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Business Recorder
a day ago
- General
- Business Recorder
Arrogance of power
Dante in 'Inferno' wrote, 'Pride, avarice and envy are the tongues men know and heed, a babel of despair'. Arrogance is a serious disease of the mind. The onset of arrogance is not sudden or immediate; it like the cancerous cells keeps growing and gnawing slowly but steadily at the divinely blessed innate humane qualities of humility and modesty. The meaning of arrogance is an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions. (Merriam- Webster, dictionary). The unentitlement of any credit taken for any act or trait is actually arrogance. The absence and general lack of self-awareness leads towards arrogant attitude and behaviour — such dilute in their own eyes, their major weaknesses and exaggerate their wrongfully perceived strengths. The cause of vain glory arising out of possessing superior knowledge, wealth, physical attractiveness, piety, family lineage, social status, official designation, etc. is embedded within us. This gives us an inflated sense of importance. It is a negative trait by all definitions and standards. Obsession with self is the first rung on the ladder of arrogance. Once obsessed, modesty departs. The obsession of being good and better is so fulfilling, that such seek no confirmation from others. Self-love is the best inducement for invoking feelings of pride and arrogance. Arrogance is abhorred. There is no society where arrogant behaviour is appreciated or admired. All religions, sects, holy books and scriptures abominate with rebuke, anger and disdain the presence of arrogant traits. Humility is a divorced trait of the arrogant, it is a die-hard foe of arrogance, they refuse to coexist within one person or even the whole society. While it is alright to expect that for standing tall, nobody should have to be at the mercy of endorsement by others; but recognition is best achieved by subtlety than a vociferous announcement. In any case, the praise of another hurts the arrogant. Arrogance is not limited to individuals. In fact, the infectiousness of this ailment is so deep-seated that it envelopes besides individuals entities organisations, societies, nations, cultural values, economic well-being, prosperity, physical appearances, etc. How many nations, societies and tribes, who were extremely powerful and used to insolently, arrogantly with their necks floating in the air roamed upon planet earth stand obliterated today; the sickle of time has mowed down the best and the worst of the arrogant. The element of arrogance in character lends a false feeling of immortality. We conveniently refuse to accept that all shadows lengthen and fade away. Divine Scriptures and Holy Books mention about the Pharaohs as arrogant; so also is the son of Noah and the wife of Lot, and several others, whose fate and end was pitiful and horrifying. As an antidote to this detestation, arrogant leaders are also excellent performers. As hard-task masters they make sure that targets are achieved because failure to do invites their wrath of sudden reprisals. Arrogance of piety is the worst format. The priest, the Mullah from the pulpit in their sermons and the Sadhus in their Bhajans indulge in condemnation of arrogance as a character trait, yet, they are worst examples of pride. They consider themselves holier, hence are disdainful towards others. A superiority complex syndrome attends to their own personalities. This type of arrogance is more harmful to society. Fear the arrogance of the polite and the modest. Their arrogant ways are far more deadlier than the person who declares himself as an arrogant being. The despising of pride and arrogance is a higher degree of arrogant attitude. The declamation of pride is no sign of humility. Arrogance is being haughty and proud. A close cousin is being supercilious, where the individual adopts a cool patronising attitude of haughtiness, reflecting that he or she is better than others. Destruction follows the path of pride, arrogance and superciliousness. The bedrock of arrogance is entrenched in delusional thinking that inspires a feeling of superiority over others. Napoleon Bonaparte (my hero, for many different reasons than arrogance) was so full of himself, his arrogant ways were to the nth level; his ambitious attitude, self-importance, misgivings about being blest by Divinity to rule the world, leading him to Crown himself as the 'Emperor of France'. He ended up, like all arrogant do, dying, a lonely death in the desolate island of St. Helena in the Atlantic. A tragic end of a brilliant man. The arrogant Raza Shah Pehlavi was humbled by a humble person, who lived several thousand miles away in the suburbs of Paris; Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's remark 'I am the Bangla Bandhu' was worth a single soldier's loaded magazine; the arrogant claim 'Dhaka over my dead body' had a life of less than 48 hours; the insolent pride of thumping the table by Gen. Yahya in response to a group of Japanese journalists, who had dared to use the word 'genocide' was humbled by the surrender, that slapped us all so viciously that it still hurts; Indira Gandhi's atrocious arrogance of storming of the Golden Temple was undone by her personally selected bodyguard, Beant Singh, who mercilessly pumped the entire sulphur of his automatic weapon into her. Human history is resplendent with the inglorious end of all and any who possessed even a single grain of arrogance in their behaviour and attitude. Several arrogant leaders in not-too-distant history stood out for their ruthlessness—Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Pol Pot, etc. The common attribute that runs as a thread of continuity is: almost all of them were not only arrogant but ruthless, murderous, unkind, unforgiving, etc. They weren't respected but immensely feared. Arrogance derives power through either de jure means or by the prevalent importance, as exercised, or on a de facto basis. The power of the barrel/ gun is a stark reality of human history since yester years. Leaders who are hoisted not by popular vote but through diabolical means and strategies (Benjamin Netanyahu is a case in point) lack validation. Such leaders rule by arrogance of power, coercion and fear. Israel as a nation has always been full of pride of invincibility. They thought it was proper and right to fly wherever they wished to, across seven seas, to go and hit with impunity other countries. Their arrogance laid to shreds all norms of international laws and civility. That myth has recently been broken—no invincibility but only vulnerabilities—by those who have shown the spine to stand up to the bullying of Netanyahu. The myth of Iron Dome has been busted by Iranian-built missiles. In the current crop of leadership across the globe, Netanyahu and Narendra Modi stand out as the best (worst) examples of arrogant leaders. Both of them are equally guilty of indulging in rampant murder of the innocent. Their political thought and ideology are based on deep-seated hatred against the enemies, real or self-perceived is unimportant. Both have been genocidal in their approaches— massive and insolent indulgence in, rape, loot, murder and plunder of innocent men, women and children. The manifestations and formats of arrogance are several. Those who are articulate and speak well exhibit in their behaviour pride arising out of this advantage over those who cannot; so anybody who even understands that their uniqueness of possessing a certain quality or skill-set is an act of Divinity still bask in public glory as if it is their self-learnt art. Such become perennially arrogant. The meed of deeds, good or evil, is settled many times now, then and there, and in few cases the retribution comes on a delayed basis; but it is usually more lethally destructive. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
CairoScene
17-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Rare Egyptian Vulture Spotted Feeding Its Newborn In AlUla
This wouldn't be the first time an Egyptian vulture made headlines in Saudi Arabia. Could mother vulture secretly be scoping our real estate in AlUla? In what conservationists are calling a "major milestone" and what the chick is calling "hungry," a rare Egyptian vulture has been spotted feeding its newborn in the cliffs of AlUla's Sharaan National Park. This marks the first-ever recorded vulture nest in the area - and possibly the only time a vulture has gone viral for good behavior. The Egyptian vulture, once sacred to Pharaohs and now listed as Endangered by the IUCN (which is like the DMV of endangered species but with more feathers), is a bird of many talents. It's known to use tools, which puts it slightly ahead of most toddlers and several adults on TikTok. It uses rocks to smash eggs, sticks to collect wool, and presumably a spreadsheet to plan its nesting schedule. Experts estimate there are about 50 breeding pairs left in Saudi Arabia. AlUla, however, seems to be leading the comeback tour, with at least three breeding territories recorded this year and up to 10 potentially scoping out real estate. So yes, a baby vulture has hatched. And for once, it's not a bad omen but an ecological win.
Mid East Info
17-06-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
WATCH: Endangered Egyptian Vulture Spotted Feeding Chicks for the First Time in AlUla
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – June 2025: For the first time in the ancient oasis city of AlUla, conservationists have recorded a rare Egyptian vulture feeding its newborn chick in the dramatic cliffs of Sharaan National nest with a healthy two- to three-weeks old chick is the first recorded proof of breeding of this species in AlUla and a great symbol of recovery of Sharaan National Park. Once sacred to the Pharaohs and etched into ancient hieroglyphs, the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is small with white and black plumage, a yellow face, and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. As clever as it is striking, they are one of the few bird species known to use tools; known to use stones to break into eggs, they have also been observed using sticks to gather and roll wool which they use to line their nests. However, these majestic birds are now listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Fortunately, AlUla's protected canyons and cliffs, especially within the IUCN Green Listed Sharaan National Park, provide a much-needed sanctuary for this rare breed. This new successful nest – the first ever recorded in AlUla – signals a win for regional wildlife and a growing future for biodiversity and comprehensive regeneration in this extraordinary desert oasis destination. The breeding population of Egyptian vulture is estimated to be around 50 pairs in Saudi Arabia. In AlUla this year, at least three breeding territories were recorded while extensive research over the last two years indicates a potential population of up to around 10 breeding pairs. AlUla has emerged as a place where ancient heritage, dramatic geology and nature converge which visitors can experience first-hand by booking their next adventure at About AlUla: Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after the Roman's conquered the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages, which has been recently listed on the UNESCO's memory of the World Register. Also, AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, which has been selected as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by the UNWTO.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
I won't accept slavery, says Imran
Amid swirling whispers of backroom bargains and quid pro quo compromises, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has doubled down, declaring he would rather "rot in jail for life" than kneel before what he denounced as "a system of Pharaohs and Yazidiyat". The former prime minister urged his party to brace for a sweeping nationwide movement. "Whatever torture they inflict, I will never accept slavery," Imran Khan conveyed from Adiala Jail through his sister Aleema Khan, who spoke to reporters on Monday. "Even if they keep me in jail for life, I will not surrender," Imran told his sister, adding that the party should now prepare for a nationwide movement rather than concentrating on Islamabad. Aleema said her brother sent across three key points during their meeting. "He has not been given even the basic rights entitled to an ordinary prisoner. In the last eight months, he has been allowed to speak to his children only once." "We sisters are not allowed to meet him, and even the books we try to send are withheld by the jail administration," Aleema lamented. She further alleged that Imran's personal doctors were not being allowed to examine him and that court orders on contempt petitions were being flouted. "Bushra Bibi has been jailed to pressure him. But even then, he said: 'I will not bend.'" Aleema also criticised vloggers and YouTubers who claim that a deal has been struck for Imran's release. "Now we understand these are planted stories to cool down public sentiment. They say Americans have arrived and a deal is done, but all of it is just to manage public expectations." Imran's message to his party, according to Aleema, was clear, asserting that the PTI was a party of ideology, not selectable. "Young people other than the founder are also in jail. We received votes for our ideology, not personalities. Anyone not aligned with this ideology has no place in the party. Those playing on both sides of the wicket are also not welcome." She added that Imran was visibly angry when he said: "Time has changed. Just look at the judiciary. The Al-Qadir case hasn't been fixed for a hearing in three months. Other cases related to May 9 and bail are also pending. Judges promised hearings, but didn't deliver." 'Imran to be released before Eid' On the other hand, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed optimism that the incarcerated party supremo might be released before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking to journalists outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) alongside Senator Shibli Faraz, Gohar urged party workers to remain calm, saying all legal avenues were being exhausted. "We are making every effort for his release. We've held protests, raised the issue in Parliament, and approached the courts," he said. "Workers have every right to raise questions, and we value their emotions. No one can fathom how and why Imran Khan has spent two years behind bars." According to Gohar, Imran remains steadfast in faith. "He says we turn to Allah in hardship, and He will show us the way." He noted the party's patience was being tested. "Our people are tired, and even judges are tired of writing judgments. We are doing our best to ensure Imran Khan's cases are fixed and decided on merit." Senator Shibli Faraz added that the acting chief justice of the IHC had personally assured Barristers Gohar and Latif Khosa that Imran Khan's petitions would be scheduled for hearing this week. "This wasn't just any assurance. It came from the acting chief justice himself, and we take it seriously." He warned that blocking access to justice leads to instability. "People approach courts for justice. If denied, it leads to injustice and unrest. We believe in the Constitution and will continue to press for justice." "The 26th Constitutional Amendment was the handiwork of PPP and PML-N. They've already destroyed their politics. Once Imran is free, their governments will fall," Faraz added. Court allows photogrammetric, polygraph tests In a related development in Lahore, an anti-terrorism court granted permission to police to conduct photogrammetric and polygraph tests of the PTI founder once again. The court accepted the prosecution's request, directing that results be submitted by June 9. Earlier, DSP Legal Javed informed the court that investigations could not proceed without these tests. Imran Khan refused the tests twice in writing, and a third time verbally. "We assure the court that we will cooperate, and justice will not only be done but seen to be done."
See - Sada Elbalad
25-05-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Huge prizes await the Arab Cup champion
Amir Hagag The Egyptian national team awaits its fate in the Arab Cup draw, which will be held today, Sunday, in Qatar. The draw will feature 16 teams, amid high expectations from the sports community for an exceptional representation from the Pharaohs. This year's Arab Cup is witnessing unprecedented interest, as its new edition will be held in Qatar with the participation of 16 Arab teams, with international support from FIFA. The draw for the tournament will take place today, Sunday, May 25, 2025, marking the beginning of a new phase of football competition among Arab nations. Prizes will be awarded totaling 36 million euros, including 12 million euros for the champion, reflecting the significant development the tournament has witnessed recently. The new technical staff of the Egyptian national team participating in the Arab Championship includes the following names: Helmy Toulan: Technical Director, Ahmed Hassan: Team Manager, Mamdouh Elmohamady: General Coach, Mohamed Nour: General Coach, Essam El-Hadary: Goalkeeper Coach, and another coach will join the staff. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
