Rumi Nations

Today, the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani was hijacked for some time by Naxalites ... One more incident showing the growing threat posed by the movement. One wonders how much of the movement is idealistic, what portion is self-serving, how much pure terrorism, what portion is out of coercion, etc. I think the same combination is at work also in other places as well: be it Kashmir, or Taliban infested Afghanistan, and the many trouble spots in Africa. It would seem therefore that it won't do much good to look at any of these problems as a one-dimensional law and order issue and try to crush them using crushing military strength. Recently, I read that the Government of India was considering banning pre-paid mobile services in Kashmir as that was being misused by the terrorists ... imagine, the Govt. does not mind alienating 38 lakh innocent civilians to inconvenience a few thousand outlaws!

President Obama is pondering what to do about Afghanistan. General McChrystal has asked for 40,000 more troops in addition to the existing 65,000 already on the ground. The American military planners are trying to implement a policy of trying to win the hearts and minds of the local people and marginalize the Taliban. Many others have tried to conquer the rugged terrain that is Afghanistan and failed. America's recent 'success' in Iraq has given it hope that it can adopt a similar policy in Afghanistan. But it's sobering to realize that Afghanistan is almost 50% larger than Iraq with almost as many people. The people of Afghanistan are fare more poor and less educated that the people of Iraq. The population of Afghanistan consists of numerous tribes. American forces in Vietnam totalled more than 5,00,000 at their peak but failed in their mission as they failed to win over the local population. Hopefully, whatever America tries in Afghanistan will take into account all t...