some scholars trace acts resembling terrorism back to groups like the Jewish Sicarii Zealots in the 1st century AD, who assassinated Roman collaborators, or the Hashashin in the 11th century. These early forms often had religious or ethno-political motivations.

 * 19th Century: The mid-19th century saw the term increasingly associated with non-governmental groups. Anarchist movements in Europe, Russia, and the United States employed assassinations and bombings to achieve revolutionary political and social change. Groups like the Irish Republican Brotherhood (Fenian dynamite campaign in 1881) are considered early examples of modern terrorist techniques.

 * 20th Century: The 20th century witnessed a diversification of terrorist groups, including nationalist-separatist organizations (e.g., IRA, ETA), leftist revolutionary groups (e.g., Red Brigades, Red Army Faction), and right-wing extremists. The 1970s, in particular, saw a rise in international attention to terrorism with conflicts like the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Identity of Terrorism

Defining "terrorism" is complex, with no universally agreed-upon definition. However, key aspects of its identity generally include:

 * Use or Threat of Violence: Terrorism involves the intentional use or threat of violence.

 * Non-Combatant Targets: It typically targets non-combatants or civilians, distinguishing it from conventional warfare. The goal is often to spread fear and psychological impact beyond the immediate victims.

 * Political or Ideological Goals: The violence is not random but aims to achieve political, ideological, religious, or social objectives. It's a method of coercion to influence a larger audience or government.

 * Psychological Impact: Terrorism seeks to create widespread fear, sow insecurity, and pressure decision-makers to change policies.

 * Rational, Not Insane Actors: While their ideologies may be extreme, terrorists are generally not clinically insane or irrational. They are often rational actors who employ terrorism as a deliberate strategy to achieve their objectives.

 * Group and Personal Identity: Terrorism is often linked to strong group and personal identities. It can stem from a confluence of a collectivist cultural identity, fundamentalist adherence to principles (religious or cultural), and a social identity based on sharp contrasts between "us" and "them."

 * Not Solely Linked to Poverty or Psychopathology: While socioeconomic factors can contribute to grievances, terrorists are not necessarily drawn from the poorest segments of society and typically do not exhibit a common personality profile or psychopathology.

Current Situation of Global Terrorism

The global terrorism landscape continues to evolve and presents a complex threat:

 * Increased Lethality, Fewer Incidents (Overall): While the number of terrorist incidents globally has decreased in some recent years, the lethality of attacks has increased, meaning fewer attacks are causing more deaths.

 * Geographic Shift: The epicenter of global terrorism has largely shifted from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Central Sahel region. This region now accounts for a significant proportion of global terrorism-related deaths.

 * Persistent Threats: Major international Salafi-jihadist organizations like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS), though weaker than their peak, remain committed to attacks against Western interests and continue to operate in various regions.

 * Rise of Domestic Terrorism: In countries like the United States, domestic terrorism (driven by ideologies such as white supremacy, partisan extremism, and Salafi-jihadism) poses a greater threat than international terrorist organizations.

 * Lone Wolf Attacks: Lone actors or small, decentralized groups, often radicalized online, are a significant and challenging threat, especially in the West. They are harder to identify and disrupt due to their lack of clear group affiliation.

 * Online Radicalization and Recruitment: The internet and social media continue to be crucial tools for terrorist organizations to spread propaganda, radicalize individuals, and recruit new members, enabling attacks by sympathizers.

 * Interconnectedness with Conflict: Over 90% of terrorist attacks and 98% of terrorism deaths in recent years have occurred in conflict zones, highlighting the strong link between conflict and terrorism.

 * Emerging Trends: The threat from certain groups, like the Houthis in the Middle East, has increased regionally. There's also been a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate globally, which can be linked to heightened tensions and potential for violence.

 * Adaptation of Terrorist Groups: Terrorist organizations are becoming more adaptable, forming loose coalitions and leveraging complex collaborative networks for sharing resources, information, and personnel.

In summary, while the historical roots of terrorism are diverse, its contemporary identity is characterized by its strategic use of violence against non-combatants for political ends, often fueled by extremist ideologies. The current situation shows a geographic shift of the primary threat to sub-Saharan Africa, alongside persistent dangers from established groups, the rise of lone wolf attacks, and the pervasive influence of online radicalization.

Blogger's note:

Judging by the above, the following instances are definitely terrorism:

1. Hiroshima and Nagasaki

2. Sabra and Shatila

3. Gaza invasion by Israel

4. Indian aerial attack of 7th May.

4. Indian atrocities in Kashmir

5. Assassinations of various political and religious figures.

Truth about the BVR War

 

At about midnight of sixth and seventh May 2025, nine Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force loaded with long-range cruise missiles carrying heavy explosive charges headed for nine mosques in parts of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. Three of them were shot down on the way while six hit their targets. They were sent by the Hindutva leaders of India to annihilate the root cause of terrorism.

 You will ask how?

Well, they thought that by killing the nearly 3000 young seminary students sleeping in the madrasa hostels attached with the mosques, they would bring about the end of terrorism. The intention was the cold-blooded murder of 3000 poor and peaceful young men devoted to peaceful faith. Apparently Indian spies had also placed homing devices in the hostels to reduce collateral damage.

Fortunately, Pakistani military intelligence had anticipated the attack and evacuated those buildings before the terrorist attack by high-tech missiles. But quite typically, they forgot to ask the civilian neighbors to sleep out that night, resulting in 26 deaths and twice as many injured. This makes one wonder if the Army school massacre in Peshawar in December 2016 was also planned and executed by the Indian leadership through their proxies in Pakistan.

When American President Donald Trump first heard about the incident his comment was that India and Pakistan have been fighting for the last 1400 years. While it seemed strange to some, it is the truth. The animosity between Pakistan and India is the perennial war between monotheism and idolatry. Perhaps it started the day when Prophet Muhammad demolished all the 360 idols placed in the Kaba by the pagans of Arabia. It is mentioned in the Quran that Abraham had done the same in his own homeland. Also, the Torah states that God, when he held court at Mount Sinai, prohibited the making and worshipping of idols by the Jews. However, the Aryans who had been worshipping idols at least since the time of Hammurabi brought it to the Indian subcontinent when they migrated and made it the home of Idolatry.

In the early incursions of Central Asian and Afghan Muslims into India such as Mahmood Ghaznavi, Hindu temples such as Somnath were destroyed, and their treasures taken away as war booty. The Mughals were careful not to hurt the religious feelings of the Hindus and mosques and temples were built side by side in many places. A sort of harmony between monotheists and Idolaters was maintained for nearly 300 years. It continued during the British Raj. When the British decided to leave India, it was partitioned on the same old thesis of monotheists being one nation the idolaters being a separate nation. Small states like Hyderabad of the famous Nizam with majority Hindu population where assimilated into India. But for whatever reason the Hindu ruler of Kashmir which was a predominantly Muslim state declared accession with India and the people of Kashmir revolted. India promptly sent its troops into Kashmir and established it's occupation. The Kashmiris have ever since been fighting for their freedom from Indian rule and union with the Muslim state of Pakistan. The United Nations has passed a number of resolutions to hold plebiscite to allow the people of Kashmir to decide whether it should be annexed with Pakistan or India. There are half a million Indian soldiers in Kashmir, which has a population of about 12 million i.e. one Indian soldier for every 24 Kashmiri men, women, and children.

The Indians have quoted the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025 as their inspiration for the invasion of Pakistan. I have read all the reports of the incident and I found gross inconsistencies.

It says that one fine afternoon when a large number of people were assembled in a park in the Pahalgam area, a number of men in army uniforms appeared on the scene. It did not raise any alarm as Indian army men are a common sight in Indian occupied Kashmir, their ratio being one to 24 in the population. The reports then go in two different directions.

One account is similar to a couple of terrorist attack on passenger buses at the border between Pakistan’s Baluchistan and Iran in which the assailants asked the passengers about their ethnic or sectarian identity and those belonging to a certain group were shot at close range and killed. In this case it is said that the tourists were taken hostage and were asked to prove their identity as Muslims. Those who failed were shot at close range. Were the same mercenaries employed on all three occasions?

The second account says that the terrorist started shooting indiscriminately while the crowd ran for cover. The uniformed men ran into the jungle nearby after killing a number of men, women and children. This scenario is very similar to what happens so often at public places of Europe, USA, and other countries.

It is possible that an unbiased international enquiry may find that nothing unusual had happened that day.

Antiquity of Judaism

 The following chronology of the Jewish scriptures is based on AI searches on the Internet.

It is obvious that the Talmud as we know it was compiled centuries  after the publication of the Quran and the authors of Talmud may have benefited from its study.
The oldest recognized fragments of the Torah are the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE. These scrolls, discovered in the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea, include the oldest surviving manuscripts of entire books later included in the biblical canons. While not complete Torah scrolls, they offer the oldest known textual evidence of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. 
The first printed editions of the Torah, Mishnah, and Talmud were all published in Venice, Italy, during the 16th century. The Babylonian Talmud and Palestinian Talmud were first printed between 1520 and 1522, while the first complete printed edition of the Mishnah is dated to 1523. The Torah, however, existed long before printing was invented, with the oldest known complete Torah scroll, the Bologna Scroll, dating back to the 12th century. 
Elaboration:
• Torah:
The Torah, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses, is a foundational text in Judaism. While the earliest extant Torah scroll, the Bologna Scroll, dates to the 12th century, the Torah's composition is believed to have been completed around the 5th century BCE, according to modern scholars. 
• Mishnah:
The Mishnah, which contains the Oral Torah, was compiled in the 2nd century CE by Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi in Palestine. It was first printed in Venice between 1520-22, along with the Babylonian Talmud. 
• Talmud:
The Talmud is a compilation of rabbinic discussions on the Mishnah. Two versions of the Talmud exist: the Palestinian Talmud (also known as the Jerusalem Talmud) and the Babylonian Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud was compiled in Babylonia around the 5th century CE. Both Talmudic texts were first printed in Venice between 1520-22. 
The oldest complete book of Talmud is the Jerusalem Talmud, also known as the Talmud Yerushalmi. It predates the Babylonian Talmud (Talmud Bavli) by roughly a century. The Jerusalem Talmud was compiled between the late 4th and early 5th centuries CE, while the Babylonian Talmud was compiled sometime in the 6th century. The Leiden Jerusalem Talmud (Or. 4720) is the only extant complete manuscript of the Jerusalem Talmud. 
The oldest extant manuscript fragments of the Talmud, of any kind, are Cairo Genizah fragments, dating back to the late 7th or 8th century. The oldest complete manuscript whose date is precisely known is Ms. Firenze 7, dating back to 1177. The oldest complete manuscript of the Jerusalem Talmud is the Leiden Jerusalem Talmud (Or. 4720), copied in 1289 and located at Leiden University.

The first printing of the Talmud, encompassing both the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds, occurred in Venice in 1520-22 and 1523, respectively, by printer Daniel Bomberg. These editions were a significant milestone as they standardized the text and facilitated wider access to this crucial Jewish religious text. 

New Book

 

All Time Publications

 

To assess the literary richness of various languages, the following data was obtained with the help of AI searches:

Chinese: China has one of the largest publishing industries in the world, with estimates of several million titles in various genres, including traditional and simplified Chinese

Spanish: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, and there are millions of published works, including novels, academic works, and non-fiction.

English: Over 2 million books have been published.

Arabic: Estimates vary, but likely over 1 million

Hindi: The Hindi language has a growing number of publications, with estimates in the hundreds of thousands to over a million titles, covering literature, education, and more.

French: Approximately 1 million titles.

German: Around 1 million titles.

Latin: Hard to quantify due to historical texts, but several hundred thousand.

Greek: Similar to Latin, with several hundred thousand texts, including ancient and modern.

Japanese: Japan has a rich literary tradition, and there are hundreds of thousands of books published in Japanese, encompassing manga, literature, and academic works.

Italian: There are hundreds of thousands of published works in Italian, including literature, academic texts, and more.

Modern Hebrew: Since the revival of the Hebrew language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there has been a significant increase in Hebrew publications. Estimates suggest that there are over 100,000 published works in modern Hebrew, encompassing literature, academic texts, and non-fiction.

Ancient Hebrew: This includes religious texts like the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and various other ancient writings. The number of distinct ancient texts is limited, likely in the thousands.

 

 

 

The Monotheistic God – the street view

 

The concept of God in the various scriptures also seems to be influenced by the aspirations of their followers except in Qur’an whose original revealed text has been preserved. The comparison, which is a personal opinion based on observation of attitudes and expressions of the adherents is as follows:

The Jews seem to think of God (Yahweh) as a desert wandering shrewd businessman who made many deals with individuals whom he thought could build Empires for him and controlled his subjects by making them oppress each other and by causing disasters. The European money changers turned Israelites believe that by including forgeries in Torah they have obtained lien of all the world’s riches and rendered God worthless and useless so that they are free to commit any injustice or crime. Interestingly enough Verse 19:3 of Exodus clearly differentiates between The House of Jacob and the Children of Israel ho migrated from Egypt. (Model of Colonialism)

Gods address to the congregation of Moses seems to be the only divine instruction to the faithful in the Torah. Although in Torah many Biblical characters are said to have met God in person (probably in the presence of the narrators), there is no description of God anywhere in any of the books.

The six-pointed hollow Star of Devid is the symbol of Judaism, but on close examination it turns out to be two triangles tangled together in different ways by different artists.

The popular Christian concept of God is of a Playboy in the Penthouse of heaven who briefly visited the earth to immaculately impregnate Virgin Mary and then left his loved woman and innocent son at the mercy of the Romans. Desperate sinners are still clinging to the replica of Jesus nailed to a cross , hoping that on the day of judgment he will regain freedom and conquer God’s throne and send all his followers ( faithful or pretenders) to paradise for nothing.  (Model of Capitalism)

According to the book of Luke (a Turkish contemporary of Jesus who apparently witnessed or has a vision of the event) in New Testament, Jesus was sired by the Arch Angel on behalf of God and ordained to be called Son of God through Mary, a married woman who was still a virgin. Hence, the concept of Trinity and the catchy slogan of Father Son and Holy Ghost, as well as reverence for Virgin Mary. The Sermon on the mount appears to be the only divinely inspired text in the New Testament.

Christianity is symbolized by the Cross which looks like a plus sign with a downward extended column, and denotes the sentiment associated with the crucifixion of Jesus son of Mary by the Romans.

Allah is the Muslims' preferred name for God. After centuries of bickering on its semantics, Muslim scholars decided that the word Allah is a proper noun, rather than a derivative of the word elah which means master, object of worship, sustainer etc., and collectively represents all the 99 attributes, qualities or properties mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Allah’s act of creation includes the imparting of properties to basic neutral matter that define the existence of an element or object – living or nonliving. The Quan is supposed to contain a complete code of civilized life. Unfortunately, many Muslim communities have transgressed from the idealistic to materialistic philosophies borrowed from other local religions and started worshipping all sorts of objects from the stone of the Kaaba to the graves of assumed saints.

The Crescent was used by the Ottoman Caliphs to symbolize Islam. It may represent the lunar calendar used for Muslim religious observances which rotate over the seasons due to the difference in length of solar and lunar years. The crescent with or without the star also denotes love and hope.

 

Lexicons for Sacred Texts

 I asked AI when the first same language dictionaries of greek, latin, hebrew and arabic were published. The following is the reply:

The first same-language dictionaries for Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Arabic were published at different times in history:

1. **Greek**: The first Greek dictionary is often attributed to the works of **Apollonius Dyscolus** in the 2nd century AD, but it was not a comprehensive dictionary as we know today. The first complete Greek dictionary is considered to be **"Etymologicum Magnum,"** compiled in the late Byzantine period (around the 10th century).

2. **Latin**: The first Latin dictionary is often associated with **"Glossae"** (glossaries) that appeared in the early medieval period. However, a significant early Latin dictionary is **"De Etymologiae"** by **Isidore of Seville** in the 7th century. The first comprehensive Latin dictionary, akin to modern dictionaries, was **"Dictionarium"** by **Petrus de Vinea** in the 13th century.

3. **Hebrew**: The first comprehensive Hebrew dictionary is credited to **Rabbi David Kimhi** (also known as Radak), who wrote **"Sefer ha-Shorashim"** in the 12th century, focusing on Hebrew roots. However, earlier works like **"Mikhlol"** by **Moses ibn Ezra** in the 11th century also contributed to Hebrew lexicography.

4. **Arabic**: The first comprehensive Arabic dictionary is typically considered to be **"Kitab alAyn"** (The Book of the Eye) by **Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi**, completed in the 8th century. 

This dictionary organized words based on their phonetic root structure.

These dictionaries represent significant milestones in the development of lexicography for their respective languages

POTUS STATS

 Total US presidents till Jan. 2025.    46

Early profession of US presidents.
Lawyer.  22
Teacher.  6
Soldier  ..5
Business.   4
Eng/Surv.    2
Farmer.    2
Tailor.   2
Actor.     1
Public office.   1
Editor.    1
Vice presidents
who became president.     13

All blogs 05-12

 

The Valley of Death

 

Almost everywhere the life and training of soldiers and cadet is glorified to ensure that young men and women will continue to join this dangerous profession. 

The universal motto of a soldier can be summed up as, “kill the enemy without asking any question and do not regret it”. That is how wars have been won since time immemorial. Those who need the military for their survival, it is bravery, discipline, and pride.

However, in a world of changing realities, both real and virtual, one must do a ruthlessly realistic analysis of the soldier’s training.

By virtue of his training based on professional necessities،, a soldier or cadet develops three distinct character traits.

1.    1.   Has no respect for human life. The instinct of mercy has to be erased to ensure that he will not hesitate before shooting the enemy. He should even kill unarmed civilians without hesitation if ordered to do so.

 

2.       2.  Obeys orders against his better judgment.

I quote what Tennyson wrote about one hundred seventy years ago:

“Forward, the Light Brigade!”

Was there a man dismayed?

Not though the soldier knew  

Someone had blundered. 

Theirs not to make reply,

 Theirs not to reason why,

 Theirs but to do and die.

 Into the valley of Death

 Rode the six hundred.

 

Yes. All units and all soldiers must act according to specific orders meant for them as they form parts of a larger plan. If everyone acted on his own judgement, the planning would fail. So, it seems pertinent to condition the soldiers and officers to wait for orders and blindly obey them without thinking whether it is right or wrong. A soldier or officer cannot afford any original thinking.

3.     3.   Does not take responsibility for his actions. A soldier is likely to be court marshalled and even shot dead for not obeying orders. Which means that everything a soldier does is effectively in self-defence. So, the conscience of a soldier must be crushed to such a degree that he does not regret any of his actions and hesitate in repeating them.

This is all very good as long as officers and soldiers are dedicated to military duties related to armed offence or defense against an enemy. But what would happen if such a person is placed in a civilian administrative position? How will a department perform if its head did not have respect for human life, could not take decisions but waited for orders and finally did not take responsibility for his actions? The simple answer is disaster. The department would become dysfunctional.

This is exactly what has happened in countries that have seen long periods of military dictatorships during which civilian institutions were intensely infiltrated by active-duty and retired military personnel. The bureaucracy and police got totally corrupted and crippled, and anti-government feelings became common trait. Worse still, the political scene came to be dominated by lackeys and cronies of the military dictators. Now, no amount of foreign assistance can restore the crumbled economy unless the active and retired servicemen are completely flushed out of the entire system and the state within the state is demolished.

 .