Every commentator on Kashmir & Iraq is trying to be pedantic, Secular and Selfless in expressing their views. One should not forget the fact that Kashmir is an integral part of not only geographical India but Indian Psyche. Any government at Delhi which tries to mortgage Indian Psyche will be thrown out and thrown out for ever. I tried to get some answers to Kashmir's problems from the so called Shabbir Alis etc., but with no avail. The problem of Kashmir is not of self determination but of seccession. Some gullible eliments sponsered not only by our neighbours but also by our own country men are trying to take away Kashmir by brute and barbaric force which our Fellow Indians are not adept at. The Kashmir 'Problem' cannot be solved within a jiff as it involves the lives of Kashmiri Hindus and Hindu Establishments like VishnoDevi etc., No Kashmiri separitist movement or their leaders are guaranteeing Hindu rights in Kashmir Valley. Already Hindus lost 'Manas Sarovar' to Chines invasion of Tibet and also lost so many temples as far as Iraq and as recently as Bhamian Bhudhas (Bhudhism is an offshoot of India and of Hinduism) of Afghanistan. We Hindus can fight back and WILL.WAHE GURU!
What is with rediff guest writers and left bashing? Most Indians believe that the war was illegal and the recent elections are suspect at best because of the 'support'of "Alliance" troops. Please dont forget that self interst motivates both Europeans and the US but then Europe does not go about attcaking other countries claiming moral high ground. Cote D'Ivorie was not about sphere of influence but about protecting the lives of Wstern expats(read the papers sometimes and not rely upon Fox news type pseudo- news entities). If Chirac is bad, Bush is also. The US is more racist than Europe..rmember the KKK? There is no similarity between Iraq and Kashmir. We belive in a multi-polar world as do France, Russia, Germany, and China so we are natural in a good way. The US, which is horrible to its allies (note Pakistan, South Vietnam, Taiwan, etc) will only use and discard us without ever treating us as equals. They do not for instance support us over a Security Council seat. I wonder if its morally appropriate for India to circle Iraq like the a vulture around a carcas when Iraq was our only real friend among the Arabs and when our foreign policy is based on anti-colonialism.
The differences between Iraq and Kashmir are fundamental and many. The elections in Iraq are being done under foreign (American) military occupation. America is exploiting the religious differences between Shias and Sunnis in Iraq to divide and rule the country. Under such circumstances any elections are coersive, illegal and untenable. America had attacked Iraq after the rejection of such an invasion by the security council, the only legal International body which can authorise such an attack. Hence all actions in Iraq are arbitrary and illegal under International law, and constitute a naked aggression on the Iraqi people. Militancy in Iraq is also by the Iraqi people themselves, and as such is a legitimate resistance against a foreign occupying power. On the other hand, elections in Kashmir are being conducted under a constitutionally elected government in J&K, under the constitution of India recognised internationally. J&K has had many such elections. UN recognises Indian sovereignty in J&K. Militancy in J&K is through a foreign power from foreign soil, with no legal status over Kashmir. The elections in J&K are under the threat of such foreign inspired militantcy. QED
Us looks at its own interest. We have to do the same. You cannot name one policy where US supported us at a cost to themselves. Forget the negativism of leftist! They will change their message as soon as the political wind blows the other way. They fact that they are vocal about US aggression only reflects that Indian masses feel that way too. Europe is a balance to US policy and similarly, we have clearly declare our policy based solely on self interest. We have to develope fast and two economic powerhouse like India and US will work together in self interest. Similarly, more we make economic progress, our words will be heard and respected. It is a delicate balance but tilts very predictably to the country with economic power to back their moral high grounds.
