Stephen P Cohen, noted South Asia expert has described Pakistan as "America's most dangerous ally," and has said that while Islamabad "professes to be a democracy," it's most important allies are the most authoritarian regimes in the world, namely "the People's Republic of China, North Korea and Saudi Arabia."
In a scathing critique of 'the incoherence of the US government' and the 'dysfunctional organisation', Stephen P Cohen, considered the doyen of South Asia experts in Washington, said the continuing missteps were a no-brainer.
The Critics Choice Awards was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and saw Hollywood's A-listers get honoured at the first awards ceremony of the year.
'Pakistan is no longer a front-burner issue for America.'
'We are too important to want to be paired with Pakistan but too intensely connected to it to successfully detach ourselves,' asserts Aakar Patel.
Bookstore owners were cautioned against keeping or distributing the books. Police personnel briefed the bookstore owners about the legal consequences of violating the ban.
Stephen Cohen interacted with rediff.com readers on November 6 about the political and security issues in the subcontinent, and much more.
'Steve was the foremost strategic analyst on South Asia,' remembers Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
'The expectations on the two sides are so divergent that disappointment is inevitable for both.'
India and Pakistan are not yet ready for a true settlement of disputes between them and the two countries would gain by pressing towards increased trade, commerce and shared approach to problems of terrorism, water shortage and environmental degradation, US experts have said.
While criticising Musharraf for not acting swiftly and ruthlessly to set Pakistan's politics on a proper course, Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution, a known South Asia expert, praised him for his position on Kashmir.
A study conducted by the San Francisco-based Asia foundation on America's role in Asia, said, India's economic performance have made it Asia's third great power.
A change in the Pakistan Army's mindset is the key to normal ties between the two neighbours, South Asia expert Stephen Cohen tells Aditi Phadnis.
They rejected India signing a fissile material treaty or any such thing as a pre-condition for Congressional approval of the civilian nuclear deal, and said it could have negative consequences for both India and the United States.
If Pakistan does not cohere as a modern, more or less centrist state, if the army loses its grip, and if regional separatist and radical Islamists grow in influence, Pakistan could become a grave threat to the United States and its neighbours.
Aseem Chhabra's Top 10 Films/ Series from TIFF 2024 includes films that he watched for the first time in Toronto. The films were impressive due to their rigor, passion, unique storytelling style and sometimes exploring the vulnerable sides of big name stars.
Modi might use military option against Pakistan if the next terror attack is traced back to them.
The only thing that might justify a response is the desperate state of Pakistan's economy and how its people are suffering. But it's better to be heartless for now, argues Shekhar Gupta.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is "ideologically hawkish, but economically opportunistic", a noted American scholar writes in a new book.
'One of the key issues is how big a nuclear weapons programme India wants to have and how rigid the barrier will be between civil and military,' says Stephen Cohen.
'It is all Pakistan. They have not thought of bringing India into the biggest foreign policy crisis the US has had, which is Afghanistan and eventually Pakistan,' says South Asia expert Stephen P Cohen.
Cohen, testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs' Subcommittee on International Security on the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and the US-Pakistan strategic relationship, predicted that "Pakistan may decide, as a matter of state policy, to extend a nuclear umbrella -- or engage in nuclear sharing --with one of more Middle East states, especially if Iran acquires a nuclear device."
Noted South Asia expert Stephen P Cohen has asserted that India can do more to rescue Pakistan than any other country even as tensions mount over the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
"The recent election in Pakistan, as well as the normalising of US-Pakistan relations, are necessary but not sufficient conditions for the regularising of India-Pakistan relations," noted American scholar Stephen P Cohen has said.
In an interview to Council of Foreign Relations website, Stephen P. Cohen, a leading expert on Pakistan, talks about the ongoing political crisis, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer's assassination, growing sense of insecurity in Pakistan, importance of China and more.
'I could see it not having any impact whatsoever,' says Stephen P Cohen on Obama's India visit.
Former US envoy to India Frank Wisner and industry sources expressed elation over Obama's choice of Roemer while the likes of South Asia expert Stephen P Cohen was cautious in his opinion. Some community activists were disappointed that the President had not made a high-profile nomination from the career diplomat cadres or the world of politics or business as he had for the ambassadorial posts in London and Beijing.
An acute equipment shortage and an army that has only been trained to fight against India has left the Pakistani army highly ineffectual in its counter-insurgency efforts against the Taliban, said South Asia expert Stephen Cohen.
Outgoing United States Ambassador to India, David Mulford, believes that India can help stimulate the world economy in the wake of the global economic meltdown.Mulford observed that "Developing countries have tended to be recipients during times of difficulty, but this time, some of them may be stimulators and producers. That is an important thought to bear in mind when you are in the condition that the United States is today."
'What his minions do, we are not sure, but he has got to keep them under control. Pogroms against Muslims in India -- I don't think that is going to be his policy.'
'Indian economic and military power is still not up to its cultural and "soft" power.'
'What is required is to make Pakistan less war-like and more modest in its ambitions. To normalise with India and to reduce the State's fondness for religion.' 'It is pragmatism and not charisma that it required and it is by being boring and not heroic that this can be achieved.' 'This is the moment of realisation which brings the Pakistani leader into conflict with the army.' 'Imran Khan will learn the lesson in time,' says Aakar Patel.
The 71st Emmy Awards have been announced, and there have been quite a few surprises and some expected nods.
'India should be aware that China will take full advantage of US domestic turmoil and reduced international prestige,' warns Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
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