Egypt Crisis an opportunity for the United States

The current crisis in #Egypt poses an unprecedented opportunity for the Obama administration to renew the United States commitment to uphold the ideals it was founded upon by pledging unconditional support to the peoples movement and the democratic process in the Arab world, the greater Middle East and near East regions. Thus, facilitating in defeating extremism and paving the path for peaceful coexistence.
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A People's Untold History

 - Hosted by The Green Economics Initiative, a program enacted under the aegis of Shirkat Gah, and in partnership with Henrich Boll Stiftung.

- Introductory remarks by Najma Sadeque.

- Its largely unscripted film - a venture backed by the film makers.

- The film was a factual portrayal of ground realities of a nation's untold Economic development or lack thereof.

- The screening was hosted at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, on Tuesday, 11th January, 2011. This was the second screening. The launch apparently had happened in Lahore on December 2nd. Review from Lahore launch can be read here.

More details and a personal account to come soon.

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Karachi Coastline: Endangered Mangroves

Back in 2007 I had done a series of posts, many in partnership with Civil Society members on Karachi's threatened coastline. Since then the situation has worsened. Unchecked construction in the name of development is threatening the coastline. An increase in untreated sewage running into the Arabia Sea is having adverse affects on the marine plant and animal life, not to mention local indigenous fisher folk's livelihood;

Following is a brief video produced by Nameera Ahmad, in association with NuktaArt on the Mangroves of Karachi and an IUCN re-plantation project ...



Other related posts:
Karachi Coastline Under Threat
A Dying Breed: The Baloch Fisher Folk
Save the beaches: Karachi's coastline under threat
Sahil Bachao...Save Karachi Beaches (Petition)

Flood Relief Campaign for Southern Pakistan

The earthquake’s  that hit Pakistan in 2005 and 2008  were regarded as the worst tragedy for the nation. Few have realized that the recent floods have in fact caused more damage then those earthquake’s did. As per latest reports official figures stand at 1600 dead and 12 million left homeless.

The Monsoon rains began  two weeks ago and have washed away roads, bridges and communications lines, hampering rescue efforts by aid organizations and the government. The downpours have grounded many aircraft trying to rescue people and ferry aid, including six helicopters manned by US troops on secondment from Afghanistan. Continue reading ...

Muslim Wine from Morocco ...

Morocco has become one of the largest winemakers in the Muslim world, with the equivalent of 35 million bottles produced last year. Wine brings the state millions in sales tax, even though Islam appears to be on the rise politically.

Continue reading at MSNBC

Making Sense of Shalimar SF Restaurant story ... San Francisco Bay Area ... Pakistani & Indian Cuisine

Indian Chatkhara, Fremont, California

The Shalimar Restaurant group is a 15 to 20 year old chain of Restuarants from the San Francisco Bay Area. Recently they've under gone a major re-org where one store has apparently been sold and a new store under a new brand opened. 

Recently, while trying to get a quick bite at Chatkhara Restaurant I was surprised to learn that this is essentially Shalimar.  

I inquired with the person in charge at Chatkhara on what's the deal with the new name. His reply, in Urdu was: "is key peechey kahani hai" -- meaning to say "there is a story behind this."

That said, Shalimar now has 5 entities:

2 in San Francisco branded as "Shalimar"

1 in Sunnyvale branded as "Shalimar"

1 in Fremont called "Shalimar"

1 in Fremont branded as "Indian Chatkhara"

Interestingly when I first went to the Shalimar Restaurant in Fremont they informed me that they were closed and I should go next door to Chatkhara as that's also their store. 

My initial assumption for the new branding has something to do with Taxation matters. Which doesn't surprise me as after all they've had a Cash Only policy. Implying that,  more than likely they've been under reporting there actual income.  Given there rapid growth over the past 15 years I wouldn't be surprised if they're on some  sort IRS watch-list. 

Based on this assumption one could easily explain the reason for the name change. However, that still doesn't explain their divestment from the Sunnyvale entity, that is if the Shalimar group has indeed sold it. As folks at the Fremont Shalimar and Chatkhara claim that they've sold the Sunnyvale entity, however Sunnyvale entity folks deny their claims. Although the "Shalimar Group" website does not list the Sunnyvale entity, which could mean they've sold that store -- however what about the brand? Have they sold the rights to the "Shalimar" brand as well, or have some sort of co-use branding arrangement? 

One other interesting differentiation to note between  Shalimar and Chatkhara is the latter except credit cards. 

Which points back to my initial assumption where the Shalimar entity, due to it's growth has come under IRS scrutiny, and so the reason for them to divest and re-brand. Though, I don't buy the divestment story. I think it's safe to assume that the divestment is within the Shalimar Group as a short term strategy to clear any record that may exist with the IRS. With their long term strategy leaning towards an all out re-branding and name change from Shalimar to Chatkhara.

Reference links: 

1. Shalimar SF: http://www.shalimarsf.com/

2. Shalimar SV: http://www.shalimarsv.com/

3. Indian Chatkhara: http://www.yelp.com/biz/indian-chatkhara-fremont