Trudeau's Washington Visit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office in November 2015 and carries one of the most famous names in Canadian political history. His late father Pierre Trudeau was prime minister for the better part of 16 years (1968-1984); he remains the rare Canadian politician who is recognized in America. The late prime minister was Canada’s greatest PM next to John A. Macdonald; he visited both Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon. He took Canada onto the world stage, defeated separatism, and repatriated the constitution and created Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s state visit to Washington was the first in 19 years; his following of his father’s footsteps is impressive indeed. Beyond doubt, Canada and the United States are uniquely inter-related as two sovereign countries of North America that are sharing the longest border; they are reliant on mutual trade, economic prosperity and border security. Despite a number of differences, they stand as an example of inter-dependence and mutual co-operation for the world to follow as the best model. However, there are still some gaps needing to be bridged by the two democracies. Trudeau’s recent visit to Washington has opened doors for improving the prevailing atmosphere of mutual understanding for the benefit of the people on both sides of the border and for the rest of the World of course. “Whether we’re charting a course for environmental protection, making key investments to grow our middle class, or defending the rights of oppressed peoples abroad, Canada and the US will forever collaborate in partnership and good faith.” (Justin Trudeau) Mr. Trudeau wants to ensure the issues of contention between the U.S. and Canada are resolved amicably at the working level on a daily basis. Since the visit was about securing Mr Obama’s goodwill to help Mr. Trudeau to advance his environmental agenda, some agreements of vital importance took place. Outcome of the Washington meeting at a glance: •The leaders agreed to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 per cent below 2012 levels by 2025 and pursue related international commitments through the G20. •Both countries committed to reduce the use and emissions of hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) and promised to “propose new actions in 2016.” •The two countries also plan to provide increased financial support to help developing countries reduce HFCs. •The leaders reaffirmed a commitment to work toward a second phase of aligned greenhouse gas emission standards for on-road heavy-duty vehicles after the 2018 model year. •The two countries agreed to use “similar values for the social cost of carbon and other GHGs for assessing the benefits of regulatory measures.” •Both leaders expressed a “strong commitment” to reduce emissions from international aviation, through technological and operational advancements, a new carbon standard for airplanes and by adopting in 2016 a “carbon offset measure that will allow for carbon-neutral growth from international civil aviation.” •In the interests of North American energy security, the leaders pledged to integrate and advance clean energy and align energy efficiency standards. •They will also develop a strategy for protecting the North American electricity grid “against the growing threat from cyber-attacks and climate change impacts.” •Trudeau and Obama announced a new partnership on the “changing Arctic,” to expand the protection of land and marine areas, “more broadly and respectfully include Indigenous science and traditional knowledge into decision making,” pursue low-impact shipping routes and adopt a “science-based” approached to oil and gas development. •The two countries agreed in principle to expand customs pre-clearance for passengers to Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto and Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport, as well as to rail service in Montreal and Vancouver. They will also “work to convert existing pre-inspection sites in British Columbia to full pre-clearance” and “explore the conditions necessary for cargo pre-clearance and identify opportunities to pilot this approach.” •The two leaders agreed to establish a “Canada-U.S. Redress Working Group” to deal with complaints about the no-fly list. •Canada and the United States will “fully implement a system to exchange basic biographic entry information at the land border in a manner that respects our separate constitutional and legal frameworks, and protects our citizens’ right to privacy.” •Regarding softwood lumber, the leaders were not able to announce a new agreement on the recurring trade dispute, but officials have been asked to explore options and report back within 100 days on how to address the issue. At the joint press conference after the leaders’ meeting, Obama told reporters progress had already been made and the issue would be resolved “in some fashion,” adding wryly that the eventual solution would be “undoubtedly to the dissatisfaction of all concerned.” •The TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) is a trade deal that Obama is keen to see ratified, and one that the Trudeau government has signed on to but has also committed to consulting Canadians. •“The United States and Canada share the goal of enhancing shared prosperity, creating jobs, protecting workers and the environment, and promoting sustainable economic development. •Recognizing that the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which links together countries that represent nearly 40 percent of global GDP, would advance these objectives, Canada and the United States are working to complete their respective domestic processes.” Trudeaumania: It was noticed that the actual substance of the meetings received less coverage as celebrity flavor of the visiting PM dominated throughout his tour. Greatly Admired: World Bank President Jim Kim saluted his work on climate change and Syrian refugees: “We’ve been watching with admiration,’’ he said, as they sat down to meet with officials and ministers at a boardroom table. Also, audiences repeatedly tried drawing him into discussing Donald Trump. He demurred, except to state his own views and share some stories from Canadian politics to suggest campaigning against Muslims can backfire. Conclusion: President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau will have to signal to officials their desire for resolution because the visit was about signaling mutual admiration and securing Mr. Obama’s goodwill to help Mr. Trudeau to advance his environmental and energy agendas abroad and at home. With the Republican win in the coming election, there is no guarantee of the current agreements between the two countries... ____________________________________________________________________________ SOURCES: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca http://speeches.empireclub.org/ www.theglobeandmail.com/ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-obama-agreements- http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/10/us-canada-joint-statement-climate-energy-and-arctic-leadership miraclenews.com

Islam, the Most Misunderstood Religion

By Mian Tariq Javed Arain

Growing anti Muslim hatred continues to be a matter of grave concern for the vulnerable Muslim community all across the globe in general but in the West in particular where Islamophobia keeps on rising. Eyebrows are raised, as the biased media reporting remains highly unprofessional as all ethics are ignored. The partial media is only to blame for misinformation to the audience.

Strategically, the illegitimate business of the organized terrorism has been booming as the robot-like terrorists are more than willing to follow as programmed/ordered. In their non-stop mode, these killing machines tend to stay engaged to keep defaming Islam through their fake practice and love of Islam. That indicates extremism is one issue while the use of extremists by the stake holders for the ulterior purposes is the bigger threat as it endangers the embattled religion.

Avoidance by the broadcast and the print media (main stream) to defuse the nasty crisis is shameful. It amounts to offering a free ride to those who are assigned to sowing anti-Muslim seeds of hatred. If not discouraged now, the image of Islam will continue to deteriorate beyond easy fix.

Despite the debates on the issue of extremism, there is also a painful divide among Muslims regarding coexistence leading to a wide gap between pro-Islam and anti-Islam elements/groups.

The fact is “teachings” of Islam make sense as they are absolutely free from superstitions and irrational beliefs. Most importantly, that is where we are able to learn about (a) Oneness of God (Tauheed), (b) the prophet-hood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger of God Almighty, and(c) the concept of life after death--all are the basic articles of its faith. They are based on reason and sound logic. Beyond doubt, all of the teachings of Islam flow from those basic beliefs and are simple and straightforward.

Everybody may approach the Qur’an directly and translate its dictates into practice. Islam awakens in man the faculty of reason and exhorts him to use his intellect. It enjoins him to see things in the light of reality. The Qur’an advises him to seek knowledge and invoke God to expand his awareness: “Say ‘O, my Lord! Advance me in knowledge’.” (Qur’an, 20: 114)

Again, Islam is a practical religion and does not allow indulgence in empty and futile theorizing. It says faith is not a mere profession of beliefs, but rather that it is the very mainspring of life. Righteous conduct must follow belief in God. Religion is something to be practiced and not an object of mere lip service. The Qur’an says: “Those who believe and act righteously, joy is for them, and a blissful home to return to.” (Qur’an, 13: 29)

The Prophet is also reported to have said: “God does not accept belief if it is not expressed in deeds, and does not accept deeds if they do not conform to belief.” (At-Tabarani)

Religion of moderation:

Islam provides guidance for all aspects of life – individual and social, material and moral, economic and political, legal and cultural, and national and international.

Its teachings are solely for moderation through purifying the believers’ soul; this leads to a quality life where supremacy of right over might and of virtue over vice stands established. Thus, Islam stands for the middle path and the goal of producing a “moral human-being”  for serving the entire Humanity. The Qur’an enjoins man to embrace Islam without any reservation and to follow God’s guidance in all areas of life.

 In other words, Islam clearly states that its objectives are the purification of the soul and the reform and reconstruction of society. As we read in the Qur’an: “We verily sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance, that mankind may observe right measure; and He revealed iron, wherein is mighty power and (many) uses for mankind, and that God may know him who helpeth Him and His messengers, though unseen. Lo! God is Strong, Almighty.” (Qur’an, 57: 25)

Summing up: Islam strongly condemns terrorism in all forms; teachings of Islam reject the playground for the forces of evil everywhere as well. It’s about time to begin the noble work of re-instating the Muslim reputation. Muslim-friendly non Muslims are required to contribute positively.

Efforts will have to be made to raise the needed awareness regarding the importance of coexistence and respect for different cultures and cooperating to end extremism. This is how, the focus is likely to shift towards spreading the true image of Islam known for the tolerant ideology, diverse cultures, architecture, arts and sciences.

Canadians from coast to coast voted against the nasty politics of the Harper era. Re-instating the actual image of Islam will be a step forward for a positive change. This is called democracy. Let's hope our new leader will go for unity among the Canadian communities rather than division.

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Sources:

* islamreligion.com

* file-25-1456413363470641300.jpg KHURSHID AHMAD

*thenews.com.pk/print/101026-Hate-sells-from-India-to-America

*arabnews.com

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