JOB: Analyst/Engagement Specialist (FARSI OR URDU)
January 21, 2010
Analyst/Engagement Specialist (FARSI OR URDU)
Minimum Education: BA or BS degree (international relations, journalism,
social science preferred) or a certification in information technology.
Advanced degree is a plus.
Minimum Experience: 5 years of relevant experience in academia, journalism,
or strategic communications. At least two years experience planning and
executing grassroots organizing or marketing strategies in social media
environments. Years spent in post-graduate education can be applied against
this five-year requirement.
Description: Analysts / Engagement Specialists (SAES) provide target
audience assessment services of foreign language Web, social media and
consumer generated media sites. Prepare various periodic products based on
the analysis of open sources media (print, radio, video, and/or internet)
from foreign countries. SAES conduct statistical and association analysis
of events, activities, people and groups based on specified requirements and
parameters. SAES conduct media mapping to determine pertinent media sources
in identified countries, the leanings of that media source (liberal or
conservative, pro- or anti-American, etc.), target audiences for the media,
etc. They conduct key communicator analysis to determine the identity,
leanings, and target audiences. SAES will engage as required
person-to-person, person-to-group, and person-to-publication services in
on-line web forums, blogs, and other social media venues.
Foreign Language: Applicants must have a DLPT equivalent score of 3/3 for
Farsi or Urdu. Successful candidates will also possess strong English writing
skills.
Location: Positions immediately available in Seattle, the Washington, D.C.,
and Tampa. Some travel may be required.
Clearances: Applicant must be a US citizen and eligible for a clearance. Top
secret Clearances preferred.
Availability: Currently interviewing and hiring for positions that
will be available by February 2010.
Please contact with your resume or contact info here:
nasiraziz@pakaffairs.com
Al-Qaeda doesn’t exist?
December 28, 2009
In lieu of what is happening in Pakistan these days and somewhat of a parallel scenario towards fabricated front organizations by special interest groups or organizations, this video by BBC is a good refresher. Watch it and then ponder what is happening in Pakistan and how the fabricated splinter groups claim responsibilities for attacks within Pakistan and its neighbours to shape the decisions and policies.
Also it appears that Al-Qaeda has moved its base to Yemen now, lets see what transpires there eventually? Is Saudi Arabia the next target for chaos? Is KSA under threat from its own people and a new strategy is being hatched to silence its “poor” people yet again in order to maintain the status quo?
From Afghainstan to Iraq to Pakistan and now in Yemen!
You can draw a lot of similiarities to TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan), the “Pakistani Taliban”. Just watch it and make your own opinion:
Enough is enough! Zardari resign NOW please…
October 15, 2009
It’s about time that the people of Pakistan realized that the current government is not working in the interests of Pakistan and its sovereignty. Ongoing terror attacks, blame game, politicking, and no comprehensive strategy to curb this downward spiral that the country is going through is making Pakistanis really nervous and sick and tired of the situation. Not to mention the on-going inflation, price hikes in just about every item that you can buy and hoarding of wheat, sugar and what not by the traders is not helping a common man there.
This increasing instability and Pakistan being labeled as a failed state is not fair to its hardworking people who definitely do not deserve this. If anything we have to blame ourselves for letting this Zardari government and its minions run the state’s affairs and compromising Pakistan’s sovereignty on daily basis. They have definitely been not shy about taking orders from the US government and at times encouraging that to save their powers and special privileges that they enjoy at the moment.
If the drone attacks are helping the country then please convey it to the people of Pakistan. If the government has allowed the use of drones to attack inside the Tribal Belt of Pakistan then say so. Pakistani people are not stupid or idiots that you have to hide your arrangements with the foreign powers. If it helps the country and you have a case, please do tell rather than making fake statements in the media against the drone attacks and then letting it happen. Its increasingly making the government look like patsies and untrustworthy. Plus special arrangements with the US Army and other forces is not a bad idea if it really helps fix our militant and terrorism problem. It just needs to be conveyed and the people have to be taken into confidence. Rather our sitting government resorts to stupid and failed methods in conveying their weaknesses and problems. Let’s admit it and make an effort to fix it as a nation. But NO, that is too much to ask for I suppose.
The PPP Government, especially its “officers” who have hijacked the party think it’s still the 70’s where they can lie to its people and get away with it. This is NOT the 70’s. With open communications and web technologies utilizing social media nothing is hidden anymore. Every step of theirs is reported and displayed to the world as it happens.
I am not against or for any party but for the record Pakistan has shown better position under military rule sadly enough. It’s because our “leaders” have failed in their jobs and have consistently throughout the history displayed self-interest while increasingly compromising Pakistan’s sovereignty. Military rule is definitely not a good option for us but that needs to be proven by our stupid leaders. A civilian government which enjoys the military support and if both the parties can agree on the stated agenda and mandate will prove to be good enough for starters. It doesn’t matter what party or party alliance sits or runs the government.
For now due to obvious horrible track record of the incumbent government of Zardari, it is clear that things are not headed in the right direction. As mentioned above the on-going problems demand for immediate resignation of “President” Zardari and his minions in the government including Pakistan ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani, and interior dumb minister Rehman Malik. These people have done more damage to the country than good. As they say the leaders of the country are a true reflection of the nation, if we were to prove that then we must realize that these people do not represent us and nor are a reflection of us.
We must take actions to show that we are not for these people. Let’s use all the tools we have available to us to convey that message to the government of Pakistan and anyone who supports them. For starters start blogging about it, use Facebook and spread the message, use Twitter and Tweet about your discontent.
I have started a HashTag campaign #ZardariResign to convey my feelings. Please join the campaign and let’s get the word out. Let’s flood the Twitter with our message. Let’s show the world that we care and we want change, REAL change. If Pakistan has to play “democratic” then this is the first step. Disrupt the status-quo and get what we demand.
If you don’t have Twitter account, please go get one here: http://www.twitter.com
Learn how to use it and get on it and join the cause.
Peace!
Nasir Aziz
nasiraziz@pakaffairs.com
Exposing Pakistani Traitors – Nazir Naji
May 18, 2009
Nazir Naji, a very senior and “respected” journalist in disguise shows his true colors. This SOB is thrashing and threatening a junior investigative journalist in a very insulting and unprofessional manner. This is in URDU. People who worship this journalist, please get familiar with him:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Is this how a senior journalist suppose to respond with such language? The junior journalist shows good professionalism while staying calm through Nazir Naji’s abusive insults. My goal is to expose all these bastards one by one who are fooling my country and its people.
My question to Nazir Naji is that if he was a junior journalist, wouldn’t he have not posed questions to subjects for investigative stories? Naji acts as if he is a god and demands respect from a junior person – just like how the feudal policticians in Pakistan behave. Is this how he is setting example for the new journalists to come? Since he himself is a journalist he should have known better how this works and should have stayed in his senses – if he has any left.
Naji is a sell-out journalist who is not used to this new wave of how things work. He doesn’t realize that every one is a journalist these days leaving him with no monopoly over this anymore. Blogs and other consumer generated media exist just for that very reason, reasons and technology that Naji has no clue about or has control over. He was and still is a lapdog for feudal politicians of Pakistan who feed him bones while he wags to his masters by writing in their favor and anyone who paid him a dollar – no matter who! The way he is bashing the journalist is probably how he was treated in the past and now he is taking it out on this poor guy.
Please send emails and tell him how you feel about his outbursts. He deserves no respect and needs to be taught a lesson soon.
Appeal to support displaced Swat People
May 9, 2009
While the military operation against the barbaric Taliban animals is in full swing in Swat Valley, the migration of locals is taking a toll on the government and the people effected by this necessary and hopefully the final decisive operation. Temporary migration of these people is important for the safety of locals while reducing the potentially unfortunate collateral damage. The ones who need to be destroyed and killed are the Talibans, that must go on till the end.
I personally am requesting all the able Pakistanis living in Pakistan or abroad to fully support the Swati people who are being effected with this necessary operation. Also I request that we fully support the Pakistan Armed Forces and stand by them to help achieve this gruesome task that we face as a nation. Lets not dwell in the past, lets just remove our differences and move forward as one.
For now we shall support these displaced people to help them go through this tough times they are going through by helping them in any way we can, monetarily, camps, supplies, medicines, volunteering and whatever else is necessary. Whoever is involved with these crisis as a volunteer or through any connection, please identify to us the areas we can help in, like NGOs, organizations (secular), etc who are taking part in direct support. Please leave comments with as much information as you can by properly identifying the requested information.
Also the next phase of support will be rebuilding and rehabilitation of displaced Swat people. I’d personally like to know the plans and how can we all contribute? Also for the moment I am willing to extend as much help in any way even beyond my means. I remember how Pakistanis rose up after the Earthquake of October 2005, hopefully the same happens this time again.
Thank you…
APPEND: Chowrangi has a good list of ways you can help:
http://www.chowrangi.com/swat-crisis-internally-displaced-persons-idps-in-pakistan-need-our-help
I was watching this GEO TV show “Meray Mutabik” hosted by “Dr.” Shahid Masood regarding Swat problem, Zardari visit to the US and interview with Imran Khan, leader of Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan.
First of I hate it when Shahid Masood asks the question that if Americans are happy with the Swat operation? What in the HELL is he talking about? And he was not even being sarcastic, he meant what he was saying – idiot! This is our problem, our issue and we will take care of it – why do you have to bring Americans and other parties into this? Stupid characters like him confuse the already confused people. What an ass he is! Talibans are terrorizing the locals and acting like animals, is that not so visible to this stupid person?
Imran Khan is yet another disappointment. He plays the fear factor and moans and bitches about the government policies, regardless of the government. He is comparing the Swat operation with Hitler’s Third Reich fear factor – come on man, we know the history also – there is no comparison here! Plus we are not afraid of Taliban, just frustrated because we don’t agree with their ugly beliefs and do not want them around anymore – their atrocities are real and can be seen for real, so do not tell us that the fear is being manufactured. Although the western fears that they are capable of taking over Pakistan and its nukes are definitely far fetched – a discussion for another day.
Imran complains a lot without offering any solutions. He says that locals in Swat are being effected with this operation – not shit Sherlock! We already know that! They were suffering and were being terrorized by the Talibans but NO, he doesn’t mention that conveniently. Where was he when Talibans were butchering the local people and acting like animals? I would like to hear his proposal to address this problem? Or is he oblivious to all this? Also he blames everything on US and others for Pakistan’s problems. We may have some issues there, not saying there is no involvement at all, but lets hear some solutions man!? Quit talking about it, do something instead! I find his thoughts a bit irresponsible. Dr. Shireen Mazari, can you help this fellow a bit? Imran was better off as a world class cricketer, this is not working out well for him. He may mean well but he comes across as a bit naive.
Just to be fair, his remarks and concerns regarding Baluchistan have weight. We can not ignore what’s happening there and hopefully there is some plan to crush the source and their anti-state insurgent elements. Its a complex issue beyond the scope of this writing.
One thing we need to realize is that the Afghan war has long spilled over into Pakistan and all the garbage a.k.a Taliban has ended up in my country. This has become our war, lets not discuss its ownership anymore. Its in front of us – we need to fight it back and push the garbage back over to Afghanistan and let the Americans and their war sort them out over there. Ideally all the Talibans need to be killed beyond recognition but I do not want even their ugly dead bodies in my country. They need to be shipped out to Afghanistan and need to be killed there. America, you are so mighty and powerful, we will send you your shooting targets back into Afghanistan – where you are waging your war. Can you handle that without blaming Pakistan as terror central? You are not in Afghanistan to grow poppy right? Sort these bastards out and do us both a favor! Now we want you to DO MORE!
[NOTE: There are several versions of Taliban, the good, the bad and the ugly. The ones in Swat are the Ugly ones with outside support. Google it.]
Anti-Taliban wave has begun within Pakistan?
May 1, 2009
A few days ago I wrote about Secularibans , a wishful thinking on my part that the recent Taliban activity within Pakistan ought to wake up its sensible voices and get them out on the streets making their views be heard. Also a rebuttal to Hillary Clinton when she pretty much eluded that Pakistanis are not worried about the Taliban problem in Pakistan and are not willing to do something about it. Not that she has any influence over Pakistanis or if Pakistanis would react to it, the movement and the voices already exist, something many outside of Pakistan are not aware of I suppose.
Essentially Talibans have invoked the people, as I had hoped, who typically are a silent majority. Although this is just the beginning but the frustrated educated and sensible people of Pakistan who mostly stay quiet and not show their emotions finally had it and are coming out on the streets. Here is a little show of what’s going on as reported by CNN. CLICK HERE to see the report.
Taking on the Taliban 3:02
Moderates, writers, intellectuals and musicians struggle against the Taliban in Pakistan. CNN’s Ivan Watson reports.
More signs of Pakistan Government’s coming Collapse?
April 30, 2009
Today General David Patraeus commander of U.S. Central Command has said that the next two weeks are critical to determining whether the Pakistani government will survive.
“The Pakistanis have run out of excuses” and are “finally getting serious” about combating the threat from Taliban and Al Qaeda extremists operating out of Northwest Pakistan, the general added.
Recent comments by the U.S. President Obama during his presidency’s 100th day press conference pretty much threw President of Pakistan under the bus while propping up Pakistan Army.
It appears that Obama Administration is getting increasingly frustrated with Pakistan Government’s casual business under current circumstances while hoping for Army to get involved directly to curb the Taliban problem. Seems like the foreign governments are more concerned about Pakistani people than its own government.
Regardless of what the U.S. thinks, I personally am getting frustrated with the current Pakistan Government myself. I am not a big fan of top level personalities but was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and for them to prove to me and people like me wrong – what could have been a breath of fresh air. But it is increasingly apparent that my wishful thinking and fake optimism is about to dissipate, although not surprising.
Pakistan Government’s inaction and its lack of effort to take its people under confidence is utterly pathetic. People of Pakistan seem to have waken up and are coming out on the streets against Taliban and governments inaction. The problem is not just Talibans but it is multi facetted and complex – but none discussed publicly?
The talking heads, especially the political party leaders and the members are coming on Pakistani TV channels regularly discussing the problems, conspiracies, laying blame here and there and whining. I yet have to see any one of them offer up a solution or government’s plans to rid us of this spiraling chaos. Aren’t they part of the government? Shouldn’t they be talking about this among themselves in the National Assembly and proposing some fixes etc. Why are they bitching about this on the media? Why why?
Also I have noticed that the TV hosts especially on GEO TV seem to find comfort from what people outside of the country and non-Pakistanis have something positive to say about Pakistan? What the hell?
Anyway, I am getting more and more convinced that something is about to happen in Pakistan pretty soon as far as the government is concerned. Zardari’s coming U.S.visit will probably set the stage, he’d probably be asked to step aside and let the Army come in and take over, or something of the sort.
If the civilian or “democratic” governments of Pakistan, whether past or present, were strong enough and had any influence over the federation, I am all for it. I do not think Pakistan Army should be in the business of running political affairs of the country. But then again the civilian governments don’t leave me with any choice or any reason for not to support the Army’s interference. This is a discussion for another day… and shall be discussed!
New Military Coup coming?
April 27, 2009
To me it appears that another Military Coup against the Government of Pakistan is in the making right now. US’ Admiral Mullen’s frequent visits, Taliban problem and Pakistan Army’s reluctance to engage with Taliban are all signs of setting the incumbent government up for failure and an excuse for Military takeover.
CNN’s Barbara Star is inferring the same from after talking to Admiral Mullen who has been visiting Pakistan frequently recently and other developing situations in the region and within Pakistan. Has the current Pakistani government reached its height of incompetence in addressing Pakistan’s major issues?
If the new Military coup occurs, I am pretty sure it will be attributed to Zardari’s failed government and internal party revolt and rift culminating to playing dirty with the opposition, especially the Chief Justice issue and Sharif brothers. I think the writing is on the wall right now and the current situation vouches for a drastic change, yet again. In hind site, Zardari’s government has been governing with an iron hand, nothing different from supposed military style. I rather have Army’s government in this case. Too bad People’s Party of Pakistan has been hijacked by this incompetent feudal person.
Military might install a favorable government instead of a full on coup. Is Musharraf in the picture? Right now it’s a wait and see moment. What do you think?
Talibans invoking Secularibans: A blessing in disguise?
April 26, 2009
This is my effort to create hope from seemingly a hopeless situation in Pakistan, so here we go…
The recent Pakistani Swat Valley and Buner area fiasco has underscored something very important: serious lack of education, justice and rural development in Pakistan. And this is the exact same premise Talibans are winning the hearts and minds of the neglected people of Pakistan. Based on what I heard from people and the ones under the influence of Talibans, interestingly enough no one is seriously concerned abut Shariah, Islamic law, or of the sorts – Talibans are promising them what the State of Pakistan has the responsibility to do all along. Due to the negligent and irresponsible previous governments or leaders [Insert your blamed party or regime name here], the lack of basic infrastructure has become an issue of National Security- imagine that! We thought we need nukes, guns and tanks for the protection of our nation – granted the conventional warfare machinery is necessary but how did we manage to ignore the basics of our national security?
What I am saying is nothing new, we knew it all along, we whined and bitched about it but then that development was not the highest priority due to other geo-political and conventional threats that succumbed Pakistan and made it to look the other way, the same has now become a menace to its existence.
For a poor and developing country that went through a series of hardships in its short but violent history since existence, yes at least some credit is definitely due. But now we have to move on…
I wouldn’t flatter Talibans by categorizing them as a major threat to Pakistan’s existence, although as a blessing in disguise I’d say that they have become the driving force for a new Pakistani ideology: Secularibans! Yes, I may have coined this new term and yes it does have a meaning, and for that meaning to be clear look at the history of Talibans. If you exclude the convoluted interpretation of Islam that Talibans were operating upon and anything related that they were doing including treatment of women, I must say other than that they have done a great job as socialist type of bunch. So here is the formula:
Taliban – Theology = Seculariban
Now to give them credit aside from having a twisted ideology, they were able to form a strong and well disciplined organization that took control over 90% of Afghanistan after Russians pulled back military and Americans morally. The power vacuum and non-existence of a plan for post-war Afghanistan bred this group and whoever was willing to help them financially, and in this case Osama bin Laden. Both subscribed to similar ideology hence the perfect allies and definitely allies in need of each other. Their alliance is a whole different discussion that can be googled about to obtain a wealth of information. I feel like I am digressing here, so back to the point:
What Talibans were able to achieve:
- Mujahedeen (aka Taliban) were instrumental in Russian Defeat and paving the way for the US to become a sole super power.
- Brought law and order in war torn Afghanistan after a long Russian Occupation.
- Reduced tribal leaders’ roles to mere nothing, hence taking away their influence and power
- 90%+ eradication of poppy from once the top narco-state of the world. Something Mexican and American militaries haven’t been able to do in Latin America. And now Afghanistan has again assumed the top narco-state status after American/NATO occupation.
- Quick and speedy trials and justice. Although some of their methods were controversial, but the results speak for themselves.
- Ability to enforce laws based on ideology, meaning no beard shaving, no music, etc. Although I don’t agree with their ideology and their means to bring about law and order, but I would commend them at least on the discipline and ability with which they were able to do that. Stress is on ability and discipline mind you.
- Reduced smuggling across borders and severe punishments if caught.
- Ability to govern the State without having a formal State Apparatus and Institutions. Almost like in a loosely coupled but affective methodology.
Now if we take all the good by Talibans minus all the convoluted religious views, we can have Seculribans. It would be nice to carve out a new revolution in Pakistan by its youth and like-minded players in power that needs to go beyond from talking about it to execution mode. If Talibans can do this then why can’t we do it? Having respect for human rights, liberties, belief and social justice as the premise of this new ideology, in my opinion a disciplined grass roots revolution can take place that can aim for fixing our basic problems and reduce the national security threat. Previous and incumbent Governments of Pakistan have proved to be irrelevant and have demonstrated that they assert no real power. The human development, social justice, opportunities, economic development and the rest is in Pakistani peoples hands. We can’t just sit and wait for the government to do it all. They have no resources nor the vision to do it. We can either bypass the government or voluntarily enable it to work for us. If we long for something, that in essence is our vision and that in turn should dictate our actions to get what we want.
Listen to people under Taliban, see what they are saying and what they like. Since most of them belong to suppressed and mostly uneducated sector of our society, their religious views maybe influenced by Talibans. But if they are provided with opportunities, proper education and awareness their views will change in favor of what conforms to the majority of what the Pakistanis want.
Pakistan doesn’t need military aid, Pakistan needs technical and human development aid. We need to invest in our people and our infrastructure, that is the only way that can bring about a positive change in Pakistan. When the real power is among the people and they establish their goals and work towards them, the other shortages can be addressed by the people we invest in who in turn will contribute to the development and security of the nation, its people and its regional security, interests and possibly influence.
Our sincere allies need to realize this. They need to invest in the right areas and sectors of Pakistan. Any positive and wise investment and help should weigh in the bigger picture rather than small and quick gains. Pakistan is a vibrant economy, has lots of existing and serious numbers in potential consumers – imagine if can enable most of them to be the real consumers. Sky is the limit. But enablement is the task that we have to aim for.
Living beyond our means and reproducing irresponsibly can and has contributed risk to our national security and existence. Think about it?
I hope I am not dreaming, but then again it starts with a dream…
