Where did world leaders get it wrong on the Islamic terrorist problem?

What is terrorism? The Advanced English Dictionary defines terrorism as 

the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear

Terrorism is a worldwide problem and it cuts across race, politics and religion. But today, terrorism appears to be exclusively linked to Islam, leading to the coinage of the term "Islamic terrorism". This is because it is the only brand of terrorism that is mostly known nowadays. Globally, Islamic terrorism eclipses other brands of terrorism. Al- Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram and a long list of other Islamic terror groups are causing mayhem in many countries of the world. 

Some have argued that Islam as a religion is what fosters terrorism on the world because terrorist ideology is an inherent part of Islamic theology. They aver that there is no way one would subscribe to Islamic fundamentalism without veering into terrorism. The religion of Islam calls for spreading their brand of theocracy by any means necessary. Others have countered that true Islam is a religion of peace and that terrorists are not true Muslims or at best, are Muslim extremists.

To whichever divide of the argument you belong, the fact remains that the world is in trouble. World leaders, especially those of the West, probably underestimated the problem. It is not too late to wake up to reality and decimate this hydra-headed monster. As one American puts it, "The only way that we as Americans can defeat terrorism at home and across the world is by accurately targeting its root causes."

http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/terrorism-global-problem-not-muslim-one-152527580

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/04/world-response-terrorism/476337/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_terrorism

http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/omar-alnatour/muslims-are-not-terrorist_b_8718000.html

My take on Obama's Legacy (I)

His ascension to the position of the president of US and the number one citizen of the world was celebrated by many, especially black folks across the world (for obvious reasons) but accepted with cautious optimism by others. 

President Obama is charismatic and brilliant. As he bows out, eight years on, Americans have diverse opinions on his performance. To some, he has done well on the economic and other fronts while to others, he has driven the US into murky waters in many areas with with some regarding his presidency as a disaster. Although hailed by some, many see several of his policies as anti American and pro non Americans; kind of sacrificing the interest and values of Americans to please the rest of the world. 

This short piece focuses on the effect of his presidency on core American and Christian values (which are somehow intertwined) that we used to know. In a future piece, I will attempt to juxtapose the US Obama met and the one he is leaving, from other perspectives.

Personally, I feel Obama should go that in history as the President who did most in recent times to undermine and destroy Christian and core American values. I am going to give details in a future post but here is one example. Even though it is a liberal land of opportunities for all, everyone the world over used to know the US as a Christian country. That was until Obama came to inform us that the US was not a Christian nation. Christians, who constitute the majority in the US as at today had no voice and were at the receiving end of many of his objectionable policies. 

Although he sang in Christian meetings and maybe did some other religious stuffs, I can't seem to find any of his policies that impacted positively on the American Church. 

(To be continued)

Can this government be trusted?

It seems the ruling party was desperate for power without any concrete economic agenda but only exciting promises. They got power and was at a loss as to what to do with it.

They now embrace policies for which they vilified and condemned the past administration. 

While tough choices have to made at times for future benefits, knowing that the leaders are trustworthy and actually understand what they are doing will help the people to accommodate and adjust to these changes.

Now fuel is sold for N145 per litre. My question is what plan has this government put in place to cushion the effect of the steep increase especially in the light of the suffering Nigerians are already going through?

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria

It is certain that massive fraud was committed under the past administration. While the scale of fraud committed is astonishing, condemnable and shameful; at times, one cannot but think that the present administration is exaggerating the scale and making a show out of it to earn political capital. This is because of the over-concentration on this matter to the obvious neglect of other serious national issues. 

The first few months were spent chasing looters - real and imaginary - while Nigerians were suffering and the economy nose-diving. Tainted ministers and politicians with expired integrity

Power Lines for productivity in a promising year

2016 is trudging along to the abode of its predecessor. How has it been since you crossed over into the new year some sixty days ago? Are things working out according to plans? If yes, I rejoice with you. But, you must not rest on your oars. Keep rowing because the best still lies ahead. The antidote for stagnation and retrogression is progress.

Are you yet to find your compass for fulfilment and accomplishment in the year? Let me encourage you that it is not yet late to start out and make the most out of the year. This year holds lots of promises for you. It could be the year of your breakthrough, turnaround, recovery, discovery, reinvention, extraordinary experiences and superlative performance. 

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the year of our Lord 2016

Photo credit: Pri 2015

Photo credit: Pri 2015

Lay a sure and solid 

foundation for a safe and successful year by making God's Word your compass and standing on His unfailing promises.

Reach out for the top! Set goals (for personal spiritual life, career, ministry, family, etc) for the year; outline your game plan and connect with the God of all grace for support. 

Avoid the mistakes of the past, be diligent and determined in the pursuit of your goals. Aim high and be thorough. 

Above all, live with eternity in view. The rapture may take place at any time. Wisdom demands that you are found ready, not just preparing!

Here is wishing you a big, bright and beautiful 2016! Happy new year!

How do you and your nation fare on the generosity index?

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20.35

"Givers never lack"

"A nation's economic prosperity doesn't automatically translate to generosity" - CNN

Which is the world's most generous country? 

 By Milena Veselinovic, for CNN

The World Giving Index ranks countries of the world by activities of Charity. You may want to find out the performance of your country. Much more than that, you should evaluate your individual contribution to the performance of your nation and your personal attitude to giving.

A global survey of charitable giving conducted on 135 nations might give us a renewed sense of faith in humanity. The World Giving Index 2014 examined whether people donated money to a charity, volunteered their time to an organization or offered assistance to someone they didn't know who needed help.