Latest news with #illusion
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Field Marshal Asim Munir, of a Pakistan in denial
The ceremonial elevation of Pakistan's General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal may appear, at first glance, to be an assertion of military strength after India's Operation Sindoor. In truth, it is a symptom of state fragility. Rather than a symbol of national unity, the conferral of this title lays bare the deep and growing incoherence at the heart of the Pakistani state, an entity that increasingly relies on the illusion of martial grandeur to mask a chronic political, institutional, and ideological breakdown. General Munir is no ordinary military man. A former chief of both the Directorate of Military Intelligence and the ISI, and known for his public zealotry and ideological certitude, he is not merely a soldier; he is the embodiment of a system where khaki, creed, and coercion have become the scaffolding of the state. But to honour a serving general with a rank drawn from colonial pageantry, only the second time in Pakistan's history, is not to project strength but to paper over the collapse of consensus. What was once a functioning, if fragile, federation now resembles a brittle union held together by force and fear. The traditional bargain between the Punjabi-dominated military elite and Pakistan's diverse peripheries, always uneasy, is today under existential strain. The founding premise of Pakistan was, in essence, a rejection: That the Muslims of the Subcontinent could not coexist with Hindus in a single democratic polity. This negative identity, born not of cultural confidence but of fear, was never accompanied by a coherent, inclusive national vision. The two-nation theory offered a religious identity, but no political architecture to contain the diversity of its own people. And so, the army stepped in, not just as a defender of territory, but as the guardian of ideology. With a fragile political class, pliable judiciary, and weakened federal compact, the military filled the vacuum. Worse, it framed itself as the sole custodian of Pakistan's 'ideological frontiers': A chilling phrase that placed dissent, federalism, and pluralism outside the bounds of loyalty and that has no analogue in any modern democracy. In this sense, the military's hold on power was not accidental; it was functional, but also ideological. Each phase of martial ascendancy has been legitimised by a logic of existential threat: From India, from internal disorder, from subversion. Indeed, the doctrine of 'Islam in danger' proved remarkably elastic in justifying military supremacy. In this schema, Islam became less a faith than a national armour. It was used to homogenise, suppress, and punish: Bengali aspirations were heresy; Baloch resistance was treason; Sindhi identity was sedition. When the people of East Pakistan rose in democratic revolt, they were crushed with genocidal violence. Bangladesh's birth in 1971 was not merely a geopolitical event, it was the moment the idea of Pakistan cracked irreparably. Religion had failed to mask the reality of ethnic, linguistic, and political diversity. And yet, the lesson was never learned. Today, Balochistan burns. Insurgents claim not just rights but independence. Leaders like Mir Yar Baloch declare freedom from a state they never felt part of. In Sindh, movements like the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement demand justice for the disappeared and dignity for the dispossessed. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement seeks demilitarisation and accountability from the very forces that claim to defend the republic. This is not a state in control. It is a state in denial. Instead of reconciling with its past, Pakistan has deepened its militarisation and outsourced parts of its 'strategic depth' to terrorist proxies. The ISI's long courtship of outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed is no secret. But what is less understood is how these groups serve a dual purpose: Projecting power abroad while stoking nationalist fervour at home. It is a strategy that has won short-term tactical gain at the cost of long-term self-destruction. The recent anti-terror operation by Indian forces deep inside Pakistani territory, following a brutal attack in Pahalgam, is only the latest reminder that this infrastructure of terror is both a threat to the region and a cancer within Pakistan itself. And what is Rawalpindi's response? A Field Marshal's baton. Not introspection, not civilian dialogue, not constitutional federalism — but pageantry, hierarchy, and silence. As Stephen P Cohen once wrote, the Pakistan army 'is not just a military machine; it is the ultimate defender of the Pakistani idea'. But that very idea is fraying. What does Pakistan stand for today beyond its rejection of India and its invocation of Islam? Where is the inclusive, pluralist vision that can bind its peoples together without the constant resort to repression? Bangladesh was the first great rupture. It revealed that religious identity alone cannot substitute for democracy, dignity, and recognition. Today, that same lesson is being written again, not in history books but in real time — through insurgencies, silenced voices, and the creeping retreat of the civilian state. And yet, the response is not reform. It is a ritual. A baton, a ceremony, a Field Marshal's rank. The stately choreography of decline. Pakistan's crisis is not simply that the military dominates. It is that there is nothing left to counterbalance it; no trusted political class, no independent judiciary of consequence, no credible national narrative. The state speaks only in one voice, and it wears epaulettes. Faiz Ahmed Faiz, ever the conscience of a betrayed revolution, once wrote: 'Ye daagh daagh ujaala, ye shab-gazida sahar/Woh intezaar tha jiska, ye woh sahar toh nahin (This stained light, this night-bitten dawn/This is not the dawn we waited for).' Nor, one suspects, is this the nation that its founders once imagined. The writer is professor and dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University and honorary professor at the University of Melbourne. He was founding director of the Australia India Institute
The South African
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates coach Riveiro: ‘I didn't sleep'
Orlando Pirates have lived through a horror spell. Coach Jose Riveiro described the profound effects of losing titles. Within two weeks, Orlando Pirates lost the CAF Champions League, Betway Premiership, and Nedbank Cup. 'Each and every game that we lose – if you ask me or the players – it feels the same,' Riveiro told the media. 'Every game is an opportunity to beat someone, and when you don't, and you're competitive, you don't sleep,' the Orlando Pirates mentor added via Soccer Laduma . 'I understand today was a big game – it's a cup final – but we go again. On Tuesday, we are tested again in the league. This is football. And losing a final like today is also a chance to understand just how difficult it is to win them. 'This group played five finals in a row. That's something exceptional. That's something we have to give value to,' he said. 'I can't tell you which one is more painful. The pain is the same. Because your illusion, your motivation, your expectation, and how you imagine your day will end – it changes completely,' the outgoing Orlando Pirates tactician concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Charles is 'flabbergasted' by famous magician's trick during royal visit to Bradford with Queen Camilla
The King was 'flabbergasted' by magician Steven Frayne, who turned newspaper into £20 notes, during a royal visit to celebrate Bradford's status as the UK City of Culture on Thursday. Bradford-born Frayne impressed Charles at the start of his and Queen Camilla 's tour of the Yorkshire city where he recognised another famous son - painter David Hockney - while the Queen visited the nearby home of the Bronte sisters. The Magician, who now goes by his real name, Stephen Frayne, also reminded Charles that they were both members of the upper tier of the Magic Circle as he thanked the monarch for giving him his first break. The pair met in Frayne's home city of Bradford, where the media personality received a loan in 2003, from the-then Prince's Trust (now know as the King's Trust). The loan enabled him to start his own business. Dynamo's first jaw-dropping trick saw him turn newspaper cuttings into bank notes. 'Here's something I've been working on. I've got some newspaper clippings but I've been trying to take any bad news and turn it into good news so that's one way to do it,' he said. Passing Charles the bank notes - which bore his face - he asked him: 'You can confirm that is legal tender?' Looking at the notes, the King said: 'Yes, I presume it is.' 'Save that for later,' said Frayne. 'Let's try this.' Cleverly twirling a deck of cards, much to Charles' amazement, a group of volunteers was each asked to chose a card, including the King. The monarch's was, appropriately, the King of Hearts. The magician then went on to correctly guess the King's choice - but rather than making it reappear in a pocket as he did with others, he turned to him and said: 'But your card, I'm going to try it a bit differently. 'So I take my phone and let me see how you've got the Wifi in the area, I want you to focus on your card and just name it out loud.' The King confirmed his card, to which Frayne revealed that not only had the magician's mobile phone changed all of the wi-fi networks available to show the name King of Hearts, but so had every the mobile phone of every person in the room. One royal superfan, who holding a Union Jack flag and wearing a crown, couldn't contain her excitement at meeting the Queen The King smiled and laughed. Frayne told the monarch about his career, saying: 'We just did 50 shows in London. Hopefully we can take it on tour and then we're going to make a TV show. You should come on it!' When the King laughed, Frayne said: 'We can tell our story! We go way back…' Charles replied: 'Oh, I know.' Frayne continued: 'You know what I mean? I wouldn't be doing magic today without the support you gave me, so, you know…' Charles said: 'Yes, but it was your determination…that I thought was so remarkable.' Frayne said: 'Well, thank you.' The King continued: 'And it's the gift of the gab. You go on talking so people don't know what you're doing.' 'Although sometimes, you know, the best moments happen in the silence. The real magic,' Frayne replied. Charles went on: 'And incredible amounts of preparation?' Florence Mcgrellis gave the King a warm hug after the pair had a brief conversation The magician said: 'Oh, non-stop. It's almost like training like an athlete, because obviously 2003 when we first met to get to here now, that's a lot of magic I've got to come up with and I've got to keep reinventing myself, keep coming up with new ideas.' When asked where he got his ideas, Frayne told the King: 'A lot of them come from experiences travelling around and sometimes I have to lock myself away in my magic cage. I've got a magic headquarters. And I have to lock myself away in there and see what magic comes out.' Charles asked: 'And are you a member of the magic circle?' The magician replied: 'Yes. I think we're in the top level now. There's only a select few. I believe you're in there as well?' Charles was granted honorary membership of the elite magician's club in 1975. Afterwards Frayne sounded emotional as he spoke about the King and the opportunity his charity had given him. 'I would never have got where I am today without his support, ' he said. The royals shook hands with members of the public who were patiently awaiting their arrival 'The amount of young people he has helped is incredible. 'I've been to the royal estate to entertain him, so it's nice to bring him to my estate [Bradford]. 'I wasn't sure when he became king whether the [Prince's Trust] could keep going and now it's the King's Trust and is still creating opportunity. I felt like there was no hope and he gave it to me. Once again he is still inspiring and bringing his own kind of magic.' The King, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, were in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on a classic royal 'away day', starting with a colourful song and music-led greeting. Highlighting the region's year as UK City of Culture, The Majesties arrived at 'Bradford Live', a new 3,000-capacity entertainment and event venue, where they were greeted by a performance of eight musicians from Paraorchestra, an integrated ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians, and huge, cheering crowds. Inside the recently-regenerated entertainment venue, which has stood in the city centre since 1930, The King and Queen also watched a rehearsal by pupils from Riddlesden Saint Mary's Primary School of 'Sing, Dance, Leap', an education programme in schools across the city run by the Royal Ballet and Opera with Northern Ballet and Opera North. The king asked the youngsters how they were enjoying rehearsals - 'are you getting better and better?' he asked, and whether they would be back in time for school lunch, while Camilla told them: 'It's so exciting. All those people are going to be here clapping and clapping you.' Afterwards they joined a reception attended by artists and contributors to the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme. The royals posed for a snap with school pupils at Bradford Live Meanwhile a beaming Charles looked smart in a grey suit which he paired with a purple shirt and matching tie as he was greeting by officials Queen Camilla met a well-wisher outside Bradford Live, during her visit to celebrate the city's year as UK City of Culture The king beamed as he was warmly welcomed by well wishers in Bradford on Thursday Outside, the crowds had swelled to easily more than a thousand people, clapping and cheering the couple. The King made his way along the crash barriers shaking the hands of hundreds of well-wishers calling his name, while his wife was left in a fit of the giggles after encountering Jackie Heron, 87, who had dressed regally in red, white and blue with a tiara, not once but twice. Waving a flag she shouted: 'Camilla, Camilla…Your Majesty' and when she went over to shake her hand, 'Oh, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, thank you very much.' Minutes later Mrs Heron appeared further up the line, prompting Camilla to laugh and say: 'Haven't we just met?', shaking her hand again. Mrs Heron said afterwards: 'She told me she liked what I was wearing.' At the conclusion of the walkabout Charles and Camilla went their separate ways, with the Queen jumping on an old yellow American school bus - now the Bradford Story Bus - for an event with the National Literacy Trust, of which she is patron, to celebrate its work raising literacy levels in the region. Around 150,000 books have been donated to children in the city in recent years, many of whom had never owned one. She also met schoolchildren engaging with the charity's Young Poet Laureate programme and sat with local schools who have been engaging with poetry through traditional means as well as more modern types such as rap. 'It seems a brilliant idea,' she said. In an off the cuff speech she urged them to keep reading and writing, saying it had been a 'real treat for me'. 'You must keep on doing this, just keep on reading, it will change your life,' she said. The King's final engagement of the day was visiting Cartwright Hall, an art gallery and community cultural space in Lister Park which has a David Hockney gallery, dedicated to the life and career of the Bradford-born artist. Keen artist Charles is known to love Hockney's work and recently visited him privately when he returned to the UK to live. The King also met local people involved in grassroots cultural activities and community groups in the city. And he watched a glorious performance by the Bantam of the Opera choir, a group of local Bradford City Football Club fans taught to sing opera by BBC Radio Leeds. 'Would you like a photograph? 'he asked to cheers. 'When is your next match? I hope you have a good year.' Charles visited the Impact Hub Yorkshire, which provides support to businesses finding sustainable solutions to social challenges The royal greeted well-wishers as he visits Impact Hub Yorkshire Charles spoke to staff members as he visited the Impact Hub Yorkshire He also received a hug from 15-year-old Florence McGrellis from Titus Salt School, who has Down Syndrome and is a hugely keen singer and dancer. 'I'm a hugger,' she said when asked why she did. The King returned the gesture, prompting her to say: 'He's a good hugger too! My parents have always inspired me.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🐯The Tiger returns: this is how Millonarios line up against Envigado
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. Millonarios hosts Envigado at El Campín with the great goal of reaching the top of the Liga big news is the appearance of Radamel Falcao on the substitutes' bench, which brings the great illusion that he will have some minutes. 🔵⚽ ¡Que llueva en la capital nada me va importar seguiré a Millos donde sea!🎶🏟️ ▶ Este es nuestro XI Inicial para enfrentar al Envigado en el estadio El Campín. 𝑆𝑖𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒, Siempre Millonarios Ⓜ️ — Millonarios FC (@MillosFCoficial) May 16, 2025 XI - 🔥 @BetPlayCO88 - ANDRÉS TOVAR - canterano 27 - NEYMAR URIBE - canterano 2 - DIDIER PALACIOS - canterano29 - CARLOS RAMÍREZ (c)33 - EMANUEL LONDOÑO - canterano21 - EDISON LÓPEZ - canterano14 - JOHAN HINESTROZA 34 - LUIS ÁNGEL DÍAZ - canterano80 - CARLOS TORRES 26… — Envigado Fútbol Club (@EnvigadoFC) May 17, 2025 📸 Andres Rot - 2024 Getty Images
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I was dead for 8 minutes... what I saw changed everything: There's a test and you're not alone
When Brianna Lafferty stopped breathing for eight minutes in a Texas hospital, she didn't just come back to life — she returned with a message. 'Death is an illusion, and our time on Earth isn't the end,' she told the Daily Mail. Your browser does not support iframes.
