Arrests signal rise of "Hindu terrorism" in India

Andrew Legon

The arrest of suspects linked to a string of bomb blasts raises the spectre of "Hindu terrorism" in India. The Bush administration moves against a charity believed to support Hamas. Pirates capture a chemical-laden cargo ship off the coast of Yemen, while Islamist insurgents in Somalia seize another key port. And much more in today's update.

Indian police arrested a Hindu monk on Wednesday during an investigation into a wave of bomb attacks that have killed more than 200 people this year. Sudhakar Dwivedi, who often used the alias Swami Amritanand, was arrested in Kanpur in the central state of Uttar Pradesh. The head of a Hindu monastery, Amritanand was charged with conspiring in an attack on the predominantly Muslim town of Malegoan in September which killed four people.

The toD Verdict: In years past, terrorism in India has been largely blamed on Islamist groups. Concern has recently shifted, however, to the rising problem of Hindu militancy which many fear could be fulfilling Jawaharlal Nehru's prediction in 1964 that the main danger to India was "Hindu right-wing communalism." The case of Sudhakar Dwivedi follows the arrest of nine other suspects who have been charged with murder and conspiracy in connection with the Malegoan bombing. In August, two members of a Hindu chauvinist group the Bajrang Dal died while trying to build a bomb in the northern town of Kanpur. Two other suspected members of the same group died under similar circumstances in 2006.

Bal Thackeray, the leader of another Hindu hard-line group the Shiv Sena, wrote in June that "the threat of Islamic terror in India is rising... it is time to counter the same with Hindu terror. Hindu suicide squads should be readied to ensure the existence of Hindu society and to protect the nation."

Worryingly, analysts have highlighted disturbing connections between fringe Hindu militants and military and civilian officials. One of the Malegoan suspects, Lt. Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit, has been accused of providing money, arms and training to the bombers. Meanwhile, in the eastern state of Orissa, Hindu police officers have been accused of deliberate inaction and active participation in recent anti-Christian violence. Fraternal outfits of the state-ruling BJP party such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal have been implicated in the violence.

Hindu militancy, which has been labeled "reverse terrorism" by partisans who see such action as revenge for earlier Muslim or Christian provocation, is a worrisome escalation of violence that could pose an existential threat to multicultural India.

Afghan suicide attack kills many

A suicide car bomb has killed at least 18 civilians and one US soldier in eastern Afghanistan Thursday. The attack targeted a US-led coalition convoy at a market near Jalalabad, the capital of the eastern Nangarhar province. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the bombing, it remains likely the attack was carried out by Taliban insurgents fighting foreign and Afghan government troops.

Chemical ship hijacked off Yemen

A Turkish cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden was seized by pirates Wednesday. Carrying 4,500 tonnes of unspecified chemicals to India, the Karagol was hijacked 26km off the coast of Yemen. The attack follows a series of other incidents in the Gulf of Aden. Another chemical-carrying tanker was seized by Somali pirates on Monday. The next day, the Russian and British Navy's positively identified a Yemeni vessel involved in a hijacking attempt on a Danish cargo ship. British commandos reportedly gave chase, killing two of the suspected pirates in an ensuing gunfight.

Insurgents "seize" Somalia port

Islamist insurgents have taken control of the port of Merka, 90km south of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Without firing a shot, hundreds of fighters from the al-Shabaab group drove into the strategic port after government-aligned militia left overnight. The capture of Merka is another significant territorial gain for the insurgents who also control the port of Kismayo, which was taken in August. Different Islamist groups now control most of south Somalia. Experts suggest that al-Shabaab now have a new base for its attacks on the western-backed government and its Ethiopian military allies in Mogadishu. The UN has been trying to broker a peace process in Somalia which has been wracked by conflict for nearly two decades. Under the peace plan, Ethiopian troops were to start withdrawing from Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab's growing strength may now force a change in strategy.

Irandiplomat abducted in Pakistan

Gunmen kidnapped an Iranian diplomat and killed his guard in the Pakistani city of Peshawar Thursday morning. The commercial attaché of the Iranian consulate was attacked whilst on his way to work in Hayatabad, a neighbourhood near the Khyber tribal region bordering Afghanistan. Areas around Peshawar are strongholds of the Taliban and al-Qaeda. The incident occurred just a day after an American aid worker and his driver were shot in the city. Despite these attacks, experts say that despite some high profile incidents, foreigners are rarely targeted in Pakistan.

US cracks down on Islamic charity

The United States moved on Wednesday against an Islamic charity suspected of helping to bankroll Hamas. Action by the Treasury Department means that any bank accounts or other financial assets in the US belonging to the Union of Good will be frozen. Americans are also barred from donating to the group. The militant Palestinian group is considered an international terrorist organization by the US. An undersecretary at the department said that "terrorist groups such as Hamas continue to exploit charities to radicalise vulnerable communities and cultivate support for their violent activities". According to the department, funds transferred by the Union of Good have compensated Hamas terrorists by providing payments to the families of suicide bombers.

India on US religion panel watch list

New Delhi, April 29: America's religious freedom monitor has placed India on its "watch list" for the second year running, calling Delhi's steps to address "threats to religious minorities'' slow and often ineffective.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom, which will release its report tomorrow, lists India with 28 other countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China.

All these countries require "close monitoring due to the nature and extent of violations of religious freedom engaged in or tolerated by the government", says the commission, a bipartisan federal body whose members are appointed by the US President, Senate and the House of Representatives.

Last year, India was criticised for the violence against Christians (in Orissa) and Muslims and slow justice for the Gujarat riot victims. This time, the commission has again cited the court delays and accused the government of deficient investigation and prosecution.

"Justice for victims of communal violence was slow and often ineffective, thereby perpetuating a climate of impunity. While there was no large-scale communal violence against religious minorities during the reporting period (2009), attacks on Christians and Muslims and their places of worship continued, along with incidents of intolerance against both," the commission said.

The panel has urged Washington "to integrate concern for religious freedom and related human rights into all bilateral contacts with India, and for (the) US ambassador to India to speak out against, and seek to visit sites of communal violence".

It has added that for the second consecutive year, the commission members "attempted to visit India, but no visas were granted".

Pakistan, India agree to revive dialogue

* Gilani, Singh meet in Bhutan
* Qureshi says meeting positive, leaders discussed all issues
* FMs, foreign secretaries to work out modalities of engagement

THIMPHU: India and Pakistan on Thursday agreed to revive dialogue - without any preconditions - following a meeting between the prime ministers of the two countries on the sidelines of the 16th SAARC summit in Bhutan.

The meeting between Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and his Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, took place at Bhutan House in the SAARC village and lasted for 90 minutes. After the one-on-one session ended, the foreign ministers and the foreign secretaries were asked to join in.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao separately briefed the media after the bilateral meeting.

Qureshi described the talks as "very comprehensive, cordial and friendly", and said the meeting lasted longer than was expected, and all issues were discussed. "It was a positive meeting and a step in the right direction, in the right spirit. The two prime ministers had agreed earlier ... that dialogue is the only way forward. Today, they not only reiterated that commitment, but also agreed to resume the dialogue process that has remained suspended for months."

Qureshi said the two foreign ministers and foreign secretaries were now going to work out the modalities of engagement and had been asked by their prime ministers to meet as soon as possible and quite frequently. "We are working on the modalities. Our leadership has given us the mandate," said Qureshi when asked about the structure of the talks.

At the meeting, both sides vowed not to allow their soil to be used against the other. Gilani assured Singh that the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks would be brought to justice.

Qureshi said there was an acknowledgment of a trust deficit on both sides, and the foreign ministers of both India and Pakistan "have to bridge that trust and build confidence to take the process forward".

Qureshi told the media that the meeting concluded on a positive note and "everything under the sun" - including Kashmir, security, Siachen and Sir Creek - was discussed. "I will now be engaging with the Indian foreign minister to decide an appropriate time at the earliest for this engagement," said Qureshi, and invited the Indian home minister to a meeting of SAARC home ministers in Islamabad on June 26.

Replying to a question about the reason for new modalities, Qureshi said, "We are interested in bridging the deficit gap. All segments, all issues of concern ... will be discussed ... neither side was expecting such a positive turn to the dialogue." He said issues related to the distribution of water had also been discussed.

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said the Pakistani prime minister was serious about India's concerns over terrorism and had assured a speedy trial for the Mumbai attacks suspects. She said the lack of mutual trust needed to be eliminated, and "we need to understand each other".

Pak moves 100,000 troops from Indian to Afghan border

Reuters

WASHINGTON - Pakistan has shifted 100,000 of its troops from its Indian frontier to spearhead an unprecedented crackdown on militants along the Afghan border, but the offensives are unlikely to have an immediate impact on the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.

In a report to Congress released on Wednesday, the Pentagon estimated that about 140,000 Pakistani troops were taking part in offensives against militants in the semi-autonomous tribal regions, known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, or FATA, and the Northwest Frontier Province, near Afghanistan.

The Pentagon, which had long pressed the Pakistanis to take on Taliban and al Qaeda leaders on their territory, said the recent military deployments were the biggest in the country's history on the western border.

To carry it out, Pakistan has shifted more than 100,000 troops from the eastern border with India, according to the report. "This unprecedented deployment and thinning of the lines against India indicates that Islamabad has acknowledged its domestic insurgent threat," the Pentagon said.

The Pentagon issued the report one day before the prime ministers of India and Pakistan are due to hold their first meeting in nine months. Washington has sought to improve frayed ties between the South Asian rivals, who have fought three wars since their independence from Britain in 1947.

In the report, the Pentagon said Pakistani military operations in the FATA and the Waziristans have had an impact across the border, placing a "high degree of pressure on enemy forces and reduced insurgent safe haven" in eastern Afghanistan.

Recent arrests by Pakistan of Afghan Taliban leaders, including the group's No. 2, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, have "increased insurgent leaders' concern over the security of their safe havens" and created "financial and logistical" problems, it said.

A senior U.S. defence official said the arrests in Pakistan had produced "a lot of concerned chatter" among Taliban sympathizers in Afghanistan, but added, "I've not seen anything to indicate ... that there is a leadership crisis in the Taliban."

The Pentagon said Islamabad's crackdown had thus far "focussed almost exclusively on internal threats."

"While this evolving approach is unlikely to have significant impact on the Afghan insurgency in the short term, it offers opportunities in coming months to have a greater impact on the conflict in Afghanistan depending on how PAKMIL (Pakistani military) operations evolve," the report said.

(Reporting by Adam Entous and Phil Stewart; Editing by Peter Cooney)

President for out of box, imaginative decisions to tackle energy crisis

APP

ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari has asked for an early adoption and utilization of modern solar and geothermal technologies including solar cookers, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters and solar water pumping etc. to take full advantage of the available natural energy resources, on one hand and to meet the energy requirements of the country, on the other. "The energy crisis has forced upon a vigorous search for out of box, imaginative and bold solutions," the President said during a briefing given to him on alternate energy sources here at the Aiwan-e-Sadar on Thursday.

Those who were present during the briefing included Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Secretary General to the President, M. Salman Faruqui, Special Advisor to Prime Minister, Kamal Majidullah, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Secretary to the President Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary Water and Power, Shahid Rafi, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Kamran Lashari, Special Secretary Finance, Asif Bajwa, President ZTBL, Ch. Mohammad Zaka Ashraf, Advisor M/o Water and Power, Riaz Ahmed Khan besides senior officials of Planning Commission and relevant ministries.

The meeting was briefed about various available options of solar and geothermal technologies that could be exploited and utilized for meeting the present energy needs of the country.

The participants were informed that work on a pilot project of solar electrification of the Planning Commission and Pakistan Engineering Council's buildings under Japanese Grant-in-Aid program has been finalized and Japanese organizations are now involved in the tendering and procurement activity. The demonstration plants are planned to be functional in June 2011.

The President advised that the Presidency should also be converted to solar power on the pattern of Planning Commission being financed by the Japanese assistance.

The meeting was informed that pursuant to an earlier meeting held in February this year where the President had advised for initiation of pilot projects for introducing Solar Cookers, the results obtained from a number of selected towns have been encouraging.

The President said that all the new houses being built in the rural areas of Sindh under Behan Benazir Basti Programme should be provided with solar cookers and heating arrangements.

He also advised that one town be selected soon to be completely run on solar energy replacing gas and electricity in one year. All new development schemes should be required to have solar street lights, he said.

The President also advised that animal refuse in the Cattle Colony Landhi should be used for producing Methane gas as an alternate source of energy. Similarly the Carbon credit earned by any project will be spent on forestation and growing more trees.

The meeting was informed that another 200 MW of power generated from wind energy will be added to national grid by the end of this year.

The President said that gas and electricity geysers be eventually phased out of the Government buildings in order to save gas in the winters for diversion into more productive uses.

The President said that all new street lights should be Solar/LED based and billboards and electronic power based neon signs should be converted to solar at the earliest.

IHK police gave IB 35 suspicious cell numbers 5 days before 26/11

By Iftikhar Gilani

NEW DELHI: In yet another charge on India's premier intelligence agency Intelligence Bureau (IB) sitting over sensitive inputs that could have averted the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, a private TV network claimed that the Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) police had handed over to the IB 35 cellular phone SIM card numbers for immediate monitoring five days before the attack.

At least three of the SIM cards were used by terrorists from Mumbai on the day of the attack to keep in touch with their handlers in Pakistan. The IB only realised this when the terrorists had carried out the attack. One of the SIM cards was recovered from the cell phone used by Ajmal Kasab.

The TV channel said IHK police recovered the SIM card numbers in a covert operation of infiltrating into the ranks of the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LT) and alerted the IB that these SIM cards were acquired from Kolkata by over-ground workers (OGWs). A note reportedly sent by IHK police to the IB said, "These numbers need to be monitored and information taken from these numbers regarding the contents of the conversation, current locations of the call detail records are required for further developing the information."

Zardari ‘caused’ Bhutto’s deaths?

By Dr Shahid Qureshi

Zardari's greed and corruption made Benazir Bhutto vulnerable, desperate, compromised and open to abuse. Her father Z A Bhutto and grandfather Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto were prime ministers, highly educated and were not involved in any reported financial corruption. Zardari who proved to be 'funeral director' of Bhutto's was no match. It is a typical princess, pirate and parrot story. Unfortunately due to the greed of pirate (Zardari) and Parrot (Rehman Malik), a people's Princess is dead. The clever princess builds bridges with the 'Shrek' and signed charter of democracy, whom Zardari now call humpty dumpty.

Benazir Bhutto being a typical Asian Muslim woman inside swallowed her pride. She told a senior journalist in USA at a coffee shop, "if I divorce (Zardari) him, my children will lose their father, I am a politician and people might take advantage". She knew full well who else was visiting Zardari and his dog while he was living in the US.

Benazir was continuously trying to sell herself to the foreign guarantors of the deal. Her inner anxieties and tensions were obvious like she never switched herself. Why? What made her so vulnerable, weak and compromising that she kept on making mistakes and nobody around her intervened? Who told her to open the roof of the bullet and bombproof car? It is reported that she was on the phone with her kids and probably it was Zardari who told her to open soft roof of her car to wave and greet people. Some one might have the recordings of those calls? May be her friends?

No doubt Benazir Bhutto was from a rich and wealthy feudal family close to the British Raj, on the other hand her husband Asif Ali Zardari 'Mr nobody' never missed any chance of making money in her both governments according to reports. One analyst said, 'she died defending Asif Zardari's all kinds of corruption resulted in her self exile of eight years and compromises she had to make".

Zardari regime, direct beneficiary of her tragic death seems not interested in solving her murder. It went to UN for murder investigation and wasted two years. Now they are wasting time into find out who ordered the cleaning up of the crime scene. The most important questions are: (a) who ordered (b) who carried out (c) who are the local accomplices (d) why Rehman Malik and Babar Awan ran off with her 'life line car' and took security with them, leaving her open to be executed (e) why her security team and police completely ignored the 'cut throat' signs made by her security chief ' now slain Khalid Shenshah during her speech?

A senior security analyst Ikram Sehgal wrote in The News on 21st April 2010: "The driver of the back-up vehicle ensures that at all times he keeps "hugging" the lead vehicle, he must ensure that no other vehicle comes in between. The back-up vehicle cannot be separated from the lead vehicle, the two have to stay together as if they were Siamese twins. The back-up vehicle is not meant as a passenger vehicle, but usually there are guards in the vehicle. These guards will disembark during an emergency and shift the VIP from the lead vehicle. The VIP can then be expeditiously spirited away from the ambush site. Under no circumstances can the back-up vehicle have any persons other than guards as occupants. That would be a serious breach of security.

In Ms Bhutto's convoy at Liaquat Bagh, the back-up vehicle had unauthorized occupants; it was being misused by the man in charge of Ms Benazir security from the PPP side, Rahman Malik. Dr Babar Awan along with Farhatullah Babar and Lt Gen (R) Tauqir Zia climbed in with him as passengers. As per the findings of the UN Report, the back-up vehicle left the ambush site, abandoning the VIP vehicle and did not stop till they reached Zardari House in Islamabad. The PPP's leader was thus left stranded grievously injured in a vehicle that was badly damaged and was running on rims. One can just imagine the horrendous situation inside the car. Ms Benazir lying critically injured, the blood seeping out of her head and the occupants of the car, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Senator Safdar Abbasi, Nahid Khan and the driver in a state of shock, their leader literally dying before their eyes".

I have seen insecure Rehman Malik always wanted to sit in the front row in the eye lines of Ms Bhutto. But then how come he left her dying and ran off with her backup car? Irony is that Zardari showering him with roses and seems to be rewarding him to get his wife killed? Rehman Malik was ordered to be remain low profile by Ms Bhutto while Zardari was on forced gardening leave'.

"I (Ghunva Bhutto) wanted her (Benazir Bhutto) just explain to me the killing of Murtaza (Bhutto)" (by the police in Karachi while she was the Prime Minister of the country) said Murtaza's wife Ghunva Bhutto on 30th December 2007 in an interview with Burkha Dutt of Indian channel NDTV. Fatima Bhutto pointed finger to Asif Zardari for the murder of her father in an article published in The News.

Fatima Bhutto claimed that crime scene was washed to remove the evidence of her father's murder. The main eyewitness police Inspector Haq Nawawz Sial was killed in his own house like Khalid Shenshah chief security officer of Benazir Bhutto in front of his house. Coincidently on both occasions at the time of eliminations of Murtaza Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto's murder witnesses, Mr Zardari is/was in power. He proved to be true eliminator and funeral director of Bhutto's?

Aljazeera TV asked me in an interview after the death of Ms Bhutto, "what was President Musharaf was not already doing which; Benazir could do for"? It is a million dollar question and sometimes US put too much pressure on its friends who collapse as a result be it Musharaf or Benazir', I responded.

Some analysts are saying, 'keeping in view what is mentioned above and in the UN Report, Honourable Iftikhar Chaudhry, Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan should take 'suo moto notice how government is criminally negligent and complicit into the investigations of the murder of Benazir Bhutto. Especially when Asif Zardari has publically announced that he knows who killed Ms Bhutto', shouldn't he be part of the investigation?

India and Iran's Afpak policy

ATUL ANEJA

How does India propose to get back into the game of realignments beginning to unfold in and around Afghanistan?

An Afghan iron smith man works at his workshop in Kabul, Afghanistan on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Iran's recent hyper-activism in neighbouring Afghanistan and Pakistan has caused considerable consternation in large parts of the globe. In media circles, think-tanks and world chanceries, high-browed mandarins and their well-healed affiliates are trying to make sense of the latest, seemingly inscrutable piece of the Persian puzzle.

Yet Iran's deft moves in an area that the Persians have known well for thousands of years originate from deeply deliberated and well-grounded fundamentals. Ever since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran has been ceaselessly battling the threat of a direct American attack or an invasion by a third country that is backed by the United States. The Iraq war of 2003 brought the American forces in an eyeball-to-eyeball face-off along Iran's western borders, while the entry of the U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan became a potential cross-border threat to Iran from the east.

Since 2003, the Iranians have been seeking the exit of American forces from Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of their aspirations have a good chance of realisation, as the bulk of the forces are slated to leave Iraq next year. The U.S. exit from Afghanistan could begin in July 2011.

While the exit of foreign forces would mark a substantial advance, the Iranians have been looking further ahead to a post-exit scenario, in anticipation of a political vacuum that is likely to emerge once the American troops depart. Viscerally opposed to any repositioning by extra-regional players , Iran is working vigorously to establish a de facto alliance of regional countries that will dominate the geopolitical arena stretching from Turkey in the west to China in the east.

It is in this larger context of regionalising the geopolitical space that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad set foot on Afghan soil on March 10. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai - who fought running battles with the Americans who were more inclined to favour his rival Abdullah Abdullah during the recent Afghan elections - received the Iranian President warmly. Like the Iranians, Mr. Karzai has concluded that the Americans are tiring in Afghanistan and that the time has come to explore deeper alignments in an alternative camp that includes Iran, and has China, Pakistan, Central Asian republics and Russia as potential allies.

While engaging the Afghans on a new footing, the Iranians have also begun to cultivate Pakistan. A major shift in the contours of their relationship can be traced to October 2009, when the Pakistan-based Jundallah group, led by Abdolmalek Rigi, killed Nour-Ali Shoushtari, and other senior commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC). Incensed by these high-profile assassinations, in the Pishin area of the Sistan-Balochistan province, the Iranians sent a few days later their Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar to Islamabad, with the demand for Rigi's handover. Subsequently, Rigi was nabbed in a dramatic fashion when the Iranians forced a Kyrgyzstan airlines plane in which he was travelling from Dubai to Bishkek, to land in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas. Influential voices in Pakistan say that Islamabad gave the vital tip off that led to Rigi's arrest. The Iranians, however, insist that the arrest was possible on account of their meticulous intelligence work, without any foreign involvement whatsoever.

Since the 2009-10 winter war in Gaza, during which Turkey openly distanced itself from Israel, the relationship between Tehran and Ankara has been warming up. Political goodwill is being translated into significant energy cooperation and both sides, despite resistance from several influential quarters, are looking at participating in the Nabucco pipeline, which will carry huge quantities of gas to Europe.

As the geopolitical alignments ahead of the U.S. pullout begin to emerge, India's absence is glaring. Piqued by India's high profile in Kabul, Pakistan's military establishment has been looking for openings that would allow it to achieve its maximalist objective of seeking India's hasty, and preferably unseemly, exit from Afghanistan.

However, two major hurdles have been impeding Pakistan's path so far. First, the rapid improvement in Indo-U.S. ties during the Bush presidency firmly deterred it from taking India head-on in Afghanistan. Second, the Afghan presidency, closely tied to New Delhi since 2001, was hostile to Islamabad.

However, the scenario changed dramatically with the exit of the Bush administration and the emergence of Barack Obama. Focussed on an exit strategy from Afghanistan, the Americans deepened their security dependence on the Pakistanis in the hope of achieving rapid success. As a result, the Indian fortress in Afghanistan which looked impregnable during the Bush era was breached. Pakistan utilised this opportunity to the hilt.

A staunch ally of India for several years, President Karzai after his re-election last year began to exhibit unusual warmth towards Pakistan. His description of India as a friend and Pakistan as a conjoined twin during his visit to Islamabad was widely seen as a demonstration of his waning affection towards New Delhi.

There has been a significant deterioration in India-Iran ties since New Delhi voted against Tehran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the Iranian nuclear programme. In fact, the day India voted against Iran, it seriously jeopardised its project in Afghanistan. Without a geographically contiguous border, India can extend its reach into Afghanistan only through the Iranian corridor.

With its back to the wall, how does India propose to get back into the great game of realignments beginning to unfold in and around Afghanistan? It can draw some inspiration from its diplomatic conduct in the past - when it worked successfully with the Iranians, Russians and Central Asians, especially the Tajiks to unroll the Northern Alliance against the Taliban in 2001. With the recent visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to New Delhi where discussions on Afghanistan took place, India has taken its first major step in the right direction.

Mending fences with Iran has to be India's next major undertaking. However, in trying to rework its relations, India is left with only one weighty card, which it can play with good effect provided it begins to view its national interests independently and not through the tinted glasses of the U.S. With its huge requirements of energy, India needs to get back to the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project. But in doing so, it has to substantially modify the arrangement and turn it around to suit its core long-term interests.

Iran would, with considerable enthusiasm, welcome India's participation in this project, as is evident from the provisions included in the gas deal that was signed by Iran and Pakistan in Istanbul in March. Therein lies the opportunity for India to claw back into the arrangement and take it forward from there.

Instead of waiting for others like Pakistan to seize the initiative, India can benefit substantially by boldly and formally initiating the introduction of two significant players - Russia and China - into this tie up. The Russian gas giant Gazprom has already expressed its keen interest to participate in IPI. Gazprom's representative in Tehran, Abubakir Shomuzov, has called for the extension of IPI to China, in an arrangement that would tie Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Iran together in a giant project.

Russia's participation in the IPI would be crucial for India. With Russia firmly on its side, India can, with greater ease and confidence, engage with China in this cooperative enterprise. In the debate on the extension of IPI to China, the route that this pipeline can pursue would be of vital importance. If India has to take advantage of this extension, it has to insist that the pipeline passing through Iran and Pakistan should go through an Indian transit corridor and no other alternative route before entering China.

Such an arrangement would greatly help in making the IPI-plus arrangement more stable and workable. With China, Pakistan's all-weather friend as the final beneficiary, Islamabad would find it impossible to block supplies to India. In other words, the routing of the pipeline to China via India, and the interdependence that it would generate among the various stakeholders would become New Delhi's insurance policy for obtaining assured gas supplies from Iran via Pakistan.

There is a final diplomatic dimension which needs to be added if IPI-plus is to succeed. Critics of the IPI rightly point to the security problems that this project, in the current circumstances, is bound to encounter during the pipeline's passage through the turbulent province of Balochistan. A comprehensive dialogue may therefore be the way forward to resolve this problem. India, which in recent years has gone into a diplomatic shell, can take the high-ground and propose a comprehensive six-party process. Besides itself, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, China and Iran can become the core participants of this arrangement. Such a forum, carefully constructed, adequately resourced and energetically led can take head-on not only the question of Baluchistan, but all other issues that may stand in the way of a lasting trans-national energy partnership.

Political manipulation in India

User-Friendly Yo-Yo

Is the Congress using the CBI to bully Mayawati into submission?

NK SINGH

Illustration: SAMIA SINGH

THE LAW in its majestic equality forbids all men to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread - the rich as well as the poor," French writer Anatole France had said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) follows this line in letter and spirit. It spares neither backward leaders Mulayam Singh and Lalu Yadav nor Dalit leader Mayawati - albeit for a specific purpose.

The recent assertion by the CBI that it has substantial proof against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is a classic case of how institutions are used for political manipulation.

The assertion per se is unwarranted as the matter is in the Supreme Court and is listed for hearing. There was no apparent reason for the CBI to make such an assertion in the public through the media. If there is a cast-iron case, the agency can easily present the same before the Supreme Court.

Recall the then Governor T Rajeshwar's decision in June 2007 not to accord permission to proceed against Mayawati even though a prima facie case was made out against her. The Governor's decision was based on the "opinion" of none other than the Attorney General. The Attorney General had opined that there was no need for the Governor to give permission, in view of the material made available to him.

Fragile coalition governments have time and again used this'bullying through CBI' tactic

Today, when the UPA Government is facing a hostile opposition during the ongoing budget session and needs support to see the budget through, a message is sought to be sent to Mayawati so as to shackle her into submission.

The Government is worried that the ongoing anti-government pitch by the united opposition which is baying for the government's blood, might upset its applecart. Those leaders who are vulnerable may come to its rescue once the whip is cracked by the agency brass.

Fragile coalition governments have made use of this "bullying through CBI" tactic earlier. The same CBI had earlier filed two intervention applications (IAS) in quick succession in the disproportionate assets case against Mulayam Singh Yadav in 2007. Next July, Mulayam supported the government. The same agency in November sought to withdraw the intervention applications. Even the Supreme Court wondered why the CBI was withdrawing the applications when it had a cast-iron case against the defendants.

Given the level of corruption by the powers that be, the dimension has assumed alarming proportions. Allowing legal immunity (after an initial bullying) to corrupt leaders and seeking their support to run minority governments - this is the best example of a pay-off system of corruption that has dogged democracies in semi-literate societies across the world. Institutions, the legal framework and the apex democratic edifice are used to perpetrate corruption. An unobtrusive, though very effective, protection is given to the corrupt so as to further the cause. The pay-off system has a tendency to breed more corruption unless the entire body politic gets involved.

It is the same CBI that had told the Allahabad High Court in the multi-crore foodgrain scam that it had no wherewithal to carry out the investigation. But when the chips are down and when the Congress bosses find the going tough on the floor of the lower house during the budget session, the CBI gets its act together and announces its commitment to book the guilty "however high or mighty he or she may be".

"Corruption is the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty," Edward Gibbon wrote in his scholarly book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. If he were to write the book again he would have said: "The CBI is the most infallible manifestation of political exigency that makes the corrupt cajole [others], and allows political stability".

WRITER'S EMAIL
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Benazir Bhutto requested Israel for Protection (2)

By Dr Shahid Qureshi

In the past leaders of the developing countries knowingly to do things with the assumptions that no one is going to know. Though media in Pakistan is developing but it has changed the outlook of the people. The sons and daughters of former Unionists and colonial loyalists, who should have been hanged for treason are now become champions of democracy in Pakistan. The Bhuttos are no different who stayed in power by supporting military dictators or making (NRO) deals with the dictators.

When they are abroad no one in the streets of Pakistan knows whom they meet and how they sell the interests of the state of Pakistan. They wine and dine with the open enemies of Pakistan and make corruption a moral issue when it suits them. They ignore the national interests to achieve their goals. This what late Benazir Bhutto did?

"(Israeli) Mossad Snubbed Bhutto's Protection Request", on 28th December 2007 an Israeli website: www.israelinationalnews.com, reported that "Slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto "desperately" asked the CIA, Scotland Yard, and Israel's Mossad to assist in her personal protection in the weeks before her assassination, Maariv reported Friday. Bhutto said that, 'President Pervez Musharaf's men would not let her protect herself adequately: she was not allowed to use dark-paned windows in her motorcade or use equipment for location of roadside explosives. She suspected Musharaf wanted to make her an easy target for assassins.

Benazir Bhutto with Israeli Ambassador Dan Gillermanwho served as Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from January 2003 - August 2008.

In Israel, discussions were held on the subject between, The Foreign Ministry, which, supported the request, Mossad, and other bodies involved with protection of VIPs. No decision was reached because Israel was concerned about upsetting the Pakistani or Indian regimes. The paper reports that Bhutto sent e-mail to one of her confidantes in Washington, an American named Mark Siegel, in which she said that if something happened to her, she blames Musharaf. She asked Siegel not to make the e-mail public unless she was assassinated." On the other hand almost all the international leaders, UN Security Council, including Israeli leadership condemned the killings.

The Jerusalem Post reported on 28th December 2007, 'Israeli leaders paid tribute to slain Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, even though Israel and Pakistan do not have diplomatic ties. "I saw her as someone who could have served as a bridgehead to relations with that part of the Muslim world with whom our ties are naturally limited," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told The Jerusalem Post.

"Upon her return to Pakistan two months ago, (Benazir) Bhutto had stopped in London and, through a mutual acquaintance, relayed a message that she would "in the future like to strengthen the ties between Israel and Pakistan," Israeli Prime Minister (Ehud) Olmert said. He called Pakistan a "very important country," and said he hoped the assassination would not lead to anarchy there, which would not bring "anything positive to the region or beyond."

Israeli President Shimon Peres said, 'he was shocked by Bhutto's killing: "Benazir Bhutto was a brave woman, who did not hide her opinions, did not know fear, and served her people with courage and rare capability," he said in statement. "I had the chance to meet her on several occasions, in which she expressed interest in Israel and said that she (Benazir Bhutto) hoped to visit upon returning to power," Peres said. "Benazir was a charismatic leader and a fighter for peace in her country and across the world."

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dan Gillerman recalled a meeting he had with (Benazir) Bhutto just prior to her return (18th October 2007) to Pakistan. "My wife and I had an intimate dinner with her and her husband (now President Zardari)," he said. "We spent over three hours with them. She was an incredibly impressive person, one of the most impressive in terms of her intellect, charm, and charisma that I've ever met." Gillerman said, 'Bhutto was interested in normalizing relations with Israel. "She was interested in me relaying that information to Washington and the US, which I did," he said. "We were in touch since that meeting by e-mail several times and she expressed concern about her personal safety."

Gillerman said (Benazir) Bhutto had spoken about her fears of Pakistan falling into the hands of Islamic extremists. "She shared with us her plans to return Pakistan to democracy," he said. "She was very well aware of the problems facing her; she knew she was endangering her life by returning. I think she met with us to share with Israel, and through Israel, both her plans, fears and dreams." A Foreign Ministry official said the possibility of sending a representative to Bhutto's funeral was "not even on the agenda," because of Israel's lack of diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

According to Wolf Blitzer of CNN (former spokes-person for American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), 'Bhutto left him a letter that blamed Musharaf in the event she was assassinated. Questions are being asked why with Wolf Blitzer and not any one of her most trusted personal or political allies within her own party, family, or staff?

She admitted assisting Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Ghandi against 'Sikh insurgency'. "Does India recall how I helped curb the Sikh militancy? India was in a mess and Rajiv asked for help." She told Outlook Magazine published on 31st December 2007. Does anyone remember that it was I who kept my promise to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi when we met and he appealed to me for help in tackling the Sikhs? Has India forgotten December 1988? Have they forgotten the results of that meeting and how I helped curb the Sikh militancy?"

The problem with Pakistani feudal and industrialist 'pay as you go' politicians is that they consider themselves above the law and politicise every issue. Most of them have their loyalties signed outside Pakistan. They are the enemies of the state?

If Benazir Bhutto was making promises to improve relations with Israel with the State of Pakistan, which not even recognise Israel, and doing illicit business with Indian Prime Minister Rajive Ghandi an open enemy, what should people of Pakistan call this? What kinds of people are ruling Pakistan and how to detox and cleanse country with from this toxic 'filthy rich mess'?

NATO: Problems with No Solutions?

James Joyner

NATO risks becoming a relic of the Cold War unless it finds a renewed sense of solidarity and political will while framing its new Strategic Concept. That's the central message of STRATCON 2010: An Alliance for a Global Century, a report by the Atlantic Council's Strategic Advisors Group.

The project, co-chaired by General Brent Scowcroft, Dr. Thomas Enders, and Senator Chuck Hagel, provides a blueprint for avoiding this outcome, offering concrete recommendations for how the Alliance must be transformed in order to meet the global threats and challenges of the 21st Century. The report was co-authored by SAG members Dr. Julian Lindley-French and Dr. Yves Boyer.

Below are some key quotes from the report and my brief reaction to them:

"What NATO is for is the question that Strategic Concept 2010 must answer."

This is exactly right. It's truly remarkable that, nearly two decades after the collapse of the Soviet threat that brought the Alliance into being, its members have yet to coalesce on a vision for its future. We all agree that NATO should continue to exist but not on what it should do, how it should be organized, and how it should be resourced.

Is it merely a defensive alliance to protect against military attacks in Europe and North America? If so, it's hard to justify its continued existence given the minimal nature of said threat. And, certainly, it makes no sense for the United States to continue being not only a member but carrying the lion's share of the financial and military burden.

If it's to be a flexible expeditionary force, then it makes no sense to allow so many Members to shirk their responsibilities. Or, at very least, it's time to do away with the unanimity requirement that holds the Allies who want to get something done and are willing to put their blood and treasure on the line to achieve it to be held hostage to the demands of the weak sisters who aren't.

"We fear that NATO lacks the necessary political will to ensure that it is as effective this century as it was in the last."

I fear that this goes beyond fear into the realm of hard fact.

"The Strategic Concept will fail if it does not represent a renewed sense of commitment and purpose among Alliance leaders."

I'd only add: If the Strategic Concept fails, the Alliance itself will follow.

"Strategic Concept 2010 must once and for all end the post-Cold War strategic vacation of many Members."

"Strategic vacation" is a wonderful turn of phrase, pithily capturing the problem. I see no sign, however, that those currently on holiday have any intentions of returning to work.

"For the first time NATO's purpose, principles and partnerships must necessarily be considered in a global context."

In theory, the Alliance reached this conclusion during the 1990s. And, in fairness, it has undertaken the remarkably demanding mission in Afghanistan, which it has more-or-less sustained for the better part of a decade.

All-in-all, Lindley-French and Boyer have done a fantastic job of outlining the problems and the way of head. But, as Shimon Peres noted and Donald Rumsfeld popularized, "If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem, but a fact, not to be solved, but to be coped with over time. " I'm not at all confident the authors haven't identified just such a case.

James Joyner is managing editor of the Atlantic Council.

Death Squads in Afghanistan

A US-Sponsored Terror Network

By FRANCIS SHOR

It should no longer be a matter of dispute that US Special Forces in Afghanistan are responsible for an increasing number of murders, whether part of targeted extra-judicial killings or the result of bad intelligence. From the attack on a bridal shower in Gardez on February 12, 2010 that killed numerous civilians, including two pregnant women, to the growing list of executions of insurgents in the Kandahar area, Special Forces have become the US military version of death squads.

As noted in an April 25 article in The New York Times, the offensive against supposed Taliban forces in Kandahar has already commenced, with the "opening salvos of the offensive…being carried out in the shadows by Special Operations forces." It's as if Dick Cheney, who asserted that the US would have to operate in the shadows in prosecuting its global war on terror, is still the guiding political force behind such military operations, notwithstanding the fact that the Obama Administration has dispensed with references to the war on terror. Nonetheless, it is terror, promoted by Washington policymakers and perpetrated by Pentagon planners, that is spreading throughout Afghanistan.

On a certain level, it should not be at all surprising that military campaigns under the command of Gen. Stanley McChrystal engage in such terrorist tactics. Death squads and ethnic cleansing were part and parcel of the "surge" strategy that McChrystal oversaw in Iraq. Now, in Afghanistan, the promulgation of what's called the Joint Prioritized Engagement List (JPEL) gives license to execute extra-judicially anyone whose name shows up on the list. If bribing or coercing Afghan tribal leaders fails to convince them that they need to align with the occupiers against indigenous insurgents, they may then be consigned to the JPEL.

While the residents of Kandahar are almost unanimous in their resistance to any US/NATO direct assault on the city, the US military is trying to erode insurgent strength by stealth attacks on the outskirts. As reported in the aforementioned article in The New York Times, McChrystal will rely on Afghan military and police forces to undertake much of the actual operation in the city itself. Given the track record of the Afghan government forces, especially in the recent Marja campaign, this may only lead to desperate US military intervention which, in turn, will lead to more civilian deaths.

Creating more enemies in the indigenous population of Afghanistan and Pakistan will obviously complicate the long-term US imperial interests in the region, whether geopolitical or economic, the latter based on guaranteeing pipeline priorities for the US and its allies in the region. China, in many respects, has been outmaneuvering the US in closing economic deals, even with the Afghan government. Thus, beyond the disaster capitalism that benefits vulture corporations like Halliburton and KBR, the US seems to be administering self-inflicted wounds with its addiction to war.

Too few voices in Congress are prepared to kick that addiction, especially given their role in what William Grieder has called an "iron triangle" of interests, nurtured by the lobbyists of defense industries. With some exceptions, Congress refuses even to acknowledge the detrimental effects of the on-going military operations. We need to demand hearings on the rules of engagement and votes on immediate military disengagement.

Let's face it: at some level we are all now part of that war addiction. Desensitized by aggressive and racist video games and facing a precarious future, young men and women join the military in the belief that their service will be rewarded, only to be confronted with what social psychologist Tracy Xavier Karner calls a "militarization of feeling." Acting out of that feeling and with a hair-trigger mentality, many of these soldiers can rationalize killing even women and children. Although a few refuse to be instruments of imperial murder and others return to civilian life ready to denounce what they were forced to do, too many become victims themselves, either physically or psychologically.

Whether regular soldiers or Special Forces, many veterans of US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have succumbed to near-epidemic rates of suicide. Being ordered to slaughter civilians, even inadvertently, must weigh heavily on one's mental make-up. Furthermore, as occupiers in foreign lands and as enforcers for imperial depredations, it must be nearly impossible to escape the ghosts of past military operations.

Meanwhile, US citizens are bombarded with both heavy-handed and subtle messages that reinforce the false belief these soldiers are "our" troops and not the imperial instruments designed by the Pentagon. Whether at sporting events or ads in movie theatres and on television, the solemn link between the military and the citizenry is hammered home. Perhaps, one reason that the Pentagon tries to do everything in its power to deny and then suppress pictures and stories, like those exposed on Wikileaks, is because they make that link more tenuous.

On the other hand, as long as the citizenry does nothing to translate its outrage into real-world action, the daily outrages perpetrated in our name in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other sites of US military intervention will continue. With Congress soon to vote on a supplemental bill for 33 billion dollars more for the war in Afghanistan, we must mount an organized campaign at every level to raise the political cost to prosecute the war. We must find a way to act both individually and collectively to stop being the enablers of US death squads.

Francis Shor is the author of Dying Empire: US Imperialism and Global Resistance. A website for the book can be found at www.dyingempire.org

India’s ‘Kyrgyz plan’ for Pakistan

The Post

NEW DELHI: The Indian intelligence agency, RAW chief has been directed by the military commanders to create Kyrgyzstan like situation in Pakistan by exploiting Pakistan's internal crisis like the energy crisis and the price hike, reported a private news channel.

Details of the 2-day special conference of the commanders of the joint forces of India that ended here yesterday have reveled that the Chief of top spy agency the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) K C Verma was the one who stole the show on the day-2 of the conference as he not only got immense commendation by the participants for his briefing on operations in Pakistan and China but also managed to grab the endorsement for the approval of a huge amount of funds for future operations in Pakistan and China.

The sources say that the RAW Chief was directed by the commanders to create Kyrgyzstan like situation in Pakistan and must exploit Pakistan's internal crisis like the energy crisis, the price hike etc. The RAW chief apprised the participants that his agency had already started work in this direction. He disclosed to the participants that his agency was already in touch with certain elements in Pakistan to fund the anti-government protests over the constant power outage and jobless youth was being engaged on daily wages basis for the purpose. He further briefed the participants that at least the three foreign Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were already paid handsome amount of money for producing less electricity while Pakistan Power Minister was already helping the agenda as he was himself engaged in prolonging to power crisis so that he can bring in rental power projects that could earn him highly lucrative kickbacks.

Highly credible defence sources revealed that on the last day of the conference, the participants showed their utmost resentment over the Military Intelligence Chief General Loomba's failure in pre-empting the Pakistan Army's joint exercises with Pakistan Air Force, code named Azm-e-Nau that are in full swing at the moment. Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Chief Marshal P V Naik grilled the MI Chief general Loomba for not collecting the sufficient intelligence about the ongoing war exercises' of Pakistan Army. The sources say that Loomba completely failed to give any reasonable intelligence output to the participants the war games that the Pakistanis were conducting in the southern part of the Punjab Province of their country.

Dreams of India to turn Pakistan a compliant state dashed

By Asif Haroon Raja

India has kept USA and western world netted to its frequency since 1991. In the aftermath of 9/11 when the US and its western allies declared war against the Muslims, India got very close to the west and like Israel was made a strategic partner. Its grievances and allegations against Pakistan were listened to sympathetically, its counsels heard attentively and information shared taken as gospel truth.

Although Pakistan too was made an ally and a frontline state to take the major brunt of terrorism, its complaints against India were contemptuously brushed aside and it was snubbed for leveling false allegations. Pakistan was compulsively made a tactical partner to serve short term interests of USA. Discriminatory behavior of USA and other western countries kept Indian leaders in exhilarating and festive mood. Each allegation cooked up by Indo-US-Israeli spin doctors resulting in Pakistan bashing by US officials' thrilled India the most.

RAW was given a free hand to carryout subversive activities and every successful move made to joggle Pakistan was lauded by the master coordinator. The band of six with champagne glasses in their hands would dance with joy from sunset till dawn. Pains of Pakistan became the delight of the sadistic gang. At the close of each month, head of RAW in Kabul would proudly highlight achievements made in the roundtable conference attended by CIA, Mossad, MI-6, BMD, RAAM and US-NATO senior military officials. They would laugh their heart out how Pakistani leadership had been duped and how they were able to put the strings of the trap around Pakistan's neck effortlessly. India was profusely rewarded without having contributed anything towards curbing terrorism. Rewards were in recognition of its strenuous efforts to soak Pakistan in blood.

As the flames of terrorism reached every nook and corner of Pakistan in 2008 and internal situation became chaotic, it added to the cheerfulness of plot makers that their plans were proceeding smoothly and ultimate goal of stealing nukes was within grasping reach. They knew that once Pakistan was deprived of its nuclear strength, rest was easy. Anticipating that the noose had been sufficiently tightened, in their exuberance to go for the final kill they intensified their subversive activities coupled with browbeating tactics, drone attacks and propaganda war in 2009. Other than spate of suicide bombings in major cities, series of well coordinated group attacks were organized. Even an attempt was made on the GHQ so as to intensify fear and insecurity. 2009 was the bloodiest year in which 130 suicide attacks took place resulting in loss of 1800 lives. In 2010, so far 35 suicide attacks have occurred.

Their merriment turned into anguish when Pak Army turned the tide of foreign supported militancy in Malakand Division and Swat and then overpowered South Waziristan where the detractors were cocksure that the Army would get snared for good. Bajaur and other dens of militants within FATA were successfully disabled. Above all, Indian military support to militants got thoroughly exposed.

These outstanding successes in quick succession and that too in very short timeframe took the wind out of the sails of propagandists coming out with never ending allegations to defame the Army and institutions of Pakistan and suddenly catapulted Pakistan to a position of strength. Hollow propaganda snipes that Pak Army was incapable of fighting the militants or was linked with them and that it was not in a position to protect nuclear assets fell like ninepins. Propagandists had to chew the garbage they had heaped on Pakistan.

During the last eight years Pakistan had to confront and defeat chain of dangerous plots, each one deadlier than the previous one. Other than divine help which frustrated evil designs of our adversaries, a lot of credit goes to Gen Kayani and his team for overcoming series of obstacles skillfully and boldly. He neither has a magic wand or spiritual powers, or he is more visionary and knowledgeable than his predecessor Gen Musharraf. What he has in plenty is his down to earth practical and professional approach, qualities of a dynamic leader who leads from the front, honesty and sincerity of purpose, fear of God, humility and deep sense of commitment to safeguard national and Army's interests.

Apolitical and morally sound, he has maintained personal contact with soldiers in the field. Soon after taking over he declared 2008 as the year of the soldier and dished out a highly attractive welfare package for lower ranks, which besides many benefits made them eligible for plots and houses as in case of officers. It had an electrifying impact and helped in invigorating their pride and inculcating in them sense of belonging. By appointing subedar majors at all tiers of command from battalion to COAS Secretariat he has his fingers on the pulse of the whole army. His frequent visits to forward areas amidst raging battles has eliminated communication gap and inspired newfound confidence among all ranks. They eagerly look forward to meet him and interact with him freely. After 1965 war, the Army was never seen in such roaring animal spirits as it is today. Strangest thing is that no officer or soldier fears death. Heavy fatalities of all ranks have made no dent in their tenacity to free the country of the menace of terrorism and to beat back all conspiracies hatched against integrity of Pakistan. There is not a single case of psychological trauma among combatants. It is this phenomenal level of motivation that enabled the brave hearts to enter the den of lions in South Waziristan, smash the age old myth by ousting the foreign supported militants last October and hold the captured ground with absolute firmness. Desperate efforts of the militants to retake the lost space have been thwarted.

Sullen faced India felt nonplussed over these setbacks and saw its years of efforts crumbling like house of cards. It relapsed into bout of despair and depression to notice a change in US-NATO attitude. The US military and civil officials and NATO commanders are now paying lesser heed to India's advices and have started to see Pakistan with respect and admiration. As if this jolt was not enough, India was ignored by all the neighbors of Afghanistan and Pakistan was welcomed at Tehran, Istanbul and Shanghai summits. NATO conference in Brussels in which Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani glibly put forward facts and figures helped in making the participants understand Pakistan's point of view and in removing their misperceptions. London Conference attached no importance to India and went ahead with its plan to recon ciliate with the Taliban and to find a political solution. They lent receptive ears to Pakistan's suggestions and gave weight to what it said how to go about solving the Afghan tangle. Hamid Karzai too bent over backwards to win back cooperation of Pakistan. These fast track developments in 2010 led to Pak-US strategic dialogue promising a new beginning in relations based on mutual respect and trust.

Although the US has no intention to abandon India or reduce its status, it has belatedly and grudgingly begun to listen to Pakistan's complaints and grievances more dispassionately and shown willingness to address some if not all of them. This welcome change has occurred due to fast evolving geo-strategic realities in Afghanistan, which is turning into another graveyard for USA. The US has acknowledged Pakistan's key role in helping ISAF to stabilize Afghanistan and in quitting the country with grace. Growing influence of Russia over Central Asian States, as is seen in Kyrgyzstan has further limited options of USA and increased its dependence on Pakistan. These events are unpalatable for India and have dashed her dreams of making Pakistan a compliant state.

- Asian Tribune -

Respect, Religion, Race and the battle for Tower Hamlets

Jerome Taylor sees George Galloway renew his electoral grudge match with Labour in a different east London constituency

George Galloway on the campaign trail yesterday

On a narrow side street in the heart of London's Banglatown, three Arabic-speaking men wait patiently for some personal time with one of Britain's most colourful and controversial politicians.

George Galloway is taking a quick break from the campaign trail to smoke his favourite cigar inside his car. Puffing on a Montecristo No 2 (recommended retail price £400 for a box of 25), he is dressed entirely in black and sports a pair of Rayban sunglasses. Eventually the men are ushered over and salaams are exchanged, followed by a prolonged discussion and photographs.

"They were here to talk about Gaza Cola," the Glasgow-born politician explains after the three men leave. "It's a new type of cola which will be sold around here and all the profits will be sent back to help our brothers and sisters in Palestine."

Ten minutes later he is back on board his gleaming, open-top battlebus. Four large speakers blast out a heady mixture of The Clash's "London Calling" and Mr Galloway's amped-up battle cries.

"Respect!" he shouts. "That's what we're fighting for. For the people of Tower Hamlets - wherever they came from, whatever colour they are, however they pray."

As the bus winds its way through the streets some passers-by cheer him on with waves and wolf whistles. Others are less diplomatic and flick him the Vs.

Mr Galloway has radically altered the way politics is done in this corner of the capital by deftly courting the Muslim vote. Depending on who you speak to, he is either a fearless politician who has dared to take on the political establishment by empowering local Muslims, or he's a dangerous demagogue who polarises opinion in an already fractured landscape.

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is one of the most culturally varied places in Britain. Over the centuries French Huguenots, Irish Catholics, eastern European Jews and Bangladeshis have all flocked to the area to carve themselves a slice of life in the beating heart of London's East End. Somalis and Afghans are just the latest arrivals into one of the greatest ethnic melting pots in the world.

But until recently the political landscape of this area was overwhelmingly monolithic. East London was Labour through-and-through and remained so as each new immigrant community set up shop there.

All that changed in 2005 when Mr Galloway rode discontent over the Iraq war to seize the seat of Bethnal Green and Bow with his newly formed Respect party, a motley coalition of Bengali Muslims and traditional socialists who were united by their mutual loathing of what Labour had become.

Five years on, the Battle of Tower Hamlets is set to be more unpredictable than ever before - this time around there is even a good chance that the Tories could win their first seat in the borough for more than a century.

Following recent boundary changes, the borough is now divided into two seats covering an area of immense inequality. Bethnal Green and Bow lies in the shadow of the City's gleaming skyscrapers and fans out east into the sprawling and colourful markets of Banglatown and beyond.

In the new constituency of Poplar and Limehouse, meanwhile, the vast majority of inhabitants live in densely packed inner-city tower blocks - but there is a strip of enormous wealth running along the Thames.

That gives the Tories a potential foothold in Tower Hamlets that was never possible before - especially as Mr Galloway has decided to stand there and will take away largely Labour votes.

Mr Galloway has moved constituency because in 2005 he pledged to win Bethnal Green and Bow on behalf of the Bangladeshi community and then hand it over to a local candidate - a decision Labour activists routinely claim is "the only promise he's kept".

He intends to recreate his success by courting, largely, young Muslim voters to try to oust Labour's Farming minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, who voted for the war in Iraq.

Extraordinarily, the bookies' frontrunner is now the Conservatives' Tim Archer, followed by Mr Fitzpatrick and then Mr Galloway. But the 55-year-old Scot is undeterred.

"I don't think the bookies know much about what the Bengalis or Somalis are thinking," he says, lighting his second cigar of the day. "Forty per cent of the electorate are Muslims and they're much more likely to vote than others. That's a statistical truth here."

As Labour and Respect battle over the Muslim vote, Mr Archer is working the white residents of the borough, who are a mixture of working-class residents and City professionals. The Samuda Estate on the Isle of Dogs is just 10 minutes' walk from the glass and steel towers of Canary Wharf but in practical terms it is a world away.

Little of the billions made in the City finds its way down to these sorts of estates in a borough that, despite being surrounded by such phenomenal wealth, remains the third most impoverished local authority in England.

"Galloway's approach is divide and rule and I think people are starting to see through the rhetoric," says Mr Archer, a former high street banker and councillor, as he knocks on doors in the estate. "People want some meaningful change."

Asked whether he is concerned about Mr Galloway coming to Poplar, the Tory candidate is candid. "Not really, no," he says. "Ultimately, he's taking Labour's vote. We don't bump into very many people saying they used to vote Conservative but now vote Respect."

All of which means that Respect's best chance of holding on to a parliamentary seat rests in Bethnal Green and Bow, where Abjol Miah, a youth worker and local councillor with strong ties to east London's mosque network, is taking on Labour's Rushanara Ali in a contest that will finally provide British Bengalis with a representative in Parliament (Bangladeshis remain one of the only significant ethnic communities without an MP).

Ms Ali, 35, is politically rated, eloquent, beautiful and - crucially for this area of town - has Bangladeshi heritage. She's also clearly on something of a tight leash and was the only candidate to insist that The Independent's questions were emailed in advance of an interview.

But bring up Mr Galloway's voting record (he has one of the lowest parliamentary attendance records) and she soon speaks out.

"People didn't expect him to have such an appalling record," she says. "They didn't expect him to behave in the way he did and that's very obvious when you knock on street doors and talk to people. In the cold light of day, as people start analysing what a single issue party can do for them, they reach their own conclusions. And they're not going to be fooled by George Galloway's Respect party."

But Mr Miah is a very different kettle of fish from his party's founder. Where Mr Galloway favours oratory and showmanship, Mr Miah opts for quiet bridge building with religious networks and Bengali youths to deliver his votes.

At Friday prayers in Brick Lane mosque, Mr Miah appeals to the gathered worshippers to vote for him. "You know, me brothers," he says. "You know what I stand for."

The Brick Lane mosque - unlike its larger rival, the East London Mosque on the nearby Whitechapel Road - largely eschews politicking. It's a traditional Bangladeshi establishment that prefers to separate religion and politics. But ever since the election was announced it has been courted by candidates who jostle with each other on the street outside after Friday prayers.

It is a phenomenon that makes Mr Miah, who has been criticised for forging links with soft Islamist groups, chuckle.

"When they say the mosques are infiltrating the political parties I think that's totally outrageous," he says. "It's the politicians who go round to the mosque trying to poach voters. Which councillor hasn't gone round to the mosque to beg for votes? They all do, irrespective of whether they're Muslims or not."

The Respect party, he says, is simply doing what politicians have been asking the Muslim community to do: engage in the political process.

"For the last 15 years, politicians have been demanding that the Muslim community engages with the political process," Mr Miah says.

"For years we've been called isolationist, backward, separatist and ghettoist. But when we do engage we're labelled fundamentalists. We wanted to engage and get involved in electoral politics. And that's what we did. And now the old parties are terrified because we've broken their chains."

Traffic fine fuels French debate over burka

Emma Alberici

A Muslim woman fined for wearing an Islamic head veil while driving in France has launched an appeal, claiming her human rights have been infringed.

France wants to become the first country to ban the veil in official buildings and on the streets. (Reuters: Jean-Paul Pelissier)

Tensions are rising between the French government and the country's Muslim community as president Nicolas Sarkozy's government prepares to push ahead with a ban on wearing the traditional Muslim veil in public.

The French government is pursuing the burka ban, despite a warning from state legal experts that such a law would be unconstitutional.

France wants to become the first country in the world to ban the veil not only in official buildings, but on the streets as well.

The fined woman, Anne Hebbadj, says she has not committed any crime and should not be fined for the way she dresses.

She is one of 2,000 French women who wear the full Islamic head veil.

French immigration minister Eric Besson is investigating claims that Ms Hebbadj's Algerian-born husband has 12 children with four different wives who all wear the full veil and receive single mother's pensions.

"The question for us is this: if a court tries him for polygamy and social fraud, should we and must we take away his French nationality?" Mr Besson asked.

The French MP responsible for initiating the burka ban debate, Jacques Myard, says the ban will help Muslims adopt the values of living in France.

"[The aim is] to liberate those women, because in my view they are almost in a ghetto and they cannot mix with us people," he said.

"Our aim is that those people [may one day] become citizens, if they want, of this country. So they have to adopt the values, but also the standards of living of our country."

Similar laws are being debated in the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.

In the UK, the far right British National Party is campaigning on a platform that includes banning the burka throughout Britain.

Obama cites Pakistani entrepreneur’s success, vows partnership

APP

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has vowed to build economic development partnership with Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries as part of his administration's unprecedented outreach to the Islamic world aimed at fostering relations on the basis of mutual trust and respect. Obama cited the story of a Pakistani woman's success in pulling families out of poverty through microfinancing as he addressed a gathering of entrepreneurs from 50 Muslim countries and pledged Washington's commitment to deepen business and entrepreneurship ties with them.

The United States president reinforced the economic partnership message by expressing his administration's resolve towards addressing some of the thorniest political disputes including Middle East conflict, ending the war in Iraq responsibly and partnering with Pakistan and Afghanistan in their anti-militancy struggle through improvement in the lives of their people. "As President, I've worked to ensure that America once again meets its responsibilities, especially when it comes to the security and political issues that have often been a source of tension," he said at the Presidential Entrepreneurship Summit. Continuing, Obama acknowledged the feisty challenge in bringing peace to the Middle East but committed that "despite the inevitable difficulties, so long as I am President, the United States will never waver in our pursuit of a two-state solution that ensures the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians." "And around the world, the United States of America will continue to stand with those who seek justice and progress and the human rights and dignity of all people," added the US president. Obama, whose approval ratings have helped bolser America's image in several Muslim countries in the backdrop of Iraq and Afghanistan wars started by the former Bush administration, first articulated his vision to a "new beginning" with the Muslim world in a speech at Cairo last year.

"The United States is responsibly ending the war in Iraq, and we will partner with Iraqi people for their long-term prosperity and security. In Afghanistan, in Pakistan and beyond, we're forging new partnerships to isolate violent extremists, but also to combat corruption and foster the development that improves lives and communities," added the US president.

Among some examples of successful entrepreneurship in the Muslim countries Obama highlighted at the summit was the story of a Pakistani woman, Roshaneh Zafar, who inspired by Bangladeshi pioneer Dr Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank - has extended microfinancing through her "Kashf" organization to help thousands of distressed families out of their financial woes.

"Look at the professor who came up with an idea-micro-finance- that empowered the rural poor across his country, especially women and children. That's the powerful example of Dr. Yunus. "Look what happened when Muhammad (Yunus) shared his idea with a woman from Pakistan, who has since lifted hundreds of thousands of families and children out of poverty through a foundation whose name literally means "miracle." That's the example of Roshaneh Zafar," he stated amid applause from the gathering. "Look what happened when that idea spread across the world -- including to people like my own mother, who worked with the rural poor from Pakistan to Indonesia. That simple idea, began with a single person, has now transformed the lives of millions. That's the spirit of entrepreneurship," he added. In the broader perspective, Obama said a new beginning in relations between the United States and the Muslim world is very much possible.

"So, yes, the new beginning we seek is not only possible, it has already begun. It exists within each of you, and millions around the world who believe, like we do, that the future belongs not to those who would divide us, but to those who come together; not to those who would destroy, but those who would build; not those trapped in the past, but those who, like us, believe with confidence and conviction in a future of justice and progress and the dignity of all human beings regardless of their race, regardless of their religion.

"That's the enormous potential that we're hoping to unlock during this conference and hoping to continue not only this week but in the months and years ahead," he said.

New Research leads focus on anti-Muslim hate crime

A new report launched today 28 January reveals the trends behind underreported violence against Muslims in London. It illuminates how contexts of fear and prejudice against Muslims are providing a basis for violence against Muslim communities. This is the first step in a ten year research project led by the European Muslim Research Centre at the University of Exeter that will investigate Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime in towns and cities across Europe.

Dr Jonathan Githens-Mazer and Dr Robert Lambert MBE, of the University of Exeter co-authored 'Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate Crime: a London Case Study' the first study from the new European Muslim Research Centre.This reportis being launched today in partnership with Muslim community groups to provide research for and about Muslims in Europe. The authors call for anti-Muslim hate crimes to be taken more seriously by government, media and the police.

The report finds that Muslim Londoners face a threat of violence and intimidation from three groups. Firstly from a small violent extremist nationalist milieu that has broadly the same political analysis as the British National Party (BNP). Secondly from London gangs who have no allegiance with or affinity to the BNP. Thirdly from a small number of Londoners and visitors to London who appear to be acting on prejudices gained via negative media portrayals of Muslims as terrorists and security threats.

The report illustrates how perpetrators of hate-crimes against Muslims are invariably motivated by a negative view of Muslims acquired from mainstream or extremist nationalist media reports or commentaries. These spread stereotypes and fears that stigmatise, alienate and isolate Muslims as threats to safety, security and social cohesion. As political commentator and journalist Peter Oborne, says in a foreword to the report that British Muslims now perform an 'unenviable outcast role' previously played by 'Germans, Roman Catholics, Jews and West Indians'.

Dr Githens-Mazer of the University of Exeter, co- author of the report said, "Anti-Muslim hate crimes in London have caused death and serious injuries and have generally inflicted suffering, fear and distress just like racist hate crimes aimed at other minorities in the capital. However, the motivation for anti-Muslim hate crimes is not as well understood by government, media or the police as racist hate crimes."

He added, 'Additional problems arise because a significant number of Muslim Londoners don't report crimes to the police, and that makes it difficult to assess or quantify the scale of the problem."

The evidence for the report arises from original in-depth interviews with victims of anti-Muslim hate crime, and in some cases perpetrators of racist crimes. The report is intended to introduce politicians, public servants, police, media and public to Muslim community perspectives that are often hidden.

A more detailed follow-up report Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Crimes in the UK is due out in July 2010 which will analyse the situation in other UK towns and cities as well as London.

Note to Editors: Full report of Islamophobia and Anti- Muslim Hate Crime a London case studyis available for download on Thursday 28 January
http://centres.exeter.ac.uk/emrc

UK's Muslim voters come of age

In this election, the Muslim vote will transcend religious and ethnic affinities - and traditional support for Labour

Anas Altikriti - guardian.co.uk,

Whatever the outcome of the election on May 7th, as HA Hellyer recently wrote on Cif, Muslims around the country are likely to play a significant role in influencing the outcome of dozens of seats. The second largest faith community, which constitutes no more than 4% of the total population, has come of age and become quite astute in dealing with the elections according to interests, priorities and concerns, many of which are shared by a majority of the British people.

Numerous campaigns have emerged providing information to voters ranging from encouraging voters to register to ways and means of voting tactically in various constituencies amidst an increasingly complex picture nationally. One thing that is agreed by all the campaigns such as YouElect and Muslim Vote is that they all advise against offering unconditional blanket support to any one specific party. Agreeing that each has its good and bad apples, voters are consistently advised to assess their respective candidates according to local, national and international criteria, hence making it clear to all parties that the Muslim vote is up for grabs if a compelling argument backed by solid evidence can be made.

YouElect has gone further in setting up, supporting and publicising numerous hustings throughout the country and polling Muslims' views on a variety of topics and issues. The feedback from the Muslim community is that foreign policy remains of pivotal importance, with issues such as Palestine and Afghanistan heading the list. On the domestic front, Islamaphobia heads a long list of issues including the economy, health, education and taxation.

On the basis of these concerns, lists of recommended candidates include names from most parties, major and small (Lib Dems, Labour, Tory and Green candidates). And religious and ethnic affinities have been transcended, with the British Muslim Initiative recommending voting for Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and those of no faith, depending of where they stand on a range of issues. So the BMI backs Liberal Democrat Karen Hamilton against Labour Khalid Mahmood. Meanwhile, Marsha Singh of Bradford West is recommended to the considerable Muslim community above the Muslim candidates of the two other major parties. The fact that the BMI list of 54 constituencies is headed by Labour candidate Margaret Hodge, in support of her fight against BNP leader Nick Griffin is also indicative of the priorities and challenges shared by most communities in these crucial elections. The list also includes the staunch anti-war pro-Palestinian supporter George Galloway, Lib Dem frontbencher Sarah Teather, Green MEP Caroline Lucas, Conservative shadow minister Crispin Blunt and the Labour Minister Sadiq Khan.

What is also of great interest this time round is that there are unprecedented numbers of Muslim women and Muslim young people, who are following, interacting, campaigning and fully engaging with the whole election process. Early indications point to an unprecedentedly high Muslim turnout and unprecedentedly high youth participation.

But it's not just the Muslim voters that are expected to come out in large numbers. The number of candidates of Muslim backgrounds on offer from all parties is also unprecedented and signals a recognition of the importance of the Muslim role in the democratic process and the future of the country. With the number of Muslim MPs almost certainly rising, possibly more than doubling from the four present in the last parliament, shockwaves would travel far and wide if Salma Yaqoob of Respect succeeded in becoming the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to take her place in parliament on behalf of the people of Birmingham Hall Green. History could truly be in the making, not only for British Muslims, but for Britain as a richly diverse society.

Mirroring the national trend, the Muslim community seems to be moving in favour of a greater share of the vote for the Liberal Democrats within a hung parliament scenario. The overall view is that the Lib Dems have made the better pronouncements when it comes to Palestine and Iraq, albeit to a lesser extent on Afghanistan (in direct opposition to the pro-Israel lobby). This was echoed by the pro-Palestinian London based Middle East Monitor (Link) which is a main reference point for British Muslims on the Palestinian issue. The Lib Dems have also stood out from amongst the other two parties when it came to acknowledging the reality and threat of Islamophobia and have come in for criticism by the right wing media for their stance.

But whatever the assessments, guesses and arguments, the morning of the 7th of May is likely to be a historical one for a variety of reasons. Prayers, supplications and crossed fingers that it is for the right ones.

Forces kill 13 terrorists in Orakzai Agency

PESHAWAR: The security forces on Tuesday killed 13 Taliban during a fresh offensive in Orakzai Agency and also destroyed several hideouts in the process. According to official sources, security forces arrested 26 Taliban, including three important commanders in the Tribal Areas and Lower Dir district. In Lower Orakzai Agency, the security forces, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, killed eight terrorists after a battle over a checkpoint in the Beezot area. The forces also arrested five extremists from the Mashti area. Airstrikes killed five more in the Kasha area of Orakzai, AP reported. The military escalated an offensive in Orakzai Agency in mid-March after militants fled there to avoid a separate offensive in South Waziristan. staff report/ap

Afghan crunch time: Obama must decide whether to talk to the Taliban

By Ahmed Rashid

Before President Hamid Karzai arrives in Washington next month, President Obama has to make clear key decisions on the course of war and peacemaking in Afghanistan.

Neighboring countries and most Afghans believe that the endgame has begun for a post-U.S. Afghanistan. There are just 14 months for the U.S. military surge to show results while Washington simultaneously prepares to begin its July 2011 troop withdrawal and handover to the Afghan government. Already, efforts to jockey for future control of Afghanistan have been seen among Pakistan, India, Iran and even Russia. Several NATO countries eager to withdraw forces are frustrated. It is clear in the region that someone will have to mediate with the Taliban, but in the absence of U.S. leadership, a tug of war is taking place over who will do it, when, how and where.

The recent spat between the White House and Karzai -- which has cooled down thanks in part to Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the commander of international forces in Afghanistan -- largely stemmed from Karzai's growing frustration over questions about which the Obama administration has been unclear.

According to U.S. and Afghan officials, Karzai's first question when he arrives will be whether Washington supports his efforts at reconciliation with the senior Taliban leadership. In January, the United States and NATO agreed to reintegration -- bringing in Taliban foot soldiers and low-level commanders -- but Washington balked at full reconciliation, saying it wants to see the Taliban weakened militarily over the next six to 12 months before considering talks with its leaders.

Karzai's representatives, however, have spent the past 12 months holding talks about talks with senior Taliban representatives in several Arab Gulf states. Taliban leaders have made clear that they want to talk directly to the United States, and Karzai knows his discussions with the Taliban cannot go further without public U.S. support and a commitment to engage. The Afghans want a clear answer from Washington that they will lead any future negotiations.

The Obama Cabinet is set to discuss this issue, but it has been divided, including over how American voters would react to talks with the Taliban. Nevertheless, Karzai is hoping for a positive decision by the time he arrives in Washington. The issue is complicated by the Pakistani military's determination to guide or even dominate the peace process rather than leave it to the Afghans.

Pakistan holds many of the cards: Taliban leaders and their families live in Pakistan and are in close touch with the military and its Inter-Services Intelligence directorate (ISI). Some Taliban allies, such as the network led by Jalaluddin Haqqani, are even closer to the ISI. Although the military is finally hunting down the Pakistani Taliban in the Northwest tribal areas, the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani extremists in Punjab province are being left alone.

The January arrest of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 Taliban leader, in Karachi and the unexplained arrests and subsequent freeing of several other leading Taliban figures have demonstrated to Kabul and Washington the Pakistani military's clout.

Karzai and most Afghans fear that if Washington waits too long to decide about talking to the Taliban, control will fall to the ISI as happened in the 1980s and 1990s -- when Washington abandoned Afghanistan to Russia and Pakistan but the ISI played favorites and was unable to end the civil war among Afghan factions.

Almost all Afghans, including Karzai's Pashtun supporters, the non-Pashtun Northern Alliance and even the Taliban oppose any major role for the ISI, as do most regional powers, particularly India, Iran, Russia and the five Central Asian republics.

When Karzai visited Islamabad on March 10 to find out why his interlocutor Mullah Baradar was arrested, he was, according to Afghan officials, bluntly told by Pakistan's generals that the Americans are bound to leave and that if he wanted Pakistani help resolving issues with the Taliban, he would first have to close Indian consulates in Kandahar and Jalalabad. Pakistani officials deny threatening Karzai and insist that they want a peaceful and stable Afghanistan once the Americans leave. But other sources have confirmed that such ultimatums were delivered.

Pakistan is convinced that Karzai is allowing India to undermine Pakistan's western border regions through its four consulates in Afghanistan and has demanded that Afghanistan close the consulates. For a sovereign Afghanistan, this is an impossible request, but it is just the opening gambit in a looming test of wills.

Pakistan's maneuvers have prompted India to try reactivating its 1990s alliance with Iran, Russia and Central Asia, which supported the former Northern Alliance in a civil war against the Pakistan-backed Taliban regime.

Pakistan's military has virtually taken control of foreign policy and strategic decision making from the civilian government. Thus Pakistan's foreign policy reflects the military's obsession with India.

The region and NATO countries are eager to hear from Washington on dealing with the Taliban. A U.S. decision is needed before regional tensions further escalate. The Obama administration must signal greater clarity about talking to the Taliban if the United States and NATO are to help the Afghans structure any future dialogue with the Taliban and if Afghans are not to feel abandoned once again to the whims of their neighbors.

Ahmed Rashid, a Pakistani journalist, is most recently the author of "Descent Into Chaos: The U.S. and the Disaster in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia." His book "Taliban" was updated and reissued this month.