Showing posts with label World Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Politics. Show all posts
Sunday, October 16, 2011
I found myself enjoying and agreeing with Douglas Rushkoff's assessment of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
And, this is oh-so-funny! Typical.Investment.Bankers.
These are bad times to indulge in my past professional achievements with people around. Lest, I find a mob outraging outside my home.
Friday, March 19, 2010
The below post is an endeavour in learning and a platform to invite comments/thoughts/insights/debate on the aforementioned subject.
*****
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 ?
As long back as 2008, we have had announcements from the US Joint Commissioner of NATO's ISAF clarifying that India had not been invited to send its troops to Afghanistan.
Now that the US failure in the region has become apparent, it has yet again invited nations to be a part of the peace building process in Afghanistan, so that it can concentrate more on dismantling the terror nexus in Af-Pak region. In cruder terms, cut its losses.
So arises the whole debate on India's take and policy. Will it serve our national interest to send troops to Afghanistan ?
I have jotted down some arguments that are at the top of my mind.
Arguments in favor
- 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
Arguments Against
- 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
These are the arguments I can think of while I chew on the subject. I may have missed larger issues. I am very much un-decided on the issue as is easily visible. However, whichever way our polity decides to go, hopefully, National Interest, would form the crux of its decision.
Having said all of the above, somewhere, I also think that we are mere pawns.
Having said all of the above, somewhere, I also think that we are mere pawns.
Since 2008 we have had media trying to invite public debate and comments on the issue.
This could very well be a ruse to help people feel self important. While at the same time, the fate of the Indian troops and the country at large could already have been sealed.
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