The Haneef controversy continues

For those of us who know about Dr. Haneef Mohammed's case, here's some latest news on how his case was handled. The last line of this article reads that Haneef is still fighting to get his visa back. In all honesty, I ask, "Why" ? Why does he want to come back to Australia, a country that has seemingly needlessly shamed and blamed him for being a culpable accessory to terrorism related crimes ? Assume that after all that's said and done, he is afterall granted his visa back... what then ? Will he continue to command the same kind of respect and adoration(however great or little it might have been) in Australia ?

I speak as an Indian and let me tell you, if you've fallen from grace(even once, and even if you're not at fault), the tag of a "has-been-charged" continues to follow you wherever you go, in whatever you do. People close their minds to the real person in you and ostracise you in every step of the way. I don't say this is the kind of treatment that Haneef will get in Australia; au contraire... this country is the land of opportunity, where everyone gets a fair go. Yet, I can't help but feel that somehow Haneef is belittling himself by wanting to come back and contribute to Australia's medical workforce and offer his services after the way he's been treated.

At my workplace, the general consensus was, "ofcourse, he wants to work here; he can earn in dollars which when compared to the rupee is far more!"! Hmm, valid point; but is that all there is to it ? Nowhere in these past few months has any mention been made about his family situation in terms of lifestyle or status of living. If, for his sake, he isn't really in dire financial need, I really feel he should be looking for greener pastures elsewhere... but not here in Australia, where his reputation has been unfairly tainted.