Category: Articles
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THE TOUGH CHOICE BETWEEN SURVIVAL OR SAFETY
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, embarked on a voyage in August 1492. He was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. Largely self educated, Columbus had in depth knowledge in geography, astronomy and history. He planned to seek a western sea passage to East Indies. He hoped to profit from…
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RELIGION HEALS SO WHY DO WE FIGHT OVER IT?
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan I reside in Mississauga, one of cities encircling Toronto in the shape of a horse shoe. This city has attracted immigrants from around the world. The flavor is multicultural including many Pakistanis. Our incumbent Mayor Bonnie Crombie along with the City Council recently passed a motion permitting Maghrib Azzan to…
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BUY OIL AND GET PAID FOR IT
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan This is what happened on April 20th. The oil market witnessed a total collapse. The price dropped to minus $37. It meant suppliers would pay this amount to buyers per barrel purchased! The world has turned on its head. Economies are slipping out of control to levels not see in…
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COVID-19 FACTS, FEARS AND FAKE NEWS
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Could anyone imagine six weeks ago that our lives will change so drastically and so quickly? It is stuff of movies and fiction. The world is headed towards a deeper recession than the Great Depression. This was announced by the IMF recently. But in the present state of mind who…
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Politicians vs Scientists
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan COVID-19 has put a spotlight on politicians’ and scientists’ behavior. A comparison rarely made before. They have their own domains. They seldom crossed paths. This onslaught of a ruthless killer has put them front and center. The politicians generally don’t look beyond their nose and the scientists think a hundred…
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CORONA’S ASSAULT ON MENTAL HEALTH
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Bon Jovi is a rock star with millions of fans. Self isolated in New Jersey with his family, he decided to contribute. Through community kitchens they distribute food to the needy. COVID–19 has caused a shortage of workers. He decided to help as a dish washer. A step down for…
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SALUTING OUR HEREOS – THE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Dedicated to our brave heroes who paid the ultimate price while serving humanity. Dr. Osama Riaz in Gilgit Baltistan and the entire healthcare givers community around the globe. COVID-19 is a global tsunami. It has hit the two power engines driving the world. USA and China. It nearly derailed their…
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HUMAN PAIN OF A LOCKDOWN
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan The difference between the rich and the poor has never been more glaring in Pakistan. The rich are emptying shelves of their favorite super markets and urging a lock down. The poor are losing sleep over how they will feed their family should such a lock down happen. The air…
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CORONA’S DARK SHADOW ON HUMANS AND ECONOMIES
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Re locating from one continent to another takes its toll on the body and mind. I did it last week and did not write a column. I apologize to those who missed it. We are not living in normal times. We are crowded by fear and uncertainties. One sneeze in…
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FAILING ACCOUNTABILITY – BEWARE IK
STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan Steal a few thousands and you will be caught, beaten up and punished. Steal a few billions, hire a good lawyer and you will become respectable. You will be sought after and lavished with praise of your nonexistent talents. This is how the Mafias flourish in our beloved homeland. You…