Ideas predate civilization. They even predate humanity. The ideas of fire, weapons and symbols were probably thought of by Homo erectus before the birth of Homo sapiens.

One never seizes to be amazed by Pakistan's political googlies. Whether it is the elected leadership in Islamabad or the military chiefs in Rawalpindi, the country's frequent political seesawing has left no stone unturned. From the recently brokered deal by Maulana Sufi Muhammad of the TNSM between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the NWFP government for Nizam-e-Adl regulation in Swat or, the unexpected admission that the dastardly terror attacks on Mumbai in November 2008 were hatched on Pakistani soil Islamabad has often left India, the US and the international community perplexed.

The newly formed Bangladeshi government, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is serious about tackling terrorism and placing Bangladesh at the helm of a regional initiative against terrorism.

Earlier this month Iran celebrated the 30th anniversary of the return of the exiled Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and the Islamic revolution that followed. It has been described as one of the greatest and most important revolutions in history, one that changed the face and very core of a nation and its people, and sent waves throughout the world that resonate till date. On a religious-political front the revolution resulted in the creation of a theocratic nation as well as making political Islam a force to be reckoned with the world over.

Green Prophet had the opportunity to interview Gitanjali Bakshi, Research Analyst at the Strategic Foresight Group. The group has produced a report on the environmental impact of conflicts in the Middle East, which was presented at the Palais de Nations in Geneva this week.

For the first time in twenty five years, Northern Sri Lankans will live unburdened by violent conflict. This is a great opportunity for northern and already liberated eastern province Sri Lankans to rapidly advance towards their peace-time potential. Now focused on rebuilding democratic governance and infrastructure along with expanding educational capacity and economic advancement, northern and eastern Sri Lankans should hit the ground running.