Author Archives: Razi Azmi

Swahili, socialism, slavery and superstition – I

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Razi Azmi

Nyerere and “socialism” gave Tanzania a modicum of stability, peace, dignity and international standing that were sadly lacking in the neighbouring countries.  Tribalism and tribal violence do not stalk Tanzania as they do the countries around it. 

Posted in Travelogues | 7 Comments

Terror in Timbuktu

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Razi Azmi

France has been choosing its battles wisely, unlike the Americans who get into unjustifiable and unnecessary “shock and awe” wars that tend to become interminable tales of body counts and body bags

Posted in Current Affairs | 3 Comments

No, Minister!

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Razi Azmi

The history of Muslims spilling Muslim blood is nearly as old as Islam itself. Mankind’s propensity for violence afflicts not just Muslims. It was not too many centuries ago that Christians were tortured and burned alive by their own after … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 8 Comments

Long march – short span, big spin

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Razi Azmi

Like all things Pakistani, including the country’s name itself, the “laang march” is deceptive, for it is neither long nor even a march of boots or bare feet.  Our “laang marches” are a very absurd and pathetic imitation of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 7 Comments

People, politics, power and policy

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Razi Azmi

But whereas thuggery operates against the will of the majority by intimidation, lobbies and interest groups can only succeed within a congenial and sympathetic, or at least a neutral and apathetic, public opinion, not against it.

Posted in Current Affairs | 7 Comments

Blood and tears in Garden of Eden – II

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Razi Azmi

Perhaps this was a barb at the state of lawlessness in the country and the region at large, where anyone with authority or a gun (or a machete) can interpret the law as he pleases. 

Posted in Travelogues | 2 Comments

Blood and tears in Garden of Eden – I

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Razi Azmi

Entebbe airport, just over 30 km from Kampala, is quite small and unremarkable, except that it is associated with one of the most remarkable peacetime hostage rescue missions in history.  The old terminal building, only a hundred meters or so … Continue reading →

Posted in Travelogues | 2 Comments

Coming to terms in Uganda

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Razi Azmi

It is one of the great natural spectacles of the world, when over a million wildebeests and hundreds of zebras and Thomson’s gazelles join them.  It is a feast for the eyes for tourists and a real feast for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Travelogues | 5 Comments

From Kisumu to Kampala

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Razi Azmi

It was in western Kenya, in the village of Ndhiwa not far from Kisumu, where the uncrowned king of polygamy lived out his flamboyant life.

Posted in Travelogues | 1 Comment

Divisive nature of religious agenda

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Razi Azmi

While most religions keep to themselves, Christians and Muslims are in a dead-heat competition to convert whoever they might lay their hands on and no matter where.  As a result, the disaster I was able to avert for myself has … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 5 Comments