Thoughts in Tangles

It was a scorching summer afternoon in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The year was 1986, and the cricketing world held its breath as Pakistan faced off against their arch-rivals, India. The match had reached a fever pitch, with Pakistan requiring four runs off the final ball to secure victory. Javed Miandad, a stalwart of Pakistani cricket, stood at the crease, his eyes laser-focused on the bowler, Chetan Sharma. The stadium reverberated with tension, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. Sweat trickled down Miandad's brow as he gripped his bat, his heart pounding like a war drum. Sharma, his face etched with determination, charged towards the crease, the crowd's roar deafening in his ears. With a burst of energy, he released the ball, hurtling it down the pitch with a fiery pace. Miandad's mind raced, analyzing the trajectory and timing his swing to perfection. In an instant, the bat connected with the ball, producing a resounding crack that echoed through the stadium...

The war of 1971, a significant event in South Asian history, witnessed the upheaval of families and communities due to conflicting loyalties and ideologies. In this blog post, we delve into the extraordinary account of two brothers, Maj. Gen. Imamuz Zaman and Brigadier Abul Lais Ahmaduz Zaman, whose paths diverged during this tumultuous period. To truly understand the significance of the brothers' contrasting journeys, it is essential to grasp the historical context of the 1971 war. Following the partition of British India in 1947, the region that would later become Bangladesh faced challenges, leading to demands for greater autonomy and self-determination. In the face of widespread suffering and turmoil, Maj. Gen. Imamuz Zaman, a high-ranking officer, made a momentous decision. He chose to defect and join the rebels fighting for self-determination in what would later become Bangladesh. Witnessing the plight of his fellow citizens, Zaman believed in the necessity of a separate nati...

In the annals of history, there are instances where individuals caught in the grip of oppression develop a perplexing psychological bond with their oppressors. This phenomenon, known as Stockholm Syndrome, is often associated with individual hostage situations. However, when examining the impact of colonialism, there are cases where a collective form of this psychological response emerges. Francis Bokassa, a figure from the Central African Republic, exemplifies the complexities of this colonial Stockholm Syndrome, particularly through his extravagant coronation that mirrored his French colonial masters. Born in 1947 in a French-occupied Central African Republic, Francis Bokassa experienced a traumatic separation from his village at the tender age of seven. French soldiers forcibly took him away, thrusting him into the harsh realities of colonial rule. Bokassa was sent to France, where he was cut off from his family and compelled to assimilate into French society. The psychological defe...

In the dark annals of history, one name stands out as a testament to the chilling power and allure of Nazi Germany. That name is Albert Speer. As one of Adolf Hitler's most trusted confidants and the chief architect of the Third Reich, Speer played a pivotal role in shaping the Nazi regime and its grandiose vision. However, what sets him apart from other high-ranking Nazis is his ability to escape the full weight of justice, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in the haunting shadows of his past. Born on March 19, 1905, in Mannheim, Germany, Albert Speer possessed an exceptional talent and passion for architecture that would catapult him into the inner circles of Nazi power. Joining the Nazi Party in 1931, Speer quickly caught the attention of Adolf Hitler himself, who recognized his talent and unwavering loyalty. This propelled Speer into the position of Hitler's chief architect in 1934, affording him the opportunity to turn his architectural dreams into reality. Among Speer'...

Trapped in chains of the past, my existence bound, Agony sits atop the zenith, where sorrows surround. My timid heart besieged in the valley of despair, Reality's weight overthrows courage, leaving it bare. No wish granted by God's creation, it seems, Wounded by the dagger of history, lost in dreams. Ages have passed since wings of glory were unfurled, Once bestowed with exaltation, now weighed on my world. Feathers heavy and stuck to my aged chest, As apprehensions cling, refusing to rest. Shall I praise the claws that once caught with pride? The ones that hunted with honor, no longer stride. Talons, once adorned with flair, have lost their might, A century ago they gleamed, commanding the fight. Veil lifted from memories, my conscience now aware, Of a sermon's wisdom, an elder's heartfelt glare. "Oh creature of God, flight is your sacred duty, The heavens await, your destination of beauty. Integrity holds you firm, preventing your fall, Answer the earth's cal...

In a lighthearted yet politically charged encounter, Erich Honnecker, the President of East Germany, was invited to Moscow by Mikhail Gorbachev for a momentous visit. After weeks of meticulous preparation by Gorbachev, Honnecker finally arrived in the grand capital. As part of the celebratory activities, a magnificent parade through the streets of Moscow was organized, showcasing the unity and strength of the Soviet Union. Amidst the spectacle, Gorbachev seized an opportunity to engage with a young boy watching the parade.  Curiosity gleaming in his eyes, Gorbachev asked the child, "Who is your mother?"  Without hesitation, the child proudly exclaimed, "Mother Russia!"  Gorbachev's next question carried deeper significance as he inquired, "And who is your father?"  With unflinching loyalty, the child replied, "Why, it's you, Uncle Gorbachev!" Erich Honnecker observed this heartwarming scene unfold before him, and it left a profound impres...

In the realm of unforgettable movie characters, there are some that manage to touch our hearts in unexpected ways. One such character is Wilson, the beloved volleyball from the captivating film "Cast Away." In "Cast Away," we witness the extraordinary journey of Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive who finds himself stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash. As Chuck navigates the challenges of isolation and survival, he befriends a volleyball that washes ashore, and thus, Wilson is born. Although Wilson is a mere inanimate object, the relationship that develops between Chuck and this volleyball takes on a life of its own. With a face painted on the ball and a name given, Wilson becomes a surrogate companion for Chuck in his isolated world. Through conversations, laughter, and shared experiences, Wilson provides comfort, solace, and a sense of connection amidst the desolation. What makes Wilson such a compelling character is the way the film portrays the huma...

At sweet sixteen, her smile so bright, I, a bud of shyness, turned out of sight, Exceptional reply, a chance missed, Regret filled my heart as I reminisced. At twenty-five, she kissed her groom, I, a failure, cast in love's gloom, Exceptional stare, face filled with despair, Realizing my thoughts, I was well aware. At thirty-four, in the park she walked, With two kids by her side, they talked, I, a man of silence, lost in thought, Exceptional sigh, my pain unsought. At forty-three, tears flowed, divorced, I, a man bewildered and forced, Exceptional heartache, a world falling apart, Where did it all go wrong, I pondered with a heavy heart. At fifty-two, she vanished from view, I, unsure if I cared or withdrew, Exceptional curiosity, a burning desire, Where did she go, fueled my inner fire. At sixty-one, she sat in dismay, I, an old pa with wisdom's display, Exceptional courage, a smile I bestowed, Finally saying, "Hey!" as our stories flowed.

In the intricate world of Pakistani politics, a remarkable presence has emerged, evoking images of Niccolò Machiavelli and his timeless political philosophy. Known for his seminal work "The Prince," Machiavelli's ideas have transcended time and space, finding an unexpected relevance in the sociopolitical fabric of Pakistan. Today, as we embark on an exploration of this captivating connection, we unravel the subtle strategies and enigmatic smiles that define the state of Pakistani politics. Niccolò Machiavelli, a renowned political philosopher of the Renaissance era, advocated a pragmatic approach to ruling, prioritizing stability and power over conventional moral values. Surprisingly, echoes of his philosophy can be found within the realm of Pakistani politics. In this landscape, the Machiavellian tactics employed by many political actors have become increasingly apparent, fusing realism and pragmatism into a potent concoction. At the heart of Machiavelli's teachings ...