The wretched of the earth have stood up and invited themselves to the Great Game.
In 1986, during an interview, the Dalai Lama told me: "We Tibetans can't do anything, except to keep their culture alive. A change will come from within China; it is our only hope". Twenty two years later, I believe this statement is the closest to a possible future scenario or 'solution'
For decades, the Chinese 'minorities', particularly the Tibetans, have been wanting to express their deep-rooted resentment against a regime which slowly but surely is annihilating them.
France might be 'India's best friend' as the French president put it, but the fact remains that the share of France in India's foreign trade is today only 1.8 percent. Though Sarkozy declared that he would like at least 1,000 small and medium size companies to enter the Indian market, it is easier said than done.
When President Chirac arrived in Mumbai in 1998, he declared: 'In India, France is not at the level where it should be.' Ten years later, it is still true. France has a role to play in India, but will Delhi and Paris will be bold enough to seize the occasion?
For reluctant optimists like me, there are still some inconvenient truths. I believe that the time has come for India to follow the example of China who, in Sonia Gandhi's words, has 'shown the world how much could be achieved with pragmatism, clarity of vision.'
'Today, when the planet is in danger, why should India's leaders use petty arguments instead of showing the way?'
Choosing the next Dalai Lama is too profound a tradition to be controlled by the Communists in Beijing.
If Pakistan is today on the brink, the blame should be squarely put on the US and the other Western nations.
The award to the Dalai Lama is good 'for the conscience of the US,' but it does not help the Tibetans in their aspiration for freedom.
In a strategy which is very similar to the one in Tibet (especially after the arrival of the train), Beijing plans to change Burma's demography, making the nation a Chinese colony
'Several countries in the West are on the way to close their nuclear plants because nuclear energy is not considered a clean energy.'
B Raman's book is exceptional because for the first time we get an insider's analysis of the success and failures of the secretive Indian external intelligence agency.
Today, the 'first Americans' live in reserves where they are reduced to perform for American tourists. Next year more than two million Chinese 'tourists' are expected to visit the Roof of the World. Is it any different?
The French election probably reflects the deep uneasiness of a nation caught resting while the world around is changing.
The journey towards South Asian integration will be long and arduous, but it has to start one day!
'The Indians are bastards anyway. They are plotting a war.'
Claude Arpi looks at the issues that challenge Sino-Indian relations.
Will the present Government in Delhi follow the same ostrich policy as Nehru's and pretend that there is no problem between friends? Or will they have the courage to put all ticklish issues on the table during Hu Jintao's visit?
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances