Barack Hussein Obama has been elected the 44th President of USA. He will be the first African - American to occupy the White house when he does next year. This is truly a remarkable achievement for the first time Senator from Illinois who almost went bankrupt during the early stages of the campaign. He persevered and toughed it out. He hunkered down through a long and arduous fight with Hillary Clinton for Democratic nomination till early June. Ater winning the primary, he took fight to key Republican states like Ohio, Virgina and Indiana and won them. Through all this one thing is very clear about Mr. Obama, he is no quitter.
His ability to fight and persevere will be sorely tested on many fronts as he takes over reins from Mr. Bush. Mr. Bush will be leaving a plate full of problems and issues for Mr. Obama to sort out. When the campaign started two years back, it was about Iraq and how to get out of that country and now it is about US economy and how to get out of the financial mess. Both and many more such problems will test Mr. Obama's ability to persist and perserve.
Personally, I rooted from Hillary Clinton but today I am glad a Democrat made to the White house.
Congratulations Mr. Obama, the entire world is watching you, hoping that you would bring in the much needed healing touch to many vexing issues.
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New Beginnings
Barack Hussein Obama is the presumptive Democratic nominee for the November US Presidential election. This is a history of sorts.. and marks a new beginning in American politics and the sensitve race relations.There has been questions on the readiness of US in having a colored President and that too one with a Muslim middle name. It is still not clear if Mr. Obama will make it to the White House or not, but the mere fact that he has come this far shows how much America has changed. From slavery to Presidency, US has come a long way and this exactly is what I believe is the strength of America. the ability to change and embrace new things. Change comes with uncertainty and risk, but then "If nothing changes then nothing changes'.
Now back to Barack Obama..
It is going to be interesting to see how things shape up between now and November. Unless things go wrong in a big way, George Bush has done enough harm to the Republican party and to its Presidential candidate (John MeCain) to make people shy away from anyone standing on that party's ticket. But, I don't think that alone is the reason why Barack Obama would win the November elections. He would and should because he brings a different perspective on the contentious international affairs of US. He will not be able to pull out of Iraq or Afghanistan quickly, but would atleast start going in that path and not allow US to be mired in to another Vietnam.
The question that is asked in India is.. How would Barack Obama's ascendency impact India-US relations? well, I have mixed opinion on that.. and would reserve it for a separate post..
Regardless of the impact on US relationship with India, Barack Obama will be more acceptable in the Islamic world than John MeCain. This would be a welcome relief as he could start rebuilding the US image to the external world, which has been highly tarnished and distorted in the last eight years.
Whichever way you look it, Barack Obama as the presumptive Democratic nominee is significant and marks a New Begining..
Monday, July 30, 2007
Unwarranted Detention and Unanswered Questions
Unwarranted Detention and Unanswered Questions
Dr. Muhammed Haneef is finally back home from a harrowing experience in Australia. The last four weeks have changed his life forever. From an ordinary immigrant to a terror suspect to solitary confinement to sudden release, Dr. Haneef has gone through a lot and it is commendable that he was able to keep his head above the water.
It now transpires the knee jerk reaction from Australian Government was based on inaccurate and incomplete data. It took a while for the Australian Government to sort out the matter but it nevertheless did after much pressure from media across the globe.
Even though this episode seems to have come to an end with Dr.Haneef's return, there are still few unanswered questions..
Australian Government: When Dr.Haneef was only conditionally released why was he allowed to leave the country? His conditional release had a requirement that he call the police every day and physically present himself once a week. Did his case become too much of a hot potato to handle?
Australian Immigration Minister: What additional do you posses now that you didn't earlier that caused you to revoke Doctor's work visa. If you have revoked it, how can the Australian justice system release only conditionally. Why was he not deported?
Dr. Mohammed Haneef: Why did you hurriedly leave Australia for India in a one way ticket? When was the ticket purchased? Is it true that Dr. Sabeel's mother called you informed you or the search and recovery of stuff that might belong to you from his son's residence in UK?
India: Why is this double standard in reaction between Dr. Haneef and Prof. Geelani's case? When such a hue cry is made over Dr. Haneef's detention in Australia, why was such a deafening silence about the arrest and conviction of Prof. Geelani (in relation to 2001 Parliament attack ?). In both cases the apparent 'crime' seems to be related with telephone (SIM card Vs telephonic conversation).
Karnataka Chief Minister: Why do you think your state is in all clear with Dr. Haneef's return when Dr. Sabeel who committed the ghastly act in UK is also your State?
India cannot pretend anymore that some of its citizens doesn't belong to Global Jehadi outfits. It is high time, we examined the flaws in the secular system and took actions to fix it.
Dr. Muhammed Haneef is finally back home from a harrowing experience in Australia. The last four weeks have changed his life forever. From an ordinary immigrant to a terror suspect to solitary confinement to sudden release, Dr. Haneef has gone through a lot and it is commendable that he was able to keep his head above the water.
It now transpires the knee jerk reaction from Australian Government was based on inaccurate and incomplete data. It took a while for the Australian Government to sort out the matter but it nevertheless did after much pressure from media across the globe.
Even though this episode seems to have come to an end with Dr.Haneef's return, there are still few unanswered questions..
Australian Government: When Dr.Haneef was only conditionally released why was he allowed to leave the country? His conditional release had a requirement that he call the police every day and physically present himself once a week. Did his case become too much of a hot potato to handle?
Australian Immigration Minister: What additional do you posses now that you didn't earlier that caused you to revoke Doctor's work visa. If you have revoked it, how can the Australian justice system release only conditionally. Why was he not deported?
Dr. Mohammed Haneef: Why did you hurriedly leave Australia for India in a one way ticket? When was the ticket purchased? Is it true that Dr. Sabeel's mother called you informed you or the search and recovery of stuff that might belong to you from his son's residence in UK?
India: Why is this double standard in reaction between Dr. Haneef and Prof. Geelani's case? When such a hue cry is made over Dr. Haneef's detention in Australia, why was such a deafening silence about the arrest and conviction of Prof. Geelani (in relation to 2001 Parliament attack ?). In both cases the apparent 'crime' seems to be related with telephone (SIM card Vs telephonic conversation).
Karnataka Chief Minister: Why do you think your state is in all clear with Dr. Haneef's return when Dr. Sabeel who committed the ghastly act in UK is also your State?
India cannot pretend anymore that some of its citizens doesn't belong to Global Jehadi outfits. It is high time, we examined the flaws in the secular system and took actions to fix it.
Monday, April 02, 2007
What is Globally Integrated Enterprise?
Globally Integrated Enterprise (GIE) is a relatively NEW terminology coined and introduced by my big boss in Foreign Affairs. This article received lot of press and has been much debated and discussed. The idea of a GIE is built on the premise that the world is flat and in a flat world all things are possible.
Now that the world is flat (Is it really?), organizations across the spectrum are moving to further integrate and consolidate its position across the geographies. The winners in the 21st century will make the next billions from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) countries so it is important for large global brands to further integrate their business across artificial geographical boundaries.
But what does it mean to globally integrate? What does it exactly mean? It is much more than having presence across the world and it definitely much more than having manufacturing base
in China and ITES out of India. It is about considering the entire world as one vast market place for sourcing and selling. Of course, we know that it is easier said than done. But the barriers to Global Village is entirely human made and thus in theory can be removed.
Global Sourcing: This is not a politically correct (PC) term for labor arbitrage but a true global sourcing of ideas, raw material and labor. In a flat world the next Google or Youtube could come from any part of the world and not just from Silicon Valley. The actual challenge is not about concept or the opportunities but the operational aspects. The people, process and assimilation of ideas and realizing them is where the challenges exist. And to the extent organizations can make it truly happen have pots of gold is waiting them. But no one has really gotten to those pots of gold yet.
Global Production: Ability produce where it is optimal
Global Market place: Ability to view the entire world as a single marketplace and sell wherever there is market.
Global responsibility: Having the same environmental and labor standards across the world. For GM, it is to have same pollution control standards in California and Cambodia. For Toyota, it is to have same labor welfare laws in Tokyo and Tashkent.
what's your take on Globally Integrated Enterprise?
Here is Sam Palmisano's take in Foreign Affairs.
While the globally integrated enterprise is still an emergent idea, the outlines of major attributes that will characterize the winners are becoming clear. Think of an enterprise that:
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
How to Create a Good Relationship with Your Indian Vendor
Interesting article about working with IT shops in India...
During a workshop for Indian employees of a leading American retailer, Storti posed the question: “When your American bosses tell you about coding they want you to do, and you don’t understand, what do you do?”
The group answered: “We talk amongst ourselves to see if anyone understands.”
Storti: “But what if nobody understands?”
Group: “We would just try something and hope it works.”In other words, they are more likely to chance doing the wrong thing than to ask for clarification. Why? In Indian culture, asking a boss to clarify instructions is tantamount to saying he doesn’t know the subject well or didn’t explain it well, says Storti. “Questioning the boss can be seen as shaming him.”
I am not able connect with this article fully though I understand some of the things that are being said. Having said, that I have also been on both sides of the coin, so my views are considerably altered.
What's your take on the story? Do you agree with the comments?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
One Bullet Away.. Really?
Is General Musharaf really one bullet away? What would happen to Pakistan, nuclear warheads and the war on terror? A NYTimes article tries address some of these questions and what is evident is there is shift in US position. It has significantly hardened from General Musharaf being irreplaceable to limited damage.
For years, the notion that Mr. Musharraf is all that stands between Washington and a group of nuclear-armed mullahs has dictated just how far the White House feels it can push him to root out Al Qaeda and Taliban operatives who enjoy a relatively safe existence in Pakistan.So, the larger questions are 'Is there a coup underway' 'Would US cut aid to Pakistan'.. My take is neither would happen. US would continue to apply various types of pressure on General Musharaf, but would stop short of cutting aid or engineering a coup.
“I am not particularly worried about an extremist government coming to power and getting hold of nuclear weapons,” said Robert Richer, who was associate director of operations in 2004 and 2005 for the Central Intelligence Agency. “If something happened to Musharraf tomorrow, another general would step in.”
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Will This Happen?
Dr. Manmohan Singh dreams of 'having breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul'.
"I dream of a day, while retaining our respective national identities, one can have breakfast in Amritsar, lunch in Lahore and dinner in Kabul. That is how my forefathers lived. That is how I want our grandchildren to live."Its a grand and bold vision which is definitely possible, but that requires not mere grand vision but bold actions on the ground. If Germany can re-unite, India and Pakistan can at least make their borders irrelevant. But that will not happen till Kashmir issue is resolved.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Outrageous Execution
Saddam Hussein perhaps deserved the death penalty but not the outrageous way in he was put to death. The raw video of Saddam Hussein's execution seen worldwide is bound to disturb anyone regardless of their opinion of him. The video graphically showed the cruel method once perpetuated by Saddam Hussein has outlived him.
Instead of administering the sentence in a dispassionate and dignified way as a State should, The condemned dictator was hastily put to death by the Shiite controlled administration, who allowed chants and abuse at Saddam Hussein while he stood at the gallows.
Even though, Iraqi Government and Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki are fundamentally responsible for this mess and US did try to delay the hanging till the very last, Bush administration should have intervened strongly to ensure that the sentence was executed properly and due process was followed.
As US prepares for a course correction and comes up with a new plan for Iraq, it must face up the harsh ground realities in Iraq and cannot simply cut loose. Iraq as it exists today, lacks the basic democratic structure (Army, Police, Justice, Rule of Law) to stand on its own. So, any plan must include shoring up the basic civil structures and will take a few more years (more than the US public would want..)
Instead of administering the sentence in a dispassionate and dignified way as a State should, The condemned dictator was hastily put to death by the Shiite controlled administration, who allowed chants and abuse at Saddam Hussein while he stood at the gallows.
Even though, Iraqi Government and Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki are fundamentally responsible for this mess and US did try to delay the hanging till the very last, Bush administration should have intervened strongly to ensure that the sentence was executed properly and due process was followed.
As US prepares for a course correction and comes up with a new plan for Iraq, it must face up the harsh ground realities in Iraq and cannot simply cut loose. Iraq as it exists today, lacks the basic democratic structure (Army, Police, Justice, Rule of Law) to stand on its own. So, any plan must include shoring up the basic civil structures and will take a few more years (more than the US public would want..)
Monday, January 01, 2007
Looking Back 2006
Another year has come to an end and time will roll on.. India Today calls 2006 a year of remixes for all the deja vu from the affirmative action agitation to cola controversy to remaking of Sonia Gandhi. Here are a few things that stood out through my glasses..
World: Iraq - Spiraling in to a civil war
Iraq seems to be slowly sinking in to a civil war though not many in US are ready admit that as yet. US has lost more of its men in 2006 than in the previous years in Iraq and it might continue to do so with no end in site. Needless to say, Iraqis are no better off today than they were under Saddam Hussein. Toppling Saddam Hussein did no good to Iraq and his hasty execution will also not make any difference either.
World: Nuclear Genie - Continued Proliferation
Nuclear Genie is out of the bottle though US and other nuclear countries disparately tried their best to contain proliferation. Nuclear proliferation is bound to become one of the most challenging issue the human kind will face in the coming years. As more countries become nuclear, the threat of its usage will also increase manifold. After India and Pakistan, North Korea has gone nuclear in 2006 and Iran might do so in the coming years. This is bound to create even more friction in the already embattled Middle East. Israel might launch a preemptive strike to prevent Iran going nuclear as they did in 1981 against Iraq at Osirack.
World: Global Village - Deeply entrenched
Globalization is now deeply entrenched and continue to reshape our lives. While the developed countries see jobs moving elsewhere, developing countries continue to experience an upswing in their economies. Consider this: 1) 70% of all Christmas decorations for 2006 were made in China. 2) 75% of all service related calls from US & Europe are now handled elsewhere. Yet, we have seen only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Globalization and it will continue impact our lives beyond our wildest imaginations. However, a significant number of countries (mainly Islamic & African countries) continue to live outside the global village by choice or by force. This is bound create newer challenges to the global community in the coming years.
India: Mobile Revolution
India is adding 6 million new mobile subscribers every month and by some projections will surpass China in tele-density by 2010. That apart, mobile revolution has truly changed India. It has brought Nokia to Chennai and created thousands of jobs. It has created new possibilities and has connected more people like never before. Already, India has one of the cheapest mobile tariff and is bound to see prices drop even further and make more services possible.
India: Politics of divide
Reservation issue raised its ugly head again in 2006. More and more communities are being brought under the rigid reservation net. Congress Government is even considering reservation for Muslims even thought Sachar committee did not explicitly recommend it. This reservation raj will continue to divide India and create sectarian difference at the cost of meritocracy and real equality.
India: Judicial Activism
From 'office of profit' to 'unauthorised commercial establishments' in Delhi to hoardings in Chennai, Judiciary is stepping in to fill the void created by the inaction of the executive and administration. While, it has sparked debate about the supremacy of Parliament in a democracy, it has also put the elected legislators on notice. I hope this activism continues under the new Chief Justice of Supreme Court, who also happens to be first Dalit to occupy the high post.
India: Right To Information (RTI)
It is too early to see the changes due to this act, but RTI is bound to bring some amount of transparency and accountability to the babus who have thus far hidden behind the veil of official secrecy.
Chennai: Politics of Free
In 2006, Mr. Karunanidhi became the Chief Minster of Tamil Nadu for the fifth time by promising 'free' everything from TV to Gas Stove to Land to Rice. Now, Tamil Nadu seems to the land of Free in India. I don't know how the DMK Government is managing to give everything away for free but the numbers don't add up and sounds very bad economics.
Tomorrow: Looking Forward - 2007
World: Iraq - Spiraling in to a civil war
Iraq seems to be slowly sinking in to a civil war though not many in US are ready admit that as yet. US has lost more of its men in 2006 than in the previous years in Iraq and it might continue to do so with no end in site. Needless to say, Iraqis are no better off today than they were under Saddam Hussein. Toppling Saddam Hussein did no good to Iraq and his hasty execution will also not make any difference either.
World: Nuclear Genie - Continued Proliferation
Nuclear Genie is out of the bottle though US and other nuclear countries disparately tried their best to contain proliferation. Nuclear proliferation is bound to become one of the most challenging issue the human kind will face in the coming years. As more countries become nuclear, the threat of its usage will also increase manifold. After India and Pakistan, North Korea has gone nuclear in 2006 and Iran might do so in the coming years. This is bound to create even more friction in the already embattled Middle East. Israel might launch a preemptive strike to prevent Iran going nuclear as they did in 1981 against Iraq at Osirack.
World: Global Village - Deeply entrenched
Globalization is now deeply entrenched and continue to reshape our lives. While the developed countries see jobs moving elsewhere, developing countries continue to experience an upswing in their economies. Consider this: 1) 70% of all Christmas decorations for 2006 were made in China. 2) 75% of all service related calls from US & Europe are now handled elsewhere. Yet, we have seen only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Globalization and it will continue impact our lives beyond our wildest imaginations. However, a significant number of countries (mainly Islamic & African countries) continue to live outside the global village by choice or by force. This is bound create newer challenges to the global community in the coming years.
India: Mobile Revolution
India is adding 6 million new mobile subscribers every month and by some projections will surpass China in tele-density by 2010. That apart, mobile revolution has truly changed India. It has brought Nokia to Chennai and created thousands of jobs. It has created new possibilities and has connected more people like never before. Already, India has one of the cheapest mobile tariff and is bound to see prices drop even further and make more services possible.
India: Politics of divide
Reservation issue raised its ugly head again in 2006. More and more communities are being brought under the rigid reservation net. Congress Government is even considering reservation for Muslims even thought Sachar committee did not explicitly recommend it. This reservation raj will continue to divide India and create sectarian difference at the cost of meritocracy and real equality.
India: Judicial Activism
From 'office of profit' to 'unauthorised commercial establishments' in Delhi to hoardings in Chennai, Judiciary is stepping in to fill the void created by the inaction of the executive and administration. While, it has sparked debate about the supremacy of Parliament in a democracy, it has also put the elected legislators on notice. I hope this activism continues under the new Chief Justice of Supreme Court, who also happens to be first Dalit to occupy the high post.
India: Right To Information (RTI)
It is too early to see the changes due to this act, but RTI is bound to bring some amount of transparency and accountability to the babus who have thus far hidden behind the veil of official secrecy.
Chennai: Politics of Free
In 2006, Mr. Karunanidhi became the Chief Minster of Tamil Nadu for the fifth time by promising 'free' everything from TV to Gas Stove to Land to Rice. Now, Tamil Nadu seems to the land of Free in India. I don't know how the DMK Government is managing to give everything away for free but the numbers don't add up and sounds very bad economics.
Tomorrow: Looking Forward - 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
After Saddam Hussein
What now after Saddam Hussein?
Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq with an iron fist for over 30 years was hanged today. He was responsible for three major wars which resulted millions of Iraqi deaths and economic loss. He ruthlessly suppressed his opponents and was hanged today for one such act in 1982.
The important question is not whether he was guilty of crimes against humanity but whether the Iraqi Government that exists today had any legitimacy to do what it did and whether the trial itself was fair.
The new Iraqi Government could have conducted a fair trial by methodically following international norms and there by bringing some amount of legitimacy to itself. But the trial was divisive and flawed from the very beginning. The final sentence and the execution all seem to have been carried out in a hurry.
While, US can technically wash its hands off the whole affair, it is implicitly responsible for how the whole thing transpired. It could have halted or altered the course of the trial,but it let squeaky Iraqi justice system muddle its way through this important trial.
After 3+ years of wars and thousands of Iraqi and American deaths, Iraq of today seems to be worse off than ever before and edging perilously close to a all out civil war. Removal Saddam Hussein didn't create a better Iraq and neither would the execution of him.
Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq with an iron fist for over 30 years was hanged today. He was responsible for three major wars which resulted millions of Iraqi deaths and economic loss. He ruthlessly suppressed his opponents and was hanged today for one such act in 1982.
The important question is not whether he was guilty of crimes against humanity but whether the Iraqi Government that exists today had any legitimacy to do what it did and whether the trial itself was fair.
The new Iraqi Government could have conducted a fair trial by methodically following international norms and there by bringing some amount of legitimacy to itself. But the trial was divisive and flawed from the very beginning. The final sentence and the execution all seem to have been carried out in a hurry.
While, US can technically wash its hands off the whole affair, it is implicitly responsible for how the whole thing transpired. It could have halted or altered the course of the trial,but it let squeaky Iraqi justice system muddle its way through this important trial.
After 3+ years of wars and thousands of Iraqi and American deaths, Iraq of today seems to be worse off than ever before and edging perilously close to a all out civil war. Removal Saddam Hussein didn't create a better Iraq and neither would the execution of him.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Travelog # 20 - Singapore
Orchard Road
I have been to Singapore many a times, but stayed in a Orchard Road Hotel for the first time. For the uninitiated, Orchard Road is a must see and be seen place in Singapore. Its a shopping mecca and a yuppie hangout place.
Being the holiday season a stretch of the road was all decked and was glittering in the night. It was fun to leisurely stroll across and do window shopping.
Seasons greetings.
Glittering in the night
True to its reputation, I found Orchard Road busy all the all the time with locals and tourists alike.
Popular Kodak spot
Found my favorite Burger King and Star Bucks just a stone throw away from my Hotel. Burger King was the first one to come out with 'Veggie Burgers' in early 90s in Columbus, Ohio and I love the Star Bucks Cafe latte. Miss both these joints in Chennai.
More Pictures in flickr
A Short Video clip of the busy Orchard Road
(As usual, I ended up in Mustafa for shopping and utterly disliked the shopping experience. I aisles were narrow, over flowing with stuff and people. It was impossible to stop and look at display without being jostled around. That said, I am sure I will go there again. I kept asking, if I don't like it, then why go? The only answer I could come up with is the feeling I get of 'getting a good deal' at Mustafa. Here, I am equating 'good deal' to the price I pay for the goodies I buy..)
I have been to Singapore many a times, but stayed in a Orchard Road Hotel for the first time. For the uninitiated, Orchard Road is a must see and be seen place in Singapore. Its a shopping mecca and a yuppie hangout place.
Being the holiday season a stretch of the road was all decked and was glittering in the night. It was fun to leisurely stroll across and do window shopping.
Seasons greetings.
Glittering in the night
True to its reputation, I found Orchard Road busy all the all the time with locals and tourists alike.
Popular Kodak spot
Found my favorite Burger King and Star Bucks just a stone throw away from my Hotel. Burger King was the first one to come out with 'Veggie Burgers' in early 90s in Columbus, Ohio and I love the Star Bucks Cafe latte. Miss both these joints in Chennai.
More Pictures in flickr
A Short Video clip of the busy Orchard Road
(As usual, I ended up in Mustafa for shopping and utterly disliked the shopping experience. I aisles were narrow, over flowing with stuff and people. It was impossible to stop and look at display without being jostled around. That said, I am sure I will go there again. I kept asking, if I don't like it, then why go? The only answer I could come up with is the feeling I get of 'getting a good deal' at Mustafa. Here, I am equating 'good deal' to the price I pay for the goodies I buy..)
Friday, December 01, 2006
Freedom Movement Vs Terrorism
Freedom Movement Vs Terrorism
How does one define what is freedom movement and what is terrorism..? Where is the line. What is militancy / terrorism for India is freedom movement for Pakistan (Kashmir issue). What Tamils consider as the legitimate freedom movement by LTTE in Jaffna is terrorism in the eyes of Sri Lanka and the world community.
It is interesting to see the entire Tamil press and most of Tamil politicians unanimously support LTTE as an organization that is fighting for the legitimate aspirations of the Tamils in Sri Lanka for an independent state. They seem to easily forget the fact that LTTE brooks no opposition and brutally silences its enemies. LTTE has long history of ruthlessly eliminating its opponents from Mr. Jayawardane to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. Even today, they tried to assassinate a brother of Sri Lankan Prime Minister. The list can be long and depressing. The bottom line is LTTE as an organization is wedded to violence and that seems to be irrelevant for Tamil press and politicians.
But for the same Tamils and most of India, what is happening in Kashmir is a different story. Its pure terrorism, instigated and orchestrated by Pakistan.
I guess this kind of politicking is part and parcel of International Politics where terrorism for one side is freedom movement for the other side. Regardless of the definition and the spin, I fail to see how and why the entire Tamil Press and majority of the Tamil politicians are bending over backwards to support LTTE.
How does one define what is freedom movement and what is terrorism..? Where is the line. What is militancy / terrorism for India is freedom movement for Pakistan (Kashmir issue). What Tamils consider as the legitimate freedom movement by LTTE in Jaffna is terrorism in the eyes of Sri Lanka and the world community.
It is interesting to see the entire Tamil press and most of Tamil politicians unanimously support LTTE as an organization that is fighting for the legitimate aspirations of the Tamils in Sri Lanka for an independent state. They seem to easily forget the fact that LTTE brooks no opposition and brutally silences its enemies. LTTE has long history of ruthlessly eliminating its opponents from Mr. Jayawardane to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. Even today, they tried to assassinate a brother of Sri Lankan Prime Minister. The list can be long and depressing. The bottom line is LTTE as an organization is wedded to violence and that seems to be irrelevant for Tamil press and politicians.
But for the same Tamils and most of India, what is happening in Kashmir is a different story. Its pure terrorism, instigated and orchestrated by Pakistan.
I guess this kind of politicking is part and parcel of International Politics where terrorism for one side is freedom movement for the other side. Regardless of the definition and the spin, I fail to see how and why the entire Tamil Press and majority of the Tamil politicians are bending over backwards to support LTTE.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Travelog # 19 - SOA
What has travel to do with SOA.. No, I am not referring Service Oriented Architecture, So what does SOA stand far ? Read on..
Over the years, service in North American airlines have gone south dramatically and it is no new news. But, I got to experience, what I consider as new lows in my recent trip. I took a United / Air Canada flight from Toronto to Dallas and wasn't even served the cursory pretzels or peanuts. And, mind you it was not a puddle jumper but a 3 1/2 hours flight. To rub it, stewardess pushed a cart around selling Subs and Sandwiches.
I couldn't stop comparing to the short trips I take on Jet Airways or King Fisher from Chennai. Even on the 45 minute hop to Bangalore, we get some snacks and on the 90 minute trek to Mumbai, we get a hot dish served.
Now, have you figured out what has SOA to do with Airlines.? North American airlines have become Service Optional Airlines.
Over the years, service in North American airlines have gone south dramatically and it is no new news. But, I got to experience, what I consider as new lows in my recent trip. I took a United / Air Canada flight from Toronto to Dallas and wasn't even served the cursory pretzels or peanuts. And, mind you it was not a puddle jumper but a 3 1/2 hours flight. To rub it, stewardess pushed a cart around selling Subs and Sandwiches.
I couldn't stop comparing to the short trips I take on Jet Airways or King Fisher from Chennai. Even on the 45 minute hop to Bangalore, we get some snacks and on the 90 minute trek to Mumbai, we get a hot dish served.
Now, have you figured out what has SOA to do with Airlines.? North American airlines have become Service Optional Airlines.
Travelog # 18 - Skype From The Skies
Skype From The Skies
Actually, I was going to do this post from the sky but the battery juice played spoil sport.. read on
This was a new and thrilling experience for me, to be able to voice chat from 37,000 ft for free.
Earlier this week, I was flying back from US on a Lufthansa trans-Atlantic flight when the stewardess announced free wi-fi connectivity via connexion. While I have known the availability of this service for sometime now, this was the first time I got to use it because it was offered free. (in fact, I worked on this Boeing project very briefly several years back).
So, I took out my laptop and connected to wi-fi and was thrilled to access net and my mail from the sky. After the initial sensation, I saw and pinged my friend in Reno and had a good voice chat via Skype. The voice quality was good and impressive.
While I was admiring the wi-fi from the sky, I had to abruptly end the session as my battery ran out of juice and couldn't recharge though I had the necessary widgets.
If I had power, I wanted to do this post from sky, but battery juice played spoil sport. However, I will do another post from the sky if the wi-fi was still free..
Actually, I was going to do this post from the sky but the battery juice played spoil sport.. read on
This was a new and thrilling experience for me, to be able to voice chat from 37,000 ft for free.
Earlier this week, I was flying back from US on a Lufthansa trans-Atlantic flight when the stewardess announced free wi-fi connectivity via connexion. While I have known the availability of this service for sometime now, this was the first time I got to use it because it was offered free. (in fact, I worked on this Boeing project very briefly several years back).
So, I took out my laptop and connected to wi-fi and was thrilled to access net and my mail from the sky. After the initial sensation, I saw and pinged my friend in Reno and had a good voice chat via Skype. The voice quality was good and impressive.
While I was admiring the wi-fi from the sky, I had to abruptly end the session as my battery ran out of juice and couldn't recharge though I had the necessary widgets.
If I had power, I wanted to do this post from sky, but battery juice played spoil sport. However, I will do another post from the sky if the wi-fi was still free..
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Is India A Nation?
I saw an interesting article in a
This is not a new question for Canadians, nevertheless a sensitive one. This debate has been going for a while and each time there is an election of some kind this question props up. In
Now what about India? Even after dividing India based on religion, separatist tendencies haven't died down. It has been cropping up ever so often with predictable frequency in India that begs the title of this post. Now, what are some projected motivations behind these separatist cries? If it is due to religion in Kashmir, it is due to race / language / religion in north east. Not very long ago, even the dravidian parties of Tamil Nadu wanted a separate country.
So, Is India a Nation ? or a collection of nations.
More fundamentally, what makes a Nation? Is it homogeneity by race / religion / language ? I don't know the secret sauce, but the number of countries UN general council has only risen over the years and I am quite certain will continue to raise. Does it make the world any more safer and its inhabitants any more prosperous? I doubt it..
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Cut And Run
That's what US electorate is expected to do in the crucial congressional elections next week. They are expected to vote out Republicans and send a clear message to President Bush. I hope US does so decisively.
President Bush over promised and grossly under delivered on Iraq. In 2004, US rallied around the flag and its President voted over overwhelmingly Republican and re-elected Mr. Bush. But, now the patience is running thin with the steady stream of body bags coming back from Iraq. The violence in Iraq is spiraling out of control with no end in sight.
While US electorate may be justified in showing the door to Republicans, but US should not cut and run away from Iraq. There is already shrill noises demanding exit from Iraq, but that would be graver mistake than invading Iraq in the first place.
Now that US is in Iraq, it must find a way to subside violence and instill some sense of governance. Any premature exit would plunge Iraq in to a civil war, which neighboring countries like Iran and Syria are likely to aide and abet.
The options may be limited for US, but it must stay engaged in Iraq for now and make it work. Sorry.. there are no easy options at this stage for President Bush.
President Bush over promised and grossly under delivered on Iraq. In 2004, US rallied around the flag and its President voted over overwhelmingly Republican and re-elected Mr. Bush. But, now the patience is running thin with the steady stream of body bags coming back from Iraq. The violence in Iraq is spiraling out of control with no end in sight.
While US electorate may be justified in showing the door to Republicans, but US should not cut and run away from Iraq. There is already shrill noises demanding exit from Iraq, but that would be graver mistake than invading Iraq in the first place.
Now that US is in Iraq, it must find a way to subside violence and instill some sense of governance. Any premature exit would plunge Iraq in to a civil war, which neighboring countries like Iran and Syria are likely to aide and abet.
The options may be limited for US, but it must stay engaged in Iraq for now and make it work. Sorry.. there are no easy options at this stage for President Bush.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Making Sense of Day Light Savings Time
Folks in US would have gotten an extra hour of sleep today as the country rolled back the clock by an hour 2:00 AM last night ending the daylight savings time. I have heard many explanations for this bi-annual ritual, but none really made sense.
To add to the mystery, US congress has decided to extend the Daylight Savings by a month from next year, by commencing early and ending in November, past the Halloween weekend. So, in 2007 Daylight Savings Times will begin on March 11 and end November 4 (as compared to April 2 and October 29 in 2006)
Till I was in US, this change never really affected me, but now that I am in India, I am feeling the impact of this switch. Actually, I will start feeling the impact of this switch from tomorrow as I start taking my regular conference calls with my colleagues in US, which will stretch one more hour in to the night.
Generally, most of my calls with US colleagues are done between 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET which was 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM till Friday and now it is 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Now here is another challenge we run in to.. trying to find a suitable time zone for conference calls with folks in India, China, Australia, Germany & US. I hear you saying.. Welcome to the flat world..!!!!
When do you take your International Calls? Which time zone do you guys go by?
To add to the mystery, US congress has decided to extend the Daylight Savings by a month from next year, by commencing early and ending in November, past the Halloween weekend. So, in 2007 Daylight Savings Times will begin on March 11 and end November 4 (as compared to April 2 and October 29 in 2006)
Till I was in US, this change never really affected me, but now that I am in India, I am feeling the impact of this switch. Actually, I will start feeling the impact of this switch from tomorrow as I start taking my regular conference calls with my colleagues in US, which will stretch one more hour in to the night.
Generally, most of my calls with US colleagues are done between 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET which was 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM till Friday and now it is 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Now here is another challenge we run in to.. trying to find a suitable time zone for conference calls with folks in India, China, Australia, Germany & US. I hear you saying.. Welcome to the flat world..!!!!
When do you take your International Calls? Which time zone do you guys go by?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Nuclear Genie - Can it be contained?
The international community lead by United States has been trying incessantly to contain nuclear proliferation and keep it within the 5 veto countries. But slowly and steadily several other countries have been acquiring nuclear capability. Is the nuclear genie out of the bottle and can't be controlled? Is it that, the spread of nuclear capability can at best be slowed and can't be totally contained?
Initially there were 5 nuclear countries and they were joined by India, Pakistan & Israel. Now, North Korea has announced that they have joined the nuclear club. Besides these countries, there few other countries like Japan, Brazil, South Africa & Iran that have varying capability in the nuclear front. While Brazil & South Africa & Japan have voluntarily restrained themselves, Iran has been talking nuclear for a while now.
In 1963, Nuclear 'haves' created Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and wanted the world to sign up. India, Pakistan & Israel never joined NPT eventually became nuclear. North Korea didn't care much for the treaty to start with and has gone nuclear now. Slowly but steadily NPT has been eroded and it is now at a point where the NPT diplomacy needs serious reconsideration.
In this 'flat world' is it possible to contain the nuclear spread ? What is the locus-standi of the nuclear haves to demand others to desist from having? (It is interesting to see that even India has joined the bandwagon to condemn North Korea). What is the 'leverage' nuclear haves have over the have nots? Obviously diplomacy hasn't worked nor have the empty threats and economic sanctions.
While President Bush has issued threats like axis of evil speech to economic sanctions, they have heard no effort on North Korea and likely have no impact on Iran either. It is likely that Iran will take the cue from North Korea and become nuclear in the not too distant future.
Can Nuclear Proliferation be really controlled? What's your take on North Korea and Iran (very soon) going nuclear? How will the world be if there are 20 nuclear countries instead of 9 today? Would it be any less safer than today? Barring empty threats, will any country really use nuclear weapons?
Initially there were 5 nuclear countries and they were joined by India, Pakistan & Israel. Now, North Korea has announced that they have joined the nuclear club. Besides these countries, there few other countries like Japan, Brazil, South Africa & Iran that have varying capability in the nuclear front. While Brazil & South Africa & Japan have voluntarily restrained themselves, Iran has been talking nuclear for a while now.
In 1963, Nuclear 'haves' created Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and wanted the world to sign up. India, Pakistan & Israel never joined NPT eventually became nuclear. North Korea didn't care much for the treaty to start with and has gone nuclear now. Slowly but steadily NPT has been eroded and it is now at a point where the NPT diplomacy needs serious reconsideration.
In this 'flat world' is it possible to contain the nuclear spread ? What is the locus-standi of the nuclear haves to demand others to desist from having? (It is interesting to see that even India has joined the bandwagon to condemn North Korea). What is the 'leverage' nuclear haves have over the have nots? Obviously diplomacy hasn't worked nor have the empty threats and economic sanctions.
While President Bush has issued threats like axis of evil speech to economic sanctions, they have heard no effort on North Korea and likely have no impact on Iran either. It is likely that Iran will take the cue from North Korea and become nuclear in the not too distant future.
Can Nuclear Proliferation be really controlled? What's your take on North Korea and Iran (very soon) going nuclear? How will the world be if there are 20 nuclear countries instead of 9 today? Would it be any less safer than today? Barring empty threats, will any country really use nuclear weapons?
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