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Secularism and Democracy

Secularism and Democracy

The struggles for liberation, now known as the "Arab Spring", have been welcomed by people everywhere. However, there is some dismay about the success of Islamic parties after national elections. Are these religious parties a threat? Is secularism really crucial for democracy?

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Use of Force

Use of Force

A memorandum prepared for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance of a hypothetical scenario in which the United Nations Security Council discusses a pre-emptive strike on the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Although it is prepared with New Zealand in mind, its arguments are equally applicable to other countries.

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Gratitude

Gratitude

Be dared to make the most of each day. This is guaranteed to open your heart and inspire you.

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Services

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Achieving the best results is key in a competitive environment. This is achieved through dedication, creativity and vision. I am available for a range of consulting and photography services. In doing this, I will assist in the provision of timely professional advice, making sure to bring together commercial, creative and planning inputs to ensure all project results and objectives are achieved. Services include:

  • Policy Advisory
  • Project Management
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Reporting
  • Legal
  • Research

With any professional engagement, my aim is to ensure that clients have all information available when making planning decisions. Where necessary, I can bring together a range of specialist advice and services, ranging from digital programming to marketing, communication advisors to creative designers.

Past clients have included:

Articles

Secularism and Democracy

Secularism and Democracy

The struggles for liberation, now known as the "Arab Spring", have been welcomed by people everywhere. However, there is some dismay about the success of Islamic parties after national elections. Are these religious parties a threat? Is secularism really crucial for democracy?

Read more >

Use of Force

Use of Force

A memorandum prepared for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance of a hypothetical scenario in which the United Nations Security Council discusses a pre-emptive strike on the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Although it is prepared with New Zealand in mind, its arguments are equally applicable to other countries.

Read more >

Trade Disputes

Trade Disputes

Despite what may initial appearances may suggest, it is always not smooth sailing between two of the largest trading blocks in the world.  This paper from 2009 considers to trade disputes between these economic giants.

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Third Way

Third Way

Economics, politicians and policy makers refer to the "Third Way" with both irreverence and mistrust, yet few care to venture an outline of exactly what they mean by it.  This paper takes a brave, if not satirical, look at what the Third Way could be. Is it a new silver bullet or clumsy Frankenstein?

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Think Different

It is easy to turn on the radio and listen to a song, the melancholic melodies of which seem to answer all the pains of our day. As odd as it can be to say, this gloom can in fact be addictive and so easy to seep into. What is more difficult however is to keep the fleeting spark of happiness glowing. What we often need is a bank of happiness and bright ideas, where we can be dared and motivated to shine.

The purpose of this page is to be that bank. New content will be added all the time so scroll down to search through the tabs below and be guided through to words, pictures or videos that will uplift, challenge and inspire you in every way. Just remember to come back for more!

About Me

Currently based in the UK, Ali's goals and work have taken him around the world.  Graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Politics double major), he is now a candidate for a Masters in Public Policy from King's College London.   Strongly committed to economic development, he has previously been engaged as a solicitor for a leading Australasian law firm and a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme.  He is now pursuing a career in risk advisory and consulting.  His Middle Eastern background, coupled with his Western upbringing, provide a dual perspective on global issues and a commitment to objectivity and innovative thinking.

Outside of his immediate career Ali has also been engaged as a photographer.  He is active within the community in many voluntary capacities - most recently as the co-founder and coordinator of a vibrant and fast-growing youth group.

From design to execution, every new project is an opportunity to push the limits of analysis and creativity.  And in doing this, a dedication to excellence is paramount.

If you have arrived at this site in a professional capacity, I hope this site and the content has demonstrated my commitment to the above. Although words like "creativity" and "excellence" can often be used as empty marketing jargon, they are indeed principles I live by.  Some of the articles I have written are published at the News & Articles page, however many of the legal opinions and consulting reports I have written cannot be publically published due to privacy reasons. Also, more of my photography portfolio can be viewed via Flickr and Facebook

If you have arrived at this site for any other reason, I hope you have found it thought provoking and personally uplifting.  The Think Different page features many videos, articles and photos that will inspire and catalyse change.  Similarly, the Links tab will also connect you to more sites where you can find more useful ideas.

Either way, thank you for stopping by. Make sure you get in touch via the Contact tab. I look forward to hearing from you!

Contact me