Some Different Claims from Pakistan
Criticism for Pakistani politicians, state of military-civilian relations and covert support to terrorism comes easy for anyone. There is so much to complain about Pakistan that very rarely does anything positive gets to the attention of the outside world. In one such rare instance, the Foreign Affairs, January-February 2010, carried a section on Pakistan Regained. Though some of the political claims carried in this sponsored section can be contested, the eight page attempt at PR throws light on some unnoticed facts about the crisis-ridden country.
[Karachi Port Trust Towers]
At 60, Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara
Indian Republic turned 60 today. Being a young Indian, living in the United States, January 26 did not have any special meaning for me. It was not a long weekend; had to go to work as usual. Moreover, for the past few days I was mentally confirming to the idea raised by many intellectuals in India that the Republic Day parade was unnecessary pomp and should be done away with. Moments after watching the Republic Day parade, I felt special…felt special because I was Indian. I was smiling and enjoying as the parade moved down Rajpath. And felt relieved to realize that I had not lost the connection to my roots. Here is something I want to share with all who cherish their lineage to India. Click to continue…
Who Got Those Drones for Pakistan?
What was reported as a snub by the Pakistan military for the U.S. strategy in the region was in fact a simple act of bargaining.
Pakistan Army spokesman Athar Abbas told the BBC the “overstretched” military had no plans for any fresh anti-militant operations over the next 12 months. He added that “The Pakistan army is overstretched and it is not in a position to open any new fronts. Obviously, we will continue our present operations in Waziristan and Swat.” The announcement was made during the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates to the region. And many interpreted this as an embarrassment for the Obama Administration. Click to continue…
President Zardari: A Zealous Entertainer
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has in a recent article in the Washington Post claimed that his Government shall not turn back from reforming the situation in Pakistan. President Zardari’s self-delusion appears more menacing than the threat of terrorism. I was more amused than surprised to read President Zardari’s tall claims.
The opening lines of the article set the tone for what follows:
“When I was elected President more than a year ago, Pakistan was in grave condition, strained by terrorism and a ravaged economy.”
President Zardari seems to believe that Pakistan is no longer in a grave condition and economy has improved. He refers to the threat of terrorism with a sense of nostalgia. Click to continue…
Who is Over-Reacting: India or Australia?
The Government of India’s advisory for ethnic Indians in Australia has offended more people in Australia than the number pleased in India. Referring to someone as ‘racist’ is considered to be the greatest insult in contemporary times; India is seen as accusing Australia for being tolerating racist attacks against Indians, especially students. This is bound to upset the Australian Government. So which side is over-reacting?
India’s 2009 Moments
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” - T.S. Eliot “Little Gidding
Before another voice can be heard, here are words and events that dominated India’s language in 2009.
NRO: Serving Institutions or Individuals?
The Pakistani conundrum continued with the recent Supreme Court decision declaring the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) null and void. Under the ordinance, issued by former President Pervez Musharraf on October 5, 2007, cases of corruption against public office-holders could be withdrawn and no public office-holder could be arrested in future in corruption cases. Powers of the chairman National Accountability Bureau were also circumscribed. In more specific terms the federal and provincial governments were empowered to withdraw from the prosecution of any person, including an absconding accused who is found to be falsely involved for political reasons or through political victimization in any case initiated between January 1, 1986 to October 12, 1999. The ordinance was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Pakistan on December 16, 2009. Though the constitutional invalidity of the ordinance was obvious, its wider impact has created much confusion. Interpretations of benefits emanating from the NRO are distorted and depend on the political disposition of the observer. Few conspicuous dimensions have evaded attention.
First and foremost, the view that President Asif Ali Zardari benefitted most from the NRO is only partially correct. Zardari was not the primary architect of the NRO; no one, including Zardari himself, could have apprehended the political prize he grabbed as a consequence of NRO. The ordinance was most clearly part of a deal to give a new lease of life to the vacillating political careers of President Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto. Most of the current analysis gives an impression that NRO was the outcome of active campaign by Zardari for the sake of grabbing the Presidency. Zardari, no doubt, was expected to make considerable gains from the NRO, but that was to be an auxiliary rather than primary outcome of the NRO. Click to continue…
Rationale behind Telangana State?
The Indian National Congress is aware that in some large states the persistence of intra-regional imbalances in development has given rise to the demand for separate states. While it has introduced several programs to redress these disparities, recognizing the legitimacy of these concerns and acknowledging that the solution may vary from one state to another, the Indian National Congress will find pragmatic solutions to deal with these demands.
This promise in the UPA’s 2009 election manifesto is about to be realized. Following Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) Chief, K. Chandrasekhar Roa’s 11 day hunger strike, the UPA Government was ‘forced’ to concede to the demand of a separate Telangana state, carved out from the ten districts of Andhra Pradesh. Rationale for the demand is a simple one: Telangana’s economic development has been neglected in favor of the richer and more powerful Andhra region - and that a new state is the only solution.
While Telangana as a separate state is yet to become a reality, the ‘decision’ has raised some vital concerns. Click to continue…
Häagen Dazs in India but not for Indians!
For an Indian-American visiting Delhi there is good news: Häagen Dazs has opened its first outlet in the city. But I am not sure that your indulgence would result in the same satisfaction as always did. Not because the ice cream would taste any different, but simply because you as an Indian-passport holder do not qualify to even enter the new Häagen Dazs outlet in Delhi!
Rajesh Kalra’s piece in the Times of India carries the shocking story of post-modern discrimination: a store in India’s Capital city owned by an Indian selling an international brand bars entry of Indians.
The banners outside the outlet said: Exclusive Preview for International Travellers. And under that, in an even finer print, the real bombshell: Access restricted only to holders of international passports.
Protests in social media on the issue finally led the outlet’s franchisee to state that there never was any restriction on anybody entering the outlet. So now you can enjoy a Häagen Dazs in Delhi even if you are an Indian.
But my question is: Are you celebrating or feeling irritated?
UPDATED: December 17, 2009 - Häagen Dazs Offers Apology
Media Statement from: Mr. Anindo Mukherji, Managing Director, General Mills India
There have been some reports alleging that the recently opened Häagen-Dazs shop denied access to Indians. We vehemently and categorically deny this. Häagen-Dazs products and our Häagen-Dazs shop in India are and will always be for our consumers in India.
The recently opened Haagen-Dazs shop is open to one and all, and there’s no question of barring entry to anyone on any basis. The pre view on Thursday, 10th December had a morning media event which was attended by journalists of repute from Indian media. The same evening we had a launch party for our friends and families, less than 5% of who were foreigners. Also, during the mock training days at the shop leading up to 10th December, a lot of interests were generated and hundreds of walk-ins were given samples of our ice cream.
The poster in question was part of initial local store communication at a few locations within the same mall announcing the opening of the new Häagen-Dazs shop in the mall. The message was intended to suggest that you can enjoy, for instance, a taste of the French Riviera without traveling to France – by enjoying Häagen-Dazs. Unfortunately the reference to the international passport holder on the poster may have led to a significant miscommunication. This was completely unintended and we apologize for creating the misimpression that may have hurt our sentiments as Indians.
Media Coverage for Sale in India
Anuradha Raman’s recent article, News You can Abuse in Outlook is scary. Anuradha details how editorial space in newspaper is available for sale and political leaders can access favorable coverage in exchange of cash. Here is a sample of what Anuradha offers to her readers: When Outlook sounded out Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda about allegations doing the rounds that he paid for favourable news during the assembly elections in October, he was surprisingly candid. “When I noticed the leading paper of my state printing baseless reports on its front page day after day,” he said, “I called them up and offered money to print the right picture. The paper in question apologised. They even returned the money taken from my rival to publish news items against me.”