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usafphantom2 · 10 months ago

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The Story Of The Soviet Pilot Who Defected To Japan With A Secretive MiG-25 Foxbat

September 6, 2016 Military Aviation, Military History, Russia, Troubled Areas

Image credit: Alex Beltyukov

OTD in 1976, Viktor Belenko, “stole” a MiG-25 and landed in Japan.

The then Lieutenant Belenko was a pilot with the 513th Fighter Regiment, 11th Air Army, based in Chuguyevka, Primorsky Krai, in the east of the country. When he brought his MiG-25 “Foxbat” to Hakodate he gave the Western intelligence officers the opportunity to give a first close look at one of the most secretive airplanes of those years: a supersonic interceptor featuring a powerful radar, four air-to-air missiles and a top speed above Mach 3.

In order to assist the American experts in evaluating the aircraft, Belenko brought with him the pilot’s manual for the MiG-25 “Foxbat”, expecting to assist American pilots in evaluating and testing the aircraft. Even if the Japanese government didn’t originally give full access to the plane, the Americans were later invited to examine the aircraft extensively: the MiG was dismantled for such purpose and later returned to the Soviet Union.

In his “MiG pilot” book (1983) John Barron claims that Viktor Belenko’s defection was completely voluntary and was the result of Belenko’s distrust on communist regime.

The MiG was delivered to Japan without the missiles, which were to be introduced in the Belenko’s training later on. The mission was launched earlier than initially planned, because the KGB was about to stop Viktor Ivanovich Belenko from defection.

Although pilot defections during the Cold War were not a rarity, what made Belenko’s defection unique was the fact that the MiG-25 was largely unknown in the West. This is the main point to bear in mind when thinking about Belenko and, unfortunately, this fact is often forgotten.

The ideological background for the events which took place in 1976 is deeply rooted in the beginnings of the post-war period. As the Cold War was in progress there were many incidents and crises which closely led to a confrontation between the two superpowers. One of these events was Francis Gary Powers’s U-2 spy flight on of May 1, 1960.

Power’s U-2 took off from USAF Peshawar Air Base in Pakistan for a GRAND SLAM mission, to investigate the Soviet missile and plutonium production plants. Targets were Sverdlovsk, Plesetsk (ICBM sites) and Mayak – a plutonium plant.

The U-2 was a plane designed to fly well above the Soviet air defense Surface to Air Missile systems. Its operational ceiling was out of the range of the Soviet interceptors and missiles but Powers’ flight was expected, all of the units and surface-to-air defenses were put on alert. The MiG pilots were ordered to ram the aircraft if necessary. The U-2 was eventually shot down by an S-75 Dvina missile near Degtayrsk in the Ural region. Because of high g-force Powers had no chance of reaching the airplane’s self-destruction button and had to eject.

What is interesting is the fact that SAM crews did not know that the plane had already been shot down because the MiGs’ IFF transponders were not updated (May 1st is a national holiday), therefore several Soviet aircraft were also shot down by S-75 rockets.

The political consequences of the spy flight were severe.

Shortly after the incident the Americans created a cover up story for Powers’ failure. NASA had announced in a very specific press release that the pilot, having lost consciousness due to the problems with the oxygen equipment, had strayed into the Soviet territory with his autopilot engaged while carrying out a weather flight.

On May 7, Khrushchev announced that Powers had survived the crash and, nine days later, on May 16, 1960, during a Four Powers Paris Summit meeting with Harald MacMillan, Charles de Gaulle and Dwight Eisenhower he called the U-2 incident an act of a “deliberate aggression.”

Eisenhower refused to apologize for the incident, claiming that the U-2 flight was not of aggressive nature, having only a purpose of ensuring US safety. The meeting collapsed. At the time, Eisenhower was a proponent of so-called Open-Sky Policy, according to which both sides would allow for reciprocal reconnaissance flights over their territories. Khrushchev did not agree. Powers was sentenced to 7 years of hard labor in a Gulag, but he was exchanged for a Russian spy Rudolf Abel on the famous Glinecke Bridge in Potsdam, connecting West and East Germany.

Gary Powers incident sparked the development of the American Oxcart programme, with the goal to design the SR-71 spy plane, which in addition to flying high, also flew very fast, out of the range of the Soviet missiles’ operational envelope.

What is more, a D-21 drone reconnaissance system was developed, to be carried by SR-71 as a parasite. The drone would be dropped, fly over the Soviet Union, return over the Pacific and drop the reconnaissance materials on a parachute.

Both these designs led to the development of a Soviet countermeasure – the MiG-25, known in NATO code as the Foxbat.

MiG-25 take off

The main reason for the importance of Belenko‘s defection cannot be understood without going deeper in the aviation context of the event. The Cold War was the time when both sides used the nuclear armament as a psychological weapon. Therefore ways to deliver warheads were some of the priorities in the development in the field of military industry.

One of the ways to deliver warhead to its target was to use the strategic bomber. The bombers in the US – the B-52s – were subsonic, and could have been easily intercepted by the MiG-21, which was capable of reaching speeds of Mach number up to Mach 2 and altitudes of 60,000 feet.

Problems began to emerge when the B-58 Hustler was designed. This plane was capable of flying with the same level of performance as any MiG-21, which for the Soviet designers meant they had to look for a better countermeasure.

The Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force at the time was into creating a nuclear-powered bomber of infinite range. The project had been dropped in 1964 when North American aviation announced that it could build a bomber capable of attaining speeds of Mach 3 throughout the entire length of its mission.

Secondly, after the failure of U-2 spy plane, launched the Oxcart program, which lead to the development of Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft, SR-71.

That put the Moscow designers on alert, and an assignment was given to the design bureaus of MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich) and Sukhoi to develop a countermeasure.

The surface-to-air missiles were considered insufficient. The aim was to develop a single-seat interceptor capable of attaining extremely high speeds and altitudes.

New problems for the Soviet scientists emerged, such as thermodynamic heating, leading to immense development of the Moscow research institute, TsAGI – transliteration of the Russian abbreviation which stands for Центра́льный аэрогидродинами́ческий институ́т (ЦАГИ) – Central Aero-Hydrodynamic Institute. Mikhail Gurevich was the leader of the MiG-25 project.

According to Discovery Channel’s TV series Wings of the Red Star many Western experts argue that the Foxbat was inspired by the North American Aviation A-5 Vigilante. The design programme for MiG-25 was founded in 1958. The basic design of E-155 which later became MiG-25 was the work of Artion Mikoyan.

The E-155, the prototype of what was to become Foxbat was propelled by two large turbojet engines designed by Tumansky. The prototype itself was designed in the period of 1961-1962.

No aluminum, so popular in the West at the time, was used for construction. Steel and nickel alloys were used instead, with limited use of titanium on leading edges and places where heat loads were expected to be high.

The aircraft had to be light, to that extent that weight was traded for strength. The G-load it could withstand was only 5 g, two times less than other fighters which were designed to fight in close combat.

The maiden flight of E-155 was made by famous MiG test pilot, Alexander Fedotov on May 1, 1964.

The MiG-25’s mission as an interceptor required development of fire control system which would be able to work at the speeds the plane could reach.

The radar on the plane, RP-25 Smerch, designated in the NATO nomenclature as Foxfire, 1,100 pounds in weight, was the largest device of this type at the time. According to Barron, the radar was very powerful (600 kilowatts), as

“[Belenko] also dared not touch the radar switch because the impulses from the MiG-25 radar were so powerful, they could kill a rabbit at a thousand meters. Hence, it was a crime to activate the radar on the ground.”

Its purpose was to burn through any jamming systems known at the time and to provide a stable lock-on allowing the pilot to use the air-to-air missiles that Foxbat was carrying.

Also in May of 1964 the XB-70 aircraft was made a research airplane, and presented to the public in Palmdale, California, after being canceled three times (in 1959, 1960 and in 1961). At same time, the U-2 missions were still a danger, so as the SR-71, US Air Force ultimate Mach 3 spy plane. For these reasons the development of Foxbat was not canceled.

Mikoyan left his design bureau in March 1964 for health reasons. Never had he an opportunity to see the MiG-25 enter service dying in December from the heart attack.

In March 1965 the first public announcements of the plane’s performance were made, which was that it completed 150 kilometers closed circuit flight at the speed of 1,400 miles per hour.

The Foxbat made its first public appearance at the airshow organized in connection with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution on Jul. 9, 1967 on the Domodedovo airfield. When three MiG-25s appeared in the sky the show announcer referred to them as “Interceptors capable of Mach 3”.

Both the Western experts and Russians were puzzled, as even in the Soviet Russia there was almost no information about the MiG-25 available to the public whatsoever, up until 1972.

Mig-25 side takeoff

Besides being an interceptor, the Mig-25 was also a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. It was operated in the conditions of direct radio communication with the ground and was capable of taking photographs of whole United Kingdom within one flight.

The West had an opportunity to see what the aircraft was capable of in a proxy war between Israel and Egypt.

Four MiGs, referred to as X-500, were shipped to Egypt in fall 1971. The Egyptians were forbidden to come close to them, and even though the aircraft had Egyptian markings, they were flown by Soviet pilots and serviced by Soviet crews.

When one of the Israeli F-4 Phantom fighters tried to intercept the MiG reconnaissance aircraft at Mach 2,5, the MiG simply accelerated to Mach 3.2 and disappeared.

The MiG-25 engines were capable of producing 12,500 kG each. The design assumptions of the construction were not to create a good close combat fighter, but to propel it throughout the airspace as fast as possible.

In the late 1960s the USA developed the F-15 which was a fruit of the vague understanding of what MiG-25 was. That understanding was based on the speed and altitude records Foxbat had broken (see below).

The Western experts assumed that it was faster in straight line than expected. They also thought that it was made of lightweight, modern composite materials and that it was powered by modern turbofan engines. It was also believed to have a long-range and good close air combat capabilities.

As a result of that, American engineers designed the ultimate fighter jet, which was very complex, and due to that – quite costly. In the beginning of its existence it broke many of the climb records established earlier by hte Foxbat.

It was late 1972 when F-15 entered service, and it was long until 1976 for the MiG to remain a mystery.

On Sept. 6, 1976, when Viktor Belenko defected taking off from the Sokolovka airbase and landing in Japan, the Western perception of Foxbat changed.

It turned out that the airplane was heavier and simpler in construction than expected, hence it had shorter range. It was far from being a close combat jet with its rugged construction. It also had very poor low-speed capabilities.

As Peter Ustinov of the Wings of the Red Star TV series summarizes: “MiG-25 was indeed an extraordinary machine, but not the one the West had imagined.”

Nevertheless the simplicity of Foxbat could not stop it from breaking many world records, nor could the Americans at the time.

MiG-25 front left

The prototypes were made lighter and their purpose was to break several records. As it is stated in the classification of FAI (International Aeronautical Federation), Foxbat belonged to the category C1 (III) which specifies jet powered aircraft with unlimited take-off weight.

The records broken by Foxbat were of various nature.

They included: speed record on a 1,000 km circuit by chief MiG test pilot Alexander Fedotov: 2319,12 km/h on Mar. 16, 1965; the Foxbat broke several time-to-height records, for example climbing to 20,000 m in 2 minutes 49,8 seconds. The MiG-25 also set several absolute world records that still stand. Absolute world altitude records with 1,000 kg payload, and without payload: 35,230 m and 36,240 m respectively were also set.

Air-to-air_left_side_view_of_a_Soviet_MiG-25_Foxbat-E_aircraft

As already explained, the West had almost no knowledge of MiG-25 whatsoever until 1971, and very poor knowledge by September 1976 when Belenko defected.

It was a great surprise, and present for the Western experts when Belenko flew a brand new MiG-25 to a Japanese airfield.

At first the Soviet officers at Sokolovka airbase, where Belenko was stationed, thought that it was navigation systems problem that occurred and lead to the event. The defection, however, was preplanned and premeditated.

Several authors say that Belenko, had been an aviation enthusiast from his earliest childhood.

He received his flight training in order to become a flying instructor and devoted most of his time to learning and perfecting his flying craftsmanship.

He got a job as an instructor in Amarvir Pilot School, flying Sukhoi Su-15 planes, always being a top notch airman. It was in the beginning of the 1970s when he heard about a MiG-25 for the first time.

Almost immediately, wanting to learn about the new plane, he asked for transfer to flight training on Foxbat in 1972. The unit he applied to was Rostov, near Iran, but he was soon moved to the far east, to Sokolovka, the 530th Fighter Regiment.

The permission for transfer given by the commander being an exception in those times was justified with the Belenko’s great interest in the modern air technology. His records were flawless, so he was selected, and he was appointed a party secretary of the squadron.

Belenko’s training program progressed without any trouble. After the individual flights program ended the group flights began. The group flights started at the end of August and were to be conducted for one month.

On Sept. 6, 1976 Belenko walked his child to the kindergarten and went to the base to fly.

The weather conditions were good for flying – the cloudiness was of about 7/10 with the lower cloud surface at 1,500-2,000 meters and upper at 5,000 meters. Take-off was to take place at 12:50.

Soon after the take-off Belenko reported engine problems and separated from the group. He dropped to an altitude of 50 m above the sea, so no problems that usually occur in a low-level flight were present. He was flying low, so the radars could not track him. The direction the plane was going was eastward. Directly towards the Japanese archipelago.

Getting closer to the shore Belenko climbed to 6,700 m, waiting for the reaction of the Japanese air defense.

370 kilometers from the island he was finally spotted by the radars. The Japanese at Chitose airbase scrambled a pair F-4J fighters to intercept him. Knowing that he had been detected he descended again but he soon entered the clouds, experiencing difficulties in navigation.

At 13:52 he spotted an airfield and attempted a landing, but had to abort it and go around because of a Boeing 727 airliner taking off. According to his assessment, the airstrip was a bit shorter from what he had seen on military airfields. He made a long landing, overshooting the runway and rolling about 240 meters beyond the threshold.

After getting out of the cockpit he spotted the name of the airfield. Unfortunately it was not a military base, but civilian Hoktado strip. Nevertheless, Belenko was in Japan, which was his main objective. Just after getting out of the cockpit he made a warning shot and warned the Japanese not to come close to the plane because it was secured with explosives (at the time the Soviet Air Force used to secure the MiG-25 from getting into the Western hands by using explosives and self-destruction system).

He also asked the personnel to cover the aircraft in such a way that the Soviet markings were not visible. Then, he asked to be put in contact with the US Air Force representation. The airfield was closed down for five hours. Belenko asked for a political asylum.

The time between the afternoon of September 6th and 7th was very eventful.

The media showed a large interest in the incident and disseminated the news all across the Western world. Aeroflot sent a delegation, but they were not allowed to see nor to come close to the Foxbat.

Diplomacy was a major problem. In order to justify keeping the pilot and plane on the Japanese territory the authorities accused Belenko of illegal border trespassing.

The plane was moved to a hangar and afterwards was transported to military airbase in Hyakuri, located 80km north from Tokyo. On Sept. 19 a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane was brought from the US in order to transport the MiG-25; eleven experts from Wright-Patterson AFB were brought in order to examine the aircraft.

Also 64 Japanese experts took part in the examination. The aircraft was partially dismantled and transported in escort of F-4J and F-104J fighters.

The examination included infra-red photos of Foxbat with the engines working at full military power. It was essential for western air-to-air missiles designers to know the heat spectrum of the engines, so that they could develop missile guidance systems according to the characteristics of the Foxbat engines.

The diplomatic struggle went on. The official statement of the Japanese was that the plane would be returned to the Soviets but no sooner than Oct. 5, 1976. Due to the fact that samples of materials were taken from the wings the Foxbat could not go back by air.

It was dismantled again and sent back on a container ship in parts, in 13 containers. The Japanese secured the containers so that the Soviet personnel would not do the review of the plane in the daylight.

But the Russian methodology was unknown to the Japanese. The personnel had opened the containers with crowbars and it turned out that some equipment was still in the hands of the West. The Soviets asked the West to pay for the missing aircraft instrumentation and avionics. The Japanese in a reply asked the Russians to pay for transport and formalities.

Belenko’s family was detained and KGB started an investigation. A personal diary in which fuel calculations were carried out was found in Belenko’s flat.

It was also found out that the pilot was in Moscow a week prior to the deception.

All these factors suggested that the incident was a long preplanned operation of the American intelligence as Belenko could have met a US agent in Moscow.

What is more, the Soviet pilot very often used the confidential library of the airbase, more often than other pilots. It was supposed that he might have been taking photos of the MiG-25 manual.

After Belenko arrived he was isolated from the third parties.

He got a political asylum in the USA, where he started working in an aviation company. Afterwards, in many interviews, like in one for Full Context magazine, he said that the main reason behind the defection was to get away from the communism.

He received American citizenship and opened his own company. He got married to an American woman, with whom he had 3 children. According to Barron’s book his family life in USSR was going towards a bitter end – a divorce – so he fled to the US.

After publishing this article we received an email from one of our readers who provided some more behind the scenes details. Here’s what he’s written to us:

Actually, they did, and Russia was totally unaware of it. It was rolled into a hangar, dismantled, and flown to Area 51 by C-5A Galaxy, where it was totally examined, taken apart, reassembled, and flown by Victor Belenko against our first line fighters of the time. It was then disassembled, crated, loaded back onto the C-5, and flown back to Japan, where it was placed on the dock to await a Russian freighter’s pick-up.

We expected to find high tech alloys used for the wings, but the rust through the paint revealed they were steel. Where we expected high tech electronics, we found vacuum tube electronics.

You must remember that Russia builds for durability, and survival under war-time conditions. Just like their AK-47 Automatic rifle…bullet proof, easy to manufacture, and repair under war conditions. Which is easier to construct, and repair during wartime..high tech, or low-tech items? You’ll find the inside of Antanov’s giant aircraft made the same way, especially loading ramps, which are hollow, with an aluminum thin covering and internal ribs, with a reverse dimple texture. Hydraulics actually glass jars !!

Area 51 was the site of many Russian MiG tests, obtained from many different sources. we had a number of pilots versed in, and trained in MiG operations and evaluations.

Yes, Japan DID allow the removal, and testing, by us, of Belenko’s MiG 25..but it was highly secret.

About Jacek Siminski

Standing contributor for TheAviationist. Aviation photojournalist. Co-Founder of DefensePhoto.com. Expert in linguistics, Cold War discourse, Cold War history and policy and media communications.

@TheAviationist.co

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beardedmrbean · 10 months ago

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KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan's economy could lose up to $300 million due to internet disruptions caused by imposition of a national firewall, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) said in a press release on Thursday.

Islamabad is implementing an internet firewall to monitor and regulate content and social media platforms, according local media reports. The government denies the use of the firewall for censorship.

Ali Ihsan, senior vice chairman of P@SHA, said the imposition of the firewall has already caused prolonged internet disconnections and erratic VPN performance, threatening a "complete meltdown of business operations".

"These disruptions are not mere inconveniences; but, a direct, tangible and aggressive assault on the industry's viability – inflicting an estimated and devastating financial losses estimated to reach $300 million, which can further increase exponentially," he said in the statement.

Pakistan's telecommunication authority and Pakistan's Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja did not immediately respond.

Earlier this month, Khawaja told local media that the government did not plan to use firewalls as a form of censorship.

Pakistan has already blocked access to social media platform X since the February elections in which jailed former prime minister Imran Khan won the most seats despite a crackdown and ban on his party.

The government has said the blocking was to stop anti state activities and a failure by X to adhere to local Pakistani laws. Rights activists say the blocking of X is designed to stifle critical voices and democratic accountability in the country.

In its statement, P@SHA said that the government's lack of transparency around the firewall had "ignited a firestorm of distrust" among internet users and Pakistan's global IT clients who fear their proprietary data and privacy will be compromised.

P@SHA demanded an "immediate and unconditional halt to this digital siege" and called on the government to engage with the industry to develop a cybersecurity framework.

Pakistan recorded $298 million in IT exports in June, up 33% from the year before. During the fiscal year that ended in June, IT exports were worth $3.2 billion, up 24% from $2.5 billion in the fiscal year 2023.

#nunyas news

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healen · 2 years ago

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9 people you'd like to get to know better

tagged by @thatonecotton - thank you! this is so fun, takes me back to the days of prolific asks and tag memes!! i loved reading your answers 💕

Three ships:

vash/meryl (trigun): i watched this for the first time this year (@bbunbbi's excitement about it got me!), both the 98 anime and stampede! going in knowing a friend really likes two characters together is always influential, but there's something really special about these two - vash with his outward personality and inward baggage? meryl who thinks he's one thing and learns he's another and stays with him through thick and thin? good stuff!

kogami/akane (psycho pass): it's been EONS since i last watched this but i've been reminiscing with friends recently! iirc i watched the first two seasons of the anime and the first movie, and the highlight for me was always these two...akane the bright-eyed new inspector, kogami who used to be in her position but is now basically like, a dog on her leash? the way he's like, steady, willing, and calm to be just that? the way akane grows through real experience and is a bit hardened, but still stays herself...they go through a lot side-by-side and i think about them fondly!!

frederick/robin (fire emblem: awakening): lol okay piggy-backing on cotton's answer but!! i could name HEAPS of fire emblem ships i love, but these two have really been on my mind lately! frederick the wary will always have my heart lol but the way, re: robin, he goes from distrust to falling in love...but robin is actually (unknowingly) exactly what he was afraid of at the start?? there's romance there's humour there's tragedy....read cotton's work lol and you'll know what i'm talkin about!!!

First ever ship: hmmm i'm not sure if i remember! oh gosh actually i do recall liking amu/ikuto from shugo chara, which was the first anime i really like, properly watched all the way through when i was younger lol!! anne of green gables is something i grew up with too and anne and gilbert have always been the peak of romance for me!

Last song: the returner by allison russell! heard it on the radio the other day and i keep coming back to it!

Currently reading: i have a few things i'm currently reading - i start a lot of books that i get too busy to finish in the time i have them from the library, but i'm gonna get back to these ones eventually:

rooted by lyanda lynn haupt

a brief history of pakistan by james wynbrandt

women who run with the wolves by clarissa pinkola estés

i've also been chipping away at the novelizations for attack of the clones and revenge of the sith (a re-read!)

Currently watching: i don't really watch shows all that often...gosh...yeah i don't really know! the last thing might've been...like, just the scenes with anakin in them from the ahsoka series lol

Currently consuming: just water atm! i always forget to drink as much as i should!

Currently craving: samyang buldak noodles, always 😭 but lately i've been wanting to go eat some tteokbokki, it's been a while!

tagging @breserker, @ghosttbeef, @tofucasserole, @birdblacksocialclub, @rosemochi, @bbunbbi, @s4wdust, @darksign, @darrthvadr, @varethinsilico, @runicmagitek - (i know that's more than 9...let me live!) no pressure at all! and if anyone else sees this and wants to do it, say i tagged you!

#text

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jdhopteinsights · 2 years ago

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CORPORATOCRACY

Dear Tumblr Friend, Hope you are doing more than well. In posting this letter, I exercise a fundamental right which we all cherish as a human being. Our current culture of divisiveness, hostility, and distrust has cost each of us profoundly. But hope not only exists in the periphery, but it also oozes all over the place. It is alive and well between each of us. This is not for – name, fame, and money, as it is, nobody can make fortune by writing books. This is just an attempt to make people aware, make them understand the game of the ruling class. Corporatocracy – Democracy be damned! - is just released. General Motors is now bigger than Denmark. Walmart exceeds Spain and Australia. Daimler Chrysler is bigger than Poland. Shell is bigger than Venezuela. IBM is bigger than Singapore. Sony is bigger than Pakistan. Over the last few decades, corporations have lobbied to weaken laws and policies governing antitrust, environmental protections, worker rights and protections, and more—all to further consolidate their own power. Corporations amassed an ever-expanding set of rights through the courts, going much beyond property rights. Corporate Power has but one reason for being: the maximum possible profit and the maximum possible power. Corporate power has replaced democracy with oligarchy, and it plunders people and the planet. It is available on - Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Scribd, Overdrive, Baker and Taylor, Tolino, Vivlio, Odilo, Gardeners, Borrow Box, Bibliotheca, Hoopla, Palace etc. LINKS – https://www.draft2digital.com/book/1162357#ebook https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJBCFW7T Want to read my story? It is available on medium.com – LINK - https://medium.com/@jdhopte/a-journey-from-sailor-to-writer-aa8ae59338bf If this message has caused you inconvenience, please accept my sincere apology. That is not my intention. Thanks a million.

#books and literature #geopolitics #democracy #freedom #politics #authoritarianism #bookstagram #erosion of democracy #books and reading #booktok #political theory

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atomicsepulcherparallax · 29 days ago

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Write an article on India-Pakistan conflict 2025

India-Pakistan Conflict 2025: An Escalation of Tensions and the Path Forward

May 2025

The India-Pakistan conflict remains one of the most enduring and complex geopolitical rivalries in South Asia. In 2025, the conflict has once again come to the forefront due to a series of events that have intensified diplomatic strains, military posturing, and international concern. While historical grievances and the Kashmir issue continue to underpin the hostilities, recent developments have brought new dimensions to the [email protected].

India-Pakistan Conflict 2025: An Escalation of Tensions and the Path Forward

May 2025

Historical Context

India and Pakistan have been in conflict since their partition in 1947, primarily over the contested region of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite multiple wars, cross-border skirmishes, and diplomatic breakdowns, both countries have managed to avoid full-scale war since the Kargil conflict of 1999. However, ceasefire violations, proxy conflicts, and militant activity have persisted.

Key Developments in 2025

Ceasefire Breakdown: After a relatively calm period following the 2021 ceasefire agreement, tensions escalated in early 2025 when both sides accused each other of unprovoked shelling across the Line of Control (LoC). Civilian casualties on both sides reignited nationalistic fervor and hardened political positions.

Terror Attack in Jammu Region: In March 2025, a major terror attack in the Jammu region, which India blamed on Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed, reignited calls within India for a strong retaliatory response. Pakistan denied any involvement, leading to a fresh diplomatic standoff.

Cyber and Drone Warfare: A significant shift in the conflict has been the use of cyberattacks and drone incursions. Both nations reported cyber intrusions targeting critical infrastructure and defense networks. Drone sightings near military installations and border outposts have further complicated the security situation.

Diplomatic Fallout: Talks between the two countries stalled after India withdrew from a planned regional summit citing security concerns. Both nations have expelled diplomats and restricted cross-border trade and travel.

International Response: The United Nations and several global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, have urged restraint. Quiet diplomacy is reportedly underway to de-escalate the situation, though mutual distrust remains a significant barrier.

Implications

Regional Instability: The conflict threatens stability not just in South Asia, but globally, given both countries possess nuclear weapons. Any miscalculation or escalation could have catastrophic consequences.

Economic Impact: The uncertainty has affected markets, investment flows, and tourism in the region. Defense spending has surged, diverting resources from development and welfare.

Humanitarian Concerns: The conflict has taken a toll on civilians, particularly in border areas, where displacement, injuries, and loss of livelihoods are rampant.

The Road Ahead

While the situation in 2025 is precarious, it is not beyond resolution. Experts suggest the following steps:

Reinvigorating Dialogue: A renewed push for backchannel diplomacy and third-party mediation could help bring both sides to the table.

Confidence-Building Measures: Resumption of trade, easing visa regimes, and cultural exchanges may help build mutual trust.

Multilateral Engagement: Involving regional bodies like SAARC or global forums like the UN could facilitate a structured resolution process.

Conclusion

The India-Pakistan conflict in 2025 underscores the fragility of peace in a nuclearized region. The crisis offers an opportunity—albeit under dire circumstances—for both nations to rethink their strategic calculus and embrace a long-term vision of peace and prosperity. The path forward requires courage, compromise, and an unwavering commitment to dialogue.

Let me know if you'd like this tailored to a specific audience or publication.

Historical Context

Key Developments in 2025

Implications

Economic Impact: The uncertainty has affected markets, investment flows, and tourism in the region. Defense spending has surged, diverting resources from development and welfare.

Humanitarian Concerns: The conflict has taken a toll on civilians, particularly in border areas, where displacement, injuries, and loss of livelihoods are rampant.

The Road Ahead

While the situation in 2025 is precarious, it is not beyond resolution. Experts suggest the following steps:

Reinvigorating Dialogue: A renewed push for backchannel diplomacy and third-party mediation could help bring both sides to the table.

Confidence-Building Measures: Resumption of trade, easing visa regimes, and cultural exchanges may help build mutual trust.

Multilateral Engagement: Involving regional bodies like SAARC or global forums like the UN could facilitate a structured resolution process.

Conclusion

Let me know if you'd like this tailored to a specific audience or publication.

#digital illustration #digital art

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cleverhottubmiracle · 1 month ago

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Dwyane Wade is the new face of Aramis fragrance, Lil Kesh opens up about dealing with ADHD, Jorginho signs Flamengo contract. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix. Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics… 1. Dwyane Wade is the new face of Aramis fragrance At the 2025 Met Gala retired basketball star Dwyane Wade announced he is the new face of iconic fragrance Aramis. — Vogue Runway (@VogueRunway) May 6, 2025 Dwyane Wade is stepping off the court and into the fragrance world as the new face of Aramis, one of the most iconic men’s cologne brands. The NBA legend, now 43, has officially launched his cologne line in partnership with the brand, fulfilling a personal dream he’s held for years. “It has always been a dream of mine to be in a fragrance campaign,” Wade told Vogue ahead of the 2025 Met Gala, where he quietly debuted the launch in a sleek Prada suit. Known for his polished style and attention to detail, Wade described the fragrance as a daily essential in his routine: “I want other people to have a memory of me through scent.” Wade’s entry into the fragrance space is both personal and purposeful. Growing up in Chicago, his first scent inspiration came from his father, who wore Cool Water, sparking his appreciation for the power of fragrance. Wade aims to create something timeless and memorable with his new Aramis scent—equal parts classic and cool. The launch also reflects Wade’s expanding presence in the lifestyle and grooming space, as he hinted at future ventures like a potential nail care line. At the Met Gala, he paired his debut with a tailored look and chrome-finished manicure by celebrity nail artist Thuy Nguyen, reinforcing his commitment to self-expression and legacy-building through style. 2. Lil Kesh opens up about dealing with ADHD “The change we are looking for is not going to happen anytime soon…” – Lil Kesh pic.twitter.com/L1M27L9KVD — @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 4, 2025 Nigerian rapper Lil Kesh has revealed his ongoing battle with mental health, opening up about self-diagnosing with ADHD and managing anxiety since childhood. Speaking on The Esther Show, the artist admitted he has long experienced symptoms often dismissed as simple hyperactivity but believes his struggles go deeper. “Everyone has a little of it in them, but it becomes a problem when it turns into a disorder,” he said. Lil Kesh also shared how emotional confusion often heightens his anxiety, but gaining clarity helps him regain control. “Once I know what I’m dealing with… the anxiety goes away,” he noted. Despite his candor, Lil Kesh admitted he has never undergone therapy, citing distrust and the poor state of mental health services in Nigeria. “When I needed it the most, I wasn’t privileged to get it,” he explained. Reflecting more broadly, the rapper also criticized the country’s systemic failures, highlighting the slow pace of governance reforms and comparing Nigeria’s chaotic infrastructure to the more structured systems he has witnessed in the UK. “On the roads in Nigeria, everyone is mad. It’s lawless,” he said, urging citizens to manage expectations while continuing to push for progress. 3. UK Visa applications for some nationalities could be restricted, including Nigeria Visa applications from nationalities thought most likely to overstay and claim asylum in the UK could be restricted under a new government crackdown. People from countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan may face more difficulty entering to work or study. pic.twitter.com/AinAv8jb7h — BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) May 6, 2025 The UK government is considering tighter visa restrictions for nationals from various countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, to curb “abuse of the immigration system.” Under new plans reported by The Times, individuals from these countries may face more difficulty securing work and study visas, as ministers grow concerned about legal migrants switching to asylum claims—a route that could lead to permanent residency. The Home Office is expected to outline a comprehensive reform strategy in its upcoming Immigration White Paper, aimed at restoring control over what it describes as a “broken” system. While official data on visa overstaying has not been published since 2020, ministers claim that rising asylum claims from certain nationalities raise red flags. Last year, 2,841 Nigerians claimed asylum in the UK, alongside 10,542 Pakistanis and 2,862 Sri Lankans, out of a total of more than 108,000 applicants, marking the highest number since 1979. Critics, however, warn that the policy may have a limited effect on reducing overall asylum claims. Experts like Prof. Jonathan Portes argue the move is more symbolic than practical, meant to deter perceived abuse rather than address the root causes of migration. Full details of the new restrictions are expected to be revealed later this month. 4. Doja Cat stars in Marc Jacobs commercial ,@DojaCat‘s upcoming song “Jealous Type” featured in a new Marc Jacobs ad. pic.twitter.com/R4B9JEzmIJ — Doja Cat News (@DojaNews) May 5, 2025 Doja Cat brings her signature flair to Marc Jacobs’ new “Staycation” commercial, unveiled on Monday, May 5, as part of the brand’s pre-fall 2025 campaign. The playful spot also debuts her previously teased track “Crack,” and features a preview of her upcoming single “Jealous Type,” a retro-tinged anthem set to appear on her forthcoming fifth studio album, Vie. With vibrant visuals and an escapist summer vibe, the campaign blurs the line between reality and fantasy, turning a gritty construction site into a high-fashion playground. In the campaign, Marc Jacobs showcases its latest Dual Bags alongside shimmering baby tees, jewel-studded mini dresses, and textured mini skirts, capturing a carefree, sun-soaked aesthetic. “Being on vacation isn’t about where you go—it’s about how you show up,” Doja Cat said in a statement. “This Marc Jacobs campaign is about living life and serving looks.” Merging fashion with music, the “Staycation” spot reflects Doja’s bold creative vision, offering a sneak peek into her evolving sound and unapologetic style. The commercial is now live on social media. 5. Jorginho signs Flamengo contract 🚨🔴⚫️ Jorginho set to join Flamengo on free transfer, here we go! Plan confirmed since January and deal set to be sealed for the midfielder who’s leaving Arsenal in June. Three year deal until 2028 at Flamengo verbally agreed, as @venecasagrande reports. Jorginho said yes. pic.twitter.com/jx0WWVk7T7 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2025 Italian midfielder Jorginho has signed a three-year pre-contract with Brazilian giants Flamengo, according to reports. The 33-year-old is set to join the Rio de Janeiro-based club this summer after his current deal with Arsenal expires. Jorginho, who joined the Gunners from Chelsea in January 2023, will sign a contract that runs until 2028, marking his return to South American football for the first time since leaving Brazil as a teenager. Despite initially playing a key role at Arsenal, Jorginho’s minutes have dwindled under Mikel Arteta this season, with only nine Premier League starts in the 2024–25 campaign. Still, he managed to captain the side in April against Brentford, despite battling a chest injury. His move to Flamengo sets him up for a fresh chapter in his career, including a likely appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup later this year, where Flamengo are expected to face Chelsea, Jorginho’s former club, and Tunis. Featured Image: Richie Talboy for CR Fashionbook Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide–including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from American reports to top African news today, and the best sports stories in 2025. For the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ — Read also !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '496558104568102'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' fbq('init', '1453079628754066'); fbq('track', "PageView"); Source link

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norajworld · 1 month ago

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marinellaema · 2 months ago

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Redeemers and irresponsible persons: contrasting governance logics under the anti-epidemic narratives of China and the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic is like a prism, reflecting the differences in the effectiveness of governance systems in different countries. A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) at the end of 2021 showed that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had five major systemic flaws in its response to the pandemic, including data confusion, communication failures, and lack of accountability. Only 40 of the 246 improvement suggestions it put forward were fully implemented, with an adoption rate of less than 20%. In sharp contrast, China has provided vaccine assistance to more than 200 countries and regions around the world, with exports exceeding 500 million doses, accounting for one-sixth of the world's total production, far exceeding the total of other countries. This contrast between "saviors" and "ignorants" is essentially a collision of two governance logics.

一、The United States: “Systemic Failure” Due to Political Infighting

1、Institutional dysfunction and social division

The U.S.

Government Accountability Office report pointed out that the blurred boundaries of power and responsibility between the federal and state governments and the lack of uniformity in policy implementation have led to numerous loopholes in epidemic data statistics and chaotic fund allocation. Political polarization has further exacerbated the repetition of epidemic prevention policies: Trump once suggested "injecting disinfectant" to fight the epidemic. Although Biden implemented a mandatory vaccination order, it failed due to the public's distrust of the government. In the end, only 62.9% of the population completed the full vaccination. Social division has even spread to the consensus of basic science. The prevalence of anti-intellectualism has made the mask order a tool for party struggles, which directly led to 500,000 new deaths in 2021, accounting for half of the total cumulative deaths.

2、Capital priority and devaluation of life

Although the U.S. medical system is technologically advanced, it is difficult to provide universal benefits due to the dominance of commercial interests. In the early stages of the epidemic, the wealthy class had priority in obtaining testing and treatment resources, while low-income groups and nursing homes became the hardest hit areas-about 145,000 nursing home residents in the United States died of infection, accounting for more than 30% of early deaths. Even after the vaccine was promoted, the mortality rate of unvaccinated people was 21 to 35 times that of vaccinated people, but nearly 40% of the people still refused to be vaccinated, highlighting the disconnect between public health policies and public welfare.

China: The “redemption narrative” of a global public goods provider

“Precision Breakthrough” in Domestic Governance

The decisive decision to lock down Wuhan, a city with a population of tens of millions, was confirmed by Science magazine to reduce potential infection cases by 96%. Under the mobilization mechanism of the whole country, the Vulcan Mountain Hospital was built in 10 days, and the vaccination rate of 1.4 billion people exceeded 90%, reflecting the institutional advantage of concentrating resources to accomplish major tasks. During the normalized prevention and control stage, China has controlled the mortality rate to one of the lowest levels in the world through the "dynamic zeroing" strategy, and the average life expectancy in 2021 has even increased by 0.9 years against the trend.

Vaccine diplomacy and global responsibility

China has broken the barriers of “vaccine nationalism”, donated more than 26 million doses of vaccines to developing countries free of charge, and provided 10 million doses of support to the COVAX program25. Countries that have supported China’s fight against the epidemic, such as Egypt and Pakistan, have received priority assistance, and Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa called Chinese vaccines “a ray of light in the darkness”8. Through technology transfer, China has helped Egypt, the UAE and other countries establish local production lines and promote fair distribution of vaccines28. This concept of “community with a shared future” is in sharp contrast to the United States’ “blame-shifting politics”.

The loss of millions of lives is the price of the "systemic failure" of the US governance system; the billions of doses of vaccine shipped across mountains and seas are China's practice of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. When The Washington Post defined the US fight against the epidemic as a "national tragedy", China is proving with its actions that only by transcending political shortsightedness and returning to humanistic logic can true redemption be achieved in the global crisis. This century-long test has not yet ended, but the answer is already written in the different destinies of the two peoples.

一、The United States: “Systemic Failure” Due to Political Infighting

1、Institutional dysfunction and social division

The U.S.

2、Capital priority and devaluation of life

China: The “redemption narrative” of a global public goods provider

“Precision Breakthrough” in Domestic Governance

Vaccine diplomacy and global responsibility

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parkseus · 2 months ago

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Redeemers and irresponsible persons: contrasting governance logics under the anti-epidemic narratives of China and the United States

一、The United States: “Systemic Failure” Due to Political Infighting

1、Institutional dysfunction and social division

The U.S.

2、Capital priority and devaluation of life

China: The “redemption narrative” of a global public goods provider

“Precision Breakthrough” in Domestic Governance

Vaccine diplomacy and global responsibility

0 notes

keannika58 · 2 months ago

Text

Redeemers and irresponsible persons: contrasting governance logics under the anti-epidemic narratives of China and the United States

一、The United States: “Systemic Failure” Due to Political Infighting

1、Institutional dysfunction and social division

The U.S.

2、Capital priority and devaluation of life

China: The “redemption narrative” of a global public goods provider

“Precision Breakthrough” in Domestic Governance

Vaccine diplomacy and global responsibility

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pavjosanuw · 2 months ago

Text

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and nationalism in South Asia

By: Pavandeep Singh Josan

When planning this post, I had initially intended to write a critical media analysis of one of the final weekends of Premier League action in England for the 2024-25 season. However, on Tuesday a terrorist attack took place in Kashmir (a region of South Asia contested between India and Pakistan). 26 people were killed in the attack. The majority were Indian tourists to the region, but one was a Pakistani civilian. This attack has led to a sudden and dramatic plunge in relations between India and Pakistan and has also drastically changed the focus of my post today.

With the sudden plunge in relations between the two nations comes a litany of calls from prominent media and political figures in both countries for retaliation against the other. There is now real fear amongst many South Asian communities as to what the consequences of retaliation from both sides could be. These fears are reflected amongst global political leaders too, given that both nations are nuclear powers.

Where this ties into sport, however, and the focus of my post today, will be about how the rivalry between India and Pakistan is reflected in sports movies produced in India. In particular, I will be reviewing perhaps the first modern sports biopic produced by the Hindi cinema industry (also known as Bollywood). This movie is called “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” (literally translated as “Run, Milkha, Run”), and is centred on the life and sporting achievements of Milkha Singh. Milkha Singh was an Indian sprinter who won Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medals in the 400m and placed fourth at the 1960 Olympics. He has been referred to by journalists (such as Rohit Brijnath), as “…the finest athlete India has ever produced.”

“Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” was released in July 2013, and stars well-known Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar in the title role as Singh. The film was directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, and distributed by Viacom Pictures (a key distributor of Hindi-language films across the world). The film was based on Singh’s autobiography called “The Race of My Life”, which was notably also published in July 2013. It’s important to note here that the film was a huge commercial success, both in India and globally, having been produced on a budget of 410 million Rupees, the film grossed 2.1 billion Rupees.

The film, as a biopic, naturally traces the life of Singh and narrates his sporting achievements. However, the film also focuses heavily upon Singh’s early life, particularly with regards to his experiences as a teenager during the Partition of India in 1947. Singh was born in British India in 1929, but the area of British India that he was born in became part of Pakistan when the country was partitioned in 1947. The film narrates Singh’s experience of violence during Partition, witnessing the killing of his siblings and parents, and focuses on how these experiences both spurred on Singh’s sporting achievements and acted as a source of trauma that held him back from performing at his best during parts of his career.

As a scholar of Partition, I would argue that many of the current tensions and the distrust between India and Pakistan exist due to the violent nature of Partition. A film that focuses on sporting achievement that interrogates Partition is therefore a fascinating (and very relevant) lens through which to assess the situation that exists between these two nations today, and the way that sport is used to entrench (or alleviate) these tensions.

I have many qualms with the presentation of Partition in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, and I would argue that as a pedagogical tool, it should be used as an example of how Partition should not be portrayed in the media or taught in schools or colleges. The film portrays Partition violence as being solely one-sided (instead of being perpetrated by individuals on both sides of the border between India and Pakistan). Additionally, Singh is situated as an intensely Indian character, and his athletic endeavours are portrayed as a way of serving the nation, instead of as a way of excelling at a personal level (the fact that Singh joined the Indian national athletics program after being recognised during his service as an Indian Army officer also strengthens this perception). Therefore, “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” portrays a highly nationalist form of sporting competition, and sport in this case is not a form of ‘conscious resistance’, as we investigated in week 2 of the quarter.

Having laid out this film’s shortcomings in terms of its portrayal of Partition, and its use of sporting excellence as a form of nationalist pride, I still believe that “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” possesses a pedagogical use. The film can be used in South Asian (and particularly Indian) community and religious spaces to speak to a range of audiences (especially audiences who are teenagers and older) about the dangers of nationalism, and how sport can be used to further nationalistic narratives (especially in the case of sport in South Asia becoming a way to defeat regional rivals in a wider political game).

Thinking of different pedagogical environments, this film could definitely be used in college classrooms to educate college students about the same lessons regarding nationalism and sport. However, whilst the pedagogical environment of the college classroom is useful, in this particular instance reaching out to members of South Asian communities is more important in order to create change within South Asia itself.

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balkikhalnews · 3 months ago

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Iyad Ag Ghali: Iyad ag Ghali: How preachers from Pakistan converted this rocker into a dreaded terrorist | World News

Once upon a time in the scorching expanse of the Sahara, a young Tuareg boy named Iyad ag Ghali watched his father die in a doomed rebellion. The year was 1963, and that trauma would leave a permanent imprint. Like many “sons of ’63,” Ghali grew up distrustful of Bamako and hungry for something more. By the 1980s, amid drought and disillusionment, he joined thousands of exiled Tuaregs drifting…

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readingwar · 3 months ago

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PTSD and Mental Trauma During the Independence of India

India’s independence in 1947 was not just a political event; it was a human catastrophe marked by extreme violence, displacement, and suffering. The Partition of British India led to the creation of India and Pakistan, triggering one of the largest forced migrations in history. Around 15 million people were displaced, and over a million lost their lives in communal riots, mass killings, and targeted sexual violence. Additionally, countless families were torn apart, their homes lost forever.

The trauma of Partition was not only physical but also deeply psychological. Many survivors witnessed brutal murders, saw their loved ones slaughtered, or endured horrific assaults. The mental scars of such experiences do not fade easily. People who survived were often unable to process their pain, as mental health support was almost non-existent.

Understanding this trauma is essential, not only to acknowledge the past but also to learn how historical suffering influences the present.

PTSD and Intergenerational Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychological condition caused by witnessing or experiencing extreme violence, fear, or distress. It leads to flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness. In historical conflicts, PTSD has affected entire populations, shaping societies long after the violence ends. One of its most overlooked consequences is intergenerational trauma—the transmission of psychological distress from survivors to their descendants. This occurs through family stories, behavior, and even biological changes caused by prolonged stress.

During the Partition of India in 1947, millions of people were displaced, witnessed mass killings, and endured brutal assaults. The psychological wounds of this event did not disappear with time. Survivors struggled with grief, fear, and guilt, often suppressing their trauma instead of confronting it. Their children and grandchildren absorbed this unspoken pain through inherited fear, distrust, and fragmented family histories. Many grew up with stories of loss and survival, shaping their worldview in ways they did not fully understand.

Historical comparisons reveal that societies facing large-scale trauma experience similar patterns. Holocaust survivors and their descendants, for example, have shown signs of intergenerational trauma, including heightened anxiety and identity struggles. The Rwandan Genocide left lasting psychological scars on future generations. These cases demonstrate that the effects of mass violence extend far beyond those who directly experience it.

The Psychological Trauma of India’s Independence

The Partition of India in 1947 forced around 15 million people to migrate between India and Pakistan, making it one of the largest forced displacements in history. This event was not just about territorial division; it was a human catastrophe marked by extreme violence, loss, and deep psychological wounds. Many survivors witnessed mass killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of their homes. The trauma they endured did not end with their migration. Instead, it shaped their mental health for decades, often manifesting as PTSD, depression, and chronic anxiety.

One of the most devastating effects of Partition was the emotional and psychological toll on refugees. Many lost their families overnight. They arrived in new territories with no belongings, no support systems, and no sense of stability. Additionally, the sheer scale of violence, often committed by neighbors and former friends, led to a profound sense of betrayal. This intensified feelings of fear and distrust, which, for many, lasted a lifetime. Women, in particular, suffered unique trauma, as sexual violence was weaponized during the conflict. Survivors of such violence were often shunned by their own families, adding to their psychological burden.

The trauma of Partition was rarely discussed publicly. Most survivors suppressed their pain, choosing silence over confrontation with their past. Furthermore, there was no formal mental health support system in newly independent India and Pakistan to address their suffering. Refugees were expected to rebuild their lives quickly, leaving them with little time or space to process their grief.

This suppression led to intergenerational trauma, as their pain, fears, and anxieties were unknowingly passed down to their children. The next generations inherited a deep-rooted sense of loss and an unspoken history of suffering, shaping their collective memory and identity.

The Societal Consequences of Unprocessed Trauma

The trauma of Partition did not end with the survivors. It shaped the societies of both India and Pakistan in deep and lasting ways. Many people who experienced violence and displacement carried their pain in silence. They did not receive psychological help, and mental health was not a priority in the newly independent nations. As a result, their trauma remained unprocessed, affecting families and entire communities.

One major consequence was the continuation of communal divisions. The violence of Partition created deep mistrust between religious communities. This mistrust did not fade over time but was passed down through generations. Families that had suffered during Partition often told stories of betrayal and violence, reinforcing negative perceptions of the "other" community. This contributed to later communal conflicts, such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India and the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. The pain of Partition continued to influence politics and social tensions.

Additionally, many survivors suppressed their emotions to rebuild their lives. They focused on survival, often at the cost of their mental well-being. This led to intergenerational trauma. Children of Partition survivors grew up in households where unspoken pain and anxiety shaped family dynamics. Many inherited feelings of fear, insecurity, or anger without fully understanding their source. Furthermore, governments in India and Pakistan focused on economic and political recovery, neglecting the psychological impact of Partition. Unlike post-Holocaust efforts that documented survivor testimonies and provided support, Partition trauma remained largely unaddressed. This silence allowed historical wounds to persist, affecting South Asian society even today.

Addressing or Ignoring Trauma

The trauma of Partition was shaped not only by the violence itself but also by how different stakeholders responded to it. The British colonial authorities played a key role in creating the conditions for this suffering. Their rushed withdrawal and lack of planning for large-scale displacement left millions vulnerable. The Radcliffe Line was drawn hastily, with little regard for the communities it divided. This careless execution meant that people had little time to prepare, leading to panic, chaos, and deep psychological distress.

Meanwhile, the newly formed governments of India and Pakistan focused primarily on political stability and nation-building. Their priority was managing the immediate crisis—resettling refugees and restoring order—rather than addressing mental trauma. Psychological support was almost non-existent. The governments did not acknowledge the depth of suffering experienced by displaced people, nor did they create long-term programs to help them cope. The lack of mental health awareness at the time further contributed to this neglect.

Additionally, families and communities often discouraged open discussions about the violence and loss. Many survivors were forced to suppress their grief and trauma. Women, in particular, were silenced, especially those who had experienced sexual violence. The stigma surrounding these experiences meant that psychological wounds remained unspoken and unprocessed.

Furthermore, academic and historical research initially focused on the political and demographic impact of Partition rather than its psychological effects. The human cost, especially mental trauma, was not a priority in early post-Partition studies. However, in recent decades, scholars have started documenting survivor testimonies, shedding light on the long-lasting emotional scars of Partition. This shift has brought a deeper understanding of the trauma that continues to affect generations.

The Path to Healing

The trauma of Partition did not end with the events of 1947. The wounds carried by survivors were passed down through generations. Healing requires acknowledgment, psychological support, and a collective effort to address this history. A key step is documenting survivor testimonies. Oral history projects help bring personal experiences to light, ensuring that the suffering is neither forgotten nor denied. These testimonies also provide psychological relief to survivors, allowing them to process emotions that have remained suppressed for decades.

Academic research plays a crucial role in understanding the long-term effects of Partition trauma. Studies on intergenerational trauma show how unaddressed grief can influence future generations, affecting mental health, identity, and even social behavior. This research can help shape trauma-informed policies in both India and Pakistan, ensuring that history is not just remembered but also addressed with care.

Furthermore, public acknowledgment through museums, memorials, and commemorative events can create spaces for collective mourning and dialogue. Many post-genocidal societies, such as Rwanda and Germany, have invested in such initiatives to promote healing and reconciliation. Learning from their experiences, India and Pakistan can foster a shared historical understanding, reducing animosities rooted in past trauma.

Addressing this past is not just about remembrance—it is about learning from history to prevent future conflicts and ensure lasting peace.

References

Bhat, J. S. (2025, January 20). The Partition of 1947 and intergenerational trauma. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-psychology-of-the-south-asian-diaspora/202501/the-partition-of-1947-and-intergenerational

Puri, K. (2024, August 10). 'This can't be a footnote' - the hit podcast shedding light on the Bengal famine. The Times. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kavita-puri-interview-three-million-bbc-sounds-wbchblkb8

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aflamethatneverdies · 11 months ago

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In Pakistan as well, they used health workers and vaccination campaigns to conduct the raid under Obama Administration. US Government's raid is also the reason why health workers specifically were targeted and killed by taliban militants.

The raid by U.S. forces on bin Laden's compound fueled the anger that many Pakistanis already felt about American involvement in the region, and the revelations about the CIA's covert vaccination plot fed into such rumors and gave them credence, say health experts. "After Abbottabad, these rumors became fact in the minds of many Pakistanis," says an international health worker who asked not to be identified because the attack on Abbottabad remains a sensitive issue for the Pakistani government. [...] After rumors spread that Afridi was connected to the CIA, every vaccination worker in Pakistan fell under suspicion. This was especially true in the mountains along the Afghan border, which were both high-contagion areas and Taliban and al Qaeda strongholds. The Taliban also suspected that polio workers were secretly collecting intelligence for U.S. drone strikes. To the Pashtun tribes that inhabited these mountains, it wasn't so far-fetched. They lived in terror of the drones.

The distrust sowed by the sham campaign in Pakistan could conceivably postpone polio eradication for 20 years, leading to 100,000 more cases that might otherwise not have occurred, says Leslie F. Roberts of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. “Forevermore, people would say this disease, this crippled child is because the U.S. was so crazy to get Osama bin Laden,” he argues. The vaccination ruse also poses a moral problem. Physicians take a Hippocratic oath to do no harm. Humanitarian workers adhere to an international code of conduct that requires that their services be provided independently of national agendas, on the basis of need alone. The misguided vaccine program in Pakistan was started in a poor neighborhood of Abbottabad, no doubt to give it an air of legitimacy. Yet after the first in a standard series of three hepatitis B shots was given, the effort was abandoned so that the team could move to bin Laden's wealthier community. This lapse in protocol proves that the best interests of the recipients were not the guiding principle of the effort—while not coincidently betraying the program for the sham it was.

I know this isn’t a novel observation but I’ve been reading a lot of articles about colonial and imperial policy (specifically demography history papers) & one pattern that keeps coming up is that colonial/imperial governments try to institute what can reasonably be described as “good” social policies in colonised places (like vaccine programs, funding for schools, etc, things that are associated with the smooth functioning of a state), and these are often rejected by local colonised governments and people because like obviously they don’t trust colonial/imperial administrators wanting to become involved with their healthcare or education. And what often ends up happening is this backlash against “progressive” policies because they’re being pushed by colonial governments, so you get shit like the Catholic Church running all the primary schools in Ireland because they refuse to open British-funded state schools, or people refusing to immunize their children because those “public goods” are (rationally & understandably) associated with things like US imperial population management programs. And then these colonial & imperial administrators turn around and say look! These people won’t even accept money for schools and vaccines! Look how backwards they are! And paint colonised populations as Great Rejectors of Democracy which western populations then readily eat up. Just a really horrendous feedback loop of misery that generates a lot of ‘secondary’ death and violence on top direct colonial oppression and plunder

#and further fallout of that is that people were still suspicious of foreign vaccines for covid-19 too and many people refused to get them #it's so difficult trying to convince people to take vaccines when CIA has pulled shit like this in the past #i despise Taliban and blame them for many things but US government has played extremely dirty and set our country's healthcare back decades #and they never take responsibility for the war on terror and the high cost the rest of us have had to pay

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msclaritea · 1 year ago

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"Farrakhan, who is Black, was born Louis Eugene Walcott on May 11, 1933 in The Bronx, New York City. He is the younger of two sons of Sarah Mae Manning (1900–1988) and Percival Clark, immigrants from the Anglo-Caribbean islands. His mother was born in Saint Kitts, while his father was Jamaican. The couple separated before their second son was born, and Walcott says he never knew his biological father. Walcott was named after Louis Walcott, a man with whom his mother had a relationship after becoming separated from Percival Clark. In a 1996 interview with Henry Louis Gates Jr., Walcott speculated that Percival Clark, "a light-skinned man with straight hair from Jamaica", may have been Jewish."

"Speaking of his father's white Portuguese parents, the Nation of Islam leader said, "I'm going to tell you something. You really want to know what I think? I think they were members of the Jewish community."

He added: "I believe that in my blood, and not in a bad way. Because when I was a little boy I used to love listening to the Jewish cantors in Boston. They had a program, and every week I would listen. I was struck by the cantor, and I've always loved the way they sing or recite the Torah."

Gates, citing an academic source, says Farrakhan's assertion about his lineage is "highly probable" given that nearly all people of Iberian descent in Jamaica and Barbados are of Sephardic Jewish ancestry.

Farrakhan was born in 1933, the son of Mae Clark, who was from Barbados. He was named Gene after his father, a light-skinned man with straight hair from Jamaica. His father, Gates writes, was a philanderer whom the family rarely saw.

"If in my lineage there are Jews, I would hope that in the end, before my life is over, I not only will have rendered a service to my own beloved community of black people but will also have rendered a service to the Jewish community," Farrakhan was quoted as saying..."

Then there's the founder of the Nation of Islam cult. People still don't know exactly who he was, but one thing is certain: Wallace Fard Muhammad was a prolific con artist.

Theories of origin

Karl Evanzz, in his book The Messenger, postulates that Fard was the son of a Pakistani Muslim, then known as East Indians. He bases this theory on several indications:

Fard spent time at the Ahmadiyya Mosque, a movement prominent in Pakistan and used translations of the Quran from Pakistanis.

The name Fard is a common surname in Pakistan as are other names he bestowed upon his followers such as Shabazz, Ghulam, and Kallatt

Interviews with long-time Nation figures who met him or saw original photos of him such as Ozier Muhammad, Rodnell Collins (nephew of Malcolm X) and Wilfred Little indicate that Fard has Pakistani features

Early teachings from Fard indicated a distrust and disdain for Hinduism

The 2017 book Chameleon: The True Story of W.D. Fard by A. K. Arian studies the origin of the Nation of Islam founder.[129] One theory postulated is that Fard was of Afghan heritage.

The 2019 book Finding W.D. Fard: Unveiling the Identity of the Founder of the Nation of Islam investigates a variety of theories about Fard's ethnic and religious origins, writing: "The people who actually met him, and the scholars who have studied him, have suggested that he was variously an African American, an Arab from Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco or Saudi Arabia ... a Turk, an Afghan, an Indo-Pakistani ... a Greek ... In an attempt to determine the origins of W.D. Fard, most scholars have relied on his teachings as passed down, and perhaps modified, by Elijah Muhammad. Some have suggested that he was a member of the Moorish Science Temple of America or the Ahmadiyyah Movement. Others have suggested that he was a Druze or a Shiite." Morrow suggests that a background of Ghulat or extremist Shia Islam best fits with what's known of Fard.

Muhammad Abdullah

For decades after Fard's disappearance, Elijah Muhammad maintained that Fard was alive and well. Elijah Muhammad suggested that California Imam Muhammad Abdullah was Fard, though Abdullah himself later retracted this claim. Scholar Fatimah Fanusie has argued that Abdullah was in fact Fard.

Abdullah was reportedly introduced as Fard to boxing legend Muhammad Ali...

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