CROSSING THE BRIDGE

Ideology is an alien

word to us.

So are ideals.

But,

ideas are part and

parcel of our existence and growth.

These are times we are

busy engaged in 

weighing the pros and cons

of taking appropriate decisions.

You know,

we are fast nearing

another bridge in our march ahead 

a cardinal milestone

which would assist us in crossing that

bridge scenting the fragrance of victory.

Whenever we

are heading to that bridge

which under normal

circumstances approach only once in five years.

Vast political chessboard is

getting ready for the

ultimate political grandmasters,

kings, queens, rooks, knights

bishops and pawns

are about to take their

positions in the battle-ground

in a short while from now.

In the political chess-board

rules, and regulations

but do not have any salient places.

On the vast political chess board

there are no permanent foes and friends

victory is what matters

when the chips are down.

As of now, we are on

the search for greener pastures

like the animals grazing the grass fields

we take pride in

our oft-repeated stand

of sitting on the fence on the look out for

which way the winds blow.

We know in the end we are the most

valued-ones or put it mildly

the king-makers.

Chairs in the corridors of

power are our ideals, better call it objectives

if at all you are particular that

we must have ideals.

Let the D-Day come.

Let the battle-lines be drawn…   

BRICS SUMMIT AT DURBAN CONCLUDES ON A CORDIAL NOTE

The fifth BRICS Summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) of five nations was concluded in Durban, South Africa yesterday on a cordial note. The Summit lasted for two days – from 26 March to 27 March. Dilma Rousuff, Brazilian President, Vladimir Putin, Russian President, ManMohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, Xi-Jinping, Chinese President and Jacob Zuma South African President representing five nations respectively deliberated upon many important issues and the most important among them was the establishment of a BRICS development bank with the intention of catering to the needs of these five nations at a moment IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank (International Bank for Rural Development) situated at Washington – remember, a comity of Western countries – go backwards in their promises and responsibilities of partially neglecting the five emerging developing countries, a comity of non-Western countries. To set up a bank for the development of BRICS countries was very much on the agenda even before this summit but it came up for serious discussions  and deliberations in the just concluded  summit. However it has not yet developed into a concrete form even in this summit. Anyhow, the summit leaders made it into a certainty and it is almost obvious that the BRICS bank would be formed in the near future itself.  Furthermore, a Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) was decided to be set up soon so as to enable the member countries avail themselves of it whenever they or either of them need it badly for the primary purpose of infrastructure development and for which, US $ 100 Billion has been earmarked. The Summit leaders collectively demanded the restructuring of IMF and World Bank in the changed world economic order in order to have more say in the running of these two institutions as they are incidentally under the control of European Union and US. Now that, these emerging developing countries (BRICS) are on a fast growth track, it is worthwhile to recall here the simple truth that 40 percent of world population constitutes the BRICS countries. Moreover with the passage of each day the BRICS countries are in a position to asserting themselves as a result of high growth trajectory, they can very well stand on their feet and engage in bargaining for more powers in the running of financial institutions like IMF and World Bank. These leaders are supposed to meet again in St.Petersburg on the sidelines of G20 Summit scheduled to be held within a few months from now.

Apart from financial matters, the leaders touched upon the nuclear enrichment programme engaged in by Iran and took the opportunity to point out that only thru negotiations could a solution be found rather than slapping punitive measures. Simmering Syria also came up for hot discussions and the leaders deliberated on taking suitable measures to find a way out to bring the bloodshed going on for the last two years without break between govt forces led by Dr.Bashar Al Assad and Free Syrian Army led by rebels in which claimed the lives of approximately one lakh people and millions displaced and as much disappeared. As an emerging force, BRICS could do a lot to bring the two warring factions across the table and arrive at an amicable settlement to the satisfaction of both factions. BRICS nations’ stand that the Arab league and NATO forces plan to militarily intervene in Syria which won’t contribute to permanent peace, rather it would help in aggravating the already burning situation across that country. Since BRICS countries do have an independent stand the Arab League and NATO led by US and European nations will not be able to ignore the suggestions of BRICS countries which have emerged as a force to reckon with.  Whole world is looking for collective of peace-loving nations to play a mediatory role with like-minded mediators to sort out a formula which could bring the turmoil under control and gradually contribute their mite to bring the situation into normality. Otherwise, the Civil war in Syria is feared to go on for years which will result only in the brutal death of millions and heavy destruction of properties.

Another contentious issue threatening the peace is the volatile situation is Afghanistan where Taliban is on a murder and destruction spree since more than one decade. US, in the wake of the bombarding of twin towers of World Trade Centre in 2001 bombarded Afghanistan and ousted the Taliban regime from power with the sole aim of fishing out Osama Bin Laden, the all in all of Al-Quaeda then , ie. ‘dead or alive’ who was suspected to be the mastermind behind the 11/9 WTC bombardment reducing it into a heap of rubble which made a mess of that nation. After ten years of war, Osama Bin Laden was fished out and murdered by a drone attack as a result of somebody tipping the American leaders that he was safely enconsced in the garrison town of Abottabad, Pakistan with his three wives and children.

With the citizens of US, losing their patience protesting against the prolonged war US President Barack Obama announced his decision that US forces were about to withdraw from Afghanistan  by the end of 2014. After the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan, that nation is once again poised to plunge into anarchy with the dreaded Taliban militants in all probability gaining power and dark ages are once again supposed to return, if peace-loving countries  like BRICS especially India were to take determined steps at the earliest.

Another topic which came up for hot discussion was international terrorism from which no country is free. The sooner this menace were to be wiped off  the better, the summit noted if and when the nuclear weapons were to be possessed by this hydra called terrorism the dire consequences are beyond the imagination of mankind. Climate change and Global warming too were there on the agenda and all countries representing BRICS especially China which is the single largest emitter of green house gas, the aftermaths are terrible. BRICS leaders discussed the issue in detail and with all seriousness the ways and means to bring the grim situation under control.

Though the term BRICS was coined by the John O’ Neil of Goldman Sachs who could foresee the emerging developing countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa coming together, the formation as predicted by him was a milestone in the international arena.                  

EVOLUTION OF THOUGHTS

Thoughts

colourful and colourless

are invisible during 

broad daylight and dead darkness.

Thoughts

unlike the material objects

on earth

like plants and flowers

trees, hills and mountains

rivers, streams, seas and oceans

living beings and insects

are dusky in the thick of night.

Thoughts are

always immaterial

hence we could decide

whether they should be

colourful or colourless

during day and night.

Thoughts

their inflows and outflows

develop in our minds,

without following order, shape or pattern .

Thoughts

always enter our heads

in a fluid, volatile,  vague state.

Thoughts

undergo a churning process in our minds

and gradually follow an

orderly manner like an embryo

evolves into baby

all the process goes on

in our minds

which when penned or

penciled, painted , designed, constructed or

sculpted etc

evolve into beautiful creations

in the end.

LOVERS’ PARADISE

Adjacent flat is silent

today

reminding one of the

‘silence of the graveyard’.

It was the flat where

a ‘made for each other couple’

lived till the other day.

After spending months

as lovers they entered

into wed-lock just

two years ago.

Their glorious days

were those days when

the ‘two found’ only

the positive aspects in

each other’s life.

Outsiders were jealous

of them,

but not all outsiders, however.

Both of them were like

iron ores getting

attracted to a magnet.

Detached outsiders like

the saints of yore

they were the ones who

went thru the dark tunnel of life

they smiled at the two inseparables

better call them con-joined twins

getting drunk

with the wine of love, love and

and love only

 both preferred to name it eternal love.

Thus went on their days

and both developed

wings of fancy

flew together along

the sky of intimate love.

On an auspicious day

he tied the nuptial knot

around her neck

both started living

together purchasing a

flat in the suburbs.

For about five to

six months they moved

along like two eternal lovers

rather than as husband and wife.

In the first few

months they even lamented the delay

in getting married

talking to themselves ‘we should

have married earlier

how nice  and charming is our life.

With the time ticking by

days to months

months to year

the positive aspects gradually

gave way to negative aspects

occasional squabblings

to frequent squabblings,

war of words spilling

over the flat to

the neighbouring flats

each night was inaugurated with the

opening of a can of worms

the talks of divorce were overheard

repeatedly

this, the Lover’s Paradise turned into

an Aliens’ Hell’.

One day both decided to part ways

once and for all

and got legally separated.

The adjacent flat

is silent today

like the silence of the graveyard

with the lady living

alone in the flat.

Don’t know the whereabouts

of the man.

The graveyard silence

in the adjacent flat

is heart-aching though…

FEEL THAT PROXIMITY WHILE FARAWAY

Keep your eyes wide open and ears

glued to the walls whenever you

yearn to enjoy the

proximity of your village

while resting, standing

or moving along the  streets drowned

in the wild orchestra staged in the metro 24X7

where you pull on…

Keep your ears glued to

the walls of your room

and listen to the

chirping of the birds early in the morning

the ecstatic feeling you experience while in the village.

Keep your eyes wide open

while speeding down

the fast moving city

and concentrate your eyes

on the beautiful sunrise and sunset and

feel the proximity of

your village where you are

blessed with ample time.

Keep your ears close

to the walls and listen to

the music of silence even

while you are in the

congested city drowned

in its incessant roars

like that of a beast.

While walking down the

crowded metro have you

felt loneliness embracing

you like the one you

undergo while in your

village where the ambience is

always calm and peaceful.

I am sure you must have….

THAT WHICH COMES FROM WITHIN

Love is  all-embracing, all-pervasive

and omnipresent

Love is something which comes

from within.

As long as love is all-embracing, all-pervasive

and omnipresent

without the spring of love in us

neither can we pardon, sympathise,

remain patient, teach, guide

nor help you.

So,

why should we beg love

from anyone?                 

GENERAL (Retd.) PERVEZ MUSHARAF LANDS IN PAKISTAN IN THE GARB OF PROTECTOR

General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan has arrived in his land after a four year self-imposed exile. Though four years have gone, since he is out of power, the man has not changed a bit. Neither physically nor psychologically. Now that he is 69, he has arrived in Pakistan not to spend his rest of the life withdrawing from all the hullaballoo and quagmire which the nation is witnessing now but to plunge into Pakistan politics, in order to give a face-lift to the country, in other words to be part of the power structure by heading, the nation once more, if possible. This time with the general elections scheduled to be held on May 11, he too will be contestant under the symbol of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), the party founded by him about which many of us were not aware of until he arrived in his country. The authoritarian streak which is running in his blood-stream is very much there, now that he is nearing the sunset of his life, this trait in his character is there to stay.

Though a grand reception was organized by his followers (he too have followers there) upon his arrival and a rally organized by them, the rally was reportedly cancelled by the Sindh govt apprehending law and order situation might turn for the worse. In the event of such a situation it would be unpredictable how the consequent developments would be especially when Tehreek-E-Taliban, Pakistan  had already threatened to gun him down upon him landing in Pakistani soil. Even otherwise each of us is aware of the piquant situation prevailing in Pakistan with a number of militant outfits like Tehreek-E-Taliban, Lashkar-E-Taiba, Lashkar-E-Jhanvi, Hizbul Mujahidin and a number of such dreaded outfits threatening the already ruined democratic and social fabric, militant elements are on the prowl through the streets of Pakistan against which the mighty security forces is no match. On a daily basis, these militant outfits choose to hit the soft targets killing hundreds of innocent citizens as they please, with the govt forces witnessing like mute spectators..

Then who is to be squarely blamed for the mushrooming of militants, it is the former President General (Retd) Pervez Musharaf himself and none else.

During his tenure , he never failed to extend all kinds of encouragement ranging from arranging funds and logistical equipments to the militants to facilitate their infiltration from across the border to Jammu & Kashmir of India to play havoc with the peaceful situation there by killing innocents by throwing  grenades, bombs and triggering their guns. Ex-President fondly called them ‘freedom fighters’ who are fighting in Kashmir for the lofty cause of annexing Jammu & Kashmir with Pakistan. Throughout his career both as the military head and as the President, he always harped on the ‘core issue’ of Kashmir and derived pleasure by gifting ‘sleepless nights, to the Kashmiris, J&K government and the Central govt.

Now that after he was forced out of power mainly due to his dictatorial tendencies and was forced to leave the country along with his family first to Dubai and later to London he has returned to the land where he ruled for ten to eleven years after obtaining anticipatory bails on various counts fearing arrest on his arrival.

General(Retd) Pervez Musharaf is an extremely sad man today on witnessing the ‘plight of his nation, a nation neck deep in corruption indulged in by those in power,large-scale poverty, massive unemployment and prowling militants, he feels like his heart breaking down.

He conveniently forgets that the Pakistan he witnesses today is the aftermath of his dictatorial rule for more than a decade. For instance the dreaded militants whose God father he was for years whom he encouraged once to sneak into J&K of India have now turned inwards, an implosion in other words, massive corruption, large-scale, poverty, unemployment – all were very much there during his rule and, power shortage was at its peak, put it simply, out of 24 hours, for18 hours , the country had to go without power. Large-scale and small-scale protest marches were led by the civilians across Pakistan demanding more power supply. Within a span of four years, if h thinks people would forget all that hardships they underwent he is mistaken and shedding crocodile tears is of no use. It won’t fetch votes.

Anyhow as the citizen of Pakistan he does have the right to contest in the ensuing elections and win or lose, at the hustings. As a neighbouring nation it is our discretion to wish him or curse him – Musharaf the Architect of Kargil.……

THE RAGING SEA

Listening to the turbulent sea in him

she lay beside her better-half.

Although

she wished to share his

pain and sorrow

he has never cared to open

his heart to his better-half

at any moment in their life so far.

Never did she dare to

ask him to pour out his feelings

which he keep within him.

Never ever in her life  did  she

notice his eyes go moist.

Never ever in her

life did she notice a smile

blooming in his lips.

Never ever did she

notice pain or gloom enveloping him

like a sky overcast with dark clouds.

When arrows of criticism

and personal attacks are

thrust deep into him with blood

oozing from the wounds.

Never ever did she

notice his face turning

pleasant whenever

recognitions, applauses and greetings

 come his way.

Never ever did she see

changing expressions  

reflecting on his face, whenever words like

a smooth flowing stream spread

on the white sheet in front of him.

For her he

is a Gordian knot

unable to untie the knot

despite

the application of

deep and rapt attention and concentration.

Still she knew deep

inside his heart

he is a turbulent

sea while awake and asleep.   

THE AUTOGRAPH

When the moment of

separation becomes inevitable and

painful with the approach of the ending of our courses

in our schools and colleges

in order to get a deep

relief and joy from the inevitability

kind of escape from the gnawing pain and bitter memories

we seek an outlet to perpetuate

our intimacies with

friends and love-birds

with tears in our eyes,

we depend on autographs

scribbling something sweet and memorable

a few words of

vibrant love and affection

the promise of meeting

at any of the junctions in life

accidentally, quite accidentally

in the future,  by our classmates

and close-friends

wishing all good wishes

throughout life.

Passing autographs from one to another

for keeping their priceless words of love

and wishes

to keep them  like an invaluable treasure in our

personal collections

to go thru them when

even memories of our schools and college life

engulf us, conquer us

the delight, elation and

painfully sweet memories

with which we are showered with blessings

galore are inexplicable.

But

whenever I watch

a cricket match, football match or

for that matter

any match, or a get together

of tinsel stars under starry nights,

the ones who go gaga

after cricket players, football players

or film stars in scintillating dresses 

get their autographs signed

the cavalier manner each

celebrity signs each autograph 

without even  gifting

a glance at the ones 

who stretch out his/her autograph

literally, everything looks too mechanical

I feel pain and

angry not only toward

the one begging a signature

in his/her autograph but also towards the celebrities.

Like love and affection

at least a warm

smile or having one or two words of

love with one who

begs to get his/her

autograph signed

is something despicable

I feel.                  

ANAND SHARMA – THE INDUSTRIES MINISTER, MORE LOYAL THAN THE KING

Our Minister of Trade and Industries, Anand Sharma, from the very outset, he took over the industries portfolio always liked to play to the tunes of Prime Minister, Dr.ManMohan Singh. Mr.Sharma is like a court jester who is more loyal than the king and he finds delight in it. The gentleman though soft-spoken and mild-mannered since he assumed his new avatar, perhaps even before that, is one of the foremost champions of neo-liberal reforms which since 2009 has exposed itself its dark sides in the form of scams and scandals which drained the exchequer of crores and crores of rupees. The opacity with which the deals were implemented amounting to billions and billions of dollars is known across the nation as a whole. While initiating neo-liberal reforms the most significant steps which need be taken into account are the feasibility and transparency of the deals signed with foreign countries so as not in any way cause loss to the exchequer.

When it comes to the defence deals with other nations like Italy, France, Germany, United Kingdom and USA, the most cardinal steps need to be observed are the exclusion of middle agents who are pastmasters in the art of pocketing a sizeable chunk of money,thus depriving the nation of large funds.

Even after so many instances of middle men siphoning off large amounts to the tune of millions and millions of dollars as commission the govt has so far not taken vital steps to stop this dirty practice.

Recently the story of massive fraud came into light by which a former Air Marshal and his three relatives including a few other persons reportedly got away with millions of money in a deal with an Italian based defence firm. Fin Meccanica’s Augusta Westland helicopters numbering about twelve and it is reported that only three Augusta Westland helicopters have been delivered to India and the rest nine numbers are to be delivered in due course.

Our defence Ministry is handled by the ‘principled uncorrupt gentleman’ in the Indian National Congress. Yes, he is none other than A.K.Antony, under whom the murky deal with the Italian firm was signed without keeping him aware of it, allegedly by the bureaucrats in his Ministry. On coming to know about it he was reportedly shocked and without second thoughts he ordered the cancellation of the contract with Fin Meccanica.

It is relevant at a moment like this, not signing deals with other countries barring exceptional cases is to take vital steps to manufacture indigenously developed weapons. Our nation is blessed with skilled-manpower and the wherewithal to develop weapons indigenously which would benefit us a lot in the long run.

But Anand Sharma, the esteemed ‘Industries Minister is not yet convinced. He is still immersed in the make believe world of neo-liberal reforms which he sees as the panacea for leading our defence sector to self-sufficiency.

Day before yesterday, in a letter addressed to his Master Dr. ManMohan Singh he was reported to have recommended to raise 26 percent to 74 percent FDI (Foreign Direct Investmet) in the Defence sector. What would be the result in the event of raising 26 percent to 74  percent  FDI in the Defence Sector is inexplicable. Even without adhering to much needed transparency in FDIs especially in a sensitive sector like Defence Sector is to put it simply is a Himalayan blunder, it is worth remembering that India unlike US and Britain is still a developing country. While we do have tremendous potential to develop and manufacture indigenous weapons, why invite massive investments from other nations?

FROM A FARAWAY CITY TO A FARAWAY VILLAGE

He came late into the night

she was in deep slumber 

her child was sleeping beside her.

Her one hand

like a protective covering

was around the child.

Repeated knocks on the door

lifted her up from the

deep sea of sleep.

“It’s he” – with a beaming

smile she woke up from

the bed,

switched on the light

and moved towards the door.

Since she knew he wouldn’t

ring the calling bell

with no fear or apprehension

wearing the ornament of the same smile

she opened the door anxiously

and curiosity shining in her eyes

and she was not mistaken.

She knew he was always

unpredictable

like an unexpected rain

or a cool wind while the

hot summer is at its peak.

Even though

she was a little peeved

deep down in her heart

she couldn’t help nursing that feeling.

“Naughty Boy” – she

she smiled to herself.

On glancing at her

he never forgot to

gift his usual smile to her

which he had kept

with him like a pretty flower

exclusively for her only.

She knew that the pretty bloom of love was always

for her.

His face was like a fading leaf

tired and tense.

He walked towards their little child

sleeping with a flash of innocent smile on her lips

he wished to bend over her

and plant a warm smile on her face.

She went to the kitchen

and switched on the micro-wave oven.

True, because of his unpredictability

anticipating his arrival at any time

she had always prepared

tasty dishes for him.

After changing clothes

he went to the bathroom

and had a lavish shower bath.

In the meanwhile

she had prepared supper for him.

While sitting by his side

watching mischievously at him like a mother

watching her son eating food

she inquired :

“You are always unpredictable

you could have informed me in advance  

always you want to give me a

pleasant surprise” – it was

sort of an admonishment.

He returned only a pale smile to her.

“A hectic day in office

A sudden impulse

to meet you and child

A long journey”-  

….but he never

opened his heart to her.

Instead,

“I wish I could” –

he answered tiredly.

He was that same fading leaf

“Then why”? – with a

smile she frowned.

“A faraway city knows not the faraway village

and the faraway village knows

not the faraway city” – he spoke in a pale voice.

but with that smile.

She couldn’t make out

what he meant.

He didn’t try to

explain it to her also……

LIVING ON THE EDGE

Death, like the sword of

Democles is always

hanging over heads 

uncertainty is the

hallmark of our generation

perhaps, even the next generation.

Though we are the children of  

a war-torn country 

with frequent massive explosions

erupting here and there

we always see death face to face in its 

fierceness and ferocity every now and then.

Please don’t nurse the

mistaken notion that we

don’t keep beautiful

and colourful dreams, tall ambitions

hopes of a  peaceful tomorrow

otherwise a new dawn

permanent roofs over our heads

schools and colleges

an ambience of democracy

like a sky filled with

stars twinkling in harmony

an atmosphere free from fear

of death and mayhem

free from fear

and uncertainty

to open our hearts and minds

like you people who

have tasted the sweet fruits of peace

and prosperity

please do remember in your prayers for

an early end to our sufferings

a life of calm, serene

and tranquil existence

so as to enable

us lead a fearless life

accidentally or by  a Grand Design

in the course of time

we happened to born

at this corner of the world

where peace and prosperity

don’t have a breathing space.

Still we keep cute and

colourful dreams,

flames of ambitions and hopes in our eyes

the heralding of a promising morn.

We can only love our nation

we won’t be able to

shower curses on it

for the predicament

we have found ourselves in….

our country is our mother….   

BARACK OBAMA’S GOOD WILL TOUR TO ISRAEL

Soon after him being elected as President for the second time, Barrack Obama is on a good-will tour in Israel, US’s closest friend since the nation of Israel was formed in 1948. Obama’s two day visit, however need not be given undue importance as it is no more than good-will tour. In other words, nothing worth noticing is going to be held concerning Israel-Palestine conflict dating back to decades. This is Obama’s first visit to Israel after being elected as US President.

On Friday, after his two day visit to Israel, US President is scheduled to visit Ramallah where he will have a cordial meeting with Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas and soon after he will fly back to US.

Just one or two weeks before Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister cobbled together a govt after week-long hectic parleys with various political parties. In the election which was held recently, contrary to expectations Likud Party of which Mr.Netanyahu is the leader fared badly but that didn’t force him to beating a retreat from trying a hand to form an alliance with the help of a few other parties and in his efforts he could succeed in forming a govt. Most important parties which are included in the coalition are former Foreign Minister Avidgor Lieberman’s  Yisrael Beiteinu, Yesh Atid of Yeir Lapid, The Jewish Home of Naftali Bennet and Labour Party of Shelly Yachomovich.

The first dignitary after Mr.Netanyahu was sworn in as Prime Minister is Barack Obama and therefore the latter’s visit assumes significance though nothing concrete is expected from the talks between the two dignitaries. Anyhow US President’s visit to Israel at a critical moment like this helped boosting the confidence of Israeli leaders. Most of the Arab countries in the Middle East are baying for the blood of Israel in the backdrop of Iran reportedly developing a nuclear weapon primarily to target Israel, whom Iran and its allies consider a perennial threat to their existence. Besides being accorded a red carpet welcome, besides holding friendly talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr.Obama was given a warm welcome by Shimon Perez, President of Israel and with whom also Obama held cordial talks. Israeli leaders took the opportunity to extol the virtues of US’s all out support to Israel in its moments of crisis and expressed gratitude towards Obama and the US govt in general .In the recently held election in US for the post of President though it is a well-known truth that Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition govt preferred Mitt Romney, the Republican Party candidate to Barack Obama, the Democratic Party candidate to be the President of US since Republicans are ahead of Democratic infighting for the cause of Israel and it is always the Republican Party leaders who are in the vanguard for prevailing upon the Democratic Party govt to stand with Israel thru thick and thin. It is relevant to recall here that Barack Obama didn’t hide his disappointment when Israeli forces launched a bloody attack on Hamaz-controlled Gaza strip on one occasion. He stressed the importance of holding negotiations between the leaders of two nations across the table and chalk out a formula to cease hostilities between the traditional allies while was serving his first term as President of US.

Anyhow this could be a harbinger towards more and more visits and more and more talks in the coming days between the God father US and it’s all-weather little friend Israel.                                    

WHY WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS TURN AWAY FROM IROM CHANU SHARMILA?

This is more than about Irom Chanu  Sharmila whose fast unto death demanding the repeal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) has entered the twelfth year, from the North North-East State of Manipur, which is in force across the North-Eastern States and Jammu & Kashmir.

Giving the armed forces a blank cheque to commit whatever they deem fit in the name maintaining law and order, they often launch terrorizing steps like arresting and incarcerating innocent citizens, blood-chilling assaults on both men and women  irrespective of children, young men and women even elders not exempted,  perpetrate large-scale rapes and sexual abuses, gun down innocents, suppress even peaceful protest marches by the civilians forcing them to be confined to their dwellings, to put it bluntly establishing a reign of terror.

In the year 2000 when ten such innocent persons were brutally gunned down, the whole Manipur erupted in protests and Irom Chanu Sharmila then in her twenties went on a fast unto death demanding the repeal of the draconian AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) which gave the armed forces the license to maintain rule of law by adopting even worst types of inhuman acts over the citizens.

Now that eleven years have gone and this is the twelfth year since Irom Sharmila went on a fast unto death. Yet the Central govt has not even come forward to settle the issue amicably by holding talks with the leaders who have come to the front and extend moral support to Ms. Sharmila. She is still on forced nasal feeding fearing the dire consequences in the event of her death while on fast.

The whole story is known not only across India but the entire world especially among human rights activists.

Jeevan Reddy Commission which was appointed to probe the feasibility of continuing with this draconian measure which came into force in 1958, had already presented the report to the Central govt which recommended the repeal of this draconian Act at the earliest.  As I had already pointed out in one of my blogs, the Commission’s report has found its place in a shelf which has already gathered dust and is at the mercy of termites. Justice J.S.Verma Commission which was constituted recently in the wake of large-scale protests across the nation over the issue of the deadly sexual assault on a 23-year old physiotherapist student of All India Institute of Medical Sciences perpetrated by six thugs on a moving bus in Delhi, to suggest measures to rein in increasing number of rapes and murders of women across the nation, presented the report in record time which recommended punitary measures against those who commit rapes and stressed the need for bringing the armed forces in the ambit of the law who commit such atrocities be brought under the Civil Court instead holding them on trial in Military Courts. The Commission report was showered with applauses by the entire citizens declaring that Verma has done a laudable job, that too within a short span. But the govt thought otherwise instead of implementing the measures in it true letter and spirit and decided to declare an ordinance against the menace of rapes dropping the Commission’s recommendation of bringing the armed forces in the ambit of law. The bill for protection of women against sexual abuses was enacted in Parliament and got it passed yesterday by dropping certain cardinal recommendations of JS Verma Commission.

If there is one Irom Sharmila in the North-East to take up cudgels against AFSPA, in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Miniister Dr.Omar Abdullah has come forward demanding repeal of this cruel Act, at least from certain provinces of his State. Even Dr.Abdullah’s request was turned down by the Central govt of which his party National Conference is a partner. He even broke down in the Assembly while discussing the murder of an innocent youth in a province by the Armed forces.

That which concerns and alarms me is that the Human Rights Activists like Arundhati Roy, Brinda Karat, Subhashini Ali, Annie Raja, Aruna Roy, Teesta Setalvad – all women activists have not so far cared to not even paying a visit to the lady on fast-unto-death since the last 12 years in Manipur. These gentle ladies, who keep not only sympathiy but also empathy to the causes of burning problems affecting the country by keeping aloof from Irom Chanu Sharmila are committing a great disservices not only towards Sharmila but towards the whole nation. Irom Chanu Sharmila too is a woman like them who is fighting for a great cause.

One important and relevant thing which I forgot to point out here is that AFSPA has not in anyway contributed to maintain law and order in the North-East and J&K, rather the slapping of this act on these parts of India has only helped in aggravating the situation. As an American writer who too was incidentally a woman writer ‘defiance not obedience is an answer of an average American to prohibition’. Her well-known quote is applicable to India as well, though in a different context.

SEA OF MEMORIES

Metro is a melting pot

under the searing mid noon-sun.

Spending at least thirty minutes

leaning over

the balcony of the

flat on the tenth floor of this

multi-storeyed building

with eyes hovering over

the vast sea of

sky-rocketing concrete structures,

a few of them factories

with dark clouds of smoke

billowing out of

the dusky chimneys

the madding crowd

and roaring vehicles

are something nauseating to me.

With a tense and cloudy mind

I go inside the flat

and slump into my bed.

In my moments of solitude

my mind dives deep into the

sea of memories

where I find my

native village wrapped around

with transparent and verdant clothes

the swift flowing river

down my ancestral home

I see myself swimming

along the river with

my childhood friends in a spirit of sportsmanship.

That old mango tree

in the premises of home

in its flowering season

gradually evolve into

little and then

a bit more large-sized

green mangoes,

green mangoes gradually

ripening and

developing into mouth-watering sweet fruits

for which I and my

childhood friends

waiting anxiously for  winds to flow

from elsewhere

which occasionally blow

and shake the  branches

resulting in the mango-fruits falling

in ones, twos and severally

followed by our competition

running after the mango fruits

to collect them

and our little, little squabbles.

Green, paddy fields

houses with tiled roofs partially-visible  behind

coconut trees, areca nut trees, plantain and vegetable gardens.

The temple in the neighbourhood

and two old giant-sized peepal trees

infront of and on both sides of

the temple,

the get-together

of youths sitting

on the round platforms built

around the peepal trees

in the twilight sun

spreading its vast

transparent golden cloth across the land

cracking wits

the evening pilgrims

who visit the temple

to offer oblations before the God

standing before

the deity with folded palms.

A long-winding path

in front of the temple

on both sides of which

flowers of various colours

stick out

inviting everyone’s attraction

and the path opening to

a tarred road running

south to the north like a dark serpent

and houses, tea shops

provisional stores

and cigarettes and pan vendors

on both sides of the

road and…and……and……………….

Lo and behold

now in the midst of concrete structures

listening to the ear-splitting

nauseating noises of a

metro…..since

the last several years.

Now that my village

also has turned into a city

and all the greenery gone

the only alternative left to me

is diving deep into the sea of

my memories… once in a while.       

      

ODOUR OF THE PAST AND SMELL OF THE PRESENT

Keep the doors and windows

always closed.

Let the thick, frozen

darkness fill the rooms

and allow the smell of

the past prevail in

the atmosphere.

Let not the memories of the

gone days escape from them.

Keep the floors of the

rooms unswept

let the cobwebs and spider-webs of the 

past ‘decorate’ the

nooks and crannies of

the rooms.

Let the excreta of

the cats, mice, lizards and

other insects spread on the floors.

Allow the ancient wooden

furniture remain as such.

All remains

of the past be there

for the posterity.

Thus spake the elder generation who are

no longer with us…

………

……………………………..Keep the doors and

windows of all rooms

be kept opened.

Let fresh air flow

in and banish the remains of the past

from the rooms

keep the rooms

free from the nauseating odour of the past

sweep away the dust, excreta of

the mice, lizards and other insects

from the rooms,

remove the cobwebs  and spider- webs.

from the nooks and corners

of the rooms and

keep the walls fresh and clean.

Let not the memories,

sighs and sobs of  at any cost

the gone generations 

stick to the  rooms which have

built their unseen  nests at any cost.

Allow the present be

prevailed, in all rooms

and make merry. 

Thus speak the  

current generation in unison.

By keeping the

doors and windows 

open 

by allowing the fresh

air flowing  to the rooms

thru the doors and windows

keeping them afresh and clean

let the time cycle pedal along without halt.

Because time never likes

to have stops anywhere.

Thus speak the gen-next in unison.

   

THE TABLE

When the nagging feeling

of being faceless in

the crowded city

began haunting him

like a blood-hound

the frustrated and

depressed young man

weighed the pros and cons of

approaching a psychiatrist

to lay bare his

mind before the gentleman

practicing somewhere in the suburb

in search of a remedy

a bit of counseling

by the Doctor

with the hope of

being blessed with

a miracle cure.

He started walking

down the crowded streets

with the intention of

consulting the reputed psychiatrist

the clinic too was

crowded with faceless patients

awaiting his/her

number to be called inside

by the Florence Nightingale clad in full white.

The young man too

got a token number

from the registration counter on paying the stipulated fees.

Since the number of

patients ahead of 

him were umpteen

the poor youth had

to wait for

his turn for about

two to three hours.

He was getting bored 

to death and was

getting impatient

as the time

was fast running out.

But he was left

with no choice

but to wait for his number

to be called by the Florence Nightingale.

She called his number at last

looking serious and tense simultaneously

contrary to his expectation

of a beaming smile by the Nightingale

he went inside.

The Doctor too was serious

and looking arrogant

was clad in

white-pants, black shirt and

a white overcoat.

He asked the youth

to be seated in the

chair in front of him.

With his heart pounding

and his eyes gone wide

his angst reflecting

his state of mind  

and lamented:

“Dr. Iam seriously worried

about feeling

faceless in this city

kind of loss of identity.

I need your invaluable help.

Dear Dr.”

The Doctor’s face

still stony and arrogant

one of his hands violently rotating

the paper-weight

over the sun mica spread on the table

infront of him and inquired:

“Anything more? – his face bore the brunt of boredom

“Nothing…Nothing more

please give me your  kind advice”

the youth glanced at him anxiously and hopefully  

with his throat going dry.

Stammering he was

he found it impossible to

express his feelings

“You are suffering

from ‘identity crisis’ man

a common mental problem facing lakhs of

citizens in this city.

I shall prescribe

some tranquilisers and

anti-depressants. Never stop it”

After paying a hefty consultation fee

with the prescription

the youth went outside in despair.

He overheard the

Nightingale calling the next number.

The youth while climbing down the stairs

tore the prescription to pieces

and threw it away

returned to his

room in anger  and frustration.

“In the city all are just numbers

no escape-route .

“This cosmopolitan

city is a giant table

full of numbers” –

He consoled himself.  

CHINA – THE NEW LEADERSHIP TAKES OVER THE REINS OF POWER

Upon completion of the scheduled period of one decade in power Hu Jintao, Chinese President and Secretary of Communist Party of China, Wen Jia Bao Prime Minister stepped down from power paving the way for Xi Jing Ping for post of President General Secretary of Communist Party of China and Li-Quenkamg as Prime Minister, both top leaders of Communist Party of China took over the reins of power on 14^th and 15^th of March respectively. Xi-Jing-Ping had already taken over the post of Supreme Commander of Peoples’ Liberation Army after getting confirmed as the heir apparent to Hu-Jintao. Like Hu-Jintao and Wen-Jia-Bao, both Mr.Xi-Jing-Ping and Li-Quenkamg are pro-reform advocates and hence much could be expected from these two leaders in the coming days, in the capacity of President and Prime Minister. Though Hu Jintao and Wen Jia Bao could do a lot for China, though they could feel elated before abdicating power, it is worth noting that both must be nursing a bit of dissatisfaction due to the fall in GDP which is currently 7.8% of the lowest since the last thirteen years, rampant corruption plaguing the country and mounting pollution which has aggravated with the overall progress in the industrial sector. In the eyes of the world, both, Hu and Wen occupy a defining position as they could during their one decade tenure catapult the economy of China to the second place in the world after US which currently occupies the number one position. With the volatile economy of US showing a slump in its economic growth, it is just a matter of time, China overcomes US by climbing to the top of the world relegating US to the second or third place within approximately five years.

From the two pro-reformers at the helm of affairs, it is quite plausible that China would be able to make a leap in the field of economy. Prime Minister Li-Quankemg ‘s words underscore his attitude towards reforms. ‘Reform is like rowing upstream’.

Keeping such a mindset towards reforms means both leaders are poised to initiate an array of reforms in the coming decade. Even before assumption of power both had envisaged a more prosperous China, and in the efficient hands of them China’s future is likely to turn more and more brighter. While initiating steps for the progress of economy with the sincere co-operation of the entire Chinese, simultaneously these leaders should have to concentrate on improving relations with foreign countries. It is a fact that former President Hu-Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jia Bao during their tenure took all steps to get friendly with nations the world over by undertaking several visits to not only developed nations like Russia, US, European nations and they could establish cordial relations with nations across  Asian and African Continents and have made large-scale investments in various fields like business, industry, mineral resources and mines contributed a lot to the developments of Asian and African nations like India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Thailand, South Korea et al.

What all we are expecting much from the current leadership of China spreading the investment network more, efficiently, vigorously across more and countries so as to reach the benefits to more and more people. Also the enemical attitude it still continues to nurse towards certain nations like Japan, could be improved through mutual visits and dialogues thereby opening a new chapter in the betterment of relations.

Since the assumption of power by Deng-Xiao-Ping in the 1980s, the architect of modern China by opening up the nation to the entire World, China has virtually made a quantum-jump within three decades. The leap forward continues in full swing. 

One issue which I omitted to note is the internal problems like the ethnic wars between muslims and Hans community in the province of Uighur in Zinkiang district and the rising demands of Chinese citizens especially the intelligentia and youth, majority of them are students to bring in reforms so as to pave the way for a more democratic China where freedom of expression and speech are not curtailed. While elevating China to the top of the world by the Chinese leadership ,we should never forget the blood spilt at Tian-An-Men-Square in 1989, which was a determined revolt by lakhs of youth demanding more freedom to express fearlessly their opinions and also the freedom to give vent to their ire against the mounting corruption, sky-rocketing pollution and the leadership’s attitude towards those who dare to question certain anti-people measures like imprisoning the youth and intelligentia without giving them chances for fair trials. We should find time to recall the thousands who braved guns, grenades, water canons, mortars and tanks and who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom of speech and expression. If the current leadership hesitates to concede the demands of millions for a democratic  transition in China, the rulers will have to face the wrath of a more determined lot which the  former would find difficult to suppress…China’s pro-reforms leadership would take this prominent fact into consideration while proceeding along with their reforms.          

       

SUM TOTAL OF HUMAN EXISTENCE

Witnesses we are

to many a thing in life.

It could be anything

might be tragedies

ranging from deaths

suicides, accidents,

which would rock our hearts and soul

diseases, poverty

which could bring

tears to our eyes.

It could be anything

might be something

which could make

us burst out laughing

forgetting everything

which drive us to

laugh and repeatedly laugh

till we bite the dust.

It could be anything

might be something

which could bring

cheers to our lips

like festivals, celebrations

auspicious ceremonies

like engagements, marriages

sweet melodies, rhythmic and scintillating

dances, poems in celluloid

scenes of lovers walking

along the beach hand  in hand

enjoying the infinite beauty of the sea,

scenes of them exchanging warm kisses

or sharing ice-creams in

illuminated, fascinating , decorated restaurants

the secrets each

whispers in one another’s ears

heart-warming sunrise

sunsets, which make us

joyous tinged

with sorrow, memories we

keep to ourselves which

could lift us to the sky with elation.

It could be anything

might be something which

would force us to the

verge of pain like agony of separation

like farewells,

frequently squabbling couples,

divorces, unrequited love, cheating, despair, elegies  

which could make our ache with sorrow

anything it could be. 

All the sum total of

our existence

from which an

escape is virtually impossible.

Human existence is a vast volume

the contents of which are

tragedies, comedies,

tragi-comedies,

celebrations and separations

be it for a short term

a long term or forever.   

SHADOW PLAY

In my childhood days

it was my hobby

watching my shadows.

I was fond of my obedient  shadows.

When I stood like a statue

my shadow too stood rooted like the statue.

The moment  I started walked

my shadow too obeyed me.

The moment I started

 jumping up in the air  

my shadow too jumped up like me.

While I used to dance,

my shadow too danced with me.

Those were days

I was all mischiefs to my parents, grand parents ,

 uncles and aunties and my friends.

From Childhood to middle-age

There is a long bridge to cross

and from middle-age to old age

there is an extension of that bridge.

Michiefs of childhood and teenage gave way

to seriousness and maturity .

Those were the days

when I forgot my shadows

or lost interest in

looking at my shadows  

with life  getting more and more hectic and busy

where the hell do I get

a chance to watch my shadows?

But

one day when I was blessed with  

bit of a treasure of leisure time

to my shock and dismay

accidentally I watched my  shadows.

My childhood days

revisited me

for some minutes.

While I was standing rooted to the ground,

I saw my shadow

walking away to somewhere

with mounting embarrassment.

 I played a joke by

sitting in the chair

and noticed my shadow

instead of sitting up

started jumping up in the air.

While I made

gyrated movements

I saw my shadow sitting comfortably in the chair.

The unexpected, unpredictable

movements of shadows

my disobedient shadows

made me feel frightened.

Since then, uptill now

I never, ever tried

shadow watching.

These are days

even your shadows deceive you

I think so..                          

NEPAL GETS AN INTERIM PRIME MINISTER

Nepal , since a long period was in a state of flux with political parties like United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), United Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist), Nepali Congress (NC), United  Madhesi Front of Nepal in their greed for power were on a collision course as to who should head the govt. After decades of monarchy which was not to the liking of the majority of citizens who desperately wanted a democratic Nepal, they under the leadership of mainly the banned United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and a few other political parties revolted against the ruthless rule of King Gyanendra, consequently thousands laid down their lives as a result of brutal suppression unleashed by the forces loyal to the monarchy. But Nepalese citizens’ unquenchable thirst for democracy was fulfilled as a result of their determined struggle against the monarchy since decades.

With the ouster of the ruthless monarch King Gyanendra, who unlike the then King of Bhutan, Jigme Sigme Wangchuk, who was a benevolent dictator who always cared for the welfare of the Bhutanese people was, a virtually malevolent person. The ruthless monarchs of Nepal in a way became the catalysts for the revolt. In otherwords they themselves sowed the seeds of their own destruction . Bhutan later turned out to be a democracy thanks to the initiative taken by the King himself which is quite rare in a world where the greed for power drives the dictators blind to the demands for establishing democracy.

With the ultimate ouster of the monarch, he was forced to vacate the throne after stubbornly sticking to it by exerting brute force on the citizens. Then came the general elections under independent observers.

United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) which played a dominant role in the ouster of the infamous monarch, emerged the largest party at the hustings. Nepali Congress the Grand Old Party (GOP) of Nepal led by late Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, had to concede defeat which was still nursing a soft corner for the monarchy. Pushpa Kumar Dahal Prachanda, the Chairman of the United CPN (Maoist) was elected Prime Minister of Nepal under whom a democratic govt was formed on 22 November 2005. The emergence of a democratic govt was widely acclaimed and celebrated across Nepal. The citizens of Nepal were visibly jubilant but certain other parties actually couldn’t digest a Communist Party forming a govt.

As a result of hatred and disillusionment, parties who disliked the United CPN (Maoist) prominent among them was naturally Nepali Congress followed by others with the ulterior motive of ousting the Maoist regime chalked out plans behind the scenes.

Prachanda was not allowed to run the affairs of the nation as Prime Minister since the squabbling parties pulling in different directions raked up different issues which he and his party couldn’t agree. With the then military head General Rookmangud Katawal being denied another term by the govt the President Mr.Ram Baran Yadav re-appointed the General Katawal and asked him to continue in the post.

In protest, Prachanda resigned from the post of Prime Minister and thus the Maoist rule came to an end for the time-being.

Then there was a tug of war among various parties to capture the power in Nepal.

Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala formed a govt once again that too was short-lived.

The failure to form a Constituent Assembly due to the differences persisting among the parties Nepal was virtually in the grip of anarchy.

True, Dr.Babu Ram Bhattarai of United  Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) was chosen as successor to Prachanda to lead the country amidst persisting quarrels among political parties on the question of the formation of Constituent Assembly (CA) Dr.Bhattarai was caught between the rock and devil and governance of Nepal was a tedious task.

In the meanwhile Supreme Court issued ultimatum after ultimatum setting deadlines for drafting a constitution acceptable to all and the formation of Constituent Assembly.

The issue remained unresolved for a long time and after marathon talks by different party leaders they willy-nilly agreed to appoint the Chief Justice of Nepal, Khilraj Regme appointed as the interim Prime Minister, the other day ending months of uncertainty. Under Justice Regme, Nepal is poised to gear up for a General Election in June.  A few political parties and the bar association of Nepal Supreme Court have turned against the appointment of Justice Regme. By the time a new govt is formed the constitution of Constituent Assembly should have to materialize.

With that agreement arrived at the by the political parties, Nepal awaits a new dawn.

SELFLESS SERVICE

Unto you I come

everyday

wake you up silently

caress you gently

lock you up in my embrace

guide you in proper directions

by lighting the torches of my infinite eyes

show you the entire verdant surroundings

rivers, streams, ponds

and lakes

trees, plants and

pretty, colourful blooms

temple, churches and mosques

nurseries, schools and colleges

huts, houses and multi-storeyed buildings and flats

vehicles, trains, buses

bikes and cycles

individuals and crowds in different walks of life.

I don’t have red roses to offer you

as an expression of my love

I don’t have invaluable gifts

to present you

I don’t have colourful, illuminating,

scintillating costumes  

to make you dance with joy

I don’t know songs and 

dances to enchant you

I am neither a singer

nor a dancer to enthrall you

still I don’t expect

anything from you in return for offering

little, little favours to you,

still

I know your attitude towards me

deep down in my burning heart

respect sometimes

love at other times

hatred occasionally

love and hate, the same time or

a love-hate relationship, to be precise

anger, despair and  emotions galore  

your attitudes keep on changing

unlike mine.

I don’t care your

changing attitudes

towards me

since I never

expect any feeling of

gratitude towards me from you

as the scriptures preach-

‘Don’t

wait for the fruits of your action’

awaiting fruits

of one’s action brings

disappointment, disillusionment, anger

and hatred and despair

sometimes love and gratitude

hence I do

keep detachment

for my actions towards all.   

SYRIA – TWO YEAR OLD CIVIL WAR EVADES ALL SOLUTIONS

Report to the effect that US and a few European nations are seriously thinking of intervening in Civil war ravaged Syria with the intention of forcing Syrian President Bashar-Al-Assad to abdicate power. The US and its allies care not what would happen in Syria in the eventuality of Dr.Assad stepping down from power giving a morale boost to the rebels who are determined to force him out of power.  Even after 2 years have almost elapsed and over 80000 killed as a result of the raging battle between the govt of Dr.Asad and the rebels, there are no signs of the civil war subsiding on the contrary inspite of marathon talks and efforts of mediators who sincerely hope to witnessing the cessation of the blood-spilling battle between the govt forces and the revolters and heralding a new dawn of peace on the horizon. 

Uptill now, unfortunately the mediators are at a loss to see light at the end of the tunnel. The incumbent govt of Dr.Asad has the all-out support of Russia , China and Iran, the two developed nations have already extended  help to, not only moral and but also financial and logistical suppot. Iran is already keeping good relations with Syria to the chagrin of Arab League which is working against Syrian govt led by Dr.Assad since a long period. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni country and Iran, the Shia majority nation are bitterly opposed to each other and consequently while Iran extends whole-hearted support to Syria , Saudi Arabia, another oil-rich country provides arms an ammunitions and financial assistance to the rebels fighting against Dr.Assad.

US’s intention of introducing a resolution in UN against Syria calling for imposing sanctions on Syria was foiled by Russia and China applying Veto.

It is relevant to note here that wherever US intervened, for example Afghanistan, Iraq and a few such nations they have been compelled to retreat from the scene by imposing puppet govt s in Iraq and Afghanistan  unable to bring a lasting solution to the problems festering such nations. US has made its intention clear to the world, its decision to withdraw from Afghanistan by 2014 making a way for Taliban to seize power from Mohammad Karzai who is literally struggling to set his house in order which without the support of US is an impossible task. Of late, Karzai’s relations with US has turned sour, true, but that won’t help him to cling to power with the exit of US and its allies withdrawing from the scene. Taliban has already emerged a formidable force in Afghanistan and its cadres are missing no opportunities to wreak havoc across the country by suicide bombings and gun-battles killing hundreds of innocent civilians day by day. The leaders of Taliban are still living in middle-ages, they have not changed with times, still adhere the obscurantist Sharia laws and believed in practicing it literally. Besides Taliban, from Pakistan a ruthless militant outfit Tehreek-E-Taliban, Pakistan, another dreaded militant outfit’s -elements are sneaking into Afghanistan from across the borders to prepare for perpetrating massive havocs there.  Pakistan rulers are nurturing the ambitions  of playing a dominant role in Afghanistan immediately after US withdrew from there and in order to make the task easy they  shower blessings in abundance on the dreaded organisation both covertly and overtly though Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is virtually playing the role of turning Pakistan a cauldron. In Pakistan, TTP elements are roaming freely along the streets and through suicide-bombings, grenade attacks and frequent bombings makes the life miserable there. Pakistan is thinking in terms of forcing Indians in Afghanistan who are there for indulging in development works. Further India has invested US$ 2bn in Afghanistan and is keeping a warm and cordial relation with the incumbent Afghan govt.

We were discussing the Syrian imbroglio. I have already mentioned that the mediators have not yet been able to arrive at a formula acceptable to both sides. With the hope of settling the issues haunting  Syria  and bring peace across the entire nation, former Secretary General Kofi Annan, was appointed as the UN-Arab League envoy who sweat it out but all his untiring efforts were of no use. With disillusionment and disappointment writ largely on his face he conceded defeat and thus his marathon mission sadly came to a sad end.

After the withdrawal of Kofi Annan from the scene Lakdhar Brahimi, and influential mediator widely known across the world as a pastmaster in the art of settling international disputes took charge. Afer studying or delving into the root of the problem, Lakdhar Brahimi plunged into the scene, held wide range of talks with Dr.Assad and the leaders of the Syrian National Council to which the rebels belong, he indulged in hectic efforts, still indulging in marathon talks with rulers of various nations who are for or against Dr.Assad govt but, unfortunately, so far his round the clock efforts are eluding solution.

In the meanwhile the blood-shed continues unabated with casualties mounting on both sides but the innocent civilians are the worst sufferers, a large number of civilians have already fled the scene leaving their belongings and are pulling on at comparatively peaceful areas even outside Syria, but under miserable conditions. 

In the ongoing battle between the govt forces and the rebels, Al-Quaida elements in large numbers have infiltrated into Syria and they have found this a great opportunity to seize power in due course. If US and at its allies are determined to interfere in Syria, the ultimate beneficiaries will be the Al-Quaida. In Iraq while US was bombarding the entire Iraq and killing millions and millions, the Al-Quaida elements stealthily crossed to Iraq and now this dreaded organization along with Sunnis of Iraq are making life virtually impossible for peace-loving citizens. In Iraq too bomb explosions targetting various land marks have become the order of the day with hundreds getting killed frequently.

The puppet govt of Nouri-Al-Maliki which is a Shia dominated one has not been able to bring stability in Iraq so far. And it seems like, a permanent solution is a distant possibility.

Likewise in Afghanistan and Iraq in the event of US intervening and fighting along with the rebels and as a result Dr.Bashar-Al-Assad is ousted, a bitter power struggle between the would be govt and Al-Quaida an escape is virtually impossible.

It is Al-Quaida which is capitalizing in all Arab countries where civil wars are going on in full swing.