Op-Ed Columnist - Save the Fat Cats - NYTimes.com:
"Then Japanese politicians, acting with the same sublime ineptitude that our own House of Representatives displayed this week, ignored a growing banking crisis and dithered on a bailout. And so I watched from Tokyo as a mighty economy melted like an iceberg in the Caribbean.
Japan’s failure to respond urgently and decisively to its banking mess caused the country to endure a “lost decade” of economic stagnation. If America wants to avoid Japan’s decline, the House should follow the Senate’s lead and approve the bailout — immediately.
Just as in the U.S. today, most Japanese did not initially appreciate how devastating a banking crisis could be to the real economy. Banks and real estate tycoons in Japan were corrupt, profligate and unsympathetic figures, and no one wanted to help them. On corporate expense accounts, they sipped coffee with gold leaf and patronized “no-panties shabu-shabu” restaurants, which had mirrored floors and miniskirted waitresses."
Friday, October 03, 2008
Editorial - Legal Immigration? Anybody? - NYTimes.com
Editorial - Legal Immigration? Anybody? - NYTimes.com:
"Every year Congress authorizes a certain number of permanent-resident visas, or green cards, for immigrants to come to work in the United States or to rejoin their families. And every year bureaucratic delays prevent a certain portion of those visas from being claimed.
It seems unlikely that a visa-recapture bill would make it through this year. But don’t blame Congress’s focus on the economic mess for that. Recapturing visas is a modest fix that should have been made a long time ago. The country needs to build a smoother path to legal entry and citizenship. The blame for its failure to do that lies squarely with the hard-liners who rage against illegal immigrants, but are strangely uninterested in helping people who “play by the rules” and “wait in line.”"
"Every year Congress authorizes a certain number of permanent-resident visas, or green cards, for immigrants to come to work in the United States or to rejoin their families. And every year bureaucratic delays prevent a certain portion of those visas from being claimed.
The result? Every year thousands of potential green cards vanish, like unused cellphone minutes. The huge backlogs in legal immigration, which span years or even decades for applicants from some countries, continue to fester. The myth of Ellis Island becomes more mythical.
Teachers, nurses, engineers, researchers and other aspiring immigrants who follow the rules, file their paperwork, pay their fees and wait — and wait — get the chilly message that they are not wanted. Some of them feel great pressure to go illegally around the immigration system, instead of through it, as their wait to rejoin their loved ones becomes intolerable.
A House bill that could recapture an estimated 550,000 lost visas, sponsored by Representative Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat, has been moving slowly through the committee process Congress has already authorized these green cards, and many would go to highly skilled workers who have already lived here for years on temporary visas. The bill is as much about keeping workers as gaining them.It seems unlikely that a visa-recapture bill would make it through this year. But don’t blame Congress’s focus on the economic mess for that. Recapturing visas is a modest fix that should have been made a long time ago. The country needs to build a smoother path to legal entry and citizenship. The blame for its failure to do that lies squarely with the hard-liners who rage against illegal immigrants, but are strangely uninterested in helping people who “play by the rules” and “wait in line.”"
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Rise of the Rest: The Challenges of the New World Order - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Rise of the Rest: The Challenges of the New World Order - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
A number of new books published in the United States describe these shifts in the political landscape. The new administration that arrives in Washington in 2009 ought to consider taking a close look at "The Post American World" by Fareed Zakaria, "The Second World" by Parag Khanna, "The Great Experiment" by Strobe Talbott, as well as "Rivals" by Bill Emmott and " The War for Wealth" by Gabor Steingart. Each of these authors accepts the premise of a multipolar world, though their analyses and policy prescriptions are vastly different. Bill Emmott, Fareed Zakaria, and Gabor Steingart imagine continued American or transatlantic leadership, while Parag Khanna sees a burgeoning competition between Europe, China, and the United States to win the favor of states like Russia and India, which he assigns to the "second world." Whatever their differences though, each of the authors takes a clear-eyed look at the realities of the present day -- unlike the neoconservatives who have been largely responsible for steering American foreign policy during the last eight years.
A number of new books published in the United States describe these shifts in the political landscape. The new administration that arrives in Washington in 2009 ought to consider taking a close look at "The Post American World" by Fareed Zakaria, "The Second World" by Parag Khanna, "The Great Experiment" by Strobe Talbott, as well as "Rivals" by Bill Emmott and " The War for Wealth" by Gabor Steingart. Each of these authors accepts the premise of a multipolar world, though their analyses and policy prescriptions are vastly different. Bill Emmott, Fareed Zakaria, and Gabor Steingart imagine continued American or transatlantic leadership, while Parag Khanna sees a burgeoning competition between Europe, China, and the United States to win the favor of states like Russia and India, which he assigns to the "second world." Whatever their differences though, each of the authors takes a clear-eyed look at the realities of the present day -- unlike the neoconservatives who have been largely responsible for steering American foreign policy during the last eight years.
These countries are neither enemies of one another, nor are they friends; they are "frenemies," competitors for the world’s scarce resources. These countries assure their people that they can shape the coming global order and provide for their future welfare, but their respective visions of the future can differ greatly. A potential "clash of futures" looms on the horizon of the multipolar world.
Not all "frenemies" are democracies in the Western sense. The successes of Singapore and China, as well as of the Gulf states, prove that states need not be democratic to guarantee their people a high standard of living. But, that need not be cause for pessimism. Within the new nondemocratic world powers, productive elites are replacing parasitic elites. Where the former get the upper hand, they produce a system more free and just than the one they inherited. Their goal is to develop the economy and correct social inequalities. They know that where there are slums there will be "failing cities" and "failing states."
In the league of extraordinary PMs-India-The Times of India
In the league of extraordinary PMs-India-The Times of India:
"Manmohan Singh understood well the changes in the international trends and the opportunities the post-cold-war world order presented to India. He enabled Indian entrepreneurship to take full advantage of the favourable international trends.
The result was the unprecedented 8% growth rate. His handicap was the political alliance with the Left, still steeped in Stalinist and cold war orthodoxy. This resulted in his reform programme being slowed down.
In the first four years he appears to have opted to keep the government going. However, in the fifth year he faced a choice between sacrificing the opportunity to achieve for India the liberation from technology apartheid and recognition as a legitimate sixth nuclear power, or, a few more months in office without risking a confidence vote. He decided to stake the life of the coalition government.
He succeeded in winning the vote of confidence for his government and timed it well. That timing generated pressures on international community to get India the IAEA safeguards, the NSG waiver and completion of the Indo-US nuclear deal in quick succession.
Manmohan Singh has been reviled by his opponents — that is nothing new in Indian politics. Shastri was called a ‘‘prisoner of indecision’’. Indira Gandhi was called a ‘‘Goongi"
"Manmohan Singh understood well the changes in the international trends and the opportunities the post-cold-war world order presented to India. He enabled Indian entrepreneurship to take full advantage of the favourable international trends.
The result was the unprecedented 8% growth rate. His handicap was the political alliance with the Left, still steeped in Stalinist and cold war orthodoxy. This resulted in his reform programme being slowed down.
In the first four years he appears to have opted to keep the government going. However, in the fifth year he faced a choice between sacrificing the opportunity to achieve for India the liberation from technology apartheid and recognition as a legitimate sixth nuclear power, or, a few more months in office without risking a confidence vote. He decided to stake the life of the coalition government.
He succeeded in winning the vote of confidence for his government and timed it well. That timing generated pressures on international community to get India the IAEA safeguards, the NSG waiver and completion of the Indo-US nuclear deal in quick succession.
Manmohan Singh has been reviled by his opponents — that is nothing new in Indian politics. Shastri was called a ‘‘prisoner of indecision’’. Indira Gandhi was called a ‘‘Goongi"
Nuclear deal to be a win-win for India, US-Intl Business-Business-The Times of India
Nuclear deal to be a win-win for India, US-Intl Business-Business-The Times of India
One of the first reactions to the landmark deal came from the little-known Thorium Power Ltd, a McLean, Virginia-based company which recognizes India’s leadership in the use of thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle and which claims to have engaged various entities in India's private and governmental sectors for many years.
"India is in the forefront of the world in recognizing the distinct advantages of using thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle while Thorium Power is the world leader in developing non-proliferative, low waste thorium nuclear fuels. There is much we can learn from each other and much we can do together," the company said in a statement following the passage of the nuclear legislation. "This agreement allows us to hold advanced discussions with some of the leading entities and we anticipate that these business opportunities will move forward."
Thorium Power Ltd president and CEO Seth Crae reckons that India will become a "significant player" on the international nuclear market "given the nations great number of highly skilled nuclear engineers and scientists, and successful and far reaching multinational corporations." The 123 Agreement, he says, "affords a unique opportunity to combine India's great strengths with innovative American technology to significantly advance the world-wide nuclear renaissance."
One of the first reactions to the landmark deal came from the little-known Thorium Power Ltd, a McLean, Virginia-based company which recognizes India’s leadership in the use of thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle and which claims to have engaged various entities in India's private and governmental sectors for many years.
"India is in the forefront of the world in recognizing the distinct advantages of using thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle while Thorium Power is the world leader in developing non-proliferative, low waste thorium nuclear fuels. There is much we can learn from each other and much we can do together," the company said in a statement following the passage of the nuclear legislation. "This agreement allows us to hold advanced discussions with some of the leading entities and we anticipate that these business opportunities will move forward."
Thorium Power Ltd president and CEO Seth Crae reckons that India will become a "significant player" on the international nuclear market "given the nations great number of highly skilled nuclear engineers and scientists, and successful and far reaching multinational corporations." The 123 Agreement, he says, "affords a unique opportunity to combine India's great strengths with innovative American technology to significantly advance the world-wide nuclear renaissance."
Friday, September 26, 2008
Singh song: Love in the time of crisis-USA-World-The Times of India
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."
"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."
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."
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Outside View: Playing nice with Russia
Outside View: Playing nice with Russia
The United States and the European Union have given Russia nearly a free ride on the Western economic system. Russian exports enjoy fairly open access to Western markets, while Moscow maintains higher tariffs and non-tariff barriers on imports. Generally, Russian enterprises invest freely in the West, while Western investors are increasingly excluded, and their property is far from safe.
Emboldened, the bear has shown its teeth in Georgia, and other adventures cannot be ruled out. European dependence on Russian gas and the absence of consensus within NATO make this a broad menace to regional security.
It is high time the United States and the European Union re-evaluate open commerce and dependence on Russian resources. Russian exports and investment should be welcome only to the extent that U.S. and European investments are welcome in Russia. Europeans need to find alternatives to Russian natural gas.
A new realism should guide U.S. and European policy.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Cold War, reheated - Los Angeles Times
The Cold War, reheated - Los Angeles Times
Time travel is easy! If you lay the groundwork, that is -- and believe me, we did.
First, after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, we graciously provided a little economic "shock therapy" designed to turn our "defeated" former enemy into a prospering capitalist democracy. Regrettably, we instead helped plunge Russia into an economic catastrophe. This annoyed the Russians. But we continued to help by treating Russian officials as washed-up has-beens and by expanding NATO to include most of Russia's former satellites.
In a transparent bid for attention, Russia flattened most of Chechnya. We ignored this. When authoritarian crackdowns and rising oil prices turned Russia into a repressive economic powerhouse, we still paid little attention. We pushed to include Georgia and Ukraine in NATO and proposed placing missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic. When the Russians told us they saw this as a hostile act, we continued to ignore them.
Finally, the stars were in alignment. So when tiny Georgia rashly tried to seize control of separatist South Ossetia and the Russians responded with a massive military intervention, we understood that at last we had an opportunity to travel back in time -- to the Cold War.
Time travel is easy! If you lay the groundwork, that is -- and believe me, we did.
First, after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, we graciously provided a little economic "shock therapy" designed to turn our "defeated" former enemy into a prospering capitalist democracy. Regrettably, we instead helped plunge Russia into an economic catastrophe. This annoyed the Russians. But we continued to help by treating Russian officials as washed-up has-beens and by expanding NATO to include most of Russia's former satellites.
In a transparent bid for attention, Russia flattened most of Chechnya. We ignored this. When authoritarian crackdowns and rising oil prices turned Russia into a repressive economic powerhouse, we still paid little attention. We pushed to include Georgia and Ukraine in NATO and proposed placing missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic. When the Russians told us they saw this as a hostile act, we continued to ignore them.
Finally, the stars were in alignment. So when tiny Georgia rashly tried to seize control of separatist South Ossetia and the Russians responded with a massive military intervention, we understood that at last we had an opportunity to travel back in time -- to the Cold War.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Atlantic Eye: Lost lessons of the Cold War
Atlantic Eye: Lost lessons of the Cold War:
"Several strategic blunders in the past year have led to Russia's incursion into Georgia. A missile-defense shield, which even U.S. experts doubt works, has been sold to Poland and the Czech Republic as though it were Moses speaking down from the mountain. The West rushed to recognize Kosovo, caring nothing about Russia's sensitivities or those of the Abkhazians or South Ossetians or the implications of other folks seeking self-determination.
The biggest strategic blunder was not joining Russia in placing the missile-defense system in Azerbaijan. The Russians understood rightly -- keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. But even a cynic knows the Russian plan bore an honest effort to build bridges.
Russia's response to Georgia is, in fact, a response to this series of perceived insults. Kosovo was the last drop -- but it all began to unravel with Azerbaijan. The U.S. rejection of the offer (see my column 'Putin's Bush-whack') convinced the Russians that the United States was being disingenuous about the intentions of the missile shield. It convinced Russia that it was not for Iran and the Middle East, but a Trojan horse against Russia. Many security experts in the United States -- and out -- agree with this assessment.
Had the United States -- and the European Union countries -- been on the ball, they would have used thethey would have used the European Union, not NATO -- at least initially -- to engender the expansion of stability. The Russians would not object to Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey being part of the EU. I have been told this up and down the chain of command in Moscow.
Russia wants to be a regional player and a global energy superpower. It wants to have influence over near markets. It wants to have global influence in oil, gas and energy security. Said a foreign minister to me, "Like the Monroe Doctrine, Russia wants to keep an eye on her backyard. The United States is mistaken to underestimate her will to do this." I echoed this in several of my last columns."
"Several strategic blunders in the past year have led to Russia's incursion into Georgia. A missile-defense shield, which even U.S. experts doubt works, has been sold to Poland and the Czech Republic as though it were Moses speaking down from the mountain. The West rushed to recognize Kosovo, caring nothing about Russia's sensitivities or those of the Abkhazians or South Ossetians or the implications of other folks seeking self-determination.
The biggest strategic blunder was not joining Russia in placing the missile-defense system in Azerbaijan. The Russians understood rightly -- keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. But even a cynic knows the Russian plan bore an honest effort to build bridges.
Russia's response to Georgia is, in fact, a response to this series of perceived insults. Kosovo was the last drop -- but it all began to unravel with Azerbaijan. The U.S. rejection of the offer (see my column 'Putin's Bush-whack') convinced the Russians that the United States was being disingenuous about the intentions of the missile shield. It convinced Russia that it was not for Iran and the Middle East, but a Trojan horse against Russia. Many security experts in the United States -- and out -- agree with this assessment.
Had the United States -- and the European Union countries -- been on the ball, they would have used thethey would have used the European Union, not NATO -- at least initially -- to engender the expansion of stability. The Russians would not object to Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey being part of the EU. I have been told this up and down the chain of command in Moscow.
Russia wants to be a regional player and a global energy superpower. It wants to have influence over near markets. It wants to have global influence in oil, gas and energy security. Said a foreign minister to me, "Like the Monroe Doctrine, Russia wants to keep an eye on her backyard. The United States is mistaken to underestimate her will to do this." I echoed this in several of my last columns."
Op-Ed Columnist - What Did We Expect? - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - What Did We Expect? - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com:
"Let’s start with us. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, I was among the group — led by George Kennan, the father of “containment” theory, Senator Sam Nunn and the foreign policy expert Michael Mandelbaum — that argued against expanding NATO, at that time.
It seemed to us that since we had finally brought down Soviet communism and seen the birth of democracy in Russia the most important thing to do was to help Russian democracy take root and integrate Russia into Europe. Wasn’t that why we fought the cold war — to give young Russians the same chance at freedom and integration with the West as young Czechs, Georgians and Poles? Wasn’t consolidating a democratic Russia more important than bringing the Czech Navy into NATO?
All of this was especially true because, we argued, there was no big problem on the world stage that we could effectively address without Russia — particularly Iran or Iraq. Russia wasn’t about to reinvade Europe. And the Eastern Europeans would be integrated into the West via membership in the European Union.
No, said the Clinton foreign policy team, we’re going to cram NATO expansion down the Russians’ throats, because Moscow is weak and, by the way, they’ll ge"
"Let’s start with us. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, I was among the group — led by George Kennan, the father of “containment” theory, Senator Sam Nunn and the foreign policy expert Michael Mandelbaum — that argued against expanding NATO, at that time.
It seemed to us that since we had finally brought down Soviet communism and seen the birth of democracy in Russia the most important thing to do was to help Russian democracy take root and integrate Russia into Europe. Wasn’t that why we fought the cold war — to give young Russians the same chance at freedom and integration with the West as young Czechs, Georgians and Poles? Wasn’t consolidating a democratic Russia more important than bringing the Czech Navy into NATO?
All of this was especially true because, we argued, there was no big problem on the world stage that we could effectively address without Russia — particularly Iran or Iraq. Russia wasn’t about to reinvade Europe. And the Eastern Europeans would be integrated into the West via membership in the European Union.
No, said the Clinton foreign policy team, we’re going to cram NATO expansion down the Russians’ throats, because Moscow is weak and, by the way, they’ll ge"
Op-Ed Contributor - Russia Never Wanted a War - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Contributor - Russia Never Wanted a War - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com:
"In recent days, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush have been promising to isolate Russia. Some American politicians have threatened to expel it from the Group of 8 industrialized nations, to abolish the NATO-Russia Council and to keep Russia out of the World Trade Organization.
These are empty threats. For some time now, Russians have been wondering: If our opinion counts for nothing in those institutions, do we really need them? Just to sit at the nicely set dinner table and listen to lectures?
Indeed, Russia has long been told to simply accept the facts. Here’s the independence of Kosovo for you. Here’s the abrogation of the Antiballistic Missile Treaty, and the American decision to place missile defenses in neighboring countries. Here’s the unending expansion of NATO. All of these moves have been set against the backdrop of sweet talk about partnership. Why would anyone put up with such a charade?
There is much talk now in the United States about rethinking relations with Russia. One thing that should definitely be rethought: the habit of talking to Russia in a condescending way, without regard for its positions and interests.
"In recent days, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and President Bush have been promising to isolate Russia. Some American politicians have threatened to expel it from the Group of 8 industrialized nations, to abolish the NATO-Russia Council and to keep Russia out of the World Trade Organization.
These are empty threats. For some time now, Russians have been wondering: If our opinion counts for nothing in those institutions, do we really need them? Just to sit at the nicely set dinner table and listen to lectures?
Indeed, Russia has long been told to simply accept the facts. Here’s the independence of Kosovo for you. Here’s the abrogation of the Antiballistic Missile Treaty, and the American decision to place missile defenses in neighboring countries. Here’s the unending expansion of NATO. All of these moves have been set against the backdrop of sweet talk about partnership. Why would anyone put up with such a charade?
There is much talk now in the United States about rethinking relations with Russia. One thing that should definitely be rethought: the habit of talking to Russia in a condescending way, without regard for its positions and interests.
Our two countries could develop a serious agenda for genuine, rather than token, cooperation. Many Americans, as well as Russians, understand the need for this. But is the same true of the political leaders?"
Monday, August 18, 2008
Darpa Pushes To Transition Technology | AVIATION WEEK
Darpa Pushes To Transition Technology | AVIATION WEEK:
"The key word in Darpa's name is 'projects,' says Welby. 'A project is something with a defined start, defined finish and clearly defined objectives. Something that can be written on a single piece of paper.' The goal is to 'prove the feasibility of a concept and take the specific technology risk off the table.'
Darpa's strength as an organization is in its structure, or lack thereof. The agency owns no facilities and has no infrastructure that needs long-term programs for support. Instead, it pursues high-risk, high-payoff research through short-term projects with aggressive technical goals. Project managers stay for only four years.
'They are all temporary hires,' says Welby, 'They are here to get something done. The clock is ticking, and there is personal pressure to advance the state of the art on very aggressive timelines.' Welby left Darpa at the end of July after an unusually long 11 years at the agency - first as program manager, then later as office director.
'You can change rapidly and move quickly when 25% of your people change out every year,' he says. 'You would never want to run a business this way, but for preventing technological surprise and being the engine of innovation - it's perfect.'"
"The key word in Darpa's name is 'projects,' says Welby. 'A project is something with a defined start, defined finish and clearly defined objectives. Something that can be written on a single piece of paper.' The goal is to 'prove the feasibility of a concept and take the specific technology risk off the table.'
Darpa's strength as an organization is in its structure, or lack thereof. The agency owns no facilities and has no infrastructure that needs long-term programs for support. Instead, it pursues high-risk, high-payoff research through short-term projects with aggressive technical goals. Project managers stay for only four years.
'They are all temporary hires,' says Welby, 'They are here to get something done. The clock is ticking, and there is personal pressure to advance the state of the art on very aggressive timelines.' Welby left Darpa at the end of July after an unusually long 11 years at the agency - first as program manager, then later as office director.
'You can change rapidly and move quickly when 25% of your people change out every year,' he says. 'You would never want to run a business this way, but for preventing technological surprise and being the engine of innovation - it's perfect.'"
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Military Analysis - Russians Melded Old-School Blitz With Modern Military Tactics - Military Analysis - NYTimes.com
Military Analysis - Russians Melded Old-School Blitz With Modern Military Tactics - Military Analysis - NYTimes.com:
"This was not the Russian Army from the humiliation of Afghanistan, and it’s not the Russian military that had to flatten Chechnya to save it,” said one Pentagon official knowledgeable of how the fighting unfolded. Another said: “The Russian military is back. They are to be contended with.”"
"This was not the Russian Army from the humiliation of Afghanistan, and it’s not the Russian military that had to flatten Chechnya to save it,” said one Pentagon official knowledgeable of how the fighting unfolded. Another said: “The Russian military is back. They are to be contended with.”"
So along with the old-school onslaught of infantry, armor and artillery, Russia mounted joint air and naval operations, appeared to launch simultaneous cyberattacks on Georgian government Web sites and had its best English speakers at the ready to make Moscow’s case in television appearances.
If the rapidly unfolding events caught much of the world off guard, that kind of coordination of the old and the new did not look accidental to military professionals.
“They seem to have harnessed all their instruments of national power — military, diplomatic, information — in a very disciplined way,” said one Pentagon official, who like others interviewed for this article disclosed details of the operation under ground rules that called for anonymity. “It appears this was well thought out and planned in advance, and suggests a level of coordination in the Russian government between the military and the other civilian agencies and departments that we are striving for today.”
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
In Hanford, Wash., the country's most polluted nuclear reactor site draws tourists - Los Angeles Times
In Hanford, Wash., the country's most polluted nuclear reactor site draws tourists - Los Angeles Times:
"HANFORD REACH NATIONAL MONUMENT, WASH. -- Aplatoon of double-crested cormorants took flight from the eastern shore of the Columbia River, skimming the sun-sparkled surface as two slender white egrets stood in the nearby shallows, hunting small fish hiding in the reeds.
Twenty kayakers, mostly tourists from the Pacific Northwest, paddled along, letting the steady current do most of the work. They coasted past mule deer grazing on the shore, coyotes stalking the sandy beaches and cliff swallows buzzing the nearby white bluffs.
But the main attraction was on the western shore: several bland, industrial-gray structures and towering smokestacks, a collection of buildings that gave birth to America's atomic age.
Welcome to the Hanford Reach, where one of the last free-flowing stretches of the Columbia River encounters America's most contaminated nuclear site. Along this flat, mostly treeless scrubland, the U.S. government built nine reactors between 1943 and 1963, including the historic 'B' plant that produced the world's first weapons-grade plutonium for the nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, in World War II.
"HANFORD REACH NATIONAL MONUMENT, WASH. -- Aplatoon of double-crested cormorants took flight from the eastern shore of the Columbia River, skimming the sun-sparkled surface as two slender white egrets stood in the nearby shallows, hunting small fish hiding in the reeds.
Twenty kayakers, mostly tourists from the Pacific Northwest, paddled along, letting the steady current do most of the work. They coasted past mule deer grazing on the shore, coyotes stalking the sandy beaches and cliff swallows buzzing the nearby white bluffs.
But the main attraction was on the western shore: several bland, industrial-gray structures and towering smokestacks, a collection of buildings that gave birth to America's atomic age.
Welcome to the Hanford Reach, where one of the last free-flowing stretches of the Columbia River encounters America's most contaminated nuclear site. Along this flat, mostly treeless scrubland, the U.S. government built nine reactors between 1943 and 1963, including the historic 'B' plant that produced the world's first weapons-grade plutonium for the nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, in World War II.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Smaller NSG nations for changes in N-deal?-India-The Times of India
Smaller NSG nations for changes in N-deal?-India-The Times of India:
"The non-pro crowd at the NSG wants to put in amendments that will cover three main subjects — asking India to join the NPT and CTBT, putting the civilian nuclear facilities under permanent safeguards (no matter what happens to the fuel supplies) or a roundabout way of introducing the deleted para 4 of the NSG guidelines which will 'require' comprehensive safeguards. There may even be a brave attempt to put in a so-called 'testing clause'.
The para 4 'condition' will certainly be raised, officials feel. The original inclusion in the US draft was the work of the American government's own non-proliferation officials who thought the NSG could take away what they considered to be the 'free pass' that their own government seemed to be giving to India. Of course, India and US could have 'convinced' many of these conscientious objectors before the actual meeting.
What kind of conditions can India live with? Well, for the past three decades or more, India has successfully fended off calls to join the NPT or, more recently, CTBT from the world. So it will have no problems with such prescriptive 'conditions'. The issues will come from things like permanent safeguards — because the basis of the Indian deal is 'permanent safeguards for permanent fuel"
"The non-pro crowd at the NSG wants to put in amendments that will cover three main subjects — asking India to join the NPT and CTBT, putting the civilian nuclear facilities under permanent safeguards (no matter what happens to the fuel supplies) or a roundabout way of introducing the deleted para 4 of the NSG guidelines which will 'require' comprehensive safeguards. There may even be a brave attempt to put in a so-called 'testing clause'.
The para 4 'condition' will certainly be raised, officials feel. The original inclusion in the US draft was the work of the American government's own non-proliferation officials who thought the NSG could take away what they considered to be the 'free pass' that their own government seemed to be giving to India. Of course, India and US could have 'convinced' many of these conscientious objectors before the actual meeting.
What kind of conditions can India live with? Well, for the past three decades or more, India has successfully fended off calls to join the NPT or, more recently, CTBT from the world. So it will have no problems with such prescriptive 'conditions'. The issues will come from things like permanent safeguards — because the basis of the Indian deal is 'permanent safeguards for permanent fuel"
Obama without his script - Los Angeles Times
Obama without his script - Los Angeles Times:
"The campaign significance for Obama is easier to calculate. He has been playacting at being presidential in order to convince voters that we live in a 'new moment' with 'new challenges' -- and that he is the president we need for this new era.
This moment calls for more than playacting, yet Obama looks lost without a presidential script. Events in the Caucasus -- and, for that matter, in Beijing -- suggest that the times aren't so new after all. Two powerful antidemocratic foes are once again flexing their muscles at a moment when America seems weak and distracted.
That is not a new challenge but a very old one. Perhaps this is not a time for a novice spouting grand rhetoric about a new page in history, but for someone who's actually read the pages of some old, but still relevant, books. Perhaps this is not the time for playacting.
Perhaps it is not the time for body surfing?"
"The campaign significance for Obama is easier to calculate. He has been playacting at being presidential in order to convince voters that we live in a 'new moment' with 'new challenges' -- and that he is the president we need for this new era.
This moment calls for more than playacting, yet Obama looks lost without a presidential script. Events in the Caucasus -- and, for that matter, in Beijing -- suggest that the times aren't so new after all. Two powerful antidemocratic foes are once again flexing their muscles at a moment when America seems weak and distracted.
That is not a new challenge but a very old one. Perhaps this is not a time for a novice spouting grand rhetoric about a new page in history, but for someone who's actually read the pages of some old, but still relevant, books. Perhaps this is not the time for playacting.
Perhaps it is not the time for body surfing?"
Monday, August 11, 2008
BBC NEWS | Health | Running 'can slow ageing process'
BBC NEWS | Health | Running 'can slow ageing process':
"And there was no evidence that runners were more likely to suffer osteoarthritis or need total knee replacements than non-runners - something scientists have feared."
"And there was no evidence that runners were more likely to suffer osteoarthritis or need total knee replacements than non-runners - something scientists have feared."
Friday, August 08, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Nuclear soothsayers’ group
IndianExpress.com :: Nuclear soothsayers’ group:
"It needs to be noted that the NSG only issues guidelines: each participating state will decide, on the basis of its own export control laws, how it should implement the guidelines. To that extent, even if there is a clean waiver, India will have to negotiate with supplier countries on an individual basis, before commercial contracts can be signed for the import of reactors, technology or fuel.
The choice before the NSG should be clear; if the waiver is not acceptable to India, it would be free to go its own way. This would surely not be in the interest of the global non-proliferation regime. On the other hand, a clean waiver would make India a powerful partner in the struggle against proliferation and the efforts towards nuclear disarmament."
"It needs to be noted that the NSG only issues guidelines: each participating state will decide, on the basis of its own export control laws, how it should implement the guidelines. To that extent, even if there is a clean waiver, India will have to negotiate with supplier countries on an individual basis, before commercial contracts can be signed for the import of reactors, technology or fuel.
The choice before the NSG should be clear; if the waiver is not acceptable to India, it would be free to go its own way. This would surely not be in the interest of the global non-proliferation regime. On the other hand, a clean waiver would make India a powerful partner in the struggle against proliferation and the efforts towards nuclear disarmament."
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
The Minimalist - A Restaurant in Nice That’s Rich, Luxurious and Vegetarian - NYTimes.com
The Minimalist - A Restaurant in Nice That’s Rich, Luxurious and Vegetarian - NYTimes.com:
"FROM the outside, there is nothing very unusual about La Zucca Magica, a restaurant by the harbor here. At most, you might notice the words on the awning: “restaurant au légumes, oeufs et fromages” (vegetables, eggs and cheeses).
But once you enter, its unusual character begins to become evident. The restaurant is decorated almost exclusively with gourds and artwork made from them: sculptures, bowls and other containers, masks, puppets and toys. Gourds are featured in paintings, photographs, tapestries and posters, and on mirrors. They hang from the ceiling like salamis at Zabar’s.
This is not a gourd restaurant, but the décor and the name (“zucca” may refer generically to any squash or gourd, though in Italy the word is also used specifically for a small, pumpkin-like squash) are tied to the cuisine. The cooking at La Zucca Magica is vegetarian.
In itself this is not so extraordinary, but there is the matter of its location. (The French can be quite hostile to vegetarianism.)"
"FROM the outside, there is nothing very unusual about La Zucca Magica, a restaurant by the harbor here. At most, you might notice the words on the awning: “restaurant au légumes, oeufs et fromages” (vegetables, eggs and cheeses).
But once you enter, its unusual character begins to become evident. The restaurant is decorated almost exclusively with gourds and artwork made from them: sculptures, bowls and other containers, masks, puppets and toys. Gourds are featured in paintings, photographs, tapestries and posters, and on mirrors. They hang from the ceiling like salamis at Zabar’s.
This is not a gourd restaurant, but the décor and the name (“zucca” may refer generically to any squash or gourd, though in Italy the word is also used specifically for a small, pumpkin-like squash) are tied to the cuisine. The cooking at La Zucca Magica is vegetarian.
In itself this is not so extraordinary, but there is the matter of its location. (The French can be quite hostile to vegetarianism.)"
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist - Texas to Tel Aviv - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - Texas to Tel Aviv - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Agassi’s plan, backed by Israel’s government, is to create a complete electric car “system” that will work much like a mobile-phone service “system,” only customers sign up for so many monthly miles, instead of minutes. Every subscriber will get a car, a battery and access to a national network of recharging outlets all across Israel — as well as garages that will swap your dead battery for a fresh one whenever needed.
Pickens is motivated by American nationalism. Because of all the money we are shipping abroad to pay for our oil addiction, he says, “we are on the verge of losing our superpower status.” His vision is summed up on his Web site: “We import 70 percent of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year ... I have been an oil man all my life, but this is one emergency we can’t drill our way out of. If we create a renewable energy network, we can break our addiction to foreign oil.”
Agassi’s plan, backed by Israel’s government, is to create a complete electric car “system” that will work much like a mobile-phone service “system,” only customers sign up for so many monthly miles, instead of minutes. Every subscriber will get a car, a battery and access to a national network of recharging outlets all across Israel — as well as garages that will swap your dead battery for a fresh one whenever needed.
Pickens is motivated by American nationalism. Because of all the money we are shipping abroad to pay for our oil addiction, he says, “we are on the verge of losing our superpower status.” His vision is summed up on his Web site: “We import 70 percent of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year ... I have been an oil man all my life, but this is one emergency we can’t drill our way out of. If we create a renewable energy network, we can break our addiction to foreign oil.”
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Aye
IndianExpress.com :: Aye:
"This is, indeed, about more than the nuclear deal. Now, it is with democratic sanction that India negotiates its place in the new world order — a negotiation based on its strategic interests, and without the exclusionary costs that it has borne for more than three decades for keeping it nuclear programme. Don’t be blindsided by Tuesday’s disruptions. India’s democracy has scored another victory."
"This is, indeed, about more than the nuclear deal. Now, it is with democratic sanction that India negotiates its place in the new world order — a negotiation based on its strategic interests, and without the exclusionary costs that it has borne for more than three decades for keeping it nuclear programme. Don’t be blindsided by Tuesday’s disruptions. India’s democracy has scored another victory."
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Americans are coming!-INDIASPORA-Chidanand Rajghatta-Columnists-Opinion-The Times of India
The Americans are coming!-INDIASPORA-Chidanand Rajghatta-Columnists-Opinion-The Times of India
Americans aren't as verbose or eloquent (your call) now. A US general, who was asked to surrender by an Axis commander, is said to have responded with one word — "Nuts." Asked about their India experience, Americans encapsulate Twain's sentiment with a single word — "Wow." Follow up and ask them "Wow good or wow bad?" and they'll say, "Wow good and wow crazy." Welcome to India, folks; may your tribe increase, even if the nuclear deal goes into deep freeze.
Americans aren't as verbose or eloquent (your call) now. A US general, who was asked to surrender by an Axis commander, is said to have responded with one word — "Nuts." Asked about their India experience, Americans encapsulate Twain's sentiment with a single word — "Wow." Follow up and ask them "Wow good or wow bad?" and they'll say, "Wow good and wow crazy." Welcome to India, folks; may your tribe increase, even if the nuclear deal goes into deep freeze.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist - So Popular and So Spineless - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - So Popular and So Spineless - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com:
". Perfect we are not, but America still has some moral backbone. There are travesties we will not tolerate. The U.N. vote on Zimbabwe demonstrates that this is not true for these “popular” countries — called Russia or China or South Africa — that have no problem siding with a man who is pulverizing his own people.
So, yes, we’re not so popular in Europe and Asia anymore. I guess they would prefer a world in which America was weaker, where leaders with the values of Vladimir Putin and Thabo Mbeki had a greater say, and where the desperate voices for change in Zimbabwe would, well, just shut up."
". Perfect we are not, but America still has some moral backbone. There are travesties we will not tolerate. The U.N. vote on Zimbabwe demonstrates that this is not true for these “popular” countries — called Russia or China or South Africa — that have no problem siding with a man who is pulverizing his own people.
So, yes, we’re not so popular in Europe and Asia anymore. I guess they would prefer a world in which America was weaker, where leaders with the values of Vladimir Putin and Thabo Mbeki had a greater say, and where the desperate voices for change in Zimbabwe would, well, just shut up."
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Business & Technology | Dreamliner problem solver helps everyone "get it done" | Seattle Times Newspaper
Business & Technology | Dreamliner problem solver helps everyone "get it done" | Seattle Times Newspaper:
"Geiger, now Boeing's director of production systems for commercial-airplane programs, said Shanahan is 'irreverent' toward corporate bureaucracy and dismissive of managers who sit in their offices and 'don't connect with the people doing the work that pays their salaries.'"
"Geiger, now Boeing's director of production systems for commercial-airplane programs, said Shanahan is 'irreverent' toward corporate bureaucracy and dismissive of managers who sit in their offices and 'don't connect with the people doing the work that pays their salaries.'"
Friday, July 11, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Single personality disorder
IndianExpress.com :: Single personality disorder:
"The tendency to personalise all serious issues is like a chronic disease with us. And nobody is immune to this. Nothing, no ideology, scholarship or experience or wisdom protects us from it. It clouds our judgment and forces us to make blunders based on likes or dislikes for individuals or our own prejudices. The obvious trap then is to address that individual first, ignoring the “issue”, and results usually are disastrous."
"The tendency to personalise all serious issues is like a chronic disease with us. And nobody is immune to this. Nothing, no ideology, scholarship or experience or wisdom protects us from it. It clouds our judgment and forces us to make blunders based on likes or dislikes for individuals or our own prejudices. The obvious trap then is to address that individual first, ignoring the “issue”, and results usually are disastrous."
IndianExpress.com :: Text in context
IndianExpress.com :: Text in context:
"A collateral benefit of the political gamesmanship that has taken place on the Indo-US nuclear deal is the amazing popular literacy on the subject. So, even as political controversy swirled over the manner in which the draft of the India-specific safeguards agreement with the IAEA was made available online, assorted, non-technical voices conceded that it is a very good draft. What occasions this satisfaction? First, the safeguards agreement’s consistency with the 123 agreement and the separation plan makes it a sustainable document. Two, it recognises India’s nuclear weapons programme. Three, and extremely significantly, it addresses India’s apprehensions on disruption of supplies, fears that come from memories of the Tarapur atomic power station. And taken together, the big picture accommodates India’s aspirations and actual role as a partner in the management of the global order."
"A collateral benefit of the political gamesmanship that has taken place on the Indo-US nuclear deal is the amazing popular literacy on the subject. So, even as political controversy swirled over the manner in which the draft of the India-specific safeguards agreement with the IAEA was made available online, assorted, non-technical voices conceded that it is a very good draft. What occasions this satisfaction? First, the safeguards agreement’s consistency with the 123 agreement and the separation plan makes it a sustainable document. Two, it recognises India’s nuclear weapons programme. Three, and extremely significantly, it addresses India’s apprehensions on disruption of supplies, fears that come from memories of the Tarapur atomic power station. And taken together, the big picture accommodates India’s aspirations and actual role as a partner in the management of the global order."
Thursday, July 10, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Close reading the IAEA safeguards
IndianExpress.com :: Close reading the IAEA safeguards:
"The DAE does not want a repetition of the experience of Tarapur Atomic Power Station, built with US assistance in the 1960s, where Washington and later Paris had reneged on its promises to supply fuel for the TAPS. Contrary to the attempts to impute a variety of motives to India, New Delhi’s nuclear behaviour has been absolutely responsible. Despite the denial of international cooperation, India never pulled the TAPS out of the IAEA safeguards.
For nearly sixty years, the principal objective of the DAE has been to mobilise modern science and technology in the service of national development. This has been hampered by a series of international nuclear sanctions against India since 1974. The Indo-US deal of July 2005 outlined a broad basis for India’s re-entry into the global nuclear order. The safeguards agreement with the IAEA was about translating it into a honourable and sustainable framework for India’s nuclear cooperation with the international community. That is precisely what the DAE has negotiated with considerable skill."
"The DAE does not want a repetition of the experience of Tarapur Atomic Power Station, built with US assistance in the 1960s, where Washington and later Paris had reneged on its promises to supply fuel for the TAPS. Contrary to the attempts to impute a variety of motives to India, New Delhi’s nuclear behaviour has been absolutely responsible. Despite the denial of international cooperation, India never pulled the TAPS out of the IAEA safeguards.
For nearly sixty years, the principal objective of the DAE has been to mobilise modern science and technology in the service of national development. This has been hampered by a series of international nuclear sanctions against India since 1974. The Indo-US deal of July 2005 outlined a broad basis for India’s re-entry into the global nuclear order. The safeguards agreement with the IAEA was about translating it into a honourable and sustainable framework for India’s nuclear cooperation with the international community. That is precisely what the DAE has negotiated with considerable skill."
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Message is the fight
IndianExpress.com :: Message is the fight
India, with its regional and enhanced global footprint, its strong relations with the developed world, and a growing capacity to play a meaningful role against terrorism, can only expect to be in the cross-hairs of extremist elements. It needs to further strengthen the global campaign against terrorism through its intelligence and security cooperation with all countries. It should also insist on ever stronger action by major powers to demand of Pakistan evidence of concerted action against the Taliban and al-Qaeda presence in its territory. The Kabul attack will remain one more piece of evidence, if it was needed, of the price India has and will continue to pay in its fight against terrorism.
India, with its regional and enhanced global footprint, its strong relations with the developed world, and a growing capacity to play a meaningful role against terrorism, can only expect to be in the cross-hairs of extremist elements. It needs to further strengthen the global campaign against terrorism through its intelligence and security cooperation with all countries. It should also insist on ever stronger action by major powers to demand of Pakistan evidence of concerted action against the Taliban and al-Qaeda presence in its territory. The Kabul attack will remain one more piece of evidence, if it was needed, of the price India has and will continue to pay in its fight against terrorism.
Monday, July 07, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: On Hokkaido time
IndianExpress.com :: On Hokkaido time
The stage, then, is all set for a titanic international contest between India’s nuclear friends and critics. With so little time left, the action is bound to be swift and exhilarating. As Manmohan Singh embarks upon one of India’s most consequential diplomatic campaigns, it is time to fasten our seat-belts.
The stage, then, is all set for a titanic international contest between India’s nuclear friends and critics. With so little time left, the action is bound to be swift and exhilarating. As Manmohan Singh embarks upon one of India’s most consequential diplomatic campaigns, it is time to fasten our seat-belts.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The Saturday Profile - Frontier Years Give Might to Ex-Guerrilla’s Words - Biography - NYTimes.com
The Saturday Profile - Frontier Years Give Might to Ex-Guerrilla’s Words - Biography - NYTimes.com:
As fluent a talker as he is a writer, Mr. Rashid, 59, has just published his fourth book, “Descent into Chaos, The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia,” a caustic review of the mistakes by the Bush administration in tackling Islamic militancy.
His central argument is not original: that the money and blood spent on Iraq should have been invested in Afghanistan, rebuilding the country from 2001 to prevent the resurgence of the Taliban. But it is hard to argue with, now that the Taliban are indeed back, and NATO and the United States are enmeshed in a tough fight with them.
The Bush administration, he said, was too gentle with Pakistan’s president, Pervez Musharraf, after he pledged to support the antiterrorism campaign after 9/11. “The Americans never said strongly enough that Pakistan had to stop supporting the Taliban — that was because Musharraf was giving them the Al Qaeda types,” capturing a few top Qaeda operatives and handing them over to the United States. Mr. Bush should have insisted that Musharraf quash the Taliban too, he said.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
IIM-A alumnus sells vegetables in Patna - ExpressIndia.Com
IIM-A alumnus sells vegetables in Patna - ExpressIndia.Com:
"Asked to comment on the job offers he had, the self-effacing IIM graduate said, 'I did not opt for the placement process. So, in that sense, I had none. I saw the farmers of my vegetable-growing village eke out a living by the sweat of their brow and then watch with abject resignation the fruits of their toil rot during the floods. I always dreamt of doing something for them and I am just chasing that dream,' Kaushalendra says."
"Asked to comment on the job offers he had, the self-effacing IIM graduate said, 'I did not opt for the placement process. So, in that sense, I had none. I saw the farmers of my vegetable-growing village eke out a living by the sweat of their brow and then watch with abject resignation the fruits of their toil rot during the floods. I always dreamt of doing something for them and I am just chasing that dream,' Kaushalendra says."
Male and single?-Man-Woman-Relationships-Lifestyle-The Times of India
Male and single?-Man-Woman-Relationships-Lifestyle-The Times of India:
"The survey involving 1500 heterosexual men showed that men were 10 times more scared of marrying the wrong person than of never getting married at all.
It also found that about eight per cent of the respondents didn’t want to marry, 62 per cent wanted to marry, of which half won't settle for anything less than perfection, and about 30 per cent who are on the fence. Four out of 10 bachelors did not want children, compared to three out of 10 wanting to be a father. The rest were undecided."
"The survey involving 1500 heterosexual men showed that men were 10 times more scared of marrying the wrong person than of never getting married at all.
It also found that about eight per cent of the respondents didn’t want to marry, 62 per cent wanted to marry, of which half won't settle for anything less than perfection, and about 30 per cent who are on the fence. Four out of 10 bachelors did not want children, compared to three out of 10 wanting to be a father. The rest were undecided."
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Try thinking big
IndianExpress.com :: Try thinking big:
"The PM has also put in enormous efforts to convince the scientific and security establishment that India’s strategic interests will not be compromised. As a member of the National Security Advisory Board, I can vouch for the fact that these issues have been discussed threadbare and in all their aspects, and there is no danger of losing out. The drive to finalize the nuclear deal can be made into as powerful a political mantra as garibi hatao or even jai jawan jai kisan. It took courage, imagination and a huge measure of self confidence for those two leaders to break through ideological cobwebs and vested interests to mobilize people around those slogans. The time has come for the PM to appeal directly to the people and explain how the nuclear deal will contribute to building a stronger India."
"The PM has also put in enormous efforts to convince the scientific and security establishment that India’s strategic interests will not be compromised. As a member of the National Security Advisory Board, I can vouch for the fact that these issues have been discussed threadbare and in all their aspects, and there is no danger of losing out. The drive to finalize the nuclear deal can be made into as powerful a political mantra as garibi hatao or even jai jawan jai kisan. It took courage, imagination and a huge measure of self confidence for those two leaders to break through ideological cobwebs and vested interests to mobilize people around those slogans. The time has come for the PM to appeal directly to the people and explain how the nuclear deal will contribute to building a stronger India."
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Abroad - In Italy, More Basta Than Bravo for Cultural Diversity - NYTimes.com
Abroad - In Italy, More Basta Than Bravo for Cultural Diversity - NYTimes.com
The Way I see it , Europe goes back and forth between welcoming immigrants to outright hatred. It gone on for Centuries!
The Way I see it , Europe goes back and forth between welcoming immigrants to outright hatred. It gone on for Centuries!
Top Engineers Shun Military; Concern Grows - NYTimes.com
Top Engineers Shun Military; Concern Grows - NYTimes.com
“We’re having awful problems with the execution of defense programs,” said Mr. Kaminski, who was the Pentagon’s top acquisition executive from 1994 to 1997. “It’s absolutely critical to start becoming more efficient, more effective.”
Mr. Kaminski is devoting much of his time as a private citizen to that goal, leading a high-level task force and visiting university campuses and military contractors to proselytize for better engineering management.
As he and other experts explain it, the central problem is a breakdown in the most basic element of any big military project: accurately assessing at the outset whether the technological goals are attainable and affordable, then managing the engineering to ensure that hardware and software are properly designed, tested and integrated.
The technical term for the discipline is systems engineering. Without it, projects can turn into chaotic, costly failures.
Increasingly, that has become the case. What is more, the loss of government expertise has magnified the difficulties associated with another trend: In recent years, the Pentagon has transferred more and more oversight responsibility to its contractors, who themselves often lack sufficient systems-engineering skill and the incentives needed to hold down costs.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Now, space cell to keep an eye on China's plans-India-The Times of India
Now, space cell to keep an eye on China's plans-India-The Times of India
In view of the looming Chinese threat to its communication network and other space assets, India on Tuesday announced the setting up of its Integrated Space Cell (ISC).
The cell is designed to counter the Chinese Military Space Systems that comprises anti-satellite weaponry and a new class of heavy-lift and small boosters acting as catalyst in the next generation satellite warfare system.
The Space Cell will be put under the command of the Integrated Defence Services Headquarters and will act as a single window for integration among the armed forces, the department of space and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
In view of the looming Chinese threat to its communication network and other space assets, India on Tuesday announced the setting up of its Integrated Space Cell (ISC).
The cell is designed to counter the Chinese Military Space Systems that comprises anti-satellite weaponry and a new class of heavy-lift and small boosters acting as catalyst in the next generation satellite warfare system.
The Space Cell will be put under the command of the Integrated Defence Services Headquarters and will act as a single window for integration among the armed forces, the department of space and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Monday, June 09, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: In poll year, big states go shopping for power while the small smile
IndianExpress.com :: In poll year, big states go shopping for power while the small smile:
"With Lok Sabha polls due next year and more states gearing for Assembly polls, good governance is the buzz. Big states, anxious not to annoy voters, are rushing to buy power from energy-surplus smaller states which, in turn, are raking in huge revenues to feed their infrastructure development schemes."
"With Lok Sabha polls due next year and more states gearing for Assembly polls, good governance is the buzz. Big states, anxious not to annoy voters, are rushing to buy power from energy-surplus smaller states which, in turn, are raking in huge revenues to feed their infrastructure development schemes."
Saturday, June 07, 2008
In Shift for Japan, Salarymen Blow the Whistle - NYTimes.com
In Shift for Japan, Salarymen Blow the Whistle - NYTimes.com
A decade ago, corporate whistle-blowing was almost unheard-of in Japan. A person’s place of employment was part of his identity, and unflinching company loyalty was the highest of virtues. But the unquestioningly obedient salaryman is becoming a relic, the result of a broader transformation of Japan and the global economy.
Friday, June 06, 2008
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Recognition at last for Japan's Ainu
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Recognition at last for Japan's Ainu
Japan's parliament is to adopt a resolution that, for the first time, formally recognises the Ainu as "an indigenous people with a distinct language, religion and culture".
Japan's parliament is to adopt a resolution that, for the first time, formally recognises the Ainu as "an indigenous people with a distinct language, religion and culture".
IndianExpress.com :: ‘All the problems have been solved. Now let’s build a statue’
IndianExpress.com :: ‘All the problems have been solved. Now let’s build a statue’
We have very few and far people like this writer in India. I highly recommend reading this article.
We have very few and far people like this writer in India. I highly recommend reading this article.
This is the editorial that appeared in Loksatta (published by the Indian Express Group) on Wednesday, June 4, on the Maharashtra government’s decision to install a massive statue of Shivaji off the coast of Mumbai. The house of Loksatta editor Kumar Ketkar was attacked on Thursday
Monday, June 02, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: 'What you (Indians) are doing in England is what Jews did 30-40 years ago...Indians are now taking over local councils...you'll l
IndianExpress.com :: 'What you (Indians) are doing in England is what Jews did 30-40 years ago...Indians are now taking over local councils...you'll live to see an Indian PM of England':
"And Britain? Do you see any change there?
Massive. It is going to be taken over by the Indians. And I don't joke. This may be an old joke and you might have heard it in which case. Lord Paul's son told a wonderful story about England. He said, he had seen a van going through the East End of London, and it said, 'Patel & Patel Plumbers'. (And it had the slogan) 'You've given the cowboys a chance, why don't you let in the Indians.' That was brilliant. I though it was summing of the affection the British people have for the Indians.
•You know, as the history of the world tells us, when immigrants become successful . . . when immigrants are new, they are with the liberals, and when they become successful, they become conservatives.
And then they become prime minister. Now what you are doing is what the Jews did 30-40 years ago when they came to England after the War. They took over the local councils and they became mayors. Now they are in Parliament. The Indians are now taking over the local councils. There are mayors all over England who are Indian. You are young enough, I suspect, to live to see an Indian prime minister in England."
"And Britain? Do you see any change there?
Massive. It is going to be taken over by the Indians. And I don't joke. This may be an old joke and you might have heard it in which case. Lord Paul's son told a wonderful story about England. He said, he had seen a van going through the East End of London, and it said, 'Patel & Patel Plumbers'. (And it had the slogan) 'You've given the cowboys a chance, why don't you let in the Indians.' That was brilliant. I though it was summing of the affection the British people have for the Indians.
•You know, as the history of the world tells us, when immigrants become successful . . . when immigrants are new, they are with the liberals, and when they become successful, they become conservatives.
And then they become prime minister. Now what you are doing is what the Jews did 30-40 years ago when they came to England after the War. They took over the local councils and they became mayors. Now they are in Parliament. The Indians are now taking over the local councils. There are mayors all over England who are Indian. You are young enough, I suspect, to live to see an Indian prime minister in England."
Why it's hard to maintain weight loss - Los Angeles Times
Why it's hard to maintain weight loss - Los Angeles Times
Most people can lose weight. But few can maintain their new weight for long. Researchers are now tackling that problem, and what they're learning is disconcerting. The human body, it seems, is designed to sabotage weight loss at every turn -- once a body has been fatter, it wants to get back to the weight that it used to be. Physiology is cruelly changed in two ways: The body needs fewer calories to maintain itself, but its craving for food is more intense.
Becoming overweight, in other words, is like being issued a credit card with an uncomfortably high balance that you'll probably end up paying off forever. Making sure the pounds stay off means pitting one's willpower against a swarm of biological processes involving the brain, hormones, metabolism and fat storage.
Most people can lose weight. But few can maintain their new weight for long. Researchers are now tackling that problem, and what they're learning is disconcerting. The human body, it seems, is designed to sabotage weight loss at every turn -- once a body has been fatter, it wants to get back to the weight that it used to be. Physiology is cruelly changed in two ways: The body needs fewer calories to maintain itself, but its craving for food is more intense.
Becoming overweight, in other words, is like being issued a credit card with an uncomfortably high balance that you'll probably end up paying off forever. Making sure the pounds stay off means pitting one's willpower against a swarm of biological processes involving the brain, hormones, metabolism and fat storage.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Guerrilla gardener movement takes root in L.A. area - Los Angeles Times
Guerrilla gardener movement takes root in L.A. area - Los Angeles Times:
Part beautification, part eco-activism, part social outlet, the activity has been fueled by Internet gardening blogs and sites such as GuerrillaGardening.org, where before-and-after photos of the latest "troop digs" inspire 45,000 visitors a month to make derelict soil bloom.
Part beautification, part eco-activism, part social outlet, the activity has been fueled by Internet gardening blogs and sites such as GuerrillaGardening.org, where before-and-after photos of the latest "troop digs" inspire 45,000 visitors a month to make derelict soil bloom.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Sonia’s choice
IndianExpress.com :: Sonia’s choice
The president of the Congress, Sonia Gandhi, is facing a lonely decision as she did in the summer of 2004 when she decided to step aside in favour of Manmohan Singh as prime minister. At that stage, she was under tremendous pressure from almost all her partymen to assume the office of the prime minister. She asserted that she was listening to her “inner voice” and therefore not accepting their near-unanimous pleas. Once again, she faces the lonely decision whether to focus on the Indian national interest and Rajiv’s legacy or be influenced by her party veterans who tend to put what they consider, often mistakenly, party interests ahead of other vital considerations.
The president of the Congress, Sonia Gandhi, is facing a lonely decision as she did in the summer of 2004 when she decided to step aside in favour of Manmohan Singh as prime minister. At that stage, she was under tremendous pressure from almost all her partymen to assume the office of the prime minister. She asserted that she was listening to her “inner voice” and therefore not accepting their near-unanimous pleas. Once again, she faces the lonely decision whether to focus on the Indian national interest and Rajiv’s legacy or be influenced by her party veterans who tend to put what they consider, often mistakenly, party interests ahead of other vital considerations.
Rajiv Gandhi presented his action plan for disarmament to the UN General Assembly on June 9, 1988, in which he fervently pleaded for global disarmament. He offered that India would not go nuclear if the world were to accept his phased disarmament plan. He asked them to negotiate a new non-discriminatory NPT. He also issued a veiled warning. He said, “Left to ourselves we would not want to touch nuclear weapons. But when tactical considerations, in the play of great power rivalry, are allowed to take precedence over the imperative of non-proliferation, with what leeway are we left?”
Rajiv Gandhi’s pleas were totally ignored. After another eight or nine months of agonising, he put India’s security and interests ahead of all other considerations and directed the weaponisation of the Indian nuclear programme. It could not have been an easy decision for him. But Indian security came first. Today, senior US statesmen like George Schultz, Henry Kissinger, William Perry and Sam Nunn invoke the words of Rajiv Gandhi to derive support for their campaign for a nuclear-weapon free world, some 19 years after Rajiv Gandhi vainly pleaded for nuclear disarmament.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
India works to end Myanmar's isolation-India-The Times of India
India works to end Myanmar's isolation-India-The Times of India
Indian officials worked with the mandarins in Naypyidaw to deliver home the simple message — Myanmar needed the international aid and its refusal could end up creating a bigger human tragedy, and more importantly, it could have political consequences that the generals would not care for at all. It wasn’t easy — this is the closest to a hermetically sealed N Korea — and these decades of isolation haven’t helped.
India even offered to ferry the international aid to Myanmar from other countries if it made them feel more comfortable. Over many discussions and conversations, the Myanmar government relented.
Through the discussions India worked quietly, careful not to upset the sensitivities of the generals, believing that quiet diplomacy would be more effective.
Indian officials worked with the mandarins in Naypyidaw to deliver home the simple message — Myanmar needed the international aid and its refusal could end up creating a bigger human tragedy, and more importantly, it could have political consequences that the generals would not care for at all. It wasn’t easy — this is the closest to a hermetically sealed N Korea — and these decades of isolation haven’t helped.
India even offered to ferry the international aid to Myanmar from other countries if it made them feel more comfortable. Over many discussions and conversations, the Myanmar government relented.
Through the discussions India worked quietly, careful not to upset the sensitivities of the generals, believing that quiet diplomacy would be more effective.
Friday, May 16, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Junta versus Janata
IndianExpress.com :: Junta versus Janata
There are many interesting, and important conclusions to be drawn from this complex argument. But the most significant is this: a modern nation needs democracy and so it needs its politicians, however clumsy, corrupt, effete and power-crazed they may be. Because a military dictator can also be all of these things. The difference is, the political leader draws his power from the democratic process, so he has a stake in preserving that system, howsoever cynical he may be. The general draws his power by throttling the democratic system and its institutions and you can see the results of that in Pakistan. So, in a democracy, howsoever powerful a Lalu or Mayawati, they have to shut up and listen when the Supreme Court speaks. The election commission can publicly upbraid both Sonia Gandhi and Narendra Modi. We, the media, can question and curse who we want. It happens because the political class has the biggest stake in the democratic process, howsoever much it may wish to manipulate it. In contrast, a military dictator owes his power to the absence of institutions, of checks and balances. That is exactly what Musharraf has done to his judiciary, the election commission and even the media. That is why he has to summon the Scotland Yard to investigate Benazir’s assassination.
The Indian politician bumbles, the Pakistani general strides purposefully in his natty suits. Guess who keeps his country stable.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: In a subatomic spin
IndianExpress.com :: In a subatomic spin:
"There is no other way of explaining the BJP’s decision to dismiss the arguments of two individuals who helped Vajpayee put India on a bold nuclear path. One is Brajesh Mishra, Vajpayee’s national security adviser, who planned Pokharan II and managed its consequences. The other is former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who as head of DRDO organised the nuclear tests along with the Department of Atomic Energy.
Neither of these gentlemen was quick to endorse the Indo-US nuclear deal. Both had reservations on the ability of President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to fully realise the historic agreement they signed on July 18, 2005. It is only after asking very difficult questions and satisfying themselves of its merits that Mishra and Kalam have come out in defence of the civil nuclear initiative. But the BJP, it seems, is in no mood to let either facts or India’s national interest come in the way."
"There is no other way of explaining the BJP’s decision to dismiss the arguments of two individuals who helped Vajpayee put India on a bold nuclear path. One is Brajesh Mishra, Vajpayee’s national security adviser, who planned Pokharan II and managed its consequences. The other is former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who as head of DRDO organised the nuclear tests along with the Department of Atomic Energy.
Neither of these gentlemen was quick to endorse the Indo-US nuclear deal. Both had reservations on the ability of President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to fully realise the historic agreement they signed on July 18, 2005. It is only after asking very difficult questions and satisfying themselves of its merits that Mishra and Kalam have come out in defence of the civil nuclear initiative. But the BJP, it seems, is in no mood to let either facts or India’s national interest come in the way."
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Call Your Mother - New York Times
Call Your Mother - New York Times
I almost clicked on it, forgetting for a moment that those services would not be needed this year. My mother, Margaret Friedman, died last month at the age of 89, and so this is my first Mother’s Day without a mom.
I almost clicked on it, forgetting for a moment that those services would not be needed this year. My mother, Margaret Friedman, died last month at the age of 89, and so this is my first Mother’s Day without a mom.
Nalanda to move from ruins to riches-USA-World-The Times of India
Nalanda to move from ruins to riches-USA-World-The Times of India
We are talking here of Nalanda, the famous Indian seat of learning and one of the world's first residential universities founded some 1500 years ago that in its heyday boasted of over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers coming from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.
We are talking here of Nalanda, the famous Indian seat of learning and one of the world's first residential universities founded some 1500 years ago that in its heyday boasted of over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers coming from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Nuclear Winter Ahead : outlookindia.com
Nuclear Winter Ahead : outlookindia.com: "The Left has opposed the deal on the ground that it will enslave India to the US. The truth is that this deal has been 17 years in the making. The groundwork for it was started not even by the Vajpayee government but by Narasimha Rao in the immediate aftermath of the first Gulf War. It is losing the deal now that will enslave India for the foreseeable future."
Thursday, May 08, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: ‘Even PM didn’t intervene... I hope the Minister learns a lesson after the verdict’
IndianExpress.com :: ‘Even PM didn’t intervene... I hope the Minister learns a lesson after the verdict’
For the last five months, Dr P Venugopal could not visit the operation theatre in the first floor of C T centre at AIIMS. But he continued to see patients who lined up outside his quarters in the campus. And now that he is back as director, he feels sad that his 40-year association with the premier medical institute is set to end soon. He retires after two months, on July 2.
“My sorrow is how could people question my integrity and commitment to poor. While 40 of my classmates are earning a lot of money outside, I preferred to serve my country,” he said. “I want to tell the people who opposed me that I was doing surgery even before they were born,” he added."
For the last five months, Dr P Venugopal could not visit the operation theatre in the first floor of C T centre at AIIMS. But he continued to see patients who lined up outside his quarters in the campus. And now that he is back as director, he feels sad that his 40-year association with the premier medical institute is set to end soon. He retires after two months, on July 2.
“Not much time is left. What will I be able to achieve? On an individual level, I would have never joined back, but even this one-and-a-half months will boost the morale of the people who stood by me,” said Dr Venugopal. “There was nothing clandestine or wrong about my extension. Today’s judgement showed that the institution is bigger than an individual,” he added.
“I have faith in the Parliament, judiciary and all the institutions in the country, but we should ensure that no individual is allowed to mislead any of these institutions,” he said, in an apparent reference to the Parliament passing the amendment to the AIIMS Act which prescribed the age limit of its director at 65 years. Venugopal was sacked after President Pratibha Patil gave assent to the law.
“My sorrow is how could people question my integrity and commitment to poor. While 40 of my classmates are earning a lot of money outside, I preferred to serve my country,” he said. “I want to tell the people who opposed me that I was doing surgery even before they were born,” he added."
IndianExpress.com :: Pokharan-III
IndianExpress.com :: Pokharan-III
Pokharan-II had opened up diplomatic options for India at a time the strategic space was shrinking rapidly. National politics, as the 10th anniversary approaches, is threatening to close those options.
Pokharan-II had opened up diplomatic options for India at a time the strategic space was shrinking rapidly. National politics, as the 10th anniversary approaches, is threatening to close those options.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Turkish Schools Offer Pakistan a Gentler Vision of Islam - New York Times
Turkish Schools Offer Pakistan a Gentler Vision of Islam - New York Times
The Turkish schools, which have expanded to seven cities in Pakistan since the first one opened a decade ago, cannot transform the country on their own. But they offer an alternative approach that could help reduce the influence of Islamic extremists.
They prescribe a strong Western curriculum, with courses, taught in English, from math and science to English literature and Shakespeare. They do not teach religion beyond the one class in Islamic studies that is required by the state. Unlike British-style private schools, however, they encourage Islam in their dormitories, where teachers set examples in lifestyle and prayer.
The Turkish schools, which have expanded to seven cities in Pakistan since the first one opened a decade ago, cannot transform the country on their own. But they offer an alternative approach that could help reduce the influence of Islamic extremists.
They prescribe a strong Western curriculum, with courses, taught in English, from math and science to English literature and Shakespeare. They do not teach religion beyond the one class in Islamic studies that is required by the state. Unlike British-style private schools, however, they encourage Islam in their dormitories, where teachers set examples in lifestyle and prayer.
Who Will Tell the People? - New York Times
Who Will Tell the People? - New York Times: Thomas L Friedman
Who will tell the people? We are not who we think we are. We are living on borrowed time and borrowed dimes. We still have all the potential for greatness, but only if we get back to work on our country.
I don’t know if Barack Obama can lead that, but the notion that the idealism he has inspired in so many young people doesn’t matter is dead wrong. “Of course, hope alone is not enough,” says Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, “but it’s not trivial. It’s not trivial to inspire people to want to get up and do something with someone else.”
It is especially not trivial now, because millions of Americans are dying to be enlisted — enlisted to fix education, enlisted to research renewable energy, enlisted to repair our infrastructure, enlisted to help others. Look at the kids lining up to join Teach for America. They want our country to matter again. They want it to be about building wealth and dignity — big profits and big purposes. When we just do one, we are less than the sum of our parts. When we do both, said Shriver, “no one can touch us.”
Friday, May 02, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: Break in the logjam?
IndianExpress.com :: Break in the logjam?
For the NDA, and the BJP in particular, who maintain that national security is at the core of their approach to international relations, the views of two National Security Advisers should surely count for something. Even those in the US who oppose the deal recognise what Mishra said, that the Indian negotiators were able to extract concessions from the US side that would have been unthinkable even a few years ago. It is these concessions that arouse their ire. Surely it is time to set aside any petulance that might exist, and adopt an approach which would be in the national security interests of the country. As one of the Democratic senators who had serious reservations about the deal himself said “I do not like the agreement but will support it in the interests of better Indo-US relations.” That’s statesmanship. It should not be beyond the abilities of our politicians too to find a political solution out of the present logjam.
For the NDA, and the BJP in particular, who maintain that national security is at the core of their approach to international relations, the views of two National Security Advisers should surely count for something. Even those in the US who oppose the deal recognise what Mishra said, that the Indian negotiators were able to extract concessions from the US side that would have been unthinkable even a few years ago. It is these concessions that arouse their ire. Surely it is time to set aside any petulance that might exist, and adopt an approach which would be in the national security interests of the country. As one of the Democratic senators who had serious reservations about the deal himself said “I do not like the agreement but will support it in the interests of better Indo-US relations.” That’s statesmanship. It should not be beyond the abilities of our politicians too to find a political solution out of the present logjam.
Monday, April 28, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: The truth about Tehran
IndianExpress.com :: The truth about Tehran
There is nothing wrong in the US giving advice to India on the Iranian nuclear issue. That is part of international diplomacy. What is unfortunate is that our diplomats, our parliamentarians and our political leaders do not talk back and give the US sound advice in their own national interest. This lack of self-confidence reflects a still lingering colonial mentality. Instead of getting angry with the Americans, why do we not tell the American public and legislators all the things they had done to be permissive of nuclear proliferation?
There is nothing wrong in the US giving advice to India on the Iranian nuclear issue. That is part of international diplomacy. What is unfortunate is that our diplomats, our parliamentarians and our political leaders do not talk back and give the US sound advice in their own national interest. This lack of self-confidence reflects a still lingering colonial mentality. Instead of getting angry with the Americans, why do we not tell the American public and legislators all the things they had done to be permissive of nuclear proliferation?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: No ordinary deal
IndianExpress.com :: No ordinary deal
The nuclear deal seeks to give India a level playing field and it is unimaginable why politics should intrude into what is clearly a matter of technology, costs and national security
The nuclear deal seeks to give India a level playing field and it is unimaginable why politics should intrude into what is clearly a matter of technology, costs and national security
Monday, April 07, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own Correspondent | India's 'sensory assault course'
BBC NEWS | Programmes | From Our Own Correspondent | India's 'sensory assault course': "Despite the blandishments of the new superstores, shopping in India is - thank goodness - likely to remain a sensory assault course for some time to come."
Sunday, March 23, 2008
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Hardtalk | Geert Wilders
BBC NEWS | Programmes | Hardtalk | Geert Wilders
Stephen Sackur talks to Dutch Member of Parliament, Geert Wilders about his strong views on Islam in Europe.
Stephen Sackur talks to Dutch Member of Parliament, Geert Wilders about his strong views on Islam in Europe.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
IndianExpress.com :: As easy as Kosovo
IndianExpress.com :: As easy as Kosovo
We must worry about the manner in which the birth of a new nation has been engineered
We must worry about the manner in which the birth of a new nation has been engineered
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Interview with Balkans Expert Dusan Reljic: 'Kosovo Is not Independent, It Is an EU Protectorate' - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News
Interview with Balkans Expert Dusan Reljic: 'Kosovo Is not Independent, It Is an EU Protectorate' - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News:
"SPIEGEL ONLINE: This seems to be setting up conflicts for years to come?
Reljic: Yes. I don't really see a possibility for a normal functioning relationship between the Serbs and Albanians in the region. This outcome has been imposed on one side, and it simply undermines any kind of long term peaceful coexistence in the region."
"SPIEGEL ONLINE: This seems to be setting up conflicts for years to come?
Reljic: Yes. I don't really see a possibility for a normal functioning relationship between the Serbs and Albanians in the region. This outcome has been imposed on one side, and it simply undermines any kind of long term peaceful coexistence in the region."
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Boeing to form JV with Tatas for making aerospace components-India Business-Business-The Times of India
Boeing to form JV with Tatas for making aerospace components-India Business-Business-The Times of India: "Manufacturing capabilities established within the JV firm would in later phases be leveraged across multiple Boeing programs, including the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition.
On the proposed MRO to be set up at Nagpur as a part of the offset for Air India acquiring 68 Boeing planes, US firm's President (India) Ian Thomas told reporters here, 'we have certainly decided to make the MRO operational by 2009.'
The US firm has committed to invest USD 100 million in the MRO project, besides investing additionally in a pilot training establishment for Air India as well as another for a school for training for pilots."
On the proposed MRO to be set up at Nagpur as a part of the offset for Air India acquiring 68 Boeing planes, US firm's President (India) Ian Thomas told reporters here, 'we have certainly decided to make the MRO operational by 2009.'
The US firm has committed to invest USD 100 million in the MRO project, besides investing additionally in a pilot training establishment for Air India as well as another for a school for training for pilots."
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Secular Hypocrisy : outlookindia.com
The Secular Hypocrisy : outlookindia.com
It is Modi's rejection of the hypocrisy of the self-styled secularists which makes him stand apart as a Hindu leader with a difference in the eyes of his admirers, enabling them to say, "Say You Are A Hindu, Hold Your Head High".
It is Modi's rejection of the hypocrisy of the self-styled secularists which makes him stand apart as a Hindu leader with a difference in the eyes of his admirers, enabling them to say, "Say You Are A Hindu, Hold Your Head High".
Monday, December 17, 2007
IndianExpress.com :: Celebrating an innovative India
IndianExpress.com :: Celebrating an innovative India:
From little-known Government departments to some of the most celebrated corporate brands, the EMPI-Indian Express Indian Innovation Awards have picked up a wide range of winners for this year’s edition. The winners were picked up from more than 400 applications after a rigorous three-stage evaluation process. There were 20 organisations in the final shortlist, from which the 14 winners were selected. The selection panel was headed by eminent scientist M G K Menon and included academics, technologists, consultants and administrators. The entire process was moderated and validated by Boston Consulting Group, India, with its chairman Arun Maira playing a key role. In this two-part series, The Indian Express brings you a short profile of each of the winners. Today, we carry the nine Gold awardees, which will be followed by profiles of the five silver awardees tomorrow.
"India on the Move, the Entrepreneurship genie is finally out of bottle in India."
From little-known Government departments to some of the most celebrated corporate brands, the EMPI-Indian Express Indian Innovation Awards have picked up a wide range of winners for this year’s edition. The winners were picked up from more than 400 applications after a rigorous three-stage evaluation process. There were 20 organisations in the final shortlist, from which the 14 winners were selected. The selection panel was headed by eminent scientist M G K Menon and included academics, technologists, consultants and administrators. The entire process was moderated and validated by Boston Consulting Group, India, with its chairman Arun Maira playing a key role. In this two-part series, The Indian Express brings you a short profile of each of the winners. Today, we carry the nine Gold awardees, which will be followed by profiles of the five silver awardees tomorrow.
"India on the Move, the Entrepreneurship genie is finally out of bottle in India."
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