Singh song: Love in the time of crisis-USA-World-The Times of India:
"Love? Affection? For George Bush??? Hardened journalists looked at each other quizzically, never having heard such words in bilateral exchanges between leaders, let alone relating to Bush. But Indian officials defended the sentiments expressed, insisting that for all the world's cynicism, polls showed that Bush and the United States had high rating in India for the ''fair manner'' in which they treated India and its aspirations."
Friday, September 26, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Crisis schmisis - there's money to be made - Telegraph
Crisis schmisis - there's money to be made - Telegraph:
"They don't tend to stay on the floor too long after they've had a kicking. It's a gritty, ruthlessly pragmatic, sometimes - like the man in the Lehman T-shirt - purely self-interested resilience that is rooted in the country's can-do psyche and centuries-old belief in self-help. And rooted, too, in America's belief in itself. Those philosophical ideas of American exceptionalism and the United States's Manifest Destiny - as the Puritans were first to outline it, that God created America as a 'city on the hill' to provide an example to others - smack of chauvinism. But they certainly don't hurt when a country needs to pull through a gloomy patch."
"They don't tend to stay on the floor too long after they've had a kicking. It's a gritty, ruthlessly pragmatic, sometimes - like the man in the Lehman T-shirt - purely self-interested resilience that is rooted in the country's can-do psyche and centuries-old belief in self-help. And rooted, too, in America's belief in itself. Those philosophical ideas of American exceptionalism and the United States's Manifest Destiny - as the Puritans were first to outline it, that God created America as a 'city on the hill' to provide an example to others - smack of chauvinism. But they certainly don't hurt when a country needs to pull through a gloomy patch."
Monday, September 15, 2008
Did Saakashvili Lie?: The West Begins to Doubt Georgian Leader - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Did Saakashvili Lie?: The West Begins to Doubt Georgian Leader - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International:
"Did we embolden the Georgians in any way' to use military force? she asks the members of the committee. Did the Bush administration really warn Moscow and Georgia sufficiently about the consequences of a war? And how could it be that the United States was so taken by surprise by this outbreak of hostilities? These questions, says Clinton, should be examined by a US commission, which should 'in the first place determine the actual facts.'"
"Did we embolden the Georgians in any way' to use military force? she asks the members of the committee. Did the Bush administration really warn Moscow and Georgia sufficiently about the consequences of a war? And how could it be that the United States was so taken by surprise by this outbreak of hostilities? These questions, says Clinton, should be examined by a US commission, which should 'in the first place determine the actual facts.'"
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Clinton questions US freeze on Russian nuclear pact
Clinton questions US freeze on Russian nuclear pact:
"'I think we ought to be able to hold competing thoughts in our mind at the same time -- Is Russia more aggressive, are they more intent upon pursuing their own interests as they define them territorially, economically politically?
'Of course they are. I don't know why anybody is surprised by that,' she said, replying to her own question."
"'I think we ought to be able to hold competing thoughts in our mind at the same time -- Is Russia more aggressive, are they more intent upon pursuing their own interests as they define them territorially, economically politically?
'Of course they are. I don't know why anybody is surprised by that,' she said, replying to her own question."
Clinton also called for a commission to be established to determine, among other things, the circumstances under which the Russian-Georgian conflict occurred and to complement an international commission being called for by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.
"I believe that the administration will be served to create this US commission, which then could cooperate with the international commission ... to in the first place determine the actual facts because there is a dispute about the facts, which may or may not be real."
Outside View: Russia-NATO split -- Part Two
Outside View: Russia-NATO split -- Part Two:
"Incidentally, shortly before that Washington vetoed Russia's request to hold an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at which Russia's envoy to the bloc, Dmitry Rogozin, was to tell his partners the truth about what really happened in South Ossetia. He would have given facts undistorted by Western propaganda, which, unfortunately, was what Western media did."
"Incidentally, shortly before that Washington vetoed Russia's request to hold an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at which Russia's envoy to the bloc, Dmitry Rogozin, was to tell his partners the truth about what really happened in South Ossetia. He would have given facts undistorted by Western propaganda, which, unfortunately, was what Western media did."
Saturday, September 06, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: India won’t, can’t give up
IndianExpress.com :: India won’t, can’t give up:
1. India is not going to give up Kashmir. If you have been hearing that several so-called intellectuals have advocated this, then please do not over-estimate their influence. They can be concerned about abstractions like the arithmetic or the algebra of justice. That is irrelevant and inconsequential. The Republic of India is not going to confer Azadi on part or all of Kashmir. Nor are we going to let you join Pakistan. Please do not be misled by anyone who tells you anything to the contrary.
2. If the current unrest continues in the state, many people, mostly young people will be affected by violence. That is avoidable. Because there is not a hope in hell that all of this violence will persuade any government in India to let you secede.
The plain and simple fact is that
1. India is not going to give up Kashmir. If you have been hearing that several so-called intellectuals have advocated this, then please do not over-estimate their influence. They can be concerned about abstractions like the arithmetic or the algebra of justice. That is irrelevant and inconsequential. The Republic of India is not going to confer Azadi on part or all of Kashmir. Nor are we going to let you join Pakistan. Please do not be misled by anyone who tells you anything to the contrary.
2. If the current unrest continues in the state, many people, mostly young people will be affected by violence. That is avoidable. Because there is not a hope in hell that all of this violence will persuade any government in India to let you secede.
The plain and simple fact is that
India is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-lingual country. We are not a nation-state based on one race, language or church. In this we resemble the empires of old. Consider the Austro-Hungarian Empire where Czechs from Bohemia, Jews from Vienna, Magyars from Hungary and German-speaking Catholics from the Tyrol all lived together peacefully and, more importantly, talented individuals from all of these groups were able to blossom, thrive and prosper. That is theIndian model with the added accoutrements of a democratic republic. We know what happens when great empires break up. For decades after that, the ensuing violence and anarchy turn the lives of millions of ordinary individuals and families into a living hell. In recent times as the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia have broken up we have again witnessed this tragic phenomenon
Let me close by appealing to each of you as individuals. My appeal is particularly directed to young people. Instead of spending time in agitations, demonstrations, attacking the police, etc I suggest that you learn skills such as computer programming, financial analysis and so on. Seek meaningful jobs anywhere in the vast integrated and fast-growing Indian marketplace. Get ahead in life as individuals. Fulfil your individual dreams. If you are stuck to a small state and do not see a large country and indeed the world as your canvas you as an individual will be the loser. The collective identity of being Kashmiri or Moslem or a Hindoo or a Buddhist is a seductive trap. You are individuals and you deserve a better life than screaming unrealistic and impossible slogans.
IndianExpress.com :: How the deal on NSG waiver was struck in Vienna
IndianExpress.com :: How the deal on NSG waiver was struck in Vienna: "The NSG waiver for India involved three days of hectic and tough negotiations with both the proponent and skeptic countries sticking to their positions but finally reaching a common ground on Saturday morning after US prodding and deft diplomacy by New Delhi. The major turning point came with the issuance of the statement by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in which he talked about India's a External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in which he talked about India's abiding commitment to strengthening the nonproliferation system and unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing"
Thumbs up, nails frayed: Delhi sent demarche to Beijing, Bush called Hu
Thumbs up, nails frayed: Delhi sent demarche to Beijing, Bush called Hu:
"Last night, China had delivered a surprise by threatening to leave, objecting to the manner in which US was “forcing” a consensus. Clearly, Beijing decided to make its dissent open and, very quickly, countermeasures were put in place. Closely coordinating with the US, New Delhi issued a strong demarche to China in Beijing late last night. The same was conveyed to the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi this morning, which was gearing up for Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi’s visit starting tomorrow. Sources said South Block worked through the night passing on the tough message to Beijing that its position was contrary to assurances it had given at the political level that it wouldn’t come in the way of an NSG consensus for India.
Washington simultaneously stepped up gears and US President George W. Bush contacted his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao asking him not to block the waiver. Sources said “everyone in the US government below the President” leaned on someone in the Chinese government in a closely coordinated effort. In short, the US “pulled out all stops,” including reminding the Chinese of the evidence Washington had of its past proliferation activities, particularly in Pakistan"
"Last night, China had delivered a surprise by threatening to leave, objecting to the manner in which US was “forcing” a consensus. Clearly, Beijing decided to make its dissent open and, very quickly, countermeasures were put in place. Closely coordinating with the US, New Delhi issued a strong demarche to China in Beijing late last night. The same was conveyed to the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi this morning, which was gearing up for Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi’s visit starting tomorrow. Sources said South Block worked through the night passing on the tough message to Beijing that its position was contrary to assurances it had given at the political level that it wouldn’t come in the way of an NSG consensus for India.
Washington simultaneously stepped up gears and US President George W. Bush contacted his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao asking him not to block the waiver. Sources said “everyone in the US government below the President” leaned on someone in the Chinese government in a closely coordinated effort. In short, the US “pulled out all stops,” including reminding the Chinese of the evidence Washington had of its past proliferation activities, particularly in Pakistan"
Isn’t just about n-trade, it’s about a rising India
indianexpress.com:
"Only a decade ago, in the wake of the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan in May 1998, the United Nations Security Council, in a unanimous resolution No 1172 in June 1998, demanded that the two nations sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and end their nuclear and missile programmes. The history of international relations tells us that great powers agree to change the existing security norms only when they have to accommodate a rising power. The NSG decision to turn the solid international consensus in 1998 against New Delhi’s strategic programmes on its head is a bow to India’s rise."
"Only a decade ago, in the wake of the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan in May 1998, the United Nations Security Council, in a unanimous resolution No 1172 in June 1998, demanded that the two nations sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and end their nuclear and missile programmes. The history of international relations tells us that great powers agree to change the existing security norms only when they have to accommodate a rising power. The NSG decision to turn the solid international consensus in 1998 against New Delhi’s strategic programmes on its head is a bow to India’s rise."
Max Americana: US shows the way at NSG-USA-World-The Times of India
Max Americana: US shows the way at NSG-USA-World-The Times of India
"The decline of US power and the fading days of President Bush have been subject of drawing room chatter in strategic circles for months now, but on Saturday, both Washington and the American president showed that when push comes to shove, they can still pack plenty of punch."
"The decline of US power and the fading days of President Bush have been subject of drawing room chatter in strategic circles for months now, but on Saturday, both Washington and the American president showed that when push comes to shove, they can still pack plenty of punch."
Thursday, September 04, 2008
What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India
What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India:
"The July 18, 2005 understanding included an Indian commitment to maintaining its testing moratorium. If we now change policy, the other party cannot be reasonably expected to maintain its half of the bargain. At the end of the day, the US cannot take any position other than to assert that it has the right to terminate cooperation in such an eventuality. On India’s part, we have been equally vigorous in maintaining our right to test in compelling circumstances. This argument would be decided by sovereign decisions and national interests, not by legalistic wording.
In any case, an outcome in India’s favour at the NSG renders this debate meaningless. It is improbable that India will build a strategic reserve sourced from a country that imposes onerous obligations. Once the NSG passes the deal, other major suppliers, who follow different practices, will not jeopardise their prospects in India. The few countries which want to emphasise their non-proliferation credentials can choose to have their versions of the Hyde Act if they do not want to do business with India. What India now needs is a positive outcome in Vienna, not opportunistic politics at home."
"The July 18, 2005 understanding included an Indian commitment to maintaining its testing moratorium. If we now change policy, the other party cannot be reasonably expected to maintain its half of the bargain. At the end of the day, the US cannot take any position other than to assert that it has the right to terminate cooperation in such an eventuality. On India’s part, we have been equally vigorous in maintaining our right to test in compelling circumstances. This argument would be decided by sovereign decisions and national interests, not by legalistic wording.
In any case, an outcome in India’s favour at the NSG renders this debate meaningless. It is improbable that India will build a strategic reserve sourced from a country that imposes onerous obligations. Once the NSG passes the deal, other major suppliers, who follow different practices, will not jeopardise their prospects in India. The few countries which want to emphasise their non-proliferation credentials can choose to have their versions of the Hyde Act if they do not want to do business with India. What India now needs is a positive outcome in Vienna, not opportunistic politics at home."
Nuclear deal: NSG stuck on the 'testing' clause-India-The Times of India
Nuclear deal: NSG stuck on the 'testing' clause-India-The Times of India:
"A number of countries in the 'holdout pen' are asking for similar language from the NSG that the US is asking for bilaterally. The debate continues. A diplomat said, 'We're stuck on the testing clause''.
The transfers of ENR are not even mentioned in the waiver. This happened under severe Indian pressure, which said that since ENR was not in the NSG guidelines, it should not show up for India.
The concession by India is on the 'review' demand. The new draft asks NSG members to tell each other about their N-dealings with India. The NSG chair will also have to 'confer and consult' with India under the rubric of 'greater partnership' and discuss any changes in the guidelines with India before execution - this gives India a handle on the future."
"A number of countries in the 'holdout pen' are asking for similar language from the NSG that the US is asking for bilaterally. The debate continues. A diplomat said, 'We're stuck on the testing clause''.
The transfers of ENR are not even mentioned in the waiver. This happened under severe Indian pressure, which said that since ENR was not in the NSG guidelines, it should not show up for India.
The concession by India is on the 'review' demand. The new draft asks NSG members to tell each other about their N-dealings with India. The NSG chair will also have to 'confer and consult' with India under the rubric of 'greater partnership' and discuss any changes in the guidelines with India before execution - this gives India a handle on the future."
Monday, September 01, 2008
Is Stealing Cows Good? :
Is Stealing Cows Good? : outlookindia.com:
"If he steals my cow, that is bad. If I steal his cow, that is good'. It's hard not to be reminded of this when the Western countries cry out against Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the two provinces which seceded from Georgia."
"If he steals my cow, that is bad. If I steal his cow, that is good'. It's hard not to be reminded of this when the Western countries cry out against Russia's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the two provinces which seceded from Georgia."
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