After 9/11, visible ethnic communities like the Sikhs became immediate targets of public racism from racist elements of society. Anyone that was considered to be Arab-like in appearance was targeted with vicious verbal racism, taunts and physical attacks. Many innocent Sikhs were attacked or shot dead on the streets of the USA and Europe simply due to their appearance. Sikhs are instantly recognisable by turbans and beards.
Turbans have been worn by different people around the world for the past 3,000 years. For the Sikhs, the turban carries deep religious significance. Members of the Sikh faith - the fifth largest religion in the world - are required to wear a turban pursuant to religious mandate.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Sikh turbans have taken on a new meaning. Because Non-Sikhs tend to associate Sikhs' turbans with Osama bin Laden, Sikhs with turbans have become a superficial and accessible proxy for the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. As a result, turbaned Sikhs in America have been victims of racial violence. Sikhs are a peace loving community that are well assimilated into western culture. It is sad to see that terrorists can cause Americans to kill other innocent Americans. As a result of the killings of innocent Sikhs this video was produced by the US Department of Justice to create awareness about the Sikh faith.
The People of Pakistan
Pakistan has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. The total population has reached 170,000,000. It is a very diverse country with many different ethnic groups occupying the region.
The War in Pakistan
The war in Pakistan rages between the government's armed forces and Islamic militants and began in 2004 when a search for al-Qaeda operatives in the mountainous area of Waziristan met with armed resistance.
Instability and its Effects on Pakistani Politics and Economy
Pakistan, the product of the dissolution of the British Empire, officially became a state in 1947. Although young in age, Pakistan has been plagued by political and economic difficulties that have influenced foreign policy on a regional as well as a global scale.
Toll in Pakistan floods surges past 800
NOWSHERA, Pakistan - The death toll in the massive flooding in Pakistan surged past 800 as floodwaters receded Saturday in the hard-hit northwest, an official said. The damage to roads, bridges and communications networks hindered rescuers, while the threat of disease loomed as some evacuees arrived in camps with fever, diarrhea and skin problems.
Turmoil in Pakistan as party quits Cabinet
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s U.S.-allied ruling party suffered a fresh blow to its fragile hold on power Tuesday when a coalition partner said it will quit the cabinet, deepening the nation’s political turmoil and potentially distracting Islamabad from helping American forces target militants.
Pakistan, Afghanistan sign trade pact
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Afghanistan sealed a landmark trade deal Sunday as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pushed the two neighbors to step up civilian cooperation and work together against al-Qaida and the Taliban.
