...As a good-faith gesture to make up for the bin Laden debacle, arresting his long-time deputy and al Qaeda's likely new leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and the Taliban's Mullah Omar would also be more than welcome.
...stop resisting a key administrative measure it beat back three years ago—to bring the ISI under civilian rather than military control. Pakistan's civilian rulers may be incompetents, but they lack the ISI's signature traits of over-ambitiousness and willful disregard for civilian lives.
Riaz took the game of cricket to a new high and ensured that India remained on her toes.
Much respect for Shahid Afridi too. He had grace, maturity and all things nice we associate with leaders.
Ditto for Dhoni. I felt gratified to watch his measured reaction when India took wickets.
All in all, a holiday very well spent.
Now, can we move on and prepare for the Final pleaajj?
Amit Varma shares his thoughts on India's plan of action to fight terrorism, emanating from Pakistan.
I have often heard this argument : Trade more with Pakistan. Engage with their business class. An economically stabler Pakistan is in India's interests.
A friend pointed out that similar logic was being used by China in Xinjiang (erstwhile East Turkestan).
Fair, I would say.
However, personally, I don't view terrorism as a problem of poverty.
If that were so, we wouldn't be able to explain the Middle East connection in the 1993 Bombay blasts, the background of the London bombers, and Osama himself.
Now, terrorism, really is a dense subject. There is never a single reason for it.
But, according to me, one of the most basic causes is - Superiority Complex.
When a particular community feels that it alone is the most supreme race on Earth, that it is born to rule, and every non follower is an Infidel, this is what the world comes to.
Hitler suffered from the mentioned complex and so did Turks, when they carried out the Armenian genocide.
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Narrowing down the above argument to India : the whole Brahmanical structure reeked of this syndrome.
We have had scores of our people being denied the most basic rights, only because, someone from an upper caste felt they didn't deserve those rights.
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India's plan of action to become an economic power - one of the most loved questions at every B School panel.
One, that most of us have held endless discussions on.
I feel stupid about technological know-how, employable workforce, industrialization, green energy, and the usual blah, I, and many others often come up with.
Until we put an end to this superiority complex, this mindset of treating non-believers/ non followers/ or anyone who is different from us, as lesser worthy humans, we should give up our dreams of becoming a developed nation.
The below post is an endeavour in learning and a platform to invite comments/thoughts/insights/debate on the aforementioned subject.
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The past few years have seen a barrage of articles in the mainstream media and the blogosphere on should India send troops to Afghanistan ? Should we go beyond our humanitarian projects and have a strategic/military presence in the region ?
- There has been mounting pressure in The US & EU countries against the war in Afghanistan. So, a lot of these governments, specially the US, now want to get out of the region and focus more on the Af-Pak border, the new terror zone. Hence, peace deals are being " brokered" with the Taliban. Now this peace deal doesn't make much sense to me. There is nothing like a Good/Moderate Taliban. Also, can you buy peace? Who ensures that the contract stays legal and binding ? Again, if the deal fails, India is going to come out as the biggest loser. Hence, having Indian Troops In Afghanistan will put pressure on the West and ensure that Indian Interests are kept in mind
- The peace initiative in Afghanistan is a large scale, resource intensive mission. Being an upcoming economy and a major player in Asian Politics, India cannot afford not to be present in the region
- China and Pakistan, both active players in the region, make it even more imperative for India to work on this part of its Afghan Policy. Humanitarian projects will no longer suffice. Strategic presence is essential
- Having said everything, a peaceful Af-Pak is India's long term interests. Hence, if only to support the US in its peace building initiatives, we need to send our troops to Afghanistan and help the NATO forces
- The most important argument is that of the colossal budgetary requirements. The stay in Afghanistan will be a long haul. How much sense does it make to spend on the peace initiatives in Afghanistan when we have more pressing issues like Maoism, internal terrorism, Sino-India border issues vying for urgent attention ?
- India should be focusing more on strengthening its internal security and intelligence. Terror attacks are only expected to increase
- If US with its billions and a huge armed force could not help the cause, what difference will India make to the region ?
- India's forceful initiatives in Sri Lanka led to the country losing a Prime Minister. Shouldn't we learn from history ?
- Once US withdraws from the region, India will end up being an outsider and antagonising Afghans. Years of camaraderie and genial relationship will go down the drain
Having said all of the above, somewhere, I also think that we are mere pawns.
Finally, the Pak Army's Poster Boy has called it a day !
There's not much what we can rejoice about since the man had stopped influencing any cross country initiatives/dialogues. Not that he was of help earlier too.
What I am trying to assess is how a man of his credentials held an important office for so long. A man with dubious principles…a fanatic who helped foster terrorism…
Yes, Pakistan did receive billions in aid and the US hailed praises on Mush. However, I don't see any substantial change in perception of Pakistan by the US or International Community. If anything, Mush only worsened the economic crises and international relations a la Karzai.
Moreover, one only feels disgusted with this whole incident of resignation and getting an easy asylum in Saudi. The blind support that he garnered is loathsome.
Though Uncle Sam declined political asylum to him, they still hold him as a "sincere" ally against terrorism..! Wow !
An arrogant man, someone without any remorse over his actions and policies had an easy exit ! Will the people who suffered during his regime ever get a chance to get even?
No. I don't think so.
