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India braces for surge in terror
The string of eight bomb blasts in the Indian tourist city of Jaipur on Tuesday
in which 80 people were killed was preceded by a cross-border flareup with
Pakistan after years of relative calm. The two incidents are believed to be
connected, with fears in intelligence circles of more attacks on Indian cities
to come. In Delhi, though, beyond the usual knee-jerk reaction, politicians do
not appear to see any problem. - Sudha Ramachandran
(May 14, '08)
 Indian
police sift for clues (AFP)
Nepal to get China rail link
Nepal, long dependant on India for its links with the rest of the world, will
soon be tied into the Chinese rail network. The gains to the small landlocked
state are clear, while the route will bring Indian ports and markets much
closer to Beijing. All that is needed for cross-Himalayan trade to thrive is a
sea-change in New Delhi's laggardly approach to building infrastructure on its
side of the mountains. - Sudha Ramachandran
(May 14, '08)
Parsis may be silenced by success
The population of India's small but prominent Parsi community is not only
aging, it is dying out. Low birth rates and conservative taboos against outside
marriages have fueled fears the ancient Zoroastrian community may not survive
the century. The very success of the Parsis - by the likes of the giant
industrialist Tata family and rock star Freddie Mercury - appears to be a
threat to its survival. - Sudha Ramachandran
(May 12, '08)
Another D-Day for Pakistan
over militants
The peace deals between the Pakistani government and militants in the tribal
areas have been exposed for what they were, a delaying tactic for the Taliban
to send fresh troops into Afghanistan. The new government in Islamabad,
provided it staves off a political crisis, and its United States ally now have
to make the hard decision of fighting fire with fire, or risk losing the battle
against militancy. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(May 12, '08)
Reality challenge for India
TV ratings
India's burgeoning TV industry attracts more than US$2.1 billion in annual
advertising revenue allocated largely on the basis of viewing figures produced
by two agencies whose survey methods are coming under scrutiny. The stakes are
high, with a government minister claiming that vested interests have threatened
him with "dire consequences" if he intervenes. - Raja M
(May 12, '08)
US tightens its grip on
Pakistan
It is no coincidence that US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte chose
the National Endowment for Democracy to deliver a key-note speech on Pakistan.
For years, the US government-funded NED has specialized as a handmaiden of US
policies by funding and supporting foreign politicians. Now it is Pakistan's
turn to get the full treatment, for as Negroponte says, US national security is
inextricably linked to the success, security and stability of that country. -
M K Bhadrakumar (May 9, '08)
'My daughter, the
terrorist'
A Norwegian documentary follows two elite female Tamil Tigers
soldiers as they train to join the Black Tigers - the female arm of the rebel
group known for carrying out suicide bombings. Within their ranks the women are
revered as heroes, but the film has been panned as glorifying suicide bombers.
Either way, the story is ultimately a tragic tale of loss and sacrifice in war.(May
8, '08)
China's
submarine progress alarms India
Reports of China building a massive strategic naval base capable of housing
nuclear-powered submarines on Hainan island in the South China Sea have India
on red alert. The fear is not so much that China will launch any offensive
against India, but that India is falling far behind in the race to dominate the
region's seas. - Siddharth Srivastava (May 8, '08)
Afghan army far from fighting
fit
There has been a drop in the number of troops deserting from the Afghan
National Army, but that is about the only good news. The indigenous force
suffers from ethnic divisions, poor logistical support, inadequate training
and, crucially, it is far from being able march on its own feet without
coalition air cover. (May 8, '08)
Public water, privately bottled
profits
Coca-Cola and other companies meeting soaring demand in India for bottled water
face protests over their access to public supplies of groundwater, particularly
in drought-prone areas. The government is being urged to impose tighter
regulations, while traditional water treatments are being shunned. - Raja M
(May 7, '08)
US trains Pakistani killing
machine
United States Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, drawing on his
experience in the Philippines and Nicaragua, is behind an initiative for the US
to train up special Pakistani forces to go after high-level al-Qaeda and
Taliban targets in Pakistan's tribal areas. The move is an admission that
operations by massed Pakistani troops have failed, but it gives the US further
inroad into Pakistan. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(May 7, '08)
Warning signs of Indian heart
crisis
A new study shows that India faces a crippling attack of heart diseases on an
already overstretched health care sector. Genetic predisposition and
non-traditional lifestyles, the study finds, are pumping cases of cardiac
ailments into undermanned hospitals so rapidly that in just two years, India
will have 60% of the world's heart patients. As one doctor put it, "We're
sitting on a time bomb." - Neeta Lal
(May 7, '08)
Bangladesh turns to tainted
tycoons
Bangladesh's interim government is finding that getting rid of corruption has a
downside. Two years after arresting 200 businessmen and politicians, including
two former prime ministers, in an anti-corruption drive, it is now looking to
get some back to work to help revive factories flagging in their absence.
(May 7, '08)
Military shadow over Nepal
Prachanda, the man who would form Nepal's first Maoist-led government, has some
tough decisions to make as he casts about for coalition partners. His opponents
are wary of plans to integrate the 20,000-strong Maoist militia into the
regular forces, and his vision to split the country into ethnically based
districts alarms many. All the while, the military will be closely watching the
wily Prachanda. - Dhruba Adhikary (May 6,
'08)
Just blame it on China and India
US President George W Bush's implication of China and India in global warming
and food shortages shows that the rise of these two countries is a problem for
Washington. Especially as Bush's accusations about the global environment and
economy can be traced to Western over-consumption and exploitation of
resources. - Sreeram Chaulia (May 5, '08)
Taliban claim victory from
a defeat
In their first offensive since arriving last month, thousands of US Marines
have captured the town of Garmsir in the southern Afghan province of Helmand
from the Taliban. The Taliban are unconcerned. They claim the mass of foreign
troops will now be tied down chasing shadows and battling drug cartels, while
the Taliban concentrate on the east of the country. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(May 2, '08)
Angry Manmohan misses
inflation target
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, facing spiraling prices and the prospects of
losing votes among India's poor, has taken the international community to task
for not taking steps to calm down the world's financial and commodities
markets. He may have a point. Yet he would do well instead to do something
about the poor state of India's agriculture. (May 2,
'08)
India raises a toast to Iran
In a clear reference to the United States, Delhi has asserted that India and
Iran "are perfectly capable of managing all aspects of their relationship", and
is solidifying a number of agreements previously stalled with Tehran, mostly
related to energy. The economic imperatives are obvious, but there are also
compelling political reasons. - Siddharth Srivastava (May
1, '08)
Women at the temple door
While women are barred from Hindu temples in other parts of India, women in the
city of Pune are studying the priesthood at two schools and conducting
ceremonies. It started when the casual attitude of male priests became to much
for the faithful to bear, and female priests are now preferred. - Gagandeep Kaur
(May 1, '08)
Push comes to
shove in Afghanistan
In his latest assessment, US President George W Bush admits it's going to be a
"long struggle" in Afghanistan (this after seven years of fighting the
Taliban). US Marines, fresh in the country, are venturing into uncharted
territory, while more coalition troops are being deployed. For the Taliban,
having made space for themselves in their strategic backyard in Pakistan
through dubious peace deals, a new battle has now begun. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Apr 30, '08)
Britain's
Prince William in Afghan troop visit (AFP)
US's Pakistan
policy under fire
Appeals are growing in the United States for the George W Bush administration
to reassess its "war on terror" and Pakistan's place in it. In particular, US
policymakers are being asked to place more confidence in Islamabad's plans to
make deals with tribal leaders, even though these play into the hands of the
Taliban. - Jim Lobe (Apr 30, '08)
Mumbai slum
nears its end - perhaps
Lehman Brothers, Dubai World, Reliance Engineering and others wanting a stake
in a US$2.3 billion Mumbai redevelopment project have an extra month to make
their final bids. Not long, given the 13 years since the idea was conceived.
Yet it gives the million or so slum-dwellers to be cleared for the project more
time to win political support for a rethink, and drive up costs. - Sudha
Ramachandran (Apr 30, '08)
Growing pains for India's milk
banks
Despite the vital service milk banks provide in India, their popularity has
been soured by the rise of formulas and concerns about virus transmission. Nor
is India's over-stretched health sector doing much to promote or sustain new
milk banks, despite their proven lifesaving qualities. - Neeta Lal
(Apr 30, '08)
IMF spreads power a little
wider
The poorer members of the International Monetary Fund, many still bridling from
the terms of bailouts, including those imposed in the Asian financial crisis a
decade ago, have secured themselves marginally stronger voting rights in the
organization, against the wishes of Russia and Saudi Arabia.
(Apr 30, '08)
India shows space muscle
with a 10-pack
India has demonstrated its increasing prowess in space by
releasing into orbit 10 satellites from a single rocket. That should be enough
to keep launch orders and dollars flowing in from broadcasting and other
interests. It will also add to the growing amount of space flotsam. - Raja M
(Apr 29, '08)
The race is on for India's mega
fighter deal
Six contenders, from the United States, Russia, Sweden, France and a European
consortium, this week threw their bids into the ring for a US$11 billion deal
with India for 126 multi-role combat aircraft. The number of bidders makes
India's negotiating position strong, while well-oiled networks will count. - Siddharth
Srivastava (Apr 29, '08)
Iran holds key to India's
energy insecurity
In terms of its energy needs, India has woken to the simple fact that nearly
all roads lead to Tehran, both as a source of energy as well as an outlet for
other countries' energy exports to India. This could be the first step in a
whole gamut of economic, trade, cultural, political and even security
cooperation. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Apr 29,
'08)
A media soap opera in Kabul
Controversy over the government's ban on five Indian soap operas has Afghan
viewers on the edge of their seats. The hugely popular serials are "way too
modern" for Afghanistan, say conservatives and religious leaders. It's a
nail-biter with tradition and parental concern pitted against the government's
use of the issue as a tool to gain greater control over the media. - Aunohita
Mojumdar (Apr 29, '08)
Iran steps
into enemy's territory
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's swing though Sri Lanka, Pakistan and
India this week takes him to capitals firmly in the United States camp. Tehran
needs a counter to the regime of sanctions and limitations imposed by the West.
The South Asian countries need Iran's business, so much so they will risk
backlashes in defying Washington's will on isolating Iran. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
(Apr 28, '08)
Brains,
not brawn, in Afghanistan
The audacious attack in Kabul on Sunday on Afghan President Hamid Karzai and
other dignitaries is another salvo in the Taliban's new phase of targeted
missions, rather than direct confrontation with the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization's war machine. In return, NATO, as evidenced by two important
recent successes against the insurgency, is becoming smarter, rather than
relying on "smart" bombs. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Apr
28, '08)
India, China hold G8 options
European leaders such as British Premier Gordon Brown and President Nikolas
Sarkozy of France are pushing for India and China to sign up for full
membership of the rich nations' club known as the Group of Eight. But their
counterparts in New Delhi and Beijing have good reason to hold back. - Sreeram
Chaulia (Apr 28, '08)
India's inflation fans futures anger
India's communists, industrialists and farmers, concerned at rising food
prices, are demanding curbs on commodity futures trading. Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh, facing an election next year, will get a report this week on
the impact of such futures speculation on the consumer. Clear guidelines are
not expected. Raja M (Apr 28, '08)
What is really causing
agflation?
Rising food prices, notably in the past year, have coincided with with
increased involvement of speculators seeking to profit from rising demand for
agricultural commodities. Specialists in the sector are divided over whether
that speculation is itself driving up prices. (Apr
28, '08)
Taliban bitten by a
snake in the grass
Over the past few months, attacks in Khyber Agency in Pakistan by the
Taliban and their al-Qaeda associates on supplies destined for the Western
coalition in Afghanistan have proved highly successful. Despite operating in
unfamiliar and unfriendly territory, the Taliban managed to obtain a foothold
through a tribal leader, seemingly outwitting US intelligence. Then
things went horribly wrong, and the Khyber operation is in tatters. -
Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Apr 25, '08)
 SEX
IN DEPTH
The land of the Karma Sutra flunks
sex ed
In India, conservative values have kept sex education off the curricula of
public schools and in many states sex ed is expressly banned, much to the
consternation of parents and educators faced with unwanted pregnancies,
sexually transmitted diseases and an exploding population. - William Sparrow
(Apr 25, '08)
Global hunt for Tigers' assets
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, mired in an escalating "final war" in Sri
Lanka for a separate Tamil homeland, also face an onslaught against their
global activities. The Tigers have front organizations in about 50 countries
that raise funds, procure arms and engage in publicity and propaganda. These
are now under attack. (Apr 24, '08)
Over 200 slain in bloody Sri Lanka battle (AFP)
The Indian elephant returns to
Africa
Shared history and culture have long framed India's relations with its "sister"
continent, Africa, but now the desire to improve Africa-India ties is driven by
Delhi's quest for "great power" status. At the same time, India was to
distinguish itself from other nations, such as China, that have been accused of
exploiting the region. - Chietigj Bajpaee (Apr 24,
'08)
India's medical system in poor
health
Emergency measures are needed to resuscitate India's ailing healthcare system
and prevent what some physicians call an "imminent national crisis" in the face
of a massive shortfall of professionals. The problem is surfacing just as India
bills itself as a world-class medical tourism destination. The remedy, a new
commission claims, is for the government to overhaul the healthcare sector and
the education system that nurtures it. - Neeta Lal (Apr
24, '08)
India drawn deeper into
Afghanistan
Neither the poor security situation in Afghanistan nor specific Taliban attacks
on Indian project personnel is likely to persuade Delhi to downsize its
commitment to the country. On the contrary, it could result in India taking up
an offer to train Afghan soldiers in counter-insurgency, which will bring it a
step closer to military engagement of the Taliban. - Sudha Ramachandran
(Apr 23, '08)
Taliban reap a peace dividend
Pakistan and Britain have hailed the peace agreement with pro-Taliban cleric
Sufi Muhammad under which Sufi was released after six years in prison in return
for his group renouncing violence in the troubled tribal areas. For the Taliban
it's good news as they will take advantage of any lull to put the finishing
touches to their spring offensive in Afghanistan. By which time far more
radical al-Qaeda-linked leaders will have rendered Sufi's agreement
meaningless. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Apr 23,
'08)
Musharraf bolsters China-Pakistan bond
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's six-day trip to China was productive and
timely for the "all-weather" friends. It's buoyed the beleaguered president's
credibility while trumpeting needed international support for Beijing. China is
Pakistan's largest arms supplier and it is no coincidence Musharraf's last stop
was to speak against extremism in China's restive Muslim province of Xinjiang.
- Pallavi Aiyar (Apr 23, '08)
Sri Lanka shuns West, looks East
for aid
The Sri Lankan government, facing increasing criticism from the West and
human-rights groups as it steps up its fight against Tamil rebels, is turning
away from its usual Western-based aid donors and looking to China and Iran for
financial support with no strings attached. (Apr 23,
'08)
India tries again to cut red tape
India's civil service remains a Byzantine affair, languishing
in indifference and patronage and still enmeshed in its colonial roots.
After a slew of recommendations by two government groups, long-awaited reforms,
including big pay rises, may finally be on the way. "The time has now come,"
trumpets Prime Minster Manmohan Singh in vote-winning promises. But this is the
civil service he's talking about. - Indrajit Basu
(Apr 22, '08)
Pakistan faces a lose-lose situation
The weekend release of a video of Tariq Azizuddin, Pakistan's ambassador to
Afghanistan, confirming that he has been in the hands of militants linked to
al-Qaeda since being captured in February, places Islamabad in an untenable
situation. It can either bow to the militants' extravagant demands for Tariq's
release or reverse its position and go for all-out war against militancy. The
United States would back the latter option, but it carries with it grave risks.
- Syed Saleem Shahzad (Apr 21, '08)
A Maoist in Nepal's palace
As a Maoist prepares to move into the king's palace in Kathmandu, the royalty
knows that its days are numbered. So too might those be of the "traditional"
politicians drubbed at the polls, although they might yet have a role to play
in making a Maoist government acceptable to the international community. - Dhruba
Adhikary (Apr 18, '08)
Afghanistan moves to center stage
The United States' monopoly of the Afghan war is coming under serious public
challenge. Iran and Turkey have been vocal in their criticism of the way things
are going - or not going. At the same time, erstwhile bitter enemies of the
Taliban from the former Northern Alliance are now involved in direct talks with
"important people" from the Taliban. Simultaneously, the geopolitics of energy
are inextricably drawing China, Russia and Iran towards Afghanistan. - M K
Bhadrakumar (Apr 18, '08)
Al-Qaeda adds muscle to the
Taliban's fight
Al-Qaeda might have lost its numerical strength in Afghanistan, but it has been
able to extend its influence by drawing in battle-savvy Pakistani jihadis.
These fighters, working with Arab commanders and a key Pakistani Taliban
leader, will spearhead the Taliban-led spring offensive in Afghanistan. - Syed
Saleem Shahzad (Apr 18, '08)
BOOK REVIEW
Asia pushes, West resists
The New Asian Hemisphere by Kishore Mahbubani
A turbulent era of de-Westernization has begun in Asia, and Western societies,
apprehensive about Asia's galloping modernization, fear the world order built
to sustain their domination will be overthrown. This could be a good thing, the
enlightening book suggests, if the West could learn to work with, rather than
against, Asia's renaissance. - Sreeram Chaulia
(Apr 18, '08)
'Youth brigade' stirs up
Indian politics
They've been dubbed the "Generation Next" of India's Congress party, and their
entry into high-level political posts is seen as a much-needed infusion of
young blood. Still, any "Brave New India" faces a democracy-versus-dynasty
debate as all of these bright young guns are where they are because of their
surnames. - Sudha Ramachandran (Apr 17, '08)
Sri Lanka grows solution to
grain prices
Sri Lanka, a rice-growing nation addicted to wheat as a result of United States
export policies three decades ago, is turning again to its own backyard to fend
off the impact of rising grain prices. (Apr 16, '08)
Trains again tie India and
Bangladesh
The railway link between the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and Kolkata, India, has
opened after a 43-year hiatus caused by Bangladesh's war for independence from
Pakistan - a conflict that also embroiled India. Although the journey takes
over 12 hours to cover 538 kilometers, it is expected to rapidly become a vital
connection between the countries. (Apr 16, '08)
Britain caught out in Afghan ploy
Britain's unilateral and secretive implementation of its 19th century-era
policy in Afghanistan has resulted ethnic wrangling, dealmaking and
disbursement of cash to tribal chiefs in return for short-lived loyalties.
President Hamid Karzai's angered response calls on London for a more pragmatic
approach in tune with the vastly changed Afghan dynamics. - Sharif Ghalib
(Apr 15, '08)
Nepal triggers Himalayan avalanche
With the Maoists' stunning march to victory in Nepal's elections, the poorest
country in South Asia has catapulted itself into the vanguard of democratic
reform and political transformation. The country will never be the same again.
And for neighbors India and China, both with a keen interest in cultivating
Kathmandu, there's some serious rethinking to do. - M K Bhadrakumar
(Apr 14, '08)
India learns its oil lessons
India, often losing out when it comes to bidding against its neighbor China for
oil resources, may have turned the corner this month with deals and pledges
secured across three continents.- Sudha Ramachandran
(Apr 14, '08)
India loads up presents for African
safari
Where Beijing can go, New Delhi can follow, but India's efforts to expand its
interests in Africa, highlighted by the first India-Africa heads of state
summit, follow a different route from that taken by its northern neighbor.- Siddharth
Srivastava (Apr 11, '08)
The Taliban talk the
talk
Another spring, another promised Taliban offensive in Afghanistan. This time it
will be different, claim the Taliban, bolstered by hard-nosed tacticians and
seasoned fighters who have honed their skills in Kashmir and the Pakistani
tribal areas. Coalition forces in Afghanistan, while concerned over disruptions
to their supply lines, are unmoved: bring them on, they say. - Syed Saleem
Shahzad (Apr 10, '08)
Carryings on up the
Khyber
The Taliban have identified the town of Torkham, at the Afghanistan end of the
fabled Khyber Pass, as a crucial weak point in the supply lines that maintain
the international military presence in Afghanistan. Significantly, the first in
a planned series of six joint intelligence centers along the border has been
opened at Torkham, in what the US describes as "a giant step forward". If only
Pakistan would play along. (Apr 10, '08)
Jihad loses its pull in
Kashmir
Bilal Ahmad Mir's decision to join a terror cell in northern Kashmir took him
only as far as the waiting arms of Indian intelligence. Stories like this one
of the would-be Pakistani jihadi are increasingly common, underscored by a
sharp decrease in the levels of violence in Kashmir. The Pakistani military,
though, is re-establishing its support for the jihadis.
(Apr 9, '08)
Embattled Karzai beams after
Bucharest
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meeting last week may have given
Afghan President Hamid Karzai the crucial support he needs to reconcile
strained relations with the West and domestic turmoil with his intention to
seek re-election in 2009. This support will also prove wrong politicians in
Afghanistan who prematurely believe the Western allies have already abandoned
Karzai. - Haroun Mir (Apr 8, '08)
India quakes in the year of
the rats
With its bamboo forests beginning their twice-a-century flowering cycle,
northeastern India is the epicenter of a rat explosion. To forestall a food
crisis, the government has launched a counter-rat campaign, mobilizing the army
and offering a bounty for each eradicated rodent. The restive region has yet to
forget the last rat attack in 1958-59 which redefined local politics, triggered
an insurgency and remapped the area's boundaries. - Sudha Ramachandran
(Apr 8, '08)
Fate of monarchy linked to
Nepal's poll
Nepal is just days away from elections expected to pave the way for the
transformation to a republic. But the Maoists have vowed to not accept the
results if they are denied victory, and "suspended" King Gyanendra may not want
to see the 240-year-old monarchy relegated to the history books. - Dhruba
Adhikary (Apr 7, '08)
The Taliban's shadow hangs
over NATO
Following the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit and the meet between
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George W Bush, the Russians
say they were "defeated": the US's missile defense shield in Europe and NATO's
expansion will go ahead. This is a smokescreen. By Moscow agreeing to the
transit of food and non-military cargo and "some types of non-lethal military
equipment" across Russia to Afghanistan, Russia now has a role in NATO's
operations in Afghanistan. - M K Bhadrakumar
(Apr 7, '08)
India
lays out a red carpet for Myanmar
The elephant in the room when Myanmar's Number 2, General Maung Aye, was
greeted graciously in India this week was an energy hungry China. Outbid by
Beijing for energy blocks across the world, an alarmed New Delhi has softened
its stand against Myanmar and is increasingly wooing the junta. Beyond energy,
at stake are port projects, transport lanes and strategic control of the Indian
Ocean. - Siddharth Srivastava (Apr 4, '08)
Taliban welcome back
an old friend
 The
release of a video featuring legendary Afghan mujahideen leader Jalaluddin
Haqqani, whom many believed dead since he disappeared from the public eye
several years ago, is a major boost for the Taliban. Not only does Haqqani
pledge his considerable support for the Taliban, his return to the scene will
galvanize Pashtun tribal leaders and serve as a unifying force for the
Taliban-led resistance. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Apr 3,
'08)
India 'decapitates' jihadi
group
Police are calling the arrest of 13 leaders of the Students Islamic Movement of
India a major breakthrough against the outfit believed to have been involved in
most of the major terror attacks in India since 2001. The "prize catch" is
ideologue Safdar Nagori, and interrogations have already yielded another secret
terror camp. Still, the group has political connections and a widespread
network that will be difficult to dismantle. - Sudha Ramachandran
Super envoy's feet on the
ground
United Nations super envoy to Afghanistan, Kai Eide, takes up the job at a time
when donors face criticism for wasteful reconstruction campaigns and the
Taliban-led insurgency is gaining strength. But before the Norwegian diplomat
spells out how he will coordinate the international community's military and
civilian efforts in the country, he wants to "set my feet on the ground", even
as the Taliban say he will fail. (Apr 2, '08)
Ex-bandits shoot blanks to avoid
baby boom
In India's wild Chambal region the notions of fatherhood and manhood are being
redefined by a family planning campaign that awards gun permits for
vasectomies. Residents of the "dacoit", or bandit-infested region love their
weapons like children, some might say, and many are weighing whether to bear
arms or bear children. - Shuriah Niazi (Apr 1, '08)
The Taliban will talk, but no
'sugar-coating'
The Pakistani Taliban have reacted promptly to the government's offer of peace
talks, agreeing in principle. First, though, they want some key captives
released, including a firebrand cleric. In return, the Taliban will release
some 250 security personnel they are holding. It's a tempting offer, but one
which Washington will oppose with all its strength, and financial might. - Syed
Saleem Shahzad (Apr 1, '08)
Local pride buffets Bangalore
business
The huge success of Bangalore as a business and technological center has sucked
in many highly skilled workers from elsewhere in India. Some locals, proud of a
region with its distinct culture and language, say the influx leaves them as
second-class citizens and the new arrivals - companies and staff - need to be
taught respect. - Sudha Ramachandran (Apr 1, '08)
Pakistan in tug of war over terror
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani has boldly asserted that from now
on Parliament will handle all matters of national security, including the
all-important "war on terror". President Pervez Musharraf and the military,
backed by the United States, have other ideas, and they could use the issue of
the reinstatement of the judiciary to make this clear. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Mar 31, '08)
India's tigers burning out
Big cat experts believe the tiger, India's national beast, could be extinct in
as little as two years. Despite hundreds of millions of preservation dollars
and decades of involvement, efforts to save the tiger have tanked. Even in game
parks, tigers are extremely rare, having fallen victim to poaching and
trafficking by crime groups, overpopulation and government mismanagement. - Neeta
Lal (Mar 31, '08)
Western colleges find school
mates in India
Indian students are storming the halls of the country's higher education system
in search of rare seats. Now some of the best universities in the United States
and Europe are helping out, allowing Indian institutions to offer coveted
brand-name degrees for half the cost of studying abroad. -
Indrajit Basu (Mar 28, '08)
Afghanistan
adrift in misplaced aid
The US$15 billion in donor aid for Afghanistan has to date been focused on
numbers, quick delivery, high visibility and meeting benchmarks - a
production-line approach to rebuilding a nation. An authoritative new report
raises serious questions about this "solution" adopted by the donor community:
the evidence in the shattered country is plain for all to see. - Aunohita
Mojumdar (Mar 28, '08)
BOOK REVIEW
The flawed golden goose
Blind Men and the Elephant by Was Rahman and Priya Kurien
The information technology industry helped revolutionize the global economy,
yet its practitioners frequently fail to grasp business basics, deliver
projects late - if it all and with questionable benefits - while also
communicating dismally with customers, the authors argue. India' success in
getting these things right notwithstanding, lingering complacent habits
elsewhere and a lack of forward vision leave many in the industry ill-prepared
to face a downturn. - Sreeram Chaulia (Mar
28, '08)
India hungers for
BlackBerry juice
The Indian government, claiming terrorism-related concerns, wants to get hold
of the codes that give users of BlackBerry-enabled mobile devices secure
Internet access. Capitulation will expose high-level businessmen and
politicians to prying eyes and undermine the country's near $2 billion
e-commerce market. And just who are these authorities demanding the codes? - Raja
M (Mar 27, '08)
Sri Lanka's wounded Tigers growl
at Delhi
India's perceived "state welcome" for a Sri Lankan army chief has drawn heavy
criticism from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who have called it an
"historic blunder". Some have dismissed the statements as a cry of desperation
from an organization suffering severe setbacks, others warn that strident
remarks could presage attacks on Indian soil or interests in Sri Lanka. - Sudha
Ramachandran (Mar 27, '08)
India all at sea over US defense
ties
A report by an independent watchdog has shot holes through a US$50-million deal
the Indian navy inked to acquire the US battleship USS Trenton. The findings
run from the ship's toxic leaks to fine print that prohibits it from any
offensive action. The controversy has the potential to sink possible big-dollar
India-US defense deals. - Siddharth Srivastava
(Mar 26, '08)
New
Pakistan leaders target militants
Freshly installed Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani has already made
his mark by freeing judges detained last year on President Pervez Musharraf's
orders. In dealing with militancy, many expect the government to similarly
unravel Musharraf's policies by treading softly. This will not mean an easy
ride for al-Qaeda and radical jihadis, however. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Mar 25, '08)
Same game, new rules in
Afghanistan
Obituaries for the Taliban's spring offensive are premature, though instead of
trying to engage opposition forces head-on, the Taliban will open up new fronts
in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. In return, North Atlantic Treaty Organization
and United States-led troops will target the Taliban's safe havens straddling
the border with Pakistan. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Mar 20, '08)
US aims high in
Afghanistan
In remote northeastern Afghanistan close to the Pakistan border, US troops
fight an elusive enemy they can seldom get their hands on. They're convinced
al-Qaeda fighters are involved. But until the insurgents are rooted out from
the high ground they occupy, it will remain a battle of hit and miss. - Philip
Smucker (Mar 19, '08)
Killing stress for India's
best and brightest
Hundreds of recent student suicides attest to the sad truth that in today's
India, the pressure to excel can be lethal. Gargantuan numbers of applicants
face a maddening exam process for extremely limited placement at the top-notch
schools needed for lucrative careers. Add to this intense family pressure, an
outdated and under-funded education system and a society in intense transition
and it's all too clear that many of India's young people are dying to succeed.
- Neeta Lal (Mar 19, '08)
Two-horse race for
Pakistan's hot seat
The battle within the Pakistan People's Party, the dominant group in the new
coalition government, is a race between Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of
Benazir Bhutto, and party stalwart Makhdoom Amin Fahim. Zardari carries a lot
of baggage, while Fahim would be the preferred candidate of President Pervez
Musharraf and Washington. The "street-smart" Zardari is up for the fight. - Syed
Saleem Shahzad (Mar 18, '08)
China
and India: Oh to be different
Once again, with the unrest in Tibet, Beijing has been caught unprepared and
has revealed its inability to deal with dissent and difference, despite the
stated goal of creating an harmonious society. In direct contrast, India's
diverse polity has flourished against all the odds precisely because of its
ability to acknowledge difference. - Pallavi Aiyar
(Mar 18, '08)
India wakes to a
Tibetan headache
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan government in exile based
in India, is reveling in all the attention from the hordes of Western media who
have descended on his Himalayan township. For now, Beijing's crackdown on
protesters in the Tibetan capital Lhasa plays into his hands as a fierce critic
of China. But a delicate three-way diplomatic tango is commencing, involving
the United States and China, with India providing the turf - which can only
turn out messy for India, as well as for the Dalai Lama. - M K Bhadrakumar
(Mar 17, '08)
Indians pay for fuel-price imbroglio
Indians filling up at the gas pump or buying fuel for cooking have to pay more
than most other consumers in Asia, yet the oil companies supplying their needs
claim huge losses. Between the two are taxes and subsidies that seem to leave
all parties unhappy, except the government. - Raja M
(Mar 17, '08)
Al-Qaeda steps up its battle in
Pakistan
Tuesday's double suicide attacks in Lahore killed at least 30 people, but the
real target - a secret underground investigative unit - was missed. Al-Qaeda
will try again though, as the newly formed unit poses a direct threat to
al-Qaeda's revived battle to win hearts and minds in Pakistan. - Syed Saleem
Shahzad (Mar 14, '08)
Russia throws a wrench in NATO's
works
President Vladimir Putin has made the North Atlantic Treaty Organization an
offer it will find extremely difficult to resist - making Russia a participant
in the alliance's Afghan mission. The pressure is now on the United States to
embrace the idea of Russia becoming a transit route for supplies going to
Afghanistan. The trouble is, Washington knows Moscow will incrementally want a
bigger role for itself and its allies in Afghanistan, and those allies include
China. - M K Bhadrakumar (Mar 14, '08)
Afghanistan: New envoy,
old challenges
Norwegian diplomat Kai Eide, the United Nations' new envoy to Afghanistan, has
been given a "strong mandate" to tackle the country's myriad problems. But from
the deteriorating security situation to poppy production, he has an almost
Herculean job on his hands. - Sharif Ghalib (Mar 13,
'08)
Sri Lanka's Tigers in crisis
A series of military and political defeats has devastated the Liberation Tigers
of Tamil Eelam, producing the most acute crisis of the secessionist group's
33-year existence. Damaging government attacks on the rebels' infrastructure,
and inner turmoil among its leaders, appear to constitute an irreversible trend
that could portend a final collapse. - G H Peiris (Mar
13, '08)
Musharraf faces bench's fury
The alliance that plans to form Pakistan's new government has made it clear it
will reinstate all 63 senior judges sacked for refusing to recognize an
emergency order introduced by President Pervez Musharraf last year. Then
Musharraf will be asked to step down, and if he refuses, impeachment
proceedings will be started. (Mar 11, '08)
$15b loan waiver reaps harvest of
anger
The Indian government's plan to waive US$15 billion of loans owed by farmers
will fail to help the bulk of farmers dependent on loan sharks rather than
banks, say critics. Worse, it does not address the fundamental problems faced
by the sector, such as low, fixed prices for produce and a lack of
infrastructure investment. As a result, an epidemic of suicides will continue.
- Raja M (Mar 10, '08)
Pakistan's generals come down
hard
Faced with a spike in suicide attacks on the military, Pakistan's top brass
have thrown their weight behind embattled President Pervez Musharraf and his
"war on terror", in the process slamming the door on any chance of
reconciliation with Taliban and al-Qaeda militants. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Mar 7, '08)
Jet-pace growth for Indian
tourism
World travellers are adding India to their flight schedules in record numbers,
lured in part by an award-winning promotion scheme. Strong growth in domestic
tourism is further brightening prospects for the industry, yet the government
shows little inclination to help strengthen an infrastructure under stress. - Raja
M (Mar 7, '08)
Delhi gasps amid subsidized fumes
As India's farmers kill themselves in face of debts worth less than the price
of a new car, the government taxes the people's transport - the bus - more than
automobiles. Meanwhile residents of the country's urban centers struggle to
breath increasingly polluted air - and look forward to buying one of the
world's cheapest car. (Mar 6, '08)
Knit-picking threatens Kashmir
trade
Skilled artisans in Kashmir are trapped in a cross-border dispute over who
should be able to use the term pashmina for hand-made products using the
highly valued wool. The clash between Pakistan and India threatens to escalate
to other products. - Haroon Mirani (Mar 6, '08)
Pakistan's
grand bargain falls apart
Pakistan has no option, given pressure from the United States, but to continue
military operations against Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in the tribal areas.
Yet under a scheme devised by the new top brass, the militants were to be given
an easy ride as long as they retreated to remote border areas. Militants,
initially receptive, have shown through a spate of suicide attacks on the
military in cities across the country that they are having grave second
thoughts. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Mar 5, '08)
Iran gas: China waits as India
wavers
 The
possibility of India buying Iranian gas by way of a pipeline running through
mutual neighbor Pakistan has been a talking point for the past decade. Yet as
Islamabad and Tehran prepare to sign a gas purchase agreement this month, India
is holding back amid security concerns and US disapproval of the plan.
Energy-hungry China may seize the opportunity. - Siddharth Srivastava
(Mar 5, '08)
The Taliban's teleban
The Taliban have started to attack mobile-phone towers in Afghanistan following
their demand that telephone companies shut off all signals during the night.
The Taliban's argument that occupation forces use signals to track them down
doesn't make much sense; the more likely reason is to hurt the economy, of
which telecommunications is one of the fastest-growing and most profitable
sectors. (Mar 5, '08)
In India, a gathering of
ghost busters
In the 18th century, Guru Maharaj Deowiji of Malajpur was believed to have the
ability to exorcise ghosts. Legend has it he passed on the power to his
priests, who have in turn passed it on until today. The result is India's
largest, if not only, "ghost fair", to which thousands of pilgrims flock each
year to exorcise ghosts and spiritual possession. Psychologists call it mere
superstition, but this is India, a land struggling to balance the ancient and
the ultra-modern. - Shuriah Niazi (Mar 4, '08)
Something for all
in ballot-box budget
Farmers, not industry, were the main beneficiaries of what is likely to be
Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram's last budget before India faces a
general election. Yet a lower income tax threshold and other minor measures may
boost consumption and help factories keep ticking over. - Indrajit Basu
(Mar 3, '08)
Iran makes its mark in Iraq
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is making the most of his red-carpet
treatment in Iraq, handing out platitudes as well as the offer of a US$1
billion loan. Baghdad's government needs all the support it can get, and plenty
comes from Tehran. What it does not need is Iran's backing of the
al-Qaeda-backed insurgency. But for Iran, this is a separate issue that has
everything to do with Afghanistan. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Mar 3, '08)
China, India, play it again
for Uncle Sam
With US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Beijing and Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates in New Delhi, the US's evolving Asian strategy is on display.
Washington is out to convince China and India that each is a privileged partner
of the US's global strategies, a part of which is containing a resurgent
Russia. Beijing has welcomed the US "invitation", but Delhi is convinced the US
is building up Indian capabilities just to make it a counterweight to China.
- M K Bhadrakumar (Feb 29, '08)
Pakistan, US raise militant
tempo
Thursday's missile attack by a US Predator drone in the Pakistan tribal areas
has a significance far beyond the dozen or so militants killed. The pilotless
craft was launched from a Pakistan airbase - a first - and the targets were hit
in an Islamic seminary. In the border regions, these madrassas are
widely used by militants to transfer weapons and for meetings - and until now
they have fallen under the intelligence radar. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Feb 29, '08)
Can-do zeal drives Able Company
In far-flung areas of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, American
counter-insurgency efforts are making inroads where other harder-edged fighting
thrusts have failed. Platoon-sized groups from the 173rd Airborne Combat Team
are enticing Afghans to throw out al-Qaeda-backed insurgents. - Philip Smucker
(Feb 28, '08)
Australia offers India hope on
uranium
The decision of the Australian government under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to
pull out of an agreement reached under his predecessor to supply India with
uranium may be reversed. First New Delhi will have to resolve its nuclear
differences with Washington. (Feb 28, '08)
A surprise show of force in Pakistan
Just when politicians were talking of adopting a softer approach towards
militants, Pakistan's security forces arrested Qari Saifullah Akhtar, who had
been fingered by Benazir Bhutto as the mastermind of an assassination attack
against her. Akhtar certainly has a background in militancy, but he's more
likely a pawn in a bigger game unfolding as a new government forms. - Syed
Saleem Shahzad (Feb 27, '08)
The
Taliban have Kabul in their sights
A surge in militant violence in Pakistan's tribal regions and
another high-profile assassination are clear messages to the
yet-to-be-finalized new government in Islamabad: leave the Taliban alone. The
Taliban are putting the final pieces in place for an assault on the Afghan
capital Kabul, and they desperately need secure supply lines starting in
Pakistan. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Feb 26, '08)
COMMENT
Pakistan's
extremism starts at the top
While the election victory of Pakistan's secular opposition parties will
relieve some concern over the "Talibanization" of Pakistan, the threat remains
as long as Islamic extremism continues to be employed as a tool by political
parties, the military and the intelligence agencies. - Chietigj Bajpaee
(Feb 26, '08)
Turkey offers oil lifeline to
India
 Turkey
is offering India access to its network of pipelines running from oil-rich
Central Asia - with Israel serving as a key link in the chain. A deal would be
attractive to New Delhi, if it could secure the oil to course through the
pipes. - Sudha Ramachandran (Feb 26, '08)
India Inc execs set global pay
pace
India's top managers are outstripping the world in terms of increasing their
pay. Executives in the booming parts of the economy, and even students yet to
get their feet on the career ladder, will continue to benefit, but information
technology folk may have missed the boat. - Raja M (Feb
25, '08)
Pakistan
markets look to post-poll gains
The absence of violence during Pakistan's parliamentary elections, the prospect
of more political stability than was evident in the past 12 months, and
continuing reforms set the stage for a resumption of strong growth in the
country's stock markets. - Syed Fazl-e-Haider (Feb
25, '08)
Limited
options for US in Pakistan
There seems to be a bipartisan understanding in Washington that the US is
climbing a slippery slope in Pakistan. Balmy rhetoric about democracy is doing
little to deflate an enormous groundswell of anti-Americanism or widespread
opposition to the US's "war on terror". The US may have very little leeway
other than depending President Pervez Musharraf and the Pakistani military. - M
K Bhadrakumar (Feb 22, '08)
Cold
questions for embattled Nepalese
Nepal's Kathmandu valley chattering classes have much to talk about these long
winter nights. Will promised polls be held in April only for India to swallow
up all or part of their country? Or is independence-declaring Kosovo the
template of its destiny? More urgently, who is forcing them to endure the
freezing cold by enforcing a fuel and power blockade? - Dhruba Adhikary
(Feb 22, '08)
Militants
bide for time and turmoil
As Pakistan's new government takes shape, the militants are in the mountains
watching. In the past they've waited for the most restless moments to attack,
and some say they're at it again. The future role of President Pervez
Musharraf, resentment for the fatal raid on the Lal Masjid moque and anger at
the US military presence could all provide the insurgents with the necessary
chaos for attacks. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Feb
22, '08)
Uncertainty on terror's
'central front'
Washington appears unsure whether Pakistan's election results are a
setback to US strategic interests or an advance. Embattled President Pervez
Musharraf is looking much less "indispensable" as an ally in the US's "war on
terror". At the same time, close cooperation with the Pakistani military -
which retired general Musharraf commanded until last fall - remains essential.
The Pentagon is already proposing joint operations in the hope that any
government that emerges won't disrupt further cooperation. - Jim Lobe
(Feb 21, '08)
Letting go of Musharraf
Despite a drubbing in recent elections Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is
adamant about participating in the next administration. That's fine by
Washington, as beefing up Musharraf's regime to defeat terrorists has been a
cornerstone of America's post-September 11 foreign policy. But the dramatic
rise in terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan has shown the failure of this
approach and Washington may now be better off putting its weight behind the new
parliament and the Pakistani people. - Najum Mushtaq (Feb
21, '08)
'Dr Kidney's' gruesome traffic
exposed
The recent arrest of an illegal "kidney kingpin" in New Delhi has exposed South
Asia as the hub of a grisly global network for the trade of human organs. With
collusion of specialized surgeons, wealthy Western patients have been
travelling to India and Pakistan for years to secure organs from impoverished
"donors". Now, new legislation and initiatives aim to stop the appalling,
exploitive practice. (Feb 21, '08)
Pakistan
sifts through election aftermath
Islamabad is in the grip of political wrangling over the formation
of a new government. Some big political players have made hasty retreats,
content to wait and see what comes next. Not the US, however, which is mending
bridges between embattled President Pervez Musharraf and his opposition rivals,
and conducting secret talks with all sides. Turmoil in Pakistan puts the "war
on terror" at risk and analysts say the US will do whatever it takes to revive
its dwindling pulse. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Feb 20, '08)
Economic
mess for Pakistan's government
Stagnant exports, rising inflation, a runaway current account deficit -
Pakistan's new government will have no shortage of problems to confront in the
economy, with no quick and easy fix in sight. - Syed
Fazl-e-Haider (Feb 20, '08)
Tax woes
pulling down India's airlines
India's airlines are reaping the benefits of the country's booming
economy, with passenger numbers soaring amid strong internal tourism and the
needs of a growing business community. Yet as new aircraft start arriving to
meet demand, profits are being undermined by world-record fuel taxes. -
Raja M (Feb 19, '08)
In
Pakistan, the revenge of democracy
Elections in Pakistan have dealt a humiliating blow to the
government of President Pervez Musharraf and stinging defeats to his cronies
and confidantes throughout the country. The margin of difference is so great,
analysts say, even expected tampering can't overturn the public's mass
dismissal of the current regime. But, it's not over yet. If the ruling
government can manipulate post-election chaos a coalition government with
Musharraf at the top is still a possibility. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
(Feb 19, '08)
Local pride buffets Bangalore business
The huge success of Bangalore as a business and technological center has sucked
in many highly skilled workers from elsewhere in India. Some locals, proud of a
region with its distinct culture and language, say the influx leaves them as
second-class citizens and the new arrivals - companies and staff - need to be
taught respect. - Sudha SEX IN
DEPTH
When kissing cousins aren't so
cute
A warning by Britain's environment minister about the health risks of
first-cousin marriage in the Pakistani immigrant community has set off a row
among British Muslims. Lost in the furor are the real victims - handicapped
children - and a way to go to the source of the problem. -
(Feb 15, '08)
William Sparrow kicks off a weekly column looking at issues
relating to sex in Asia.
India's bulls relish China inflows
The prospect of China's cash-rich funds pouring money into Indian stocks is
keeping the subcontinent's investors in bullish mood even as the local markets
take their share of knocks amid a global market downturn. - Siddharth Srivastava
(Feb 14, '08)
Anil's first float sinks Reliance
image
The debacle of Anil Ambani's first attempt to bring a company to market - the
$3 billion IPO of Reliance Power - did more than suck in and destroy savings
worth billions of dollars from retail and institutional investors. It severely
damaged a 30-year reputation for success built up by his father. - Indrajit Basu
(Feb 14, '08)
India ban feeds rice
crisis
Rats get their rice for free. But Asian consumers are paying more by the
day for the dietary staple amid land and labor shortages and rising
consumption. An Indian ban on all exports of the grain comes as a rodent
epidemic adds to the dining bill, especially in neighboring Bangladesh. - Raja M
(Feb 13, '08)
India on terror alert
Two intelligence reports claim Pakistan-based terror cells will continue to
orchestrate attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir and other parts of the
country. Delhi is taking the threats seriously and is rethinking its security
strategies with an eye towards Islamabad's upcoming elections. - Siddharth
Srivastava (Feb 13, '08)
PAKISTAN AT THE POLLS
A growing voice for militants
The "war on terror" is becoming a dirty little phrase as politicians enter the
home straight ahead of elections. Traditionally anti-militant postures are
giving way to calls for dialogue and a return to the days when the Taliban were
considered a strategic asset - exactly the opposite of everything Washington
has been working for. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
This is the first of several articles leading up to the parliamentary elections
of February 18.
South Asia's democratic gambit
From Bhutan to Bangladesh, South Asian nations are betting that political
unrest can be resolved by general elections. But regional politics still favor
dynasties over democracy, and patronage continues to outweigh policies and
platforms. The stakes are high, and even if democracy comes, it is not always a
precursor for stability. - Chietigj Bajpaee
(Feb 12, '08)
REVOLT IN PAKISTAN'S TRIBAL AREAS,
Part 2
Al-Qaeda sets sight on the next
battlefield
It's not expected that Islamabad's ceasefire with militants in Pakistan's
tribal areas will last very long - pressure for the United States is just too
great. But that's not the real issue. Al-Qaeda, with its ranks bolstered by
Pakistani jihadis, had designated cities as the next battleground, an al-Qaeda
cell leader tells Syed Saleem Shahzad.
(Feb 11, '08)
This is the conclusion of a two-part report.
The curtain lifts for
Bollywood in Pakistan
For the first time in more than 40 years, the Pakistani government is lifting
its ban on movies made in India. The return of Bollywood will delight the
populace, but not everyone's applauding the palliative - Lahore's "Lollywood"
film industry is jealous and the possibility of jihadi attacks may keep
audiences away. - Sudha Ramachandran
(Feb 7, '08)
Afghan peace comes at the point of
a gun
 The
mission in Afghanistan is not one of peacekeeping, US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice warns. It's about fighting extremism, and more troops are
needed. At the same time, understaffed US military teams in eastern
Afghanistan's violent Kunar province struggle to encourage "good governance" in
the local administration. Many millions of dollars are being thrown at the
problem, much of which disappears into a black hole. And indeed, many US
soldiers would rather tout a gun than wrestle with nation-building. - Philip
Smucker (Feb 7, '08)
India shoots out of Iran's orbit
India's launch of an Israeli spy satellite makes good technical and commercial
sense for New Delhi, which is keen to show off its rocket prowess to the world.
Iran, which will be the satellite's prime target, has made its annoyance plain,
but even Tehran playing the energy card is unlikely to faze India.
(Feb 7, '08)
The ever-changing faces of terror
First it was Osama bin Laden, then Ayman al-Zawahiri, followed by Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi as the US-designated "public enemy number one". More lately, Abu
Laith al-Libi and Baitullah Mehsud have been accorded the ultimate tag. It's
all part of the personalization trick to cover up foreign policy fiascoes
of Washington and London. - Sreeram Chaulia (Feb
7, '08)
India's insurers spread boom
benefits
India's thriving insurance market, which more than doubled in value last year,
is attracting foreign partners and driving up business for other sectors,
notably the country's embattled information technology sector. - Raja M
(Feb 7, '08)
Another blow for 'headless'
India-US deal
The abrupt departure of India's ambassador to the United States, Ronen Sen, is
interpreted as a sign that the India-US nuclear deal will be further delayed.
Whoever is picked as Sen's successor will go a long way to determining the
pact's future. - Sudha Ramachandran (Feb 6,
'08)
Pakistan taken to task over
al-Qaeda
Politicians in the United States and soldiers on the ground have been saying it
for ages - al-Qaeda has regenerated, primarily through its safe havens in
Pakistan's border areas. Now the US Director of National Intelligence has
confirmed the dangers posed by al-Qaeda in that region, saying they are the
US's "biggest threat". - Jim Lobe (Feb 6, '08)
India's Suzlon catches
wind in China
China's determination to use more wind-generated power is pulling it ahead of
India in the newly popular sector. It is also creating openings for Suzlon
and other companies based across the Himalayas. - Pallavi Aiyar
(Feb 6, '08)
SPEAKING
FREELY
Touch of sunstroke in Singh's
border vision
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh foresees India's restive Arunachal Pradesh state
being transformed through trade, tourism and transport. Yet transfers of
billions of dollars into the region are encouraging extortion and corruption,
and neighboring China's distrust hangs over all. - Nimmi Kurian
(Feb 6, '08)
Intrigue
takes Afghanistan to the brink
Uzbek leader General Rashid Dostum's high-profile standoff with hundreds of
police in Kabul at the weekend is as sure a bellwether as any that Afghanistan
faces one of its gravest political crises in recent years. Spearheaded by
Britain, and its calculated plot to bypass President Hamid Karzai and provide
military training for "good" Taliban, Karzai is being squeezed to either follow
the Western line, or get out. But the canny president could yet return the
pressure, and with interest. - M K Bhadrakumar (Feb
5, '08)
INTERVIEW
When good intentions get messy
Mahmud Ali Durrani, Pakistan's US envoy
This month, Pakistan will have its "best election ever" as far as fairness is
concerned, Durrani believes. On the broader stage, the relationship with the
United States remains fraught with difficulties and contradictions. And most
important, outside countries should not try to micromanage Pakistan. Then it
only gets messy, the envoy tells Justine A Rosenthal.
(Feb 5, '08)
India's flawed diamond dream
India's diamond traders have a sparkle in their eyes imagining their country
ousting Antwerp as the world's core market for glittering carbon. A strong
rupee, rising overseas tariffs and competition for uncut stones dull those
prospects. Brush those aside, and there is always India's bureaucracy standing
in t |
