Israel manages to drag US to fight it's war for dominance in Middle East, Iran is again the target

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Let's analyze the situation that has arisen after America and Israel launched fresh attacks on Iran, starting the war in 2026.

Actually, it can be summed up in this sentence: 'Again, Israel manages to drag US to fight a war'. 

That's the hold of Israel on America that it can persuade the superpower to fight for Israel's regional interests. It wants United States of America to do the job and help establish Israel's dominance in the entire Middle East. 

US agrees and attacks Iran. America apparently has no choice but to listen and act when Israel expects something. The cycle continues. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and so on. America is again in the midst of a war that may not end soon. Its image hurt, it devalues itself. Across the world, it is now seen as a puppet of Tel Aviv.

Having said this, the reality is that due to America's support, Israel wields clout. Many countries in Gulf, irrespective of their stand and rhetoric, maintain relations with Israel or are indirectly under the control of US-Israel's axis. They also have American bases.

In Gaza, the same superpower was witness to killings and didn't act despite tens of thousands dying and a large number of them being children.  Over the last few years, certain Middle East nations have preferred to remain silent and were more eager to normalize relations with Israel, even aided Tel Aviv, with supplies and maintaining diplomatic relations.

Israel's nuclear status is never an issue at the international stage. It is not under any pressure or made to declare it's nuclear status or asked to give up its weapons. So much bloodshed took place in Gaza but there was no accountability and the invasion shows that the bloodlust remains even after the death of tens of thousands, a large number of them were children.

US is thousands of kilometers away from America, there is the vast Atlantic ocean in the middle and practically no direct threat but the regime in Tehran is still termed as a threat to America.

One after the other, countries in Middle East have been destroyed. If Israel doesn't like a regime, US media fervently starts a propaganda operation to term the nation as enemy. Of late, Iran, that had refused to be subjugated and remained independent, became the target.

Even a decade ago, American newspapers were publishing reports like 'Iran a few months away from nuclear…'. Despite Iran opening its facilities for inspection and signing agreements, Iran was shown as a threat while Israel's nuclear status is seldom questioned.

In fact, this propaganda goes back to the first decade of the century. It never stops. Media groups are often more than eager to support Israel's version and push its narrative as akin to America's national interest.

In Asia and Africa, the propaganda outlets in New York, Washington and London are increasingly seen as the arms of the Empire and not independent media organizations.

Their aim is to justify any action and demonize any country or leader. From the era of Vietnam to the numerous attempts to change regimes all over the world, this process never stops.

They justified all lies to pave way for justification of US, UK and allies' attack on Iraq by peddling lies regarding weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

They did in Libya and they do it everywhere. They casually misinterpret a phrase or a statement and deliberately misinform readers to give a false impression about any faraway country that never had any interest in conflict with US, let alone attacking it.

The aim is to control resources, the objective is to establish hegemony and the motto is defeat of any nation doesn't act as per whims of the gang of the powerful countries.

Leaders of the World: Role of Tunku Abdul Rahman in transforming Malaysia in 20th century

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Tunku Abdul Rahman was one of the leading personalities of the twentieth century.

He was a prominent leader within the country and also a statesman at the international stage, apart from prime minister of Malaysia.

The founding father of the country, he played an instrumental role in the birth of the nation after a long period of colonial rule.

He understood the challenges well and brought the diverse communities together, henceforth paving way for a bright future of the people and for the progress of his county.

During the second World War, Japan attacked Malaya and defeated the British. It was in this period that his concern towards his people was visible. Later, he visited London, finishes his law degree and returned.

Once in active politics, he brought UMNO and Malay Chinese Association (MCA) together. The formation of the Alliance was an important step. Tunku was now touring all over Malaya and was gaining in popularity.

The changes were swift during the 1950s. It was an eventful decade. He became president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Later, he went on to become the chief minister and home minister of Malaya.

He led a mission to secure independence from Britain and after attaining freedom, he worked on his way towards formation of the federation of Malaysia. In 1963, Malaysia was created as an independent nation.

Under Tunku's leadership, the Alliance won elections. For a country that was coming out of colonial rule, a visionary leader who was acceptable to all the sections of society, was needed.

He was a leader who fought for his country's independence and later played major role in transforming Malaysia as an important voice on the international stage.

He saw Malaysia as a melting pot of diverse cultures, different races and wished to promote multiculturalism in order to foster harmony and strengthen the country. There were many obstacles in his way. The racial tensions had come to fore in 1969.

But even after relinquishing power, he remained a major figure. He took interest in diverse fields. Also, had a liking for sports, ranging from soccer to golf. Born in 1903, Tunku saw the world change dramatically.

He was witness to the world wars and the end of the empires. Dozens of independent countries had appeared on the world map. He was the man who is credited for laying foundation of the modern Malaysia.

From an administrator in Kedah to the prime minister of Malaysia and a world leader, it was a long journey. Kuala Lumpur was no longer a place to missed on the world map. Tunku was the first secretary general of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC).

Also, he was a key figure in formation of ASEAN--Association of South East Asian Nations. Tunku passed away in 1990. A man who remained active all his life, he is rightly seen as one of the prominent leaders of the world in the twentieth century.

How propaganda is used as a tool to manipulate minds, defame and defeat the opponent: Misusing media to manufacture public opinion

By Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

Propaganda is a big tool and organized propaganda is a mechanism that is used by powerful groups, societies, communities, leaders, rulers, business tycoons and sections, with different aims. 

It is used to weaken an opponent, defeat the adversary or rival. Politics, economics, power and clout, international or national standing, it has an impact on all. 

Certain country or society, race or big group can be blamed or defamed by misuse of media and through negative propaganda. If you constantly relay propaganda, it affects the people..

.. and can even change the opinion of masses. The extent depends on investment in this exercise and the availability of plaint media. Actually, it is such a powerful method that it is used as a tool in statecraft.

If a firm or an entity gets maligned, the reputation is hurt. Similarly, if false news or fake information about a state or a country, a geographical region or a group of people is constantly aired, then it affects both sides. 

People who are blamed, often don't realize that it is not truth, but a planned defamation campaign.  They too start believing and this weakens them. Certain entities and groups have a command over this 'skill' and have mastered the tactics.

Morale can be affected, thoughts can be manipulated and the people may be forced to think about an aspect and take it seriously, though it may not have much truth in reality.

Planned and organized propaganda is used to show a side as progressive, strong and noble or a side as weak, regressive, bad and evil. The constant barrage of misinformation, affects minds. 

Along with media, rumor mongers and professional propagandists, conspiracy theorists and all sorts of people involved in shady acts or dirty tricks may be 'used' to create a false narrative or a discourse that suits the entity that is funding the project to spread propaganda. 

Often the media that is termed as 'mainstream' is also part of it, due to the corporate interests and media house owners' tilt, greed, interest or pressures. Defaming one and praising other over a long time, does change the balance in society. 

Hence, it is important to understand the propaganda and see how media groups might be involved in such practices. A battle may be won or lost, without being fought on the ground, just because of the negative publicity or rumors. 

If your opponent is constantly involved in negative propaganda against you, it may be wrong but people feel that there must be some truth in the charges. When such misinformation comes from multiple places, people are bound to believe it. 

The reason is that through propaganda, a doubt is created in minds. Then people feel, 'there must be some truth, after all, it is being said again and again. Hence, there must be some element of truth'. Over a long period, it becomes an accepted version.

That's the victory of propaganda. But the side that is involved in it, uses money and funds the propagandists. However, other side may not even have basic media, let alone, hiring PR managers or publicity campaigners. 

Always remember that the entities, groups, nations and firms that have media power and also invest in publicity as well as propaganda, use tactics to conquer & crush their rival. Embedded journalism is just one part of it. 

There are lobbies and companies, which offer their services. The agencies that promote a nation or a race, a geographical region or a religion, for a price. But what about those who have no propaganda, in fact, have no stake in media? Truth won't matter. You get defamed &'defeated'.

I may sound 'repetitive' but it must be repeated as it needs to be understood--Drilled in mind! Professional propagandists act with a purpose. They keep circulating falsehood, wild and fake information. But they keep doing it. 

Hence, some people do fall for it and a section feels that there must be some reality, as 'many' are talking about it. That's how propaganda works to some extent. Every society or group has a mechanism to 'say' certain things and has particular aims. Hence, they ensure that they have their media machinery apart from propagandists.

They do their job and even if they don't get success, they manage to create a perception for a section of their own people and a section of others too. The aims could be unethical or nefarious but the world is harsh and the fittest has to use multiple ways to keep self, ahead, while stopping a prospective rival.

The point is that others do and it is not about ethics alone, as propaganda is always part of statecraft. Real point is that do you have own media machinery, its multiple wings or your own propaganda to tackle the professional propagandists of the other side?

Targeting a group or community is rulers' ace strategy to divide masses, turn majority hateful towards minority: Divided society stops asking questions from rulers, US to UK same mindset

Targeting a minority group or any social group is a sure-shot way for ruling party or a ruler to remain in powerful. As society gets divided on religions or racist lines, they are no longer united.

The people see the other groups of same society as 'enemy'. The jealousy, the anger, constant hatred makes them feel that the other group is getting more dominating. They keep comparing and get obsessed. When the society is not united and get addicted to fanaticism or bigotry, they forget asking questions that need to be asked from the government. 

Either America or Britain, both countries are witnessing the same situation. 'Immigrant' or 'Immigration' i.e. race and religion have emerged as key factors in this game. Interests of individual communities are seen, not the entire society and country. 

The fear, scare, propaganda ensures that people remain trapped and are ready to compromise their future due to the narrow mindset and the brainwashing, apart from poisonous views and prejudices spread by media. 

The owners of social media platforms are racist or bigot, having tilt towards right-wing, then you can imagine how easily a narrative can be spread even in countries like United States and England [Britain]. When society is divided, they no longer fix responsibility of leaders and go with the wave. 

Rulers love it when they are not held accountable and the public is more interested in hateful agenda, rather than questioning the ruling class. A few points below to understand how this madness starts and reaches the level of extreme hatred among groups in a society.

1. In many regions, a tried & tested formula is to 'identify' a few smaller groups and be in constant attacking mode against them--blaming them and spreading propaganda against them. 

2. Certain individuals would emerge and repeat lies about the minority group, weave stories and generalize, demonize the latter. More people will start believing it, due to social media.

3. Also, the minorities would be blamed for any and every damn reason, otherized and hated. It gives the local majority and its people a 'reason to live for' & it works as the 'majority' never likes to introspect or take blame for its own failures. 

4. Majority is powerful and owns most of the local, traditional as well as new media. Hence, the prejudiced views against Black or Muslim, Arab or South Asian, African or any group with a different homeland or religion, will go 'mainstream' with ease. Believe it, accept it, as 'everyone' is saying it.

5. The politicians, too, like such rhetoric. It's a majoritarian mindset and the discourse actually borders on fascism as well as fueling bigotry and discrimination.

6. In coming days, I will give examples with data to explain how this happens and how deluded the people can become, in a short span of time. 

7. Hate, xenophobia, racism, worst emotions are directed at certain group of people and in short-term it does unite locals, a section that indeed feels insecure. 

8. Long-term, it damages the country and its society, economy, even those who felt that they were going to benefit and had gained prominence by raising these issues.

9. Offense is the best defense? We have heard and known this sentence, a lot. But, in the last few decades, this phrase has acquired a totally different meaning.

10. It is used as a strategy to deny rights to people, perpetrate injustices and is used as propaganda to create a narrative that completely brainwashes people. 

11. The vast majority starts to feel besieged, gets obsessed with vague ideas and weird fear about future. When a group is identified, it becomes easy for leaders to manipulate public. 

12. If there is any issue and government wants to divert public attention, they have the perfect alternative. They know how public can be made to focus on another issue. They had identified one group earlier, this time other group and next time yet another group. 

Just make your 'influencers' go out and start blaming any section. Media will amplify the hate and all main issues will be forgotten. Governments love such societies that have more interest in hating each other, rather, than asking questions about corruption, huge money transfers, illegal actions and siphoning off funds or other corrupt practices. Who wants jobs or healthcare? Society enjoys the feeling of power when it targets a section. Petty.

This method and the system is replicated again and again, region after region, country after country as people do have a tendency to fall for conspiracy theories.

[Shams Ur Rehman Alavi]