Ebrima Ceesay,

I understand the pressures of the work  but Inshallah, I have no doubt that  
you will do just fine with 
The beach at "Almadi was one of the family's favourite hang outs when we 
lived in Dakar, and even then, there was some exquisite construction in the 
area.
Senegal has always been a pace setter on the continent Ebrima.

Like brother Momodou Sidibeh, I would really like to see this piece on 
Senegal when time permits. I am homesick for the place all the time.

Regarding the issue of Islamic States, I am afraid that the U.S understand 
well what that constitutes even thought they may use the term loosely as you 
described. I say this because they have had close ties with Saudi Arabia 
which is strictly an Islamic state, and that has not seemed to bother that 
relationship until now when there is definitley a desire by some in the Bush 
administration to perhaps attack that country too, ,and again for self 
interest although other reasons are always given.

As for Pakistan, they are now close buddies of the U.S although they may 
label them an Islamic state. It is all a matter of self interest when it 
comes down to it.
They can just do us a favour and label Jammeh what he really is, although it 
was not too long ago that Ambassador Mcdonald was heaping praise on the 
Jammeh regime?


Jabou Joh


In a message dated 11/26/02 1:25:19 PM Central Standard Time, 
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Sister Jabou,
> 
> It’s been a while since we last spoke, but you and your family are always 
> in
> my prayers. This summer, I have been away on a field trip to Senegal, and
> from there I spent time in Toulouse and Paris.  Hence my apparent
> disappearance.  I’m now in the last eight months of my Doctoral studies, 
> and
> the pressure is starting to build!
> 
> However, whenever the need arises, I’ll post up a message to Gambia L and
> Gambia Post.
> 
> My time in Dakar was very useful:  I seem to remember that, like me, you
> lived there for a while:  you would certainly be impressed with the current
> infrastructural development and the feelings of optimism.  The quality of
> workmanship and the wonderful buildings which have been put up, especially
> in the "Almadi" area, are not even to be found in Europe or America –
> believe me.
> 
> The Senegalese have their shortcomings (the pollution in the city, the
> traffic jams, the crime rate, the hustlers, high prices, unemployment) but
> overall, there is a real sense of rejuvenation, development and progress.
> In fact, it is my intention to write a comprehensive piece on my time in
> Dakar, and especially touching Senegalese-Gambian relations, for Gambia L
> and Gambia Post.  I’ll have to carve out some time from my busy schedule to
> do this soon.
> 
> I was also surprised to discover that our own Musa Ngum sold more cassettes
> in Senegal in 2001 than any other Senegalese musician, including Youssou
> Ndour. His album entitled "Artist" was a real hit in Senegal in 2001, I was
> told.
> 
> Regarding your point that Islamic countries are run according to Sharia 
> Law:
>   Well, in Western dictum, the definition of Islamic state is more in terms
> of the influence of religion on secular affairs such that affairs of
> religion and state tend to become inseparable.  Take Pakistan for instance:
> in Western circles, it is categorised as an Islamic/Muslim nation and yet
> Pakistan does not operate according to Sharia law.  This is a huge topic in
> its own right and many scholars are making it a field of special interest.
> 
> International politics is interesting these days!  Despite my busy 
> schedule,
> one of these days I shall surely talk about the current USA administration
> vis-à-vis the rest of the world. I shall also attempt to explain what I see
> as a marriage of circumstance between the Christian right in the USA and 
> the
> pro-Israel/Jewish lobby and how this unlikely marriage is shaping and
> determining international politics and foreign relations throughout the
> world.
> 
> I do wholeheartedly agree with you that Jammeh is "yet another one of many 
> a
> money and power-driven African leaders".  He is bleeding our nation dry and
> bringing it to the verge of ruin.
> 
> Let’s keep in contact please!
> 
> Brother Ebrima Ceesay,
> 

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