I was reading an article in Guardian.uk by its economic whatever Mr. Aditya Chakrabortty. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/nov/19/david-cameron-india-narendra-modi

Two things stand out. 1. he is young; 2. he must be settled in UK. 3. He is shallow 4. Does not have any idea what he is talking about and he is very liberal with the need to write the truth.

I am not for anything western but one thing one must say, whatever their faults the westerners even when they are lying will make it look like God's own truth with adequate research to make people believe. Indians when they write, they hardly do the necessary homework as in this case. Despite being in UK working for a British newspaper - with or without British education, Babu Moshai just pontificates and spews obviously wrong facts and material with no idea what the truth or he is deliberately stating untruths.

Dunno his religious leanings or knowledge. But one thing I realised. he is shallow in his research. If his economic articles are similarly researched I indeed wonder whether they are worth reading at all.

Let me make myself clear I am politically neutral or has been upto now. I am not saying this because i am afraid of being labelled. I am NOT. You can call me an RSS person, its fine with me. BJP man it is fine with me, Congress man, then also. I have been called all that and more on various occassions by various persons. But I call myself a PROUD INDIAN and nothing more and nothing less.

I will just point out the mistakes in the article to show that this op-ed or whatever is an eminently trashable item.


On the "peanuts" part of the story. it indeed is 'peanuts' and we do not want British charity. BUT they have to pay annual reperations to us for centuries of rape pillage and genocide to return all the loot they took from us. They are nothing greater than uncultured looters, pirates, rapists and genocidaires who should be brought to justice sooner or later. Just look at their British Museum or the museum at the Buckingham Palace and you will see the thieves exhibiting their loot saying in effect "we stole these". This is something we will see nowhere else. Their queen has not had the basic decency till date, to the best of my knowledge, to declare "mea culpa" that many Nations when they get civilised declare at least for forms' sake. Thats lacking even now. Is that because theBritish are not civilised yet!! I wonder indeed. Anyway thats not the issue here.

I will quote this kid and comment on him so that people are fully aware of what he said and whats wrong with his statements. Just compare what he said and what the truth is. the readers can be the judges. I can be scathing on him and his writing. But being from India - the oldest living civilisation I refrain.

'Yet just last month dropped a genuinely surprising bit of news, far more suggestive of how David Cameron wants to do business with the rest of the world – and which barely rated a few hundred words in the papers. Whats so surprsising about this? Is it not the western policy to support anyone and everyone whatever their 'sins' if the western Nations can make some profit? Has it not been so from time immemmorial? For them when is right and wrong a matter of concern? It becomes a concern if showing it as a concern will gain them something. Even after living so long in UK you have not understood this? Tsk!! tsk!! Grow up!!!! (I am for this comment accepting that Modi is some sort of orge as this kid seems to imply) - I am not supporting that thought even for a second.


'The foreign office despatched its man in India to Gujarat, to meet the western state's chief minister, Narendra Modi. And if that doesn't sound like a big deal, consider some of the other names freely used by enemies of the politician: India's Hitler, its Milosevic, its Pol Pot.' He is mixing up facts!! So what enemies call is to be accepted or are you supposed to have an independent assessment? Looks like for him what someone says is what is to be accepted. He includes Milasovic in the pot!! Whats the crime in the case of Milasovic? Did he read what the French General Philippe Morillon said at the trial of milasovic? Not likely.He may not even be aware of the existence of Morillon!! he should read http://www.icty.org/x/cases/slobodan_milosevic/trans/en/040212ED.htm Then read how the western press distorted the testimony. Of course when the evidence was so overwhelmingly in favor of the accused the accused got depressed and he committed 'suicide". Very convenient for all concerned. Also remember rumors of "manufacturing of evidence" at ICTY? Why was ICTR formed? Not because there was a prick of concience for the 'international community'. (read the west) but because it would look silly to target the killing of 10,000 when killings of 1 MILLION remain unreacted to. So much for equity indeed.


Or remember this: for the past decade, Britain, along with the rest of the EU and the US, has boycotted the Hindu extremist for presiding over one of the worst massacres of Muslims independent India has ever seen. Naieve to the extreme. Why was there a boycott? because UPA was in power and they needed largesse from them. Now UPA is on the wane and they understand Modi is going to be the new PM in all likelyhood. if he is not, still he will be a decisive power in India. So they need him on their side. Simple commercial logic. The author does not understand that it is only commercial sense that drives the West and nothing more. All talks of ideals are just a cover - again for commercial purposes. As "In politics, there are only permanent interests" the west practices it without batting an eyelid but cynically keeps mouthing lofty principles without meaning. they are just tools for commercial hegemony.

But what's not controversial is that it was huge and that Modi did very little to stop the slaughter. His critics allege that he actively encouraged it.

Theauthor at least should have read this before he made his comments. He did not!! so much for the quality of his research.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/full-text-sit-closure-report-on-gujarat-riots/256419-3.html

At the end of February 2002, a train carrying Hindu pilgrims caught fire in the Gujarati town of Godhra. At the time, it was widely reported that the blaze, which killed 59 passengers, had been caused by Muslims; it has since been suggested that it may have been an accident.

The author is not even uptodate. if someone pulls up something from his musharaff (indicates the nether end of the anatomy and thus did a great person contribute towards immortalising his name by spewing forth what comes out of the nether end through his mouth) and if it suits his purpose he accepts it. It is well known that whatever is happening elsewhere 80% of the judiciary in India is still honest and does its work reasonably independently. the poor author does not even read his own motherland's mouth piece BBC, regularly. Here is what BBC said "Eleven sentenced to death for India Godhra train blaze" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12605659. I wonder indeed whether the author is saying that these 11 were innocent beings sentenced to DEATH for an 'accident'? There is a limit to talking nonsense!!! The Guardian should review whether a person who is not doing even basic research into what is happening or has happened about the subject he is writing about is eligible for the job he is doing. They better remember that such people will be a bane if and when Modi enters the National areana as PM or kingmaker. he does not forget easily. But the decision can be postponed to until after the election. Then maybe this author will sing a different tune.

Hindu mobs rampaged through nearly the entire state, besieging and torching Muslim homes. Pregnant Muslim women had their bellies slit open with knives, and the foetuses pulled out. One prominent Muslim former MP was forced out of his home by a mob, stripped naked and paraded up and down the street, before his fingers and legs were chopped off and his body tossed on an open pyre. Either the author is innocent of knowledge or is deliberately spewing forth untruth with an agenda.

There are two stories here.

See http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=677068 so the foetus was put back in the body of kausar Banu miraculously after sliting open and taking out and the wound instantaenously healed before she died of burns? C'mon sir!!why d id you not have the courtsy to research the facts? maybe the Court records are false?

As for Ehsan Jaffri's death how fanciful can you get? read the SIT report cited above? It says "Ehsan Jafri fired at the mob and "the provoked mob stormed the society and set it on fire." Ehsan jafri died in the fire. The story the author mentioned is false and false to the author's knowledge. So what has Modi to do with Jafri firing at mobs and their reaction? Maybe the author has some convoluted explanation. Maybe he is relying on Command Responsiblity? (not likely as he is unlikely to know that concept)Mind you this SIT was constituted at Mrs. Jaffri's request by the Supreme Courrt of India.

I have systematically shown that the article is full of unbaked, patently false information that any reasonably diligent researcher could have found just using Google. This 'journalist' did not even have the courtsy to do that. Why? Whats the agenda Sir? Were you paid? or did you pull it all out of your musharaff?

I would prefer the report of a professional policeman whose integrity was never in question appointed by the most independent institution of India.

Head of the local government, then as now, was Modi. At the very least, he did nothing to stop the bloodshed: "A modern-day Nero" in the words of the supreme court. Now the author has respect for Supreme Court. Observations made before the SIT report are all now subsumed in the report and subsequent orders. Of course the author has selective reading ability. By this statement you have shown you are not unaware of what all happened in the Supreme Court. So why all theincorrect sttements and obusfications above? because you have an agenda? It is my personal view that the author is a shame on true journalism. The readers can compare what the author said with what the various sites show. Ignore my comments and they can come to their own conclusions. falsus in uno falsus in omnibus.

A court-appointed senior lawyer recommended that the chief minister be prosecuted for hate-mongering. Of course this youngman conveniently omitted to say that the SIT rejected this as an illegal demand.

Beyond all of that is the allegation, still being pressed by campaigners in court, that Modi actually ordered his police officers to allow the genocide to take place. Mere allegations enough? No proof or even false cooked up proof is needed? Anything can be alleged and that too by people discredited with MANUFACTURE OF EVIDENCE AND THIS YOUNGMAN ACCEPTS IT!! HOW CONVENIENT!!

Ever since, Modi has been persona non grata in the west. The US refuse him visas; European diplomats will not shake his hand. Yet last month, for no obvious reason, the British government broke ranks and brought him in from the cold. For Modi, who contests state elections next month and wants a shot at running for prime minister in 2014, this was a massive boost. No sooner had he got the news than he convened a rally to announce that the British had rehabilitated him. Modi was declared persona non grata not because of any alturistic reasons but because of the commercial need to remain on the right side of UPA. Now that UPA is on the wane and the possiblity of NDA is very much there, they change. It is not just UK but also US and EU have changed the tune. Till now they were also pandering to evangelists also. Now they have given short shift to them also. Now visa will be taken to his house by the ambassedors and they will kneel and prostrate before him and beg him to visit. Thats real politik. Babumoshai seems to be living in the past.

I hope the Guardian UK will ask the author to at least back up his statements with research. Good for that paper's reputation.

Stop Enabling Pakistan's Dysfunction

Stop Enabling Pakistan’s Dangerous Dysfunction September 6, 2011 George Perkovich is an paper that appeared at http://carnegieendowment.org/files/pakistan_dysfunction.pdf

I feel that the analysis is wrong and if accepted by US Government will have disasterous consequences for India and United States. So I analysed the article and a reply in slightly humerous vein is being put here.

an analysis and a reply

I am looking at Mr. Perkovich’s article from India’s point of view. Of course I am not an “expert” as Mr. Perkovich is so I may be pardoned of my naiveté. In this paper, Mr. Perkovich seems to be stating that Pakistan is dangerously dysfunctional and seems to imply that it is the duty of United States to rescue Pakistan and that India should foot the bill. He prefaces this by calling Pakistan as “this strategically important country”. He also seems to imply that it is the duty of United States to help and in that process should mulct India with the costs. I beg to disagree with this stand and unless this is a case of “good cop- bad cop” routine between Perkovich and Tellis a very dangerous hypothesis as I will demonstrate hereafter.
Let us look at US interests in Pakistan. They are not what Mr. Perkovich says they are. The central interest as seen by India and Indians was a point of influence at the underbelly of USSR as it then was, during the cold war era AND a tool to control and influence India, which the United States has always understood to be a sleeping elephant. They always wanted a tool to threaten India with. Pakistan fitted the bill very well. During the pre Nixon period Pakistan was also a tool against China.
United States knows it controls the Pakistani nuclear arsenal, if at all it is a credible one. So controlling that arsenal is a mere camouflage. Further, who were the people supporting and nurturing Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions? It was United States and United States alone and it was United States that allowed and encouraged China to violate all treaties and supply nuclear technology and missile technology to China. I will not dwell too much on the American actions but will list what I think is correct.
In the 1970s after the PNE India had made no further action towards weaponizing the technology. Pakistan was hell bent on getting the technology and having a nuclear weapon to threaten India and that had the support of CIA and thereby indicating US Government encouragement. “Dr A.Q. Khan was arrested in 1975 for espionage and in 1988 for illegal entry into Holland. On both occasions he was allowed to go scot-free because of the CIA’s intervention ”. In fact the process of obfuscation started simultaneously so that the US aid in the matter is covered up. I refer to Carter era documents that were made to indicate that it was only “belatedly” that CIA and State Department became “aware” of Pakistani plans. BUT why did CIA intervene in 1975 when Khan was arrested in Holland. If National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 333 is to be believed, why did CIA again intervene in favor of Khan in 1988 TEN YEARS after the US became aware of Khan’s involvement? Something does not gel. So at that point 1975 onwards the US wanted a knife to threaten India with and were forging one. Are we to believe that United States was unaware of the dangers involved and had no contingency plan to control the nuclear weapons produced? I doubt. Of course, there is a possibility that the proxy set up by United States – the Peoples Republic of China – may have gone rouge. If that had happened, I do not think India should be penalised for that. It is a planning error of United States based on faulty analysis.
In 1979 India DID NOT have a nuclear weapons program. Pakistan had, as indicated by the application of the Symington Amendment to Pakistan. In fact it is well known that from 1983 to 1994, around 24 cold tests were carried out by Pakistan. The 1990 test at Lop Nor is also well known. So what was United States doing at that time? It is true that the toppling of Soviet Union was foremost in the mind of United States and because of that they actively helped Pakistan in the process including periodic certifications to avoid sanctions. It is my view that this action, without any gaming of future scenarios by United States, is responsible for the difficult nuclear situation in Pakistan and again it is my view that India should not be and cannot be penalized for the problems created by short sighted policy advisers of United States.
Mr. Perkovich seems to be oblivious about the proliferation history of Pakistan . The United States really did NOTHING to stop it.
The next “interest” cited by Mr. Perkovich is prevention of war between India and Pakistan. Here, again Mr. Perkovich is wrong. Let us first look at the possibility of who will initiate war. Let’s look at the bare facts. India has never started any action. India has up to date gone out of the way to accommodate Pakistan. This is NOT at the persuasion of United States but because the political leadership feels it is not correct. Unlike United States, India’s foreign policy is dictated by principles. The US policy is dictated by expediency. That is where United States fails. How can Pakistan start the war unless United States arms Pakistan? Anyone with common sense knows the F-16s and other heavy weapons being given can be used only against India. Yet United States “donates” these. Forging the knife again? Is India to be penalized for the possibility of war brought about by the actions of United States? The answer has to be an emphatic NO!! Let me make it very clear, Pakistan is a Feudal Society where the common man counts for NOTHING. All the elites of Pakistan have large investments and residences in the West. If there is war, they will just shift out and the west, including United States is waiting ready to accommodate them. Instead of penalizing India for any misadventure from Western armed Pakistan, all that is needed is to tell Pakistan that any misadventure means loss of refuge in the west and loss of investments in the West. Will United States do that, at least privately? Then the threat of war will become miniscule. But will it? With the type of advisers that seem to be there the chances look slim.
Now let us take the issue of counterterrorism.
Some people have a habit of complicating simple issues. In dealing with Pakistan one has to know the country and its culture. If that is known, things MAY become simpler. As an Indian I can understand the situation, maybe, a little bit better.
Let me state the basic premises.
1. Pakistan has to always treat India as “enemy” because if that is not done, the very raison d’être of Pakistan fails.
2. If we just give away the whole of Kashmir tomorrow along with the millions of Hindus and Buddhists in Jammu and Ladakh (as seems to be the desire of Mr. Perkovich) the only sure thing that will happen is the genocide of the Hindus and Buddhists. The hostility will not cease and a new cause will be found, because, otherwise the very idea of Pakistan collapses.
3. The Pakistani feudal ruling class bereft of safe havens in the West will fall in line in a nano second to a peaceful settlement.
4. The West and people like Perkovichs, Christine Fairs and Robin Raphels have dealt with only the feudal and know nothing of the ordinary Abdul in the street. They cannot be changed by forcing India to give away Kashmir (with the consequent genocide), arming Pakistan against India, or other ideas that affect only the Feudals.
5. These analists should stop talking about the Honor and Dignity that is touted out by Pakistanis whenever they meet western officials. There will be no recourse to all that if they are told that the feudal and their progeny in the West will be sent back and their investments confiscated.

What has to be done is first to tame the feudals and then create a program of education, where the great harm done by the Islamization from the period of Zia-Ul-Haq. The influence of Islamic education has to be reduced and the true nature of Islam should be brought about. The base premises will give the tools to do that. This will take at least 50 years.

The Pakistan army should be dismantled under a United Nations guaranteed program. India can and will demilitarize its borders with Pakistan with only enough security to prevent infiltration. India desires peace but not at American terms. The terms that Perkovich and Company propose will never be accepted. We did not accept it when we were weak, do they for a moment think we will accept it when we are gaining strength. We are a peaceful civilization and the older people who were in awe of the white skin are dying off. Once they go off even this peaceful attitude is likely to change.

Then comes the issue of inducing Pakistan’s cooperation in stabilizing Afghanistan. I fail to understand why United States need any such cooperation. Once the army is neutered and feudals are told their place, the cooperation will be there in no time. It is also necessary that the FATA and other Pashtun areas need to be rejoined with Afghanistan. Then the Afghan army with the help of Indian army will quell all rebellion and terrorist activities there. In fact the Pashtun fierceness is a myth created by the British because they were unable to understand or tame the Pashtuns. Maharaja Renjith Singh did control the area and it was peaceful. The effect of his control is still visible for all to see. The Salwar Kamiz worn by the Pashtuns come from an era when General Hari Singh Nalwa declared that Pashtuns are not men so should wear women’s clothing. They still wear it and frighten their children saying “Nalwa will come” when they create too much trouble. This is anecdotal and is a peep into the Pashtun psyche.

Now let’s take the issue of “fostering development and democratization”. Without land reforms act and breaking up of the feudal system, nothing can be done towards “fostering development and democratization”. It is my considered view that the time has not come for that because of the radicalization of Pakistani masses post Zia-ul-haq era. The effects of the islamization have to be neutralized before the common Abdul in the street is empowered. If not, there will be chaos and extremism far beyond what we have now.

So it can be seen that the issue does not boil down to “the security of Pakistanis”. If the United States really wants to help Pakistan it should stop arming it and see to it that its military culture is destroyed and real developmental work taken up.

Now I will take up the points raised by Mr. Perkovich in seriatim. He says “If Pakistanis are more justly governed, more educated, more employed, and therefore more able to define and pursue a constructive national identity and interest, they will expunge terrorists to secure themselves.”

What are the ingredients of the statement?

1. Pakistanis must be justly Governed; 2. More educated 3. More employed; 4. They must pursue a constructive national identity and interest.

To be justly governed, the feudal system must be destroyed. BUT destroying it NOW will give the common abdul a power it does not know how to handle. There will be utter chaos. This event can take place only when the mullahs’ hold on the populace is destroys and the non violent form of Islam is taught; they must be taught that Gazawah-e-hind is a myth. That they are a separate nation and all dreams of the green flag flying atop Red Fort is impossibility. They must be told and made to realize that they are a small country that will disappear if India so much a sneezes; their soldiers are just like Indian soldiers and are not Tall Fair supermen. NOTHING will be gained by making India give concessions. It will feed myths making Pakistanis want more. The attempt to make India concede too much will result in hostility that will put back Indo-US relations many years. What US will lose is more than what US will gain by mollycoddling Pakistan. The advice is not in the interests of United States at all.

Once the just governance starts and the madrassa system sponsored by Saudi Arabia is dismantled right education can start. There US aid will be vital. Once there is right education the right employment will follow and once they realize they are NOT going to rule India – ever – and they realize the reality they will think of constructive identity and national interest.
I agree with Perkovich when he says: - “For decades that posture has had the unintended but undeniable effect of empowering Pakistan’s grossly oversized and hyperactive military and intelligence services at the expense of the country’s civil society and progress toward effective governance. Washington’s collusion with the Pakistani security establishment has amounted to enablement—the indulgence and augmentation of a friend’s self-destructive outlook and actions. To stop doing harm, the United States would first have to give up the illusion that it can change the Pakistani military’s mindset, and stop offering money to do so. It would have to pause and then redesign a large aid program so hamstrung by anti-corruption and security measures that it antagonizes recipients and seems designed to fail. It would mean removing barriers to Pakistani imports into the United States” BUT I disagree with the last part where he says “ and, not least, undertaking determined efforts to correct the impression that Pakistani interests and lives mean less to the United States than Indian interests and lives.” Has not the United States long ago given up equating India and Pakistan? Pakistan has to be told the ground reality that India is NOT equal to Pakistan. The interests are not and cannot be equal. Lives ARE equal everywhere. The impression Indians have is that United States think Indian lives are cheap and expendable at the altar of US interests. The persuation that was made to prevent our reacting to our 9/11. Why Mr. Perkovich? We need not elaborate on Headly and Rana. We all know what the truth is and what is said publicly. Are you suggesting degrading of relationship with India to prove the equal-equal? Do you really think it will be in America’s interest? Please understand that India and Indians are resurgent now and barring a nuclear war we are on the way up and any equalization will bring hostility far beyond what the short term thinking of USA can envisage. Please study history. We may agree or keep silent so as not to offend but we know what to do and remember “an elephant rarely forgets”. Remember a younger generation is taking charge.
First Tragedy, Then Farce: The U.S. Role in Pakistan
The history enunciated here on the US and Pakistani actions and intentions are fairly accurate. Suffice it to add that United States was taken for a ride by Pakistan because of the shortsightedness of its policies. The effect of arming Pakistan to fight India was not factored in. Maybe it has a racist tinge? A thought that Indians will not react? My dear Mr. Perkovich, we may be slow to react, like an elephant, but the reaction will come one day. Then United States may not like it. Whether anybody likes it or not, the days of United States are ending and India’s is just starting. We are going to achieve our rightful place at the helm of affairs that we held pre 14th century. So a long term view and helping India avert a possible nuclear attack by some mad men will help United States balance China using India. Pakistan can be used to balance no one. Not in another 50 years. We are a principled Nation that will stand by commitments unlike others.
I agree with Mr. Perkovich when he says “the United States chose the expediency of depending on the double-gaming Pakistani army over its recognition that the army’s obsession with India and determination to control Pakistani politics and budgets were leading to the sort of internal crisis that the country now faces”. It is this expediency approach that is the bane of US policymaking. The story of US aid is like providing food and not the skill to earn food. The US preferred and nurtured dictators, right up to Musharaff. I do not think the US did anything towards bringing democracy other than paying lip service. The economic growth because of aid was a chimera and I am sure United States knew that and is supported by the quotes in this article. It is also pertinent to remember that Balochistan, Sindh and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are mere colonial areas to be exploited by the Punjabi feudals. In this context I am most gratified to note that Mr. Perkovich does not treat Pakistan occupied Kashmir as part of Pakistan. A democratic way has been considered in “blood borders” A merciful euthanasia as mentioned in that article will be the right way forward instead of trying out crackpot ideas like treating two dissimilar nations in area, population, wealth, culture and ethos equally.
It would be nice if Mr. Perkovich remembers a beggar that aims a gun at its own temple and begging will not shoot itself. The safety valve is the threat to the elites’ progeny in the west and their property.
An Enemy Is Not Enough To Make a Nation
Let us correct a misgiving in the light of our knowledge now. (a) There may have been mistakes committed. BUT 1987 elections had NOTHING to do with the uprising that started then. It was a proxy war by Pakistan. Anyway that’s a long dead event. What is the present situation is what counts and Mr. Perkovich seems to avoid that. What are the popular feelings? So what is it that Mr. Perkovich is suggesting? Make a people of which only 2% talk of joining Pakistan be made to join Pakistan? Pray, where is the democracy now? Is it something that can conveniently avoided for an idea with no basis and no chance of success?
Obsessions Are Not Easily Cured
I am sorry Mr. Perkovich, but I must take you on fairly and squarely here. How can you, a learned analyst say that India has “pretensions of superiority”? The factors of superiority are there for all to see. If you meant that this is Pakistan’s view then it is correct. But if it was YOUR observation, it is unfortunate. Same thing applies to the mention of maltreatment of Kashmiris. If in this paragraph you are saying that it is paranoia on the part of Pakistan, the remedy is not to belittle India to bring about an equality paradigm that has no base in reality but to take Pakistanis to a psychiatrist (there are many ways to do that). A country like United States should not be party to a charade that has no reality as base.
Mr. Perkovich says “Deeper sources also fuel the security establishment’s obsession with India. As Pervez Hoodbhoy and Zia Mian have written, there is nostalgia “for a time when Muslims ruled India and were carriers of a great civilization.” There is frustration over the failure to fulfill the hopes of creating a singular national identity and a progressive modern state that were the promise of Pakistan’s creation. India’s recent steady rise as a world power presents a tormenting comparison for Pakistan’s establishment.” For this frustration should India be made to pay? Is that what is being said. They should be told that their way forward is to change. Change for the better. Change the education system; Stop this over emphasis on religion and jihad; move forward to 21st Century from the 7th century to which your mullah-military complex has condemned them to.
The quote from Diplomat and journalist Maleeha Lohdi amply explains what I stated above. If that be so what is the remedy? To make India look bad or beat India? Rather silly is it not? The remedy is to get the people to apsychiatrist and get them treated by removing mullah and jihad and educating them, telling them the truth and making them understand their real place in the scheme of things. Tell them the myths are just myths.
It is true that “the army, has done too little to redress domestic injustices, economic failure, and poor governance.” So what should India do for that? Get beaten up and pressurized to do things that will be liked by a nation of psychotics?
Can Washington Learn?
I fully agree with Mr Perkovich when he says “If Washington is smart, it will stop enabling the Pakistani security establishment’s dysfunctional domination of state and society and truly help Pakistanis who increasingly realize that the source of their ills is internal. To do this, the administration and Congress must accept the bountiful evidence that behaviorist policies of incentives and punishments will not change the army’s psychology and actions. The army’s and ISI’s obsessions are too neurotic to be affected by American techniques of behavior modification. And it would be exceedingly dangerous for anyone to seek to defeat the army and ISI in war.”
I also agree with the statement “The only constructive alternative is democratization. The creation and protection of space for people and groups who offer a more positive identity for Pakistan could enable them to dislodge less constructive actors and reform the state’s mission and actions. The military’s psychology and exploits have put the country into a tailspin from which democratization offers the only rescue.”
What Can Be Done?
I agree that the democratization should be really gradual so that the Abdul in the street is not empowered too fast. BUT before even thinking of that, the Mullah Military combine should be dismantled. Even splitting of the State into different units line independent Sindh and Balochistan must be thought of. All heavy weapons must be removed from the country.
Stop Pushing and Funding the Pakistan Army to Fight America’s Battles
Mr. Perkovich says “The United States would accomplish more by encouraging the Pakistani security establishment to concentrate on defending the people of Pakistan from violence and ensuring that their constitutional and civil rights are protected.” With or without encouragement the military-politician-mullah complex is NOT interested in protecting any one or their rights but their own. It is inconceivable how Mr. Perkovich who has travelled extensively in Pakistan thinks otherwise.
I disagree with the view of the author that “the United States would be wise to continue to make financial and other resources available for the army, the ISI, and the police to contest the operation and recruitment of violent extremists in the country. Such assistance would need to actually be tied to performance, which thus far has not been the case.” What arms is he talking about? Artillery? MBRLs, Frigates? Planes? These are what will be asked for and given FREE of course part of the expenses will be recovered from the sales to India. These will not be useful for the purpose that’s being suggested.
Stop Blocking Pakistani Imports
It would be nice to have imports from Pakistan. India will also help. BUT that needs a guarantee of no terror attacks. And an era of peace in Pakistan. That will not happen in the near future and hence the suggestion is a non-starter.
Stop Over-Indulging India
Ah here comes the crux. Like Christine Fair and Robin Raphael Perkovich seems to have been well treated by Pakistanis. It is natural and necessary for United States to develop relations with India well on the way to be at par with USA economically and even militarily. It is necessary that there be amity and convergence of interest between India and USA in the emerging scenario vis-à-vis China. Mr. Perkovich wants to be India to be “sensitive”!! How is left unsaid. So Pakistan has to be treated so while the treatment is on if it lashes out India should bear it? Under man Mohan Singh that may happen. The reasons being obvious. If a younger more vibrant person who is not constrained by “coalition and other compulsions” come to power maybe it will not happen. BTW what sensitivity did United states show when 9/11 occurred. Even without proof Afghanistan was attacked (I am not saying it was wrong, in fact I applaud it) Give India also the same rights please?
Mr. Perkovich seems to talk about Samjhauta express killing based on a Hindu = Muslim trick played by government of India. But really we all know who did it and why it is not being pursued and under whose persuation. Mr. Perkovich is concerned about 42 Pakistanis killed. Has he no concern for the 1000s of Hindu KASHMIRI PANDITS raped killed and ethnically cleansed from Kashmir valley? Or is that part of the sensitivity that is being demanded by Mr. Perkovich? Is Mr. Perkovich forgetting the “unfortunate loss” of evidence by FBI of the first Bombay blasts? ONE incident is all he has to talk about!! What about the 100s of terrorist attacks orchestrated by ISI that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths? Not relevant? So 42 = tens of thousands in Perkovich’s mind? Is that the equal value he is talking about? So which way falls the disparity?
Then we deal with two pet theories that our dear Mr. Perkovich also falls prey to. One is the destruction of Babari destruction. A building where prayers have not been held ever since 1934 with a FUNCTIONING temple inside was destroyed. I hope Perkovich does not keep quoting what he head in Karachi and in Slummabad. There was no mosque and even if the building was with muslims they never could hold prayers there as it is forbidden under the Holy Quoran. So the muslims should have gracefully given back the building. As for the case, it is being prosecuted in accordance with Indian law. Mr. Perkovich maynot know we have a system that’s substantially different from American systems. So there will be delays.
Ahhhh Gujarat!! Very very important!! I hope Mr. Perkovich remembers how it all started? Who provoked? He maynot be aware that there are cases being prosecuted at the highest judicial forum of India on the issue and sooner or later the guilty, if any, will be punished. Of course conduct of the 26/11 prosecutions in Pakistan has been very exemplary I hope?
There is a saying “beware of the anger of the patient man” that’s all I have to tell Mr. Perkovich on this. Of course Mr. Perkovich, India has its imperfections just as US and UK and every other nation has. No one is blind to these. Oh!! I did not know it was businesses and traders who should call nations to account. Is that so in united States Mr. Perkovich? I did not know. I have not seen traders going up to the President of United States to discuss matters of State policy.
What is the recent uprising you are talking about Mr. Perkovich? The stone throwing? You know and I know who pays for the stone throwers . Don’t we? And yet we forgive them . What more is needed? Ohhhhhhhhhhh I forgot the so called “intifada” is by 2% of the population. If more than 2% of the US population may want to scede from the United States, what will US Government do? So what should the US Government do? Grant visas to the 2% You are welcome and face the consequences. There will be more Times Square Bombers. While at it let me explain how India is “disregarding the rights and well-being of Kashmiri Muslims” – selling provisions, victuals and utilities in 1940s prices. Free education, minimum taxes, their own laws. How many states in a fedation have all their needs subsidized and maintained? The Kashmiris in POK on the other hand face discrimination but I am sure my friend has not gone there. And TWO PERCENT want to join Pakistan. So what about the desire of the majority? Expendable what?
BTW try upbraiding us!! We will upbraid you also on many a thing. Stop being superiority minded please? Oh. Show solidarity with TWO PERCENT? SO what will the rest NINTY EIGHT PERCENT do? BTW we are NOT buying fighting machines from you. We know all about Trojans and backdoors. India has NOT and WILL NOT exploit the Baloch and Sindh issues as of now. I cannot say what will happen when there is a stronger Government in place. Then things will change unless Pakistan changes now with or without US persuasion. How can we prove the negative? I do not know. It is unknown in jurisprudence.
“This was demonstrated in the energetic American diplomacy to persuade India not to respond militarily to terrorist attacks emanating from Pakistan in 2001 and 2008, and India’s concurrence in that position.” Yes Mr. Perkovich. Please ponder what US did what India did. The difference is obvious. No we did not desist because of fear of US. We did it because we were looking at long term gain and not short term political gain. If “rational perception and analysis are not what drive the Pakistani security establishment’s attitude toward India and U.S” what can we do? We have a saying “There is no use reciting Vedas in the ear of an attacking wild buffalo”. That has to be and will be dealt with appropriately.
Do we really need military means from United States? It is exactly because of CISMOSA and EUA and possible Trojans and backdoors that we do not accept fighting supplies from you. So Pakistan has no need to fear and that’s why there is no need for fear on Pakistan’s side. So US assessments and publications are NOT needed. BUT please stop the FREE Supply of lethal arms to Pakistan. That alone will improve the security scenario all round. It will be good for US also because otherwise this critically ill patient may very well lash out at USA also maybe with not so nice bombs. Then I will be watching to see the understanding approach US will take against Pakistan.
Mr. Perkovich is absolutely right in saying “The United States has never had much sway over Indian policies and it will not gain more as India’s wealth and power grow”. As for what to do in Kashmir we are doing all that need to be done there. I doubt whether we need US’s special ability to “identify” steps. All that is needed for peace in South Asia is stoppage of military patronage by FREE SUPPLY of lethal armaments by anybody here. That step alone will help. We have identified that step for United States so that at a later point of time United States is not at the receiving end of the very same arms.
Oh Please do tell us when we are abusive to ANYONE. Non constructiveness is a matter of perception n’est ce pas? As for speaking the truth, are you telling us normally you do not?
Pause and Reinvent U.S. Assistance
Yes there must be a pause to free supply of lethal armaments for use against India. So the Pakistanis are telling Perkovich to persuade the US Government to just pay the money and let us divide it among us. A nice idea. That will alleviate all the problems because the money will be invested in the west itself.
Yes yes the best agency that you can probably suggest is Jamaat-ud-dawa? They will administer the aid really properly and efficiently and the people will benefit too. It will help reduce the population also by pushing lots of people to india from where they will not return. Double benefit.
Conclusion
Stop all military aid to Pakistan. Prepare a list of the progeny of feudals in the west, and their assets. Demand dismantling of the Pakistan army. Remove all heavy weapons from the country. REQUEST India to give an undertaking that it will not invade the country except for police action in the event of terrorist incursions. Dismantle all Maddrassas. Remove all Mullahs to a “safe haven”. Start proper schools where REAL history is taught. Remove all weapons except in the hands of the police and there will be peace all round.

Menon's Musings: How Britain think and behave in 21st century.

Menon's Musings: How Britain think and behave in 21st century.: "I came accross a beautiful, learned and informative article by Anatol Lieven with the title 'Punishing Pakistan' in the 'National Interest' ..."

How Britain think and behave in 21st century.

I came accross a beautiful, learned and informative article by Anatol Lieven with the title "Punishing Pakistan" in the "National Interest" in url http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/punishing-pakistan-5275.

It was a compelling piece, so very learned and full of gems, I looked at the credentials of the worthy. It seems wiki would like to term him as the tailing of some impecunious nobility while he says he is descended from some ICS chappie who had a son who was a shell shocked soldier. Dunno whether he is the son of that. Whatever obviously he is nothing much in the department of intellect.
However that maybe, this worthy seems to have been advising governments on terrorism related matters and serving, of all places, the King's College!!!
He has the audacity to say " However, some sort of answer must be found. As I have written, I—like many other observers and, indeed, officials—was prepared to extend a measure of tolerance to the Pakistani military for its shelter to the leadership of the Afghan Taliban and past support for terrorist attacks on India (if only because this so clearly reflected the democratic will of the great majority of Pakistanis), as long—but only as long—as they genuinely and effectively cooperated in preventing terrorist attacks on the West; since after all that is what our soldiers in Afghanistan are supposed to be there to prevent."So this worthy SUPPORTS Terrorism as long as it is directed against India!!! How very like of the son of an unworthy ICS chappie who must have died pining for the "Jewel in the crown" that was lost. So this is the inside OFFICIAL view of Britain? If so, I assure the worthies in westminister that we in India care two hoots for you - the remanants of a pirate nation who proudly display their loot in museusm declaring we are the thieves who stole these from worthier civilisations.
Go ahead support the terrorists and in another 50 years you will be Britanistan with a sultan in buckingham palace.
Hastala vista to UK and Britain. We will have Britainistan and Landanistan with Burqua clad princess Kathy bowing to the Sultan.
I think the King's college must review its recruitment policies so that its name is not used by these dimwits to give advise.
Oh I forgot to add. It took just 2-3 years for Harisingh Nalwa to tame pashtuns who routed the british in ALL Battles. So british called pashtuns unbeatable. Hari Singh not only subdued the Pashtuns but also decreed that they are not men and they should wear salwar kamiz(women's dress). They still do and the PASHTUNS SILENCE CHILDREN BY SAYING "NALWA IS COMING" even now. So much for the valour of the British.

Menon's Musings: Newer beginning after a false beginning

Menon's Musings: Newer beginning after a false beginning: "At long last I am retired. Now I am entitled to write N. Sankara Menon ICS(retd). In the old days ICS meant Indian Civil service and I do no..."

Newer beginning after a false beginning

At long last I am retired. Now I am entitled to write N. Sankara Menon ICS(retd). In the old days ICS meant Indian Civil service and I do not think any dodo with ICS(retd) exists anymore. So I am making a new bigining by writing ICS(Retd) after my name. The difference? I stands for International and NOT Indian.

And what a homecoming it was!!!! Two aunts and an uncle decided to take leave within a gap of 10 days!! The result? from 3 May to 12 May I was busy with the rituals connected with death. The number of people who know what to do and more importantly WHY are coming down despite the fact that youngsters are becoming more religious.

What to do in retirement? I have no idea. Write something that you know about and many do not? a possiblity. I have to explore. Two books (one for private circulation only) are on the anvil. Lets see whether I complete them!! I also have plans to do a Tanjore painting that I want to make a museum piece. Hope I succeed!! Then prayers and rituals. I think I have my hands full.

I have pet views and theories on what happens all round the world. Because of insider info. I may step on other feet. And I have my wife, daughters and son-in-law ever ready to censor my musings. The issue is should I let them or should I declare from the rooftops "the emperor has no clothes". I do not know!! I will take a call on that sooner or later.

Thats on political issues. Of course I have no interest in being made a wajib-ul-quatl.

On religious issues i can dissert without stepping on too many toes. Maybe I should limit myself to that? I should meditate, do yoga and whatnot.

This is the real beginning.

Hasta la vista for the time being

Menon

In The beginning

There has to be a start for everything. one is born. That is a start. One lears the a, b, c. Thats another. then u go to school; college; first date; first job; falls and rises; bouquets and brickbats. Thats life. In life you meet people. Most are "aquaintences" some graduate to friends; some to alter egos. A few of course become enemies.
One learns from life and what one reads and experiences.
Some subjects become "pet subjects". Most subjects will be boring to one's aquaintences. My wife starts rolling her eyes when I start disserting on my pet subjects. later when the visitor is gone she says with the most pained look "must you???" and walks away. I gape at her unable to understand. How can anybody not be interested!! But then, she is a normal being. So I assume she is right.
Then i started musing on where I can muse on all i want to muse about!! I am not an erudite writer like Shashi Tharoor or in malayalam M.T. Vasudevan Nair!! My fields are dry. crime!1 Punishment!! the interplay of India with Pakistan, China, the West and things happening anywhere havingan implication on india invite my attention and im would want to dissert on them. Being on the net, my wife need not see the pained expressions of the listeners.
I also like Astrology, spirituality and anything Indian.
So my friends who will read my writings, forgive me for any transgressions I may make. It is maliceless.
Isn't it wonderful to be able to say what you feel - albeit at the sunset?