Blogs
India News - Thu, May 17, 2012
A voice from inside Quetta Shura
Kathy Gannon of Associated Press goes back a long way to almost where it all began in the 1980s in the Afghan civil war, and she began reporting from the rim of the volcano. Unsurprisingly, she got through to the Taliban's Quetta Shura to someone who is 'one of the most powerful men' within that council...
Kathy Gannon of Associated Press goes back a long way to almost where it all began in the 1980s in the Afghan civil war, and she began reporting from the rim of the volcano. Unsurprisingly, she got through to the Taliban's Quetta Shura to someone who is 'one of the most powerful men' within that council...
India leverages Irans woes
Indian diplomacy is doing splendidly well in leveraging the United States sanctions against Iran to its advantage. All indications are that India has cut down its oil imports from Iran despite the official stance that India observes only the UN sanctions on Iran. The visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed appreciation more than once this week that Washington feels encouraged by the Indian government decision to reduce oil purchases from Iran.
Indian diplomacy is doing splendidly well in leveraging the United States sanctions against Iran to its advantage. All indications are that India has cut down its oil imports from Iran despite the official stance that India observes only the UN sanctions on Iran. The visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed appreciation more than once this week that Washington feels encouraged by the Indian government decision to reduce oil purchases from Iran.
What's for India if France swings to left
Francois Hollande's stunning victory in the French presidential elections turns European politics upside down. The fact that he has never ever met German chancellor Angela Merkel or that British prime minister David Cameron refused to meet 'socialist' candidate Hollande...
Francois Hollande's stunning victory in the French presidential elections turns European politics upside down. The fact that he has never ever met German chancellor Angela Merkel or that British prime minister David Cameron refused to meet 'socialist' candidate Hollande...
Russia, China and US-Afghan pact
Russia has been constantly taunting Washington in the recent months about the latters plans to keep a long-term military presence in Afghanistan. China is also widely rumored to harbor similar views as Russia, but it kept its thoughts to itself. Russian foreign minister has been quite outspoken on the issue whereas his Chinese counterpart avoided public articulations on the subject.
Russia has been constantly taunting Washington in the recent months about the latters plans to keep a long-term military presence in Afghanistan. China is also widely rumored to harbor similar views as Russia, but it kept its thoughts to itself. Russian foreign minister has been quite outspoken on the issue whereas his Chinese counterpart avoided public articulations on the subject.
The eagle has landed in Central Asia
The signing of the US-Afghan strategic pact by presidents Barack Obama and Hamid Karzai is undoubtedly a landmark event in regional security. A long-term American military presence in the region has become a compelling reality for all countries neighboring Afghanistan.
The signing of the US-Afghan strategic pact by presidents Barack Obama and Hamid Karzai is undoubtedly a landmark event in regional security. A long-term American military presence in the region has become a compelling reality for all countries neighboring Afghanistan.
Chandy becomes fall guy, Italians settle
There was no doubt whatsoever that the endgame of the detention of the two Italian Marines who killed Indian fishermen on February 15 was going to be great fun. Broadly, the entire high drama was enacted to impress the gullible Kerala voters during the Piravom bypoll on March 17. Now that the Congress-led alliance won, time has come for Delhi to kiss and make up with Rome.
There was no doubt whatsoever that the endgame of the detention of the two Italian Marines who killed Indian fishermen on February 15 was going to be great fun. Broadly, the entire high drama was enacted to impress the gullible Kerala voters during the Piravom bypoll on March 17. Now that the Congress-led alliance won, time has come for Delhi to kiss and make up with Rome.
Russian hub for NATOs Afghan transit
The two-day conference of the foreign and defence ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] which ended in Brussels on Thursday formally called on China, amongst other countries, to help finance Afghan security forces...
The two-day conference of the foreign and defence ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] which ended in Brussels on Thursday formally called on China, amongst other countries, to help finance Afghan security forces...
US fine tunes Iran talks - with eye on Israel
Washington spelt out for the first time its approach to negotiations with Iran. This came in the form of a structured interview by Special Assistant to United States President Barack Obama and the White House coordinator for arms control Gary Samore, who took part in the talks at Istanbul between the P5+1 and Iran last Saturday.
Washington spelt out for the first time its approach to negotiations with Iran. This came in the form of a structured interview by Special Assistant to United States President Barack Obama and the White House coordinator for arms control Gary Samore, who took part in the talks at Istanbul between the P5+1 and Iran last Saturday.
Tehran seeks removal of sanctions
A detailed account of what transpired at the talks in Istanbul on Saturday between the P5+1′ and Iran appeared in the Guardian newspaper. The Iranian media cited Guardian, lending credence to the contents of the report, which pointed toward some sort of understanding...
A detailed account of what transpired at the talks in Istanbul on Saturday between the P5+1′ and Iran appeared in the Guardian newspaper. The Iranian media cited Guardian, lending credence to the contents of the report, which pointed toward some sort of understanding...
P5+1, Iran on bumpy road to Baghdad
The P5+1′ - Iran talks in Istanbul on Saturday ended on a manifestly positive note. Why it is so is a long story, but suffice to say, Washington sifted through the complicated signals from Tehran and concluded a window of opportunity could be open
The P5+1′ - Iran talks in Istanbul on Saturday ended on a manifestly positive note. Why it is so is a long story, but suffice to say, Washington sifted through the complicated signals from Tehran and concluded a window of opportunity could be open
MEA shouldnt overreact on SRK
The Ministry of External Affairs over-reacted on the SRK episode. This was not a diplomatic incident for the MEA to call in the DCM of the American embassy and to make a demarche. The decision was probably taken by the political leadership with an eye on the domestic opinion. These are testy times...
The Ministry of External Affairs over-reacted on the SRK episode. This was not a diplomatic incident for the MEA to call in the DCM of the American embassy and to make a demarche. The decision was probably taken by the political leadership with an eye on the domestic opinion. These are testy times...
Advent of Arab Spring in Kabul
No matter what the Central Asian leaderships may say about the Islamist organization known as Hizb ut-Tahrir, the western powers were never convinced. They didnt want to be argumentative and simply kept mum. There is a time and place for everything, after all.
No matter what the Central Asian leaderships may say about the Islamist organization known as Hizb ut-Tahrir, the western powers were never convinced. They didnt want to be argumentative and simply kept mum. There is a time and place for everything, after all.
Shift in Pakistani attitude toward India
One striking feature of the shift in the Pakistani attitude toward India in the recent years is the 'partisan consensus' on that country over the imperative need for improving relations with India. The statement by the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcoming President Asif Zardari's visit to India
One striking feature of the shift in the Pakistani attitude toward India in the recent years is the 'partisan consensus' on that country over the imperative need for improving relations with India. The statement by the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcoming President Asif Zardari's visit to India
US bribes the Muslim Brothers
I am now willing to wager that one day the Pakistani Islamist Hafiz Saeed will be received in the White House although there is a 10-million dollar US bounty on him. The KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) has disclosed that the US has granted an immediate financial assistance of 1.5 billion dollars to the Egyptian government led by the Muslim Brothers soon after the Brothers were received in the White House on Thursday.
I am now willing to wager that one day the Pakistani Islamist Hafiz Saeed will be received in the White House although there is a 10-million dollar US bounty on him. The KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) has disclosed that the US has granted an immediate financial assistance of 1.5 billion dollars to the Egyptian government led by the Muslim Brothers soon after the Brothers were received in the White House on Thursday.
Who is keeping the Army on the boil and why?
Who is working behind Army chiefs early exit and why?
Who is working behind Army chiefs early exit and why?
Will DMK make Ram Setu issue UPA's next pressure point?
After tasting success in pushing the government to vote against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Commission last week, DMK leaders are in no mood to appear soft on the Ram Sethu issue.
After tasting success in pushing the government to vote against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Commission last week, DMK leaders are in no mood to appear soft on the Ram Sethu issue.
'St. Antony' versus unruly army generals
I had written a fortnight back that the 16-billion dollar deal for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft is unravelling. This is exactly what is happening, as the latest developments indicate -- with Defence Ministry officials raising questions about the manner in which the decision to award the contract to Frances Dassault was taken.
I had written a fortnight back that the 16-billion dollar deal for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft is unravelling. This is exactly what is happening, as the latest developments indicate -- with Defence Ministry officials raising questions about the manner in which the decision to award the contract to Frances Dassault was taken.
Will the government sack Gen Singh?
The corridors of Parliament and South Block, which houses the offices of the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister are agog with intense speculation that Army Chief V K Singh might be sacked.
The corridors of Parliament and South Block, which houses the offices of the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister are agog with intense speculation that Army Chief V K Singh might be sacked.
Mao loses, Long live Maoism!
I am not a China watcher, but as an Indian with a sense of disquiet over the governments neo-liberal policies, Beijings announcement of Bo Xilais sacking as chief of the Chinese Communist Party in Chongqing provokes me...
I am not a China watcher, but as an Indian with a sense of disquiet over the governments neo-liberal policies, Beijings announcement of Bo Xilais sacking as chief of the Chinese Communist Party in Chongqing provokes me...
Israel, China in 'oom-pa-pa' beat
The External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishnas visit to Israel in January appears to have failed to arrest the huge upward swing in the Israel-China strategic ties that have been lately evident. Neither Israel nor China will be arrested on their tracks. An interesting diplomatic tango is consequently developing involving India, Israel and China with Iran and the United States standing by as stakeholders
The External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishnas visit to Israel in January appears to have failed to arrest the huge upward swing in the Israel-China strategic ties that have been lately evident. Neither Israel nor China will be arrested on their tracks. An interesting diplomatic tango is consequently developing involving India, Israel and China with Iran and the United States standing by as stakeholders
Will Dinesh Trivedi become Mamata's fall guy?
The Trinanmool Congress has opposed Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi's announcement of a marginal hike in passenger fares ranging from 2 paisa per kilometre to 30 paisa per kilometre in various categories of trains. Platform tickets have also been raised from Rs 3 to Rs 5....
The Trinanmool Congress has opposed Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi's announcement of a marginal hike in passenger fares ranging from 2 paisa per kilometre to 30 paisa per kilometre in various categories of trains. Platform tickets have also been raised from Rs 3 to Rs 5....
Lenin is smiling!
Russia's regional policies take a dramatic turn with the move to offer an air base for the use of the United States to ferry troops and military cargo to Afghanistan. There is some delightful irony as well insofar as the base being offered happens to be...
Russia's regional policies take a dramatic turn with the move to offer an air base for the use of the United States to ferry troops and military cargo to Afghanistan. There is some delightful irony as well insofar as the base being offered happens to be...
India's MMRCA deal unravels
The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal [MRCA], worth at least 18 billion dollars is turning into a controversy. The whispers of unhappiness that were audible for the past month about the governments decision to award the contract to the French firm Dassault for its bid for Rafael aircraft, are distinctly getting louder. A first-rate controversy threatens to cast a shadow on this mother of all arms deals and may refuse to go away till the 2014 general election.
The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal [MRCA], worth at least 18 billion dollars is turning into a controversy. The whispers of unhappiness that were audible for the past month about the governments decision to award the contract to the French firm Dassault for its bid for Rafael aircraft, are distinctly getting louder. A first-rate controversy threatens to cast a shadow on this mother of all arms deals and may refuse to go away till the 2014 general election.
Akhilesh has got his crown, when will Rahul take his?
With Akhilesh wearing the crown, the big question that has come to haunt Congressmen in UP and elsewhere is whether Rahul Gandhi should delay taking charge of their party any further?
With Akhilesh wearing the crown, the big question that has come to haunt Congressmen in UP and elsewhere is whether Rahul Gandhi should delay taking charge of their party any further?
China skips Tunis meet on Syria
Beijing has turned down the invitation to the first meeting of the so-called Friends of Syria [FOS] in Tunis on Friday. China joins Russia and Iran, among the main players in the Syrian crisis, in the refusal to identify with FOS. Beijings reasons are virtually the same as Moscows, namely, skepticism about the FOSs intentions.
Beijing has turned down the invitation to the first meeting of the so-called Friends of Syria [FOS] in Tunis on Friday. China joins Russia and Iran, among the main players in the Syrian crisis, in the refusal to identify with FOS. Beijings reasons are virtually the same as Moscows, namely, skepticism about the FOSs intentions.
Italy steps up pressure on Delhi
Italy is stepping up its demarche that the two Italian Marines should be allowed to leave India. The deputy foreign minister Staffan De Mistura has arrived in Delhi to raise the matter at the political level. Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi is expected in Delhi early next week.
Italy is stepping up its demarche that the two Italian Marines should be allowed to leave India. The deputy foreign minister Staffan De Mistura has arrived in Delhi to raise the matter at the political level. Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi is expected in Delhi early next week.
Italy digs in regarding navy men
Almost all major English newspapers in the West uniformly carried the AP dispatch on the arrest of the two Italian sailors by the Kerala Police, which is based on the Italian viewpoint that the Indian laws cannot prevail and that Rome and Delhi disagree.
Almost all major English newspapers in the West uniformly carried the AP dispatch on the arrest of the two Italian sailors by the Kerala Police, which is based on the Italian viewpoint that the Indian laws cannot prevail and that Rome and Delhi disagree.
Chandy has nothing to fear but fear itself
Taking part in a discussion on a leading Malayalam TV channel Reporter last night about the incident of the killing of two fishermen by sailors on board an Italian tanker, what struck me most was that the present state government led by chief minister Oommen Chandy lives on razors edge.
Taking part in a discussion on a leading Malayalam TV channel Reporter last night about the incident of the killing of two fishermen by sailors on board an Italian tanker, what struck me most was that the present state government led by chief minister Oommen Chandy lives on razors edge.
Syrian ghost at Indian, Pakistani doorstep
The Arab League is faltering since the 'Gulf Arabs' usurped the leadership of Arabism. Historically, Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus led the way the brain, heart and soul of the Arab world. But with Iraq in debris, Cairo in transition and Damascus in disarray, the Persian Gulf oligarchies are having a ball. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are forcing the pace of the ALs intervention in Syria.
The Arab League is faltering since the 'Gulf Arabs' usurped the leadership of Arabism. Historically, Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus led the way the brain, heart and soul of the Arab world. But with Iraq in debris, Cairo in transition and Damascus in disarray, the Persian Gulf oligarchies are having a ball. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are forcing the pace of the ALs intervention in Syria.
Antony's Saudi visit is ill-timed
The pedestrian nature of the foreign-policy discourses in India surges to the surface with the near-complete lack of any serious discussion or pronouncements by the strategic community, especially the brigade of think-tankers in Delhi, about the government's curious decision to vote for the resolution on Syria in the United Nations Security Council
The pedestrian nature of the foreign-policy discourses in India surges to the surface with the near-complete lack of any serious discussion or pronouncements by the strategic community, especially the brigade of think-tankers in Delhi, about the government's curious decision to vote for the resolution on Syria in the United Nations Security Council
Beginning of endgame in Koodankulam
The Tamil Nadu Chief minister Jayalalithaa has taken a decisive step toward breaking the impasse over the commissioning of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant built by Russian companies. Her choice of former Atomic Eneergy Commission chairman M R Srinivasan to head the expert committee underscores her intention...
The Tamil Nadu Chief minister Jayalalithaa has taken a decisive step toward breaking the impasse over the commissioning of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant built by Russian companies. Her choice of former Atomic Eneergy Commission chairman M R Srinivasan to head the expert committee underscores her intention...
India categorically rejects Iran oil sanctions
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has set at rest firmly and authoritatively all speculative reports that India might buckle under American pressure and fall in line passively with the spirit of the United States sanctions against Iran by quietly cutting back its oil imports from Iran. That FM made the categorical statement while on a visit to the US is of added significance.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has set at rest firmly and authoritatively all speculative reports that India might buckle under American pressure and fall in line passively with the spirit of the United States sanctions against Iran by quietly cutting back its oil imports from Iran. That FM made the categorical statement while on a visit to the US is of added significance.
Silver lining in the Iran situation
The week ahead promises to be of momentous importance for the Middle East - and for international security. Two templates are overlapping in Tehran. One, Irans Majlis is voting today on a legislation to put embargo on oil exports to Europe w.e.f coming week. The indications are that the law will sail through and may forthwith secure the approval of the Guardian Council.
The week ahead promises to be of momentous importance for the Middle East - and for international security. Two templates are overlapping in Tehran. One, Irans Majlis is voting today on a legislation to put embargo on oil exports to Europe w.e.f coming week. The indications are that the law will sail through and may forthwith secure the approval of the Guardian Council.
American Islam on the march in Middle East
Qatari prime minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasem Al Thani is personally leading the charge of the light brigade at Turtle Bay later today, with the Arab League transferring the flag to the United States and its western allies to wage the diplomatic campaign for getting a United Nations mandate for outside intervention in Syria
Qatari prime minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasem Al Thani is personally leading the charge of the light brigade at Turtle Bay later today, with the Arab League transferring the flag to the United States and its western allies to wage the diplomatic campaign for getting a United Nations mandate for outside intervention in Syria
Iran calmly reacts to EUs oil sanctions
Iran has spoken defiantly about the European Union decision to impose sanctions on oil purchase, but has left the door open for the upcoming negotiations with the 5+1″. In a judicious response, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast at his routine press briefing called it psywar. He said the move is illogical and unfair and will not stop our nation from obtaining its rights. The European countries and those who are under American pressure should think about their own interests. Any country that deprives itself of Irans energy market will soon see that it has been replaced by others."
Iran has spoken defiantly about the European Union decision to impose sanctions on oil purchase, but has left the door open for the upcoming negotiations with the 5+1″. In a judicious response, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast at his routine press briefing called it psywar. He said the move is illogical and unfair and will not stop our nation from obtaining its rights. The European countries and those who are under American pressure should think about their own interests. Any country that deprives itself of Irans energy market will soon see that it has been replaced by others."
China tiptoes to petrodollar recycling
The currency swap agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates [UAE] signed during Premier Wen Jiabaos tour of the Persian Gulf region ending today, will raise eyebrows in the western capitals, especially London and Washington. The list of countries with which China has such deals is slowly and steadily lengthening and this is the first such deal with a Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] state.
The currency swap agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates [UAE] signed during Premier Wen Jiabaos tour of the Persian Gulf region ending today, will raise eyebrows in the western capitals, especially London and Washington. The list of countries with which China has such deals is slowly and steadily lengthening and this is the first such deal with a Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] state.
Pakistan in no hurry for Taliban talks
Pakistans refusal to receive Marc Grossman, United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a pointed snub to Washington. The US tried to force the pace of the peace talks with the Taliban at Qatar but Pakistan wouldnt be hurried unless and until the ABC of its relationship with the US is reset to its satisfaction.
Pakistans refusal to receive Marc Grossman, United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a pointed snub to Washington. The US tried to force the pace of the peace talks with the Taliban at Qatar but Pakistan wouldnt be hurried unless and until the ABC of its relationship with the US is reset to its satisfaction.
US needs (deserves) a fearless president
The Sunday Times has a history of delving into the secret world of Smiley's people. Its sensational disclosure that Israel's Mossad perpetrated the murder of the Iranian scientist, Mustafa Ahmadi Roshan, aged 32, in Tehran last week is based on intelligence sources. It is a nuanced story...
The Sunday Times has a history of delving into the secret world of Smiley's people. Its sensational disclosure that Israel's Mossad perpetrated the murder of the Iranian scientist, Mustafa Ahmadi Roshan, aged 32, in Tehran last week is based on intelligence sources. It is a nuanced story...
India-China ties and poker games
A weekend with positive tiding in India-China relationship is a rare happening. Especially in the chilly period that inexplicably followed a seemingly cordial meeting in November in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the East Asia summit meeting between PM Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.
A weekend with positive tiding in India-China relationship is a rare happening. Especially in the chilly period that inexplicably followed a seemingly cordial meeting in November in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the East Asia summit meeting between PM Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.
Undoing I K Gujral's legacy
This is the first time in over two decades that Indian diplomacy will be reappearing as protagonist on a potentially explosive war theatre -- when External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrives in Israel on a historic visit on Monday. The last such audacious venture was when the then EAM I K Gujral appeared in Baghdad
This is the first time in over two decades that Indian diplomacy will be reappearing as protagonist on a potentially explosive war theatre -- when External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrives in Israel on a historic visit on Monday. The last such audacious venture was when the then EAM I K Gujral appeared in Baghdad
China can help US-Taliban parleys
The opening of the Taliban office is big news in the western and Arab media but is being downplayed in Pakistan and Iran. Of course, it stands to reason that Pakistan has been in the loop at some point, and, equally, that the Americans did their utmost to ensure Iran was kept out...
The opening of the Taliban office is big news in the western and Arab media but is being downplayed in Pakistan and Iran. Of course, it stands to reason that Pakistan has been in the loop at some point, and, equally, that the Americans did their utmost to ensure Iran was kept out...
Pakistan scoffs at US-Taliban talks
To say Iran has an important role to play in Afghanistan will be stating the very obvious. But when it is the Pakistani FO spokesman who says that, the statement gains in content. The two countries have been described as rivals on the Afghan chessboard.
To say Iran has an important role to play in Afghanistan will be stating the very obvious. But when it is the Pakistani FO spokesman who says that, the statement gains in content. The two countries have been described as rivals on the Afghan chessboard.
US, Iran discard war drums, return to diplomacy
The standoff between Iran and the United States at the Strait of Hormuz took threatening forms at times during the past 10 days but has since blown off, and the denouement shows once again that the saber-rattling between the two parties can be misleading....
The standoff between Iran and the United States at the Strait of Hormuz took threatening forms at times during the past 10 days but has since blown off, and the denouement shows once again that the saber-rattling between the two parties can be misleading....
Japan, China view post-American century
Japan is famous as a country that places primacy on economic diplomacy in its foreign policy. So is China. The fact that just ahead of his visit to India, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with the Chinese leadership in Beijing drives home...
Japan is famous as a country that places primacy on economic diplomacy in its foreign policy. So is China. The fact that just ahead of his visit to India, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with the Chinese leadership in Beijing drives home...
Turkey gives Russia run into Europe
The yearender in the geopolitics of energy security ain't going to be the Afghan oil deal China struck with Kabul. The dying hours of Wednesday also brought in the news that Russia and Turkey have reconciled their differences over the mammoth South Stream gas pipeline
The yearender in the geopolitics of energy security ain't going to be the Afghan oil deal China struck with Kabul. The dying hours of Wednesday also brought in the news that Russia and Turkey have reconciled their differences over the mammoth South Stream gas pipeline
The high-stakes Russian roulette
A critical phase has begun in Russian politics, which will be decisive in the run-up to the presidential election on March 4. The pent-up socio-economic frustrations and a new popular mood seeking 'change' in the political system are apparent. The situation is dynamic...
A critical phase has begun in Russian politics, which will be decisive in the run-up to the presidential election on March 4. The pent-up socio-economic frustrations and a new popular mood seeking 'change' in the political system are apparent. The situation is dynamic...
Imran Khan's great leap forward
The reports coming in speak of a tsunami of popular enthusiasm for Imran Khan in Karachi. Over 2 lakh people turning up for his rally in Karachi. That is a major event. The PPP and ANP would feel insecure. No way can such a gigantic spectacle be choreographed. Clearly, the Pakistani people would like to look beyond the established parties.
The reports coming in speak of a tsunami of popular enthusiasm for Imran Khan in Karachi. Over 2 lakh people turning up for his rally in Karachi. That is a major event. The PPP and ANP would feel insecure. No way can such a gigantic spectacle be choreographed. Clearly, the Pakistani people would like to look beyond the established parties.
Can Ajit Singh and the Congress break the jinx?
RLD chief Ajit Singh will be inducted as a Union Cabinet Minister on December 18 as part of a crucial pre-poll tie-up between Congress and RLD for Uttar Pradesh. He has been sworn in as Cabinet Minister three times earlier. He may be the new civil aviation minister.
RLD chief Ajit Singh will be inducted as a Union Cabinet Minister on December 18 as part of a crucial pre-poll tie-up between Congress and RLD for Uttar Pradesh. He has been sworn in as Cabinet Minister three times earlier. He may be the new civil aviation minister.
Hazare magic works, and is for all time!
The picture on the lead story in the morning papers with Anna Hazare flanked by CPI leader A.B.Bardhan, CPM leader Brinda Karat and BJP leader Arun Jaitley has made my day. It speaks volumes of the dramatic swing in the mood of the nation during the past several months
The picture on the lead story in the morning papers with Anna Hazare flanked by CPI leader A.B.Bardhan, CPM leader Brinda Karat and BJP leader Arun Jaitley has made my day. It speaks volumes of the dramatic swing in the mood of the nation during the past several months
Did Wal-Mart spend a fortune lobbying for India entry?
As per the lobbying disclosure reports filed by the Wal-Mart company with the US Senate, it has spent a staggering amount of over $11 million (more than Rs 52 crore) on issues related to India, as also other matters, in over two years now.
As per the lobbying disclosure reports filed by the Wal-Mart company with the US Senate, it has spent a staggering amount of over $11 million (more than Rs 52 crore) on issues related to India, as also other matters, in over two years now.
Cost of intervention in Syria rises
Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov today re-affirmed Moscows rejection of arms embargo against Syria. It comes on a day EU FMs met in Brussels tightened the sanctions against that country. But what makes the Syrian situation very interesting is that Moscow also let it be known today
Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov today re-affirmed Moscows rejection of arms embargo against Syria. It comes on a day EU FMs met in Brussels tightened the sanctions against that country. But what makes the Syrian situation very interesting is that Moscow also let it be known today
Turkey is ready to invade Syria
Turkey and its western allies are transferring the Libyan fighters whom they trained and armed to depose Muammar Gaddafi to Syria. Around 600 Libyan volunteers have entered Syria. Daily Telegraph reported that secret meetings were held on Friday in Istanbul between the Turkish officials and the Syrian opposition representatives and the Libyan fighters. Large-scale infiltration of weapons from Turkey and Jordan have been going on for months to create civil-war conditions in Syria, but this is the first move to introduce volunteers.
Turkey and its western allies are transferring the Libyan fighters whom they trained and armed to depose Muammar Gaddafi to Syria. Around 600 Libyan volunteers have entered Syria. Daily Telegraph reported that secret meetings were held on Friday in Istanbul between the Turkish officials and the Syrian opposition representatives and the Libyan fighters. Large-scale infiltration of weapons from Turkey and Jordan have been going on for months to create civil-war conditions in Syria, but this is the first move to introduce volunteers.
Russia deploying warships in Syria
Russia is deploying warships at its base in Syria. The battle group includes aircraft carrying missile cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov. The deployment is being projected as pre-planned and having no relation to the current tensions in Syria, but it follows the US move to station the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group
Russia is deploying warships at its base in Syria. The battle group includes aircraft carrying missile cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov. The deployment is being projected as pre-planned and having no relation to the current tensions in Syria, but it follows the US move to station the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group
Will Kanimozhi get new role in DMK after her release from jail?
The news of Kanimozhi getting bail after six months of incarcertation in Delhi's Tihar jail has sparked off an speculation about an imminent role for her in the DMK
The news of Kanimozhi getting bail after six months of incarcertation in Delhi's Tihar jail has sparked off an speculation about an imminent role for her in the DMK
Pakistan-US ties nosediving
So, has the final countdown begun in the US-Pakistan strategic partnership? The NATO has virtually admitted that its aircraft attacked a Pakistani border post Salala near Baizai town in Mohmmand Agency of FATA. Pakistan says in the overnight attacks, NATO killed 26 troops. COAS Ashfaq Kayani has strongly condemned
So, has the final countdown begun in the US-Pakistan strategic partnership? The NATO has virtually admitted that its aircraft attacked a Pakistani border post Salala near Baizai town in Mohmmand Agency of FATA. Pakistan says in the overnight attacks, NATO killed 26 troops. COAS Ashfaq Kayani has strongly condemned
India should speak out on Iran sanctions
Why is India going so wobbly in the legs when it comes to Iran? Such timid behaviour doesnt behove an emerging power. Say something, please. Why cant MEA direct either its spokesman in Delhi - or, at the very least, through its competent reps in the UN in New York - to sit up straight with a ramrod back and say, No, we dont accept these latest American sanctions. Just 8 little words would do - actually, 4 less than a dozen.
Why is India going so wobbly in the legs when it comes to Iran? Such timid behaviour doesnt behove an emerging power. Say something, please. Why cant MEA direct either its spokesman in Delhi - or, at the very least, through its competent reps in the UN in New York - to sit up straight with a ramrod back and say, No, we dont accept these latest American sanctions. Just 8 little words would do - actually, 4 less than a dozen.
Manmohan Singh in Bali: Balance sheet
The Russians have been proven right about the Asia-Pacific - intellectually and politically. With the advantage of a detached look, they could see far better than most observers. The latest indication from Bali is that US president Barack Obama decided to kiss and make up with China on the eve of his departure from the Asia-Pacific to back home after the 9-day outing.
The Russians have been proven right about the Asia-Pacific - intellectually and politically. With the advantage of a detached look, they could see far better than most observers. The latest indication from Bali is that US president Barack Obama decided to kiss and make up with China on the eve of his departure from the Asia-Pacific to back home after the 9-day outing.
Stop this spin on nuclear liability law!
Maybe, Justice Markandey Katju, chairman of the Press Council of India has a point - India needs a media regulatory framework. Katju pointed out how ill-equipped are our journalists intellectually and otherwise to handle complex issues. Take, for instance, the new rules that have been formulated by the government on the nuclear liability law...
Maybe, Justice Markandey Katju, chairman of the Press Council of India has a point - India needs a media regulatory framework. Katju pointed out how ill-equipped are our journalists intellectually and otherwise to handle complex issues. Take, for instance, the new rules that have been formulated by the government on the nuclear liability law...
More Chinese criticism against India
The Chinese media criticism of Indian defence build-up continues. Peoples Daily featured an article today focusing on the Indian motivation. One, India needs to exaggerate the threat perception in order to justify its defence budget and arms purchases at a time when the economy is slowing. Two, India is adopting a containment policy toward China. Three, India hopes to gain USs military and political support.
The Chinese media criticism of Indian defence build-up continues. Peoples Daily featured an article today focusing on the Indian motivation. One, India needs to exaggerate the threat perception in order to justify its defence budget and arms purchases at a time when the economy is slowing. Two, India is adopting a containment policy toward China. Three, India hopes to gain USs military and political support.
The Mathai Doctrine poses problems
These are times when Indian foreign policy keeps meandering. It ducks and then it resurfaces, it stands still lost in thoughts and then it dashes forward - only to go subterranean - and the next thing you know, it reemerges and begins dashing backward.
These are times when Indian foreign policy keeps meandering. It ducks and then it resurfaces, it stands still lost in thoughts and then it dashes forward - only to go subterranean - and the next thing you know, it reemerges and begins dashing backward.
The Delhi Durbar is crumbling
The Delhi Durbar looks curiouser and curiouser from the fringes of India -- like from this overgrown town shyly snuggling amongst the seven hills by the side of the Arabian Sea, Thiruvananthapuram. This part of India never formed part of the Mughal Empire and we have no collective memory of those tragic times
The Delhi Durbar looks curiouser and curiouser from the fringes of India -- like from this overgrown town shyly snuggling amongst the seven hills by the side of the Arabian Sea, Thiruvananthapuram. This part of India never formed part of the Mughal Empire and we have no collective memory of those tragic times
Kabul and the beer halls in Delhi
Adversarial relationships should never be spared of calm inquiry. But India lacks a culture. The 1962 conflict with China, occupation of Siachen in 1984, IPKF odyssey in Sri Lanka, Kargil War -- these should not remain wrapped in mythical mist cover till eternity. The thought occured, as I savoured a fantastic double-decker feast of a book review in the weekend edition of WSJ...
Adversarial relationships should never be spared of calm inquiry. But India lacks a culture. The 1962 conflict with China, occupation of Siachen in 1984, IPKF odyssey in Sri Lanka, Kargil War -- these should not remain wrapped in mythical mist cover till eternity. The thought occured, as I savoured a fantastic double-decker feast of a book review in the weekend edition of WSJ...
China sizes up Modi? India's Left upset?
Did Chinas top Communist and government officials size up the calibre and political and leadership skills of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to that country from November 8 to 12? Also, are the Indian Left parties upset with Beijing for giving Modi so much importance?
Did Chinas top Communist and government officials size up the calibre and political and leadership skills of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to that country from November 8 to 12? Also, are the Indian Left parties upset with Beijing for giving Modi so much importance?
How to ride a paper tiger, tackle a dragon
In a nutshell, US president Barack Obamas nine-day trip to Asia has one signal tune of three words - China, China, China. The obsessive American concern about Chinas rise is writ large on the photo gallery that WaPo featured in the weekend titled China: A land of superlatives. The rush of emotions is utterly fascinating - bewilderment, envy, frustration, fear, rivalry.
In a nutshell, US president Barack Obamas nine-day trip to Asia has one signal tune of three words - China, China, China. The obsessive American concern about Chinas rise is writ large on the photo gallery that WaPo featured in the weekend titled China: A land of superlatives. The rush of emotions is utterly fascinating - bewilderment, envy, frustration, fear, rivalry.
A K Antony needs to make a tough choice
The mystique of Thiruvananthapuram never wears off -- even after a 62-year old life spent in 10 different capital cities in the world. What a splendid sight that a chief minister would subject himself to a punishing Mass Contact Programme in the heart of the city in an open public stadium...
The mystique of Thiruvananthapuram never wears off -- even after a 62-year old life spent in 10 different capital cities in the world. What a splendid sight that a chief minister would subject himself to a punishing Mass Contact Programme in the heart of the city in an open public stadium...
Mind reading in Kabul
According to the Pentagon, India trains only Afghan police personnel on a 'small scale'. And that too, India trains only Afghan women police officers...
According to the Pentagon, India trains only Afghan police personnel on a 'small scale'. And that too, India trains only Afghan women police officers...
India's 'Act East' policy gets attention
The Indian tri-colour flag is, finally, fluttering in the Far East. How firmly it has been planted remains to be seen since bamboo poles give way under strong gusts of wind, but for the present at least, it is there and it is visible as far away as from Beijing. That is the irreducible minimum conveyed by the torrential flow of commentaries in the flag carriers of the Chinese official media.
The Indian tri-colour flag is, finally, fluttering in the Far East. How firmly it has been planted remains to be seen since bamboo poles give way under strong gusts of wind, but for the present at least, it is there and it is visible as far away as from Beijing. That is the irreducible minimum conveyed by the torrential flow of commentaries in the flag carriers of the Chinese official media.
Pawar's patch-up with Sonia green light for Lavasa project?
Five days after NCP chief and Agriculture Minister Shard Pawars meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the Environment Ministry granted clearance for the first phase of Lavasas multi-crore hill city project near Pune albeit with strict compliance of certain terms and conditions.
Five days after NCP chief and Agriculture Minister Shard Pawars meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the Environment Ministry granted clearance for the first phase of Lavasas multi-crore hill city project near Pune albeit with strict compliance of certain terms and conditions.
Why can't Mamata learn from Jayalalithaa?
Jayalalithaa and Mamata Banerjee became chief ministers at the same time after Tamil Nadu and West Bengal voted for their parties with a massive show of support.
Jayalalithaa and Mamata Banerjee became chief ministers at the same time after Tamil Nadu and West Bengal voted for their parties with a massive show of support.
US bracing for a fight in Persian Gulf
There is greater clarity today than at anytime yesterday evening on what is prompting the USs anti-Iran tirade. The New York Times reports Sunday that US is embarking on a big military build-up in the Persian Gulf region...
There is greater clarity today than at anytime yesterday evening on what is prompting the USs anti-Iran tirade. The New York Times reports Sunday that US is embarking on a big military build-up in the Persian Gulf region...
Will Rahul Gandhi come to aid of Omar Abdullah?
The row over Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullahs decision to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) threatens to derail the political ties between the Congress-National Conference and the coalition in the state.
The row over Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullahs decision to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) threatens to derail the political ties between the Congress-National Conference and the coalition in the state.
A Pakistani Erdogan in the making
This may seem bizarre, but it is strictly factual. The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the Pakistani opposition leader Nawaz Sharif to go over to Ankara to undergo coaching on how to acquire the political skills needed to establish civilian supremacy in Pakistan. And Sharif has actually reached Ankara...
This may seem bizarre, but it is strictly factual. The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the Pakistani opposition leader Nawaz Sharif to go over to Ankara to undergo coaching on how to acquire the political skills needed to establish civilian supremacy in Pakistan. And Sharif has actually reached Ankara...
China stresses non-political cooperation with Pakistan
Last week, China gave some well-meaning advice to Pakistan, its all-weather friend, as to what sustains enduring cooperation in inter-state relations. There was a time when China probably believed that cooperation was cemented by political affinity, but times have changed.
Last week, China gave some well-meaning advice to Pakistan, its all-weather friend, as to what sustains enduring cooperation in inter-state relations. There was a time when China probably believed that cooperation was cemented by political affinity, but times have changed.
A grand bargain over Kashmir, Afghanistan
Don't take it as a brain teaser from the American Mensa though it is attributable to two very intelligent people. Why it is more than a brain teaser is because they also happen to be two highly experienced South Asia hands who were part of the US establishment - Teresita Schaffer and Howard Schaffer...
Don't take it as a brain teaser from the American Mensa though it is attributable to two very intelligent people. Why it is more than a brain teaser is because they also happen to be two highly experienced South Asia hands who were part of the US establishment - Teresita Schaffer and Howard Schaffer...
Duelling narratives on cross-border terrorism
Cross-border terrorism is a many-splendoured thing. The lines blur between the good and the bad. Take Turkeys Kurdish problem... The AfPak makes another case study...
Cross-border terrorism is a many-splendoured thing. The lines blur between the good and the bad. Take Turkeys Kurdish problem... The AfPak makes another case study...
Is Priyanka's Buddhist outlook influencing Rahul?
A day ago, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi advocated the inculcation of the Buddhist idea of 'compassion' to meet challenges posed by globalisation, which, he said, "excludes as much as it includes".
A day ago, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi advocated the inculcation of the Buddhist idea of 'compassion' to meet challenges posed by globalisation, which, he said, "excludes as much as it includes".
Ten over-rated (Delhi-based) Indian thinkers
How nice to read the American publications so full of the annual listings of celebrities in various fields. The New Republic has run a novel feature on the ten most 'over-rated thinkers' in the Washington circuit. I can't quarrel with the list on the whole. I've had a brief encounter in Beirut once with only one of them, though - Parag Khanna. I found his grasp of Central Asia quite unsatisfactory. Our brain-stormer in Beirut sponsored by the Heinrich Boll Foundation was about the Middle East, where unfortunately he didn't speak.
How nice to read the American publications so full of the annual listings of celebrities in various fields. The New Republic has run a novel feature on the ten most 'over-rated thinkers' in the Washington circuit. I can't quarrel with the list on the whole. I've had a brief encounter in Beirut once with only one of them, though - Parag Khanna. I found his grasp of Central Asia quite unsatisfactory. Our brain-stormer in Beirut sponsored by the Heinrich Boll Foundation was about the Middle East, where unfortunately he didn't speak.
Obama sends combat troops to Africa
A contingent of 'combat-equipped' American troops landed in Uganda last week intervening in that countrys longstanding proxy war with Somalia-based Lord's Resistance Army [LRA]. Uganda says it didnt seek US intervention, but would welcome it anyway, now that it happened...
A contingent of 'combat-equipped' American troops landed in Uganda last week intervening in that countrys longstanding proxy war with Somalia-based Lord's Resistance Army [LRA]. Uganda says it didnt seek US intervention, but would welcome it anyway, now that it happened...
Pakistan winds up its war on terror
The WaPo report that Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence chief Shuja Pasha actually was present at the meeting in August between US officials and Haqqani groups representative Ibrahim Haqqani (half-brother of Jalaluddin) is shocking. It completely exposes the Barack Obama administrations doublespeak on the Haqqanis. The WaPo says the White House has since authorised more intensive reconciliation efforts with the Haqqanis and other Afghan insurgent groups.
The WaPo report that Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence chief Shuja Pasha actually was present at the meeting in August between US officials and Haqqani groups representative Ibrahim Haqqani (half-brother of Jalaluddin) is shocking. It completely exposes the Barack Obama administrations doublespeak on the Haqqanis. The WaPo says the White House has since authorised more intensive reconciliation efforts with the Haqqanis and other Afghan insurgent groups.
Hazare's writing on the Hisar wall
They may tweet, they may come up with lame excuses - This was never a Congress constituency; This was sympathy factor at work; One Lok Sabha by-election result doesnt mean anything; This was due to Congress in-fighting between the Hooda and anti-Hooda camps, etc. But the Congress Partys humiliating defeat in Hissar is indeed significant no matter the spin by the party spokesmen. More so, the extent of the massive defeat.
They may tweet, they may come up with lame excuses - This was never a Congress constituency; This was sympathy factor at work; One Lok Sabha by-election result doesnt mean anything; This was due to Congress in-fighting between the Hooda and anti-Hooda camps, etc. But the Congress Partys humiliating defeat in Hissar is indeed significant no matter the spin by the party spokesmen. More so, the extent of the massive defeat.
Kalam could take Bidwai along
The 80-year old former president Abdul Kalams plans to undertake a strenuous 10-day hurried tour of coastal India with a view to to certify the safety of the Koodankulam nuclear power plant underlines the snowballing crisis at hand. Kalam is new to nuclear technology, his field is missile technology. But Kalam backs atomic power...
The 80-year old former president Abdul Kalams plans to undertake a strenuous 10-day hurried tour of coastal India with a view to to certify the safety of the Koodankulam nuclear power plant underlines the snowballing crisis at hand. Kalam is new to nuclear technology, his field is missile technology. But Kalam backs atomic power...
Panetta admits Kashmir-Afghan linkage
The consultations of Marc Grossman, US special representative on Afghanistan, in the Pakistani capital on Thursday would set the stage for a crucial phase of the Afghan endgame. He is arriving in Islamabad after touring the Central Asian capitals, Kabul and Delhi...
The consultations of Marc Grossman, US special representative on Afghanistan, in the Pakistani capital on Thursday would set the stage for a crucial phase of the Afghan endgame. He is arriving in Islamabad after touring the Central Asian capitals, Kabul and Delhi...
Barack Obama's Hazare moment
With the legacy of a beautiful friendship safely tucked away somewhere in the heart, dating back to the back streets of Trivandrum in the 1950 and 1960s when we played soccer with abandon, I often take liberties with the writings KP Nayar, Telegraph's bureau chief for the past 10 years in Washington...
With the legacy of a beautiful friendship safely tucked away somewhere in the heart, dating back to the back streets of Trivandrum in the 1950 and 1960s when we played soccer with abandon, I often take liberties with the writings KP Nayar, Telegraph's bureau chief for the past 10 years in Washington...
Pakistan is the real victim of Bush's war
Reading Peter Treston in The Guardian took me back to the early 1990s when while living and working as an Indian diplomat in Islamabad one saw the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif liberating his countrys entrepreneurial skills and latent talents through an ambitious reform programme and Pakistans economy surging....
Reading Peter Treston in The Guardian took me back to the early 1990s when while living and working as an Indian diplomat in Islamabad one saw the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif liberating his countrys entrepreneurial skills and latent talents through an ambitious reform programme and Pakistans economy surging....
India's moment of truth in Afghanistan
Recently I read an extraordinary book on Afghanistan - Cables from Kabul: The Inside Story of the Wests Afghanistan Campaign by Sherard Cowper-Coles. Sir Sherard had everything going for him as a career diplomat in the British foreign service when he completed his term in Kabul.
Recently I read an extraordinary book on Afghanistan - Cables from Kabul: The Inside Story of the Wests Afghanistan Campaign by Sherard Cowper-Coles. Sir Sherard had everything going for him as a career diplomat in the British foreign service when he completed his term in Kabul.
Why is Modi trying to be Don Quixote?
Can you dream of becoming Prime Minister by fighting everyone in your party? Can you appear to be petty by picking up on a police official just because hes against you? Can you just sulk and dont take calls even from your once-mentor-turned rivals because you are miffed with them?
Can you dream of becoming Prime Minister by fighting everyone in your party? Can you appear to be petty by picking up on a police official just because hes against you? Can you just sulk and dont take calls even from your once-mentor-turned rivals because you are miffed with them?
Haqqanis don't divide US and Pakistan
The transcript of US secretary of state Hillary Clintons Q&A following the Kumpuris Distinguished Lecture Series at Arkansas on Friday was released by state department in Washington only on Monday after careful vetting, and it becomes an authoritative policy position on the US-Pakistan ties.
The transcript of US secretary of state Hillary Clintons Q&A following the Kumpuris Distinguished Lecture Series at Arkansas on Friday was released by state department in Washington only on Monday after careful vetting, and it becomes an authoritative policy position on the US-Pakistan ties.
This is Yousuf Gilani's finest hour
The triumphalism in Pakistan PM Yousuf Gilani's tone is unmistakable, as he spoke in Multan on Saturday. Pakistan has won in a big way in the standoff with US. But, to my mind, Gilani won an even bigger political victory in terms of his statesmanship. His indulgence in brinkmanship with Washington was masterly...
The triumphalism in Pakistan PM Yousuf Gilani's tone is unmistakable, as he spoke in Multan on Saturday. Pakistan has won in a big way in the standoff with US. But, to my mind, Gilani won an even bigger political victory in terms of his statesmanship. His indulgence in brinkmanship with Washington was masterly...
Iraq joins the US supply chain
Invasions need to be self-financing and, ultimately, successful wars need to be profitable enterprises. This is axiomatic in big-power politics. This is also what distinguishes big powers from not-so-big powers like India (with its liberation war in East Pakistan or its IPKF war in Sri Lanka).
Invasions need to be self-financing and, ultimately, successful wars need to be profitable enterprises. This is axiomatic in big-power politics. This is also what distinguishes big powers from not-so-big powers like India (with its liberation war in East Pakistan or its IPKF war in Sri Lanka).
US blinks, makes overture to Pakistan
Pakistan has sat out the US pressure tactic and the wheel seems to have come full circle. The US has begun backing away from its strident rhetoric threatening Pakistan with fire and brimstone.
Pakistan has sat out the US pressure tactic and the wheel seems to have come full circle. The US has begun backing away from its strident rhetoric threatening Pakistan with fire and brimstone.
Is Advani like Sourav Ganguly?
Has senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader LK Advani ruled out being PM candidate or he is just being evasive? Advani went to Nagpur, the headquarters of the RSS, for an audience with his partys parental head, Mohan Bhagwat on September 21.
Has senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader LK Advani ruled out being PM candidate or he is just being evasive? Advani went to Nagpur, the headquarters of the RSS, for an audience with his partys parental head, Mohan Bhagwat on September 21.
Taliban did offer bin Laden trial
Perhaps, by the time the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks arrives, the United States and the world at large would be ready to pose the hard question: Was the American invasion of Afghanistan really necessary? The propaganda would have withered away by then and what really happened may become comprehensible. What reinforces this optimism is that in the intellectual climate in the US, it is difficult to obfuscate policies and confuse historians for all time.
Perhaps, by the time the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks arrives, the United States and the world at large would be ready to pose the hard question: Was the American invasion of Afghanistan really necessary? The propaganda would have withered away by then and what really happened may become comprehensible. What reinforces this optimism is that in the intellectual climate in the US, it is difficult to obfuscate policies and confuse historians for all time.
Is BJP still confused about Anna Hazre?
The BJP is back to hair-splitting on whats the partys stand vis-a-vis Anna Hazre and his war against corruption.
The BJP is back to hair-splitting on whats the partys stand vis-a-vis Anna Hazre and his war against corruption.
The roots of 9/11 attacks
Conspiracy theories inevitably follow cataclysmic events. The 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington were one such event.
Conspiracy theories inevitably follow cataclysmic events. The 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington were one such event.
China expands Central Asia pipeline
In the last 1990s, when China first began signalling its interest to construct a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Xinjiang, sceptics mocked at it as the dragons pipedream. Well, the pipeline with the impressive capacity of 30 bcm annually has been operational since 2009
In the last 1990s, when China first began signalling its interest to construct a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Xinjiang, sceptics mocked at it as the dragons pipedream. Well, the pipeline with the impressive capacity of 30 bcm annually has been operational since 2009
Karzai capitulates to US pressure
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been pushed into a corner by recent events and is bleeding from a thousand wounds inflicted from various quarters
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been pushed into a corner by recent events and is bleeding from a thousand wounds inflicted from various quarters
Peering at China through Australian eyes
In the past one week traveling across Australia, wherever I touched Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne no matter what my lecture was about Arab Spring, Central Asia, Afghanistan or Iran the conversations at some point inevitably veered around to China. How much Chinas shadow is lengthening over the Asia-Pacific is probably best viewed from Perth, which is a boom town enjoying unprecedented level of prosperity (second highest per capita income in the world), thanks to Chinas insatiable quest for western Australias minerals. How elastic is Chinas demand for resources is almost an obsessive thought for the western Australian businessman.
In the past one week traveling across Australia, wherever I touched Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne no matter what my lecture was about Arab Spring, Central Asia, Afghanistan or Iran the conversations at some point inevitably veered around to China. How much Chinas shadow is lengthening over the Asia-Pacific is probably best viewed from Perth, which is a boom town enjoying unprecedented level of prosperity (second highest per capita income in the world), thanks to Chinas insatiable quest for western Australias minerals. How elastic is Chinas demand for resources is almost an obsessive thought for the western Australian businessman.
India, Belarus fertiliser tie-up under cloud
Is there an American 'mole' in the Indian cabinet? Seems so! On Wednesday, the cabinet formally approved a proposal that India should acquire potash mines and fertiliser assets abroad on a priority basis as one way of meeting the country's acute shortage. The global price is sky-rocketing...
Is there an American 'mole' in the Indian cabinet? Seems so! On Wednesday, the cabinet formally approved a proposal that India should acquire potash mines and fertiliser assets abroad on a priority basis as one way of meeting the country's acute shortage. The global price is sky-rocketing...
India walks tight rope on Syria
Russia seems to be edging away gradually, imperceptibly from its earlier stance that it wont be party to a UN Security Council resolution on Syria, similar to that on Libya, which NATO used to mount the military intervention. In an interview Thursday, President Dmitry Medvedev urged Syria's Bashar Al-Assad to go for reforms lest Russia is compelled to make 'some kind of decisions'. He didn't elaborate...
Russia seems to be edging away gradually, imperceptibly from its earlier stance that it wont be party to a UN Security Council resolution on Syria, similar to that on Libya, which NATO used to mount the military intervention. In an interview Thursday, President Dmitry Medvedev urged Syria's Bashar Al-Assad to go for reforms lest Russia is compelled to make 'some kind of decisions'. He didn't elaborate...
60 Russians, Yeddurappa and NSG guidelines
It is now abundantly clear that the United States wants to provoke a diplomatic row with Russia. On top of the visa blacklisting of 60 Russians on the flimsy ground of one custodial death in 2009, Washington has now escalated the row by making demands on the functioning of political parties in the Russian system. In a deliberate move, US has demanded
It is now abundantly clear that the United States wants to provoke a diplomatic row with Russia. On top of the visa blacklisting of 60 Russians on the flimsy ground of one custodial death in 2009, Washington has now escalated the row by making demands on the functioning of political parties in the Russian system. In a deliberate move, US has demanded
US may bring 'Sangh Parivar' under scanner
The legislative process in the United States Congress on the bill tabled by Congressman Frank Wolf and co-sponsored by Representative Anna Eshoo from California promises to be a fateful happening for the 'defining partnership' between US and India. It is titled as 'To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia'. A hearing has been already held...
The legislative process in the United States Congress on the bill tabled by Congressman Frank Wolf and co-sponsored by Representative Anna Eshoo from California promises to be a fateful happening for the 'defining partnership' between US and India. It is titled as 'To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia'. A hearing has been already held...
Khar walks away laughing
The morning after an India-Pakistan exchange is always the most crucial period. There was every reason to suspect that the Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar would, the moment she was back on Pakistani soil, tear into the tendentious spin that was sought to be put by the excited Indian pundits on her meeting with the Hurriyet leaders in Delhi
The morning after an India-Pakistan exchange is always the most crucial period. There was every reason to suspect that the Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar would, the moment she was back on Pakistani soil, tear into the tendentious spin that was sought to be put by the excited Indian pundits on her meeting with the Hurriyet leaders in Delhi
A Fai-style US crack down on 'Sangh Parivar'?
After Ghulam Nabi Fai, it may well be the turn of the Hindutva outfits in America. The slaughter in Oslo seems to be leading to some tricky questions. The American Muslims have demanded an investigation into the activities of the Sangh Parivar activities in the US.
After Ghulam Nabi Fai, it may well be the turn of the Hindutva outfits in America. The slaughter in Oslo seems to be leading to some tricky questions. The American Muslims have demanded an investigation into the activities of the Sangh Parivar activities in the US.
Was Krishna's desire to address media along with Khar nixed?
South Block officials said to have nixed a plan of Indias External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to address a joint media conference of Hina Rabbani Khar, the visiting Pakistani foreign minister, after realising that it would be a unwise match.
South Block officials said to have nixed a plan of Indias External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to address a joint media conference of Hina Rabbani Khar, the visiting Pakistani foreign minister, after realising that it would be a unwise match.
60 Russians join Modi in the US blacklist
Washington has reportedly put some 60 Russians on its visa 'blacklist' for alleged involvement in the death of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer working for an American firm, in police custody in Russia in 2009. It is surely a much harsher move than what the US did to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi
Washington has reportedly put some 60 Russians on its visa 'blacklist' for alleged involvement in the death of Sergei Magnitsky, a lawyer working for an American firm, in police custody in Russia in 2009. It is surely a much harsher move than what the US did to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi
Clinton spoke out of line in Chennai
High-level visits are a treat to the mind. They are rare occasions when we really get to wonder along with Madhuri Dixit, 'Choli ke peechhe kya hai?'. The US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's visit to India was no exception. In the run-up to the visit, assistant secretary Robert Blake did a recce trip to West Bengal and suggested that Kolkatta should be on Clinton's itinerary
High-level visits are a treat to the mind. They are rare occasions when we really get to wonder along with Madhuri Dixit, 'Choli ke peechhe kya hai?'. The US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's visit to India was no exception. In the run-up to the visit, assistant secretary Robert Blake did a recce trip to West Bengal and suggested that Kolkatta should be on Clinton's itinerary
Mystique of Lahore's failed 'colour revolution'
The jury is still out on how the Arab Spring first appeared on the Maghreb region. The romantic version is that a street vendor in Tunis took his life in sheer desperation one fateful day last December and the pent-up anger of the nation frothed up against the corrupt regime of longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
The jury is still out on how the Arab Spring first appeared on the Maghreb region. The romantic version is that a street vendor in Tunis took his life in sheer desperation one fateful day last December and the pent-up anger of the nation frothed up against the corrupt regime of longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
Will Salman help 2G accused get out of jail?
Looks like the government is beginning to share the worry of the industry that the high-profile accused in cases like the 2G scam must not be denied bail indefinitely, just because there's public and media pressure to highlight corruption.
Looks like the government is beginning to share the worry of the industry that the high-profile accused in cases like the 2G scam must not be denied bail indefinitely, just because there's public and media pressure to highlight corruption.
'I am the army'
The fog of war thickens in the final stages as the soldiers start leaving the contested battlefield in an indeterminate war. One solitary Englishman survived to tell the base camp at Jalalabad what happened to the British column led by Maj. Gen. William Elphinstone that retreated from Kabul in January 1842 -- Assistant Surgeon William Brydon -- and he too, with part of his skull sheared off by a sword and was given refuge by a kind-hearted Afghan shepherd
The fog of war thickens in the final stages as the soldiers start leaving the contested battlefield in an indeterminate war. One solitary Englishman survived to tell the base camp at Jalalabad what happened to the British column led by Maj. Gen. William Elphinstone that retreated from Kabul in January 1842 -- Assistant Surgeon William Brydon -- and he too, with part of his skull sheared off by a sword and was given refuge by a kind-hearted Afghan shepherd
Is it the endgame for Pak Taliban?
The so-called Pakistani Taliban led by Hakimullah Mehsood faces an existential crisis with an eruption of splits in its ranks, encouraged no doubt from outside. Splits have appeared all across the tribal areas - Bajaur, Orakzai, Mohmand, Kurram, etc. The split of commander Fazal Saeed Haqqani in Kurram agency this week is the most serious.
The so-called Pakistani Taliban led by Hakimullah Mehsood faces an existential crisis with an eruption of splits in its ranks, encouraged no doubt from outside. Splits have appeared all across the tribal areas - Bajaur, Orakzai, Mohmand, Kurram, etc. The split of commander Fazal Saeed Haqqani in Kurram agency this week is the most serious.
US-Pakistan tussle over Shamsi air base
The control of Shamsi air base in Pakistan's Baluchistan province has become a bone of contention in US-Pakistan relations. A day after Pakistan's Defence MInister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar confirmed that the US has been asked to stop using the Shamsi base for drone attacks and to vacate the base -- he didn't say when exactly the demand was made or what the US response has been -- an unnamed US official maintains, "That base is neither vacated nor being vacated"
The control of Shamsi air base in Pakistan's Baluchistan province has become a bone of contention in US-Pakistan relations. A day after Pakistan's Defence MInister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar confirmed that the US has been asked to stop using the Shamsi base for drone attacks and to vacate the base -- he didn't say when exactly the demand was made or what the US response has been -- an unnamed US official maintains, "That base is neither vacated nor being vacated"
Indo-Pak rhetoric rears head again
The statement by the chairman of the Pakistan joint chiefs of staff committee Khalid Shameem Wynne on Wednesday contained nothing new - essentially linking regional stability to the Kashmir problem and Pakistans determination to find a "just solution of the Kashmir dispute".
The statement by the chairman of the Pakistan joint chiefs of staff committee Khalid Shameem Wynne on Wednesday contained nothing new - essentially linking regional stability to the Kashmir problem and Pakistans determination to find a "just solution of the Kashmir dispute".
Petraeus' Taliban POWs were not really Taliban
There have been three conflicting versions of the outcome of the United States' surge in Afghanistan.
There have been three conflicting versions of the outcome of the United States' surge in Afghanistan.
Did India vote 'yes' or 'no' at the IAEA?
The Indian vote at the IAEA meet on Syria in Vienna on Thursday remains an enigma -- and unavoidably, a matter of great curiosity. Russia and China voted against the western-sponsored resolution referring the 'Syria nuclear file' to the UN Security Council -- similar to the infamous western move on Iran in 2006. Four other countries voted against the resolution, 11 abstained while 17 voted in favour
The Indian vote at the IAEA meet on Syria in Vienna on Thursday remains an enigma -- and unavoidably, a matter of great curiosity. Russia and China voted against the western-sponsored resolution referring the 'Syria nuclear file' to the UN Security Council -- similar to the infamous western move on Iran in 2006. Four other countries voted against the resolution, 11 abstained while 17 voted in favour
Is Dayanidhi Maran in deep trouble?
Once a trouble shooter for his grand-uncle DMK chief M Karunanidhi and a friend of the Gandhi family, Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran is beginning to look he is in deep trouble like his former Cabinet and party colleague, A Raja.
Once a trouble shooter for his grand-uncle DMK chief M Karunanidhi and a friend of the Gandhi family, Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran is beginning to look he is in deep trouble like his former Cabinet and party colleague, A Raja.
Sushma blames Jaitley for Bellary brothers' rise
A serious fighting has broken out among senior BJP leaders
A serious fighting has broken out among senior BJP leaders
Will Congress apply balmy touch on Karunanidhi?
The Congress may not be ready to jettison the DMK as yet. It has begin to realize that it would not be prudent to push the second largest alliance partner out just because it has lost the Tamil Nadu elections
The Congress may not be ready to jettison the DMK as yet. It has begin to realize that it would not be prudent to push the second largest alliance partner out just because it has lost the Tamil Nadu elections
Osama brings China, Pakistan, US closer
The first signs of the shifts in the geopolitics of the region are surfacing following the United States' Abbottabad operation. Pakistan has once again sought China to reconsider its earlier decision not to get involved in the management of the Gwadar port and this time around, Beijing has allowed itself to be persuaded in principle...
The first signs of the shifts in the geopolitics of the region are surfacing following the United States' Abbottabad operation. Pakistan has once again sought China to reconsider its earlier decision not to get involved in the management of the Gwadar port and this time around, Beijing has allowed itself to be persuaded in principle...
Obama in hurry to reconcile Mullah Omar
All sorts of indications have been coming in lately that the direct talks between the United States and the Taliban leadership of Mullah Omar are finally gaining traction. The Taliban statement on the killing of Osama bin Laden certainly contained nuances indicative of a certain distancing from Al Qaeda in institutional terms...
All sorts of indications have been coming in lately that the direct talks between the United States and the Taliban leadership of Mullah Omar are finally gaining traction. The Taliban statement on the killing of Osama bin Laden certainly contained nuances indicative of a certain distancing from Al Qaeda in institutional terms...
US-Russia reset hits the skids
The United States President Barack Obama will be visiting Poland later this month and will confirm the stationing of F16 combat aircraft on Polish soil during meetings with Bronislaw Komorowski, his Polish counterpart...
The United States President Barack Obama will be visiting Poland later this month and will confirm the stationing of F16 combat aircraft on Polish soil during meetings with Bronislaw Komorowski, his Polish counterpart...
China counsels US how to handle Pakistan
Prima facie, by the yardstick of Chinas 'all-weather friendship' for Pakistan, the editorial in the Global Times (sister publication of People's Daily) on the US-Pak tensions may not stand out as special. After all, Beijing remains supportive of Pakistan...
Prima facie, by the yardstick of Chinas 'all-weather friendship' for Pakistan, the editorial in the Global Times (sister publication of People's Daily) on the US-Pak tensions may not stand out as special. After all, Beijing remains supportive of Pakistan...
Pakistan reaches out to Persian Gulf region
Three Pakistani high-level delegations are touring the Persian Gulf region. Two of them are most certainly substantive - President Asif Zardari's visit to Kuwait and Interior Minister Rahman Malik's to Riyadh - while the visit by Farooq Naek, the chairman of the Pakistani senate [upper house of parliament] to Iran seems more of a goodwill visit...
Three Pakistani high-level delegations are touring the Persian Gulf region. Two of them are most certainly substantive - President Asif Zardari's visit to Kuwait and Interior Minister Rahman Malik's to Riyadh - while the visit by Farooq Naek, the chairman of the Pakistani senate [upper house of parliament] to Iran seems more of a goodwill visit...
Strategic partnerships are a scam
The non-governmental committee headed by Pranab Mukherjee, set up during the UPA I regime to bridge the unbridgeable hiatus between the ruling party and the Left over the US-India nuclear deal negotiations, had some fascinating asides....
The non-governmental committee headed by Pranab Mukherjee, set up during the UPA I regime to bridge the unbridgeable hiatus between the ruling party and the Left over the US-India nuclear deal negotiations, had some fascinating asides....
Russian troops return to Afghan border
I remember a February morning in our Moscow embassy watching on Soviet television the live images of General Boris Vsevolodovich Gromov walking across the bridge spanning the Amu Darya river that connected the dusty Afghan town of Heiraton with the laconic Uzbek town of Termez (which hides so many secrets), braving the blizzards that blew through the Hindu Kush through the previous night...
I remember a February morning in our Moscow embassy watching on Soviet television the live images of General Boris Vsevolodovich Gromov walking across the bridge spanning the Amu Darya river that connected the dusty Afghan town of Heiraton with the laconic Uzbek town of Termez (which hides so many secrets), braving the blizzards that blew through the Hindu Kush through the previous night...
Osama leaves PM's aman ki asha in tatters?
Congress sources say it will be difficult for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to pursue his objective of a breakthrough in dialogue with Pakistan so easily now...
Congress sources say it will be difficult for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to pursue his objective of a breakthrough in dialogue with Pakistan so easily now...
US, Pakistan to remain allies
The White House Press Secretary Jim Carneys briefing is a signal to Islamabad intended to convey that once the dust settles down over Osama's killing, there is important business to transact. Quite obviously, given the endgame in Afghanistan and the impending draw down of US troops in July, as well as the uncertainties that are arising in the Persian Gulf security (especially with regard to Saudi Arabia), the imperatives of US-Pakistan cooperation remain stronger than ever...
The White House Press Secretary Jim Carneys briefing is a signal to Islamabad intended to convey that once the dust settles down over Osama's killing, there is important business to transact. Quite obviously, given the endgame in Afghanistan and the impending draw down of US troops in July, as well as the uncertainties that are arising in the Persian Gulf security (especially with regard to Saudi Arabia), the imperatives of US-Pakistan cooperation remain stronger than ever...
Russia takes India's MMRCA decision calmly
Amidst the temper tantrums and wailings and grunts of the American-Indian lobby about the Indian decision not to award the $10 billion MMRCA [Multi-Role Combat Aircraft] contract to Boeing or Lockheed, we all but forgot that an old 'time-tested friend' also received the same bad news from our Defence Ministry as Uncle Sam got -- Russia...
Amidst the temper tantrums and wailings and grunts of the American-Indian lobby about the Indian decision not to award the $10 billion MMRCA [Multi-Role Combat Aircraft] contract to Boeing or Lockheed, we all but forgot that an old 'time-tested friend' also received the same bad news from our Defence Ministry as Uncle Sam got -- Russia...
A K Antony gains sainthood
Whether the sudden exit of US Ambassador Timothy Roemer from his assignment in Delhi and the government's decision to reject the two American bids for the MMRCA [Multi-role combat aircraft] tender are related developments is a moot point.
Whether the sudden exit of US Ambassador Timothy Roemer from his assignment in Delhi and the government's decision to reject the two American bids for the MMRCA [Multi-role combat aircraft] tender are related developments is a moot point.
The men behind Mumbai terror attack
The wheel of justice may turn slowly, but one would like to believe that it does turn inexorably. If so, the terrorism trial that is set to begin in Chicago on the Mumbai terrorist attacks of November 2008 that killed more than 160 people, including Americans, will have huge repercussions for international security. The United States federal prosecutors unsealed charges Monday against four additional defendants for plotting the 2008 terrorist attacks...
The wheel of justice may turn slowly, but one would like to believe that it does turn inexorably. If so, the terrorism trial that is set to begin in Chicago on the Mumbai terrorist attacks of November 2008 that killed more than 160 people, including Americans, will have huge repercussions for international security. The United States federal prosecutors unsealed charges Monday against four additional defendants for plotting the 2008 terrorist attacks...
It pays to be less hegemonistic
Amazing that two heavyweights of the Indian foreign policy establishment should travel to Kathmandu with such a lot of media fanfare and to draw blank. According to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, the big achievement of his visit was that he could meet leaders of different political hues in a short period. Wonderful!
Amazing that two heavyweights of the Indian foreign policy establishment should travel to Kathmandu with such a lot of media fanfare and to draw blank. According to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, the big achievement of his visit was that he could meet leaders of different political hues in a short period. Wonderful!
Tide has turned in Jammu and Kashmir
Even statistics that usually stare back in cold print as numerals looked so good in the mornings dailies - as the tidings from the local body elections in the Kashmir valley drift in. My mind goes back to the early 1990s when a day at work began in South Block reading the field reports from the military and security establishment tabulating the quantum of human blood that flowed in the Valley during the past 24 hours...
Even statistics that usually stare back in cold print as numerals looked so good in the mornings dailies - as the tidings from the local body elections in the Kashmir valley drift in. My mind goes back to the early 1990s when a day at work began in South Block reading the field reports from the military and security establishment tabulating the quantum of human blood that flowed in the Valley during the past 24 hours...
Ban Ki-Moon on a hot tin roof
The 3-day visit by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to Moscow on Thursday assumes significance against the backdrop of the developments over Libya. He will be talking in his official capacity as UN SG with a permanent member of the security council but is practically undertaking this trip as a messenger...
The 3-day visit by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to Moscow on Thursday assumes significance against the backdrop of the developments over Libya. He will be talking in his official capacity as UN SG with a permanent member of the security council but is practically undertaking this trip as a messenger...
Will the Congress let Anna Hazare succeed?
The government may have caved in before anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare by agreeing to set up a joint committee to write the Lokpal bill. But the mood within the Congress is anything but conciliatory towards the 72-year-old Gandhian.
The government may have caved in before anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare by agreeing to set up a joint committee to write the Lokpal bill. But the mood within the Congress is anything but conciliatory towards the 72-year-old Gandhian.
Britain steps in to reset US-Pakistan ties
The special relationship between the United States and Britain invests Prime Minister David Camerons visit to Pakistan on Monday with much significance. What is often overlooked is that Britain is the brain trust of the special relationship. Camerons Middle East tour just ahead of the western intervention in Libya was a recent case in point. Britain manages to punch far above its weight in world affairs by virtue of its special relationship with the US.
The special relationship between the United States and Britain invests Prime Minister David Camerons visit to Pakistan on Monday with much significance. What is often overlooked is that Britain is the brain trust of the special relationship. Camerons Middle East tour just ahead of the western intervention in Libya was a recent case in point. Britain manages to punch far above its weight in world affairs by virtue of its special relationship with the US.
Poonam gives a lesson to PR specialists!
As the 19-year-old, who participated in last years Gladrags model hunt contest and offered to go nude for the cricket team just before the semifinal against Pakistan in Mohali, went silent, PR and media analysts began to draw a lesson from her publicity stunt.
As the 19-year-old, who participated in last years Gladrags model hunt contest and offered to go nude for the cricket team just before the semifinal against Pakistan in Mohali, went silent, PR and media analysts began to draw a lesson from her publicity stunt.
Pastor Jones and a dreaded ghost
Special United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura quickly blamed the Taliban for the killing in Mazar-i-Sharif of five Nepalese guards and three UN employees following American pastor Terry Jones overseeing the burning of a holy Koran in the US. De Mistura has missed the plot. The incident is a wake-up call that if pushed too far, non-Pashtuns will take up arms to counter the return of the Taliban to Afghan political structures, and especially in the case of the notorious Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, likely to be freed from Guantanamo Bay.
Special United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura quickly blamed the Taliban for the killing in Mazar-i-Sharif of five Nepalese guards and three UN employees following American pastor Terry Jones overseeing the burning of a holy Koran in the US. De Mistura has missed the plot. The incident is a wake-up call that if pushed too far, non-Pashtuns will take up arms to counter the return of the Taliban to Afghan political structures, and especially in the case of the notorious Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, likely to be freed from Guantanamo Bay.
Persian Gulf gets a provider of security
Thevisit by Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa to Islamabad onTuesday is a defining moment in the Persian Gulf chapter of the unfolding 'Arabrevolt'. He met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and themain agenda naturally devolved upon the great fluidity in the security of thePersian Gulf region...
Thevisit by Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa to Islamabad onTuesday is a defining moment in the Persian Gulf chapter of the unfolding 'Arabrevolt'. He met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and themain agenda naturally devolved upon the great fluidity in the security of thePersian Gulf region...
Israel's tirade against India-Iran oil deal
The US-Israeli axis to pressure India is a legion among informed circles in Delhi and it is as ancient as the hills, but it seldom surfaces so blatantly.
The US-Israeli axis to pressure India is a legion among informed circles in Delhi and it is as ancient as the hills, but it seldom surfaces so blatantly.
Once a bully, always a bully!
Hardly have the WikiLeaks disclosures about the US pressure on India to roll back its relationship with Iran died down than Washington is back in business. The current agenda is to somehow throttle Indias decades-old oil trade with Iran, which would spell the end of the bilateral economic relationship. The pressure on India to wind down the ACU mechanism for oil trade was at the core of that agenda. But India found a way out to carry on with the oil trade with Iran
Hardly have the WikiLeaks disclosures about the US pressure on India to roll back its relationship with Iran died down than Washington is back in business. The current agenda is to somehow throttle Indias decades-old oil trade with Iran, which would spell the end of the bilateral economic relationship. The pressure on India to wind down the ACU mechanism for oil trade was at the core of that agenda. But India found a way out to carry on with the oil trade with Iran
Why Turkey recalibrated its Libya stance
Turkey continues to ride a high horse on intervention in Libya, but in the past week has been compelled to rethink its stance, nudged by Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz.
Turkey continues to ride a high horse on intervention in Libya, but in the past week has been compelled to rethink its stance, nudged by Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz.
Turkeys dogfight with US
The announcement in Ankara Tuesday that the government is putting on hold a massive arms purchase from the United States worth 16 billion dollars needs to be noted carefully.
The announcement in Ankara Tuesday that the government is putting on hold a massive arms purchase from the United States worth 16 billion dollars needs to be noted carefully.
Is the Quad idea still bugging India?
Some ideas never quite die. They may go away, but they lie in the subsoil and await their turn to germinate once again and rise up - till they are cut down again. The so-called Quad idea is one such paradigm - when the Indian foreign policy establishment flirted dangerously in the middle of the last decade with the quixotic idea of joining a quadrilateral alliance with United States, Japan and Australia. Any number of pretexts were ingenuously plucked from thin air to intellectualize the power play but at its core lay an obsessive desire to deal with the rise of China instead of coming to terms with it.
Some ideas never quite die. They may go away, but they lie in the subsoil and await their turn to germinate once again and rise up - till they are cut down again. The so-called Quad idea is one such paradigm - when the Indian foreign policy establishment flirted dangerously in the middle of the last decade with the quixotic idea of joining a quadrilateral alliance with United States, Japan and Australia. Any number of pretexts were ingenuously plucked from thin air to intellectualize the power play but at its core lay an obsessive desire to deal with the rise of China instead of coming to terms with it.
Fathers and sons - Salman Taseer & Aatish
Aatish Taseer, estranged son of Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab [Pakistan] who was killed in January, speaks about their painful relationship. He was brought up in India by his mother Tavleen Singh, well-known journalist, and didnt meet his father until he went to to Pakistan to seek him out when he was 21.
Aatish Taseer, estranged son of Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab [Pakistan] who was killed in January, speaks about their painful relationship. He was brought up in India by his mother Tavleen Singh, well-known journalist, and didnt meet his father until he went to to Pakistan to seek him out when he was 21.
Gates outlines US war strategy on Libya
US defence secretary Robert Gates threw some light on the latest US thinking on LIbya. Talking to journalists en route to Russia, Gates made these points: A) Operationally, imposition of no-fly zone per se needs to begin with an attack on Libya. Therefore, air strikes are within the scope of Resolution 1973. B) Future operations should be within the mandate of R-1973 or else the consensus over it may come under strain. C) Mission has a diverse coalition and adding new objectives would create a problem.
US defence secretary Robert Gates threw some light on the latest US thinking on LIbya. Talking to journalists en route to Russia, Gates made these points: A) Operationally, imposition of no-fly zone per se needs to begin with an attack on Libya. Therefore, air strikes are within the scope of Resolution 1973. B) Future operations should be within the mandate of R-1973 or else the consensus over it may come under strain. C) Mission has a diverse coalition and adding new objectives would create a problem.
Rahul and Varun to stay off poll campaign?
The young Gandhis -- may not campaign in the five states going to polls next month and May. Rahul is said to be nursing an injury on his foot, and Varun is miffed with his party, the BJP, again.
The young Gandhis -- may not campaign in the five states going to polls next month and May. Rahul is said to be nursing an injury on his foot, and Varun is miffed with his party, the BJP, again.
Gates tries to mollify Moscow over Libya
US secretary of defence Robert Gates first day of talks in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov seems to have made progress on the discord over missile defence.
US secretary of defence Robert Gates first day of talks in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov seems to have made progress on the discord over missile defence.
Karan Thapar got the wrong guy
When I read Hindu newspaper excerpts of Karan Thapars interview with the former foreign secretary and (former?) special envoy Shyam Saran, I thought Thapars eagles eye spotted the wrong guy this time around on the IIC lawns. The secretary dealing with Iran should have been the one to authoritatively speak on Iran. And Saran wasnt that secretary. It was Rajiv Sikri.
When I read Hindu newspaper excerpts of Karan Thapars interview with the former foreign secretary and (former?) special envoy Shyam Saran, I thought Thapars eagles eye spotted the wrong guy this time around on the IIC lawns. The secretary dealing with Iran should have been the one to authoritatively speak on Iran. And Saran wasnt that secretary. It was Rajiv Sikri.
Blog: India can borrow from EU, Russia
Over one month has passed since the uprising in the Middle East broke out. Yet, India is struggling to formulate a stance that is coherent, forward-looking and sustainable. No doubt, the uprising is taking different forms from country to country, but what is crystal-clear is that an era in Middle Eastern history is ending. Most major countries have thought through the emergent situation.
Over one month has passed since the uprising in the Middle East broke out. Yet, India is struggling to formulate a stance that is coherent, forward-looking and sustainable. No doubt, the uprising is taking different forms from country to country, but what is crystal-clear is that an era in Middle Eastern history is ending. Most major countries have thought through the emergent situation.
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