Not so Simple...
Dear All,
These issues of diplomacy and power politics are not as simple as they seem to be. Sadly there are no rights and wrongs in international diplomacy. At times it is considered OK to side with a brutal dictator (N number of cases when the western world looked the other way. Idi Amin was eating human brain, literally!!!) and at other inappropriate times it is OK to neglect a democracy (like India has been neglected so far). I believe relations between nations can't be held hostage to a single issue.
India and Iran have had relations from the ancient times. Don't equate a nations history with 50 or 100 years. All those who have deep knowledge of the subject also know that Shia resentment is less harmful than Sunni terrorism. The space constraints do not allow me to expand on this fact.
Pipeline or no pipeline, the fact of the matter is that US would never let regional groupings take shape or flourish in Asia, especially in South Asia. The reasons are historical, geo political and strategic. How will they keep their arms industries running if there is peace in the Middle East or South Asia? Economics, simple and straight. Uncle Sam will go to any length to achieve their clearly defined long term strategic goals, and when they are done with this world, believe you me, they will settle down on Mars.
Now about my dear country, INDIA. I wish we were the most powerful nation on this planet but nothing happens just by wishing. In my view the undermentioned factors would never let us progress beyond a certain point:
(a) Kashmir Issue and the growing trend of sub nationalistic separatist demands.
(b) Communal disharmony and caste divide.
(c) Increasing gap between Rich and Poor.
(d) Growing number of displaced people due to reasons of development.
(e) AIDS.
(f) Discredited polity and corrupt politicians.
(g) Lack of basic amenities (Water, Health, Education & Shelter).
(h) Absence of a Leader who can inspire confidence.
We keep discussing about the Permanent Seat in the Security Council. Well, some may say if you don't dream you may never realise them. OK, but one can dream better when the tummy is full. The reality is: farmers committing suicide, increasing crime, every fourth MP is a criminal and a 'Crorepati' (good combination), leaderless country, growing tendencies of sub nationalism in the four corners of the country (including the fast growing threat of Maoists that we don't want to see), degradation of environment, etc. etc. Will all our problems be solved after becoming PM of SC?
Now the UN. Which problem has the UN solved so far? Sending aid, that too selective, to few countries is no achievement. Do you know how many children die daily in NIGER because of hunger? The number of resolutions adopted, passed and 'not implemented' are indicative of its effectiveness. Palestine, Korea, Kashmir (Due to foolishness of Nehru), Cyprus and now Afghanistan, Iraq. Whatever problem has been solved has been done so by NATO for its self interest, because they care two hoots for the UN. Bosnia is an example. The UN is silent on Darfur. Why? Because Uncle SAM is not interested. Simple. My view is that Non Aligned Movement should be revived and let the proud nations of Asia, Africa and South Amarica come together, withdraw from UN, form their own organisation and solve issues themselves. It is only then the proud people of countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Argentina, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, South Africa and China will have a say in world affairs. And if that does not happen we would remain a nation that supplies cheap labor or produces stuff at a much cheaper rate than the West. Basically slaves, but with a different name.
What punitive action have we taken so far against Bangladesh, forget Pakistan? Now the Maoists from Nepal will become a pain in the neck for Uttranchal, UP and Bihar. In fact they are creating a corridor from the borders of Nepal to AP. But our leaders will sleep till there are blasts all over, then rush the Army to yet another front. More funds will be released for 'Tightening Security' and everyone will benefit from the fund inflow and subsequent misuse. But the problem will remain.
Baki desh to chal he raha hai. Sab mauj mein hain. Simple sa 'Funda' hai aajkal. Ek jindagi hai, jitna kha sako khao (Chara mile to Chara, Note mile to Note), jitna kama sako kamao (by whatever means), loot sako to looto, after all DESH TO APNA HI HAI.
I can't stop but narrate something that I am reminded of, obviously helped by the quote about Jhotta/Saand by RK Ji. Here it goes: A Saand (USA) was roaming around in a forest, bilkul mast ho ke. One Zebra (Third world country) meekly asks the Saand "Bhai Saheb, aap kon ho or kya Karte ho? Saand replies: Saale, main Saand hoon. Ar jo ye jaanna chahta hai ki main kya karta hoon te tar pyjama". Musharraf ne pyjama utara tha and he is already accusing USA of leaving Pakistan high and dry. Now India is ready...
Regards,
JS Malik
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