Mr. Saeed sounds very frustrated  on Mr. Modi's sudden visit to Pakistan.  He is insinuating that this visit is going to hurt the feelings of Kashmiris.  But I think all Kashmiris want this dialogue to be continued to ameliorate the relationship between India and Pakistan.  Especially, in the PoK area, Kashmiris are not happy with the treatment accorded to them by the Pakistani establishment.  They want a solution to the Kashmir problem.  Hence, Mr. Saeed's frustration is baseless.  As far as American $10 Million bounty is concerned, it has no meaning. It is teethless.  In spite of the fact that the Indian government has provided so many proofs against Saeed for the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, neither the government in Islamabad nor the military establishment of Pakistan has taken any action to put him behind bars or at least fix a muzzle on his face stopping him spewing anti-India venom.  Mr. Modi's visit is not the first sign from the Indian government to improve relations between the two countries.  India has been trying to extend this type of olive branch since 1947.  It is the lack of Pakistani positive response which is derailing the train meant to bring a message of peace, tolerance and happiness.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan has made couple of very interesting and controversial points in his interview.  One being that the dialogue between Pakistan and India will continue on all outstanding issues even if there is another terror attack on India; and secondly, the Indian government does not know where Mr. Dawood Ibrahim is.  My understanding from the many previous press reports is that the Indian government had categorically stated that there will not be any dialogue between India and Pakistan till the terror emanating from Pakistan is eradicated.  Also, the Indian government had given Pakistan government a list of all the different addresses where Mr. Dawood Ibrahim reside - has many properties in Pakistan.  What is confusing is who is telling the truth.  Either the High Commissioner of Pakistan is a lyer or the Indian government is misleading the public.  I think it is important for the Indian government to relay a quick response if the statement made by the High Commissioner of Pakistan has no bearing.  As far as expecting any fruitful results from any type of exchange of dialogues between India and Pakistan, the chances are nil.

I could not agree more with the analysis provided by the writer of this article. He has hit the nail on the head. I agree that Saudi Arabia is the main culprit of all the Islamic problems which the world is facing right now. Yes, the Saudi family needs to be criticized openly, but I blame first the US government, the Congress and the Senate members who are on the pay roll of the Saudi Government. Their personal greed has taken precedence over the safety and well being of Americans. These leaders are elected to serve the country, the people of this country and not to fulfill their pockets with the funds funnled to them by the lobbysists. What a shame? I wonder if their hearts ever melt when they look at the corpses of thousands of Americans and other innocent people who become victims of militant acts. I wonder if their conscience ever jolts them to wake up and stop this immoral practice of performing their job for which they have been elected. I wonder how they will feel if some day they will see one of their dear and near ones in the stack of these dead innocent victims. Has money become more important than a human life? A question I always ask when I see and notice an immoral act. These politicians have stooped so low that they cann't see beyound a dollar bill. This country needs new leaders - leaders who are morally strong and are willing to go to DC to serve the people and not to serve their personal interest only. Do we have people in this country who can listen to their inner voice, rise above petty politics and reject any under the table deals with the lobbyists? Let's hope that 2016 election will elect some fiscally responsible and honest leaders.

India has been trying to mend fences with Pakistan by extending an olive branch, but it appears that this long time effort is not, has not and will not  produce any meaningful results.  Mrs. Sushma Swaraj' is in Pakistan these days trying to renew the same effort, but this writer has his apprehension about the outcome. We should not expect any wonders.  I am surprised that India has taken this initiative to carry on this dialogue even though in the past India had categorically denied to carry on any discussion with Pakistan till Pakistan stops ceasefire violations on the LoC..  From the past experience, one can conclude that this violation is not going to stop until the mentality of the Islamabad government - specifically the mentality of military establishment of Pakistan - is not changed.  They do not even consider LeT and JeM as non-state militant actors.  They call them freedom fighters.  Pervez Musharraf's latest statement on this topic is a live proof.  India ought to take a cue from these statements and should not expect any improvement on the LoC.  Arranging these summit talks is a waste of time, energy and resources.  The solutions to Kashmir problem is a threefold; one being keep fighting on LoC via off and on skirmishes, second both sides should accept Loc as an international border and stay quietly on their respective sides without any military and non-state actors infiltration; and the third one is the last resort to go to full fledged war and winner takes it all.  There is not going to be any other solution at least in the nearest future.

This is not the only city in America which has concentration of Muslim population.  There are many other cities in the USA and in Europe which have kind of 'no go' zones. Police and the local inhabitants are scared to move around in those Muslim territories.  What comes to my mind is the latest attack in Paris and the nest of those perpetrators was found in Saint-Denis, France and the other one which is under surveillance is Mollenbook, Belgium, and not to forget Grand Rapids, Michigan.   The problem is not with the concentration of Muslim population.  There are many other cities which have European and Asian ethnic groups settled at a few spots.  The problem lies with an ideology which has been ingrained in Muslims by the Mullahs which is not to assimilate with others in the society.  Some people might say that this is not what Islam preaches.  Granted, may be it is true in the eyes of those who believe in that teaching.  But those whose brains have been programmed with a convoluted version of Islam - the trouble makers - are difficult to control. The cann't differentiate between wrong and right.  ISIS in the Middle East is a live example.  They still believe in the 7th century version of Islam.  They are playing their sermons on the loudspeakers five times a day in Michigan at the cost of peacefulness of non-Muslims in that territory.  I think it is a shame on the part of local and federal governments to allow it. I wonder if any Muslim country will allow Hindus to sing their religious "bhajans' five times a day on the loudspeakers.  This country, like European governments, is very soft on Muslims.  The burgeoning population of Muslims is going to create a problem for this nation similar to what Europe is facing these days.  It is high time for the civilized nations to put aside politics and consolidate their military assets to eradicate ISIS - the latest big brother of mentally programmed version of Islam.  The more time allowed for this menace to grow, difficult it becomes to incinerate it.

Mr. Azam Khan while deploring an inhumane act of militants in Paris, indirectly appreciating what the militants have done to innocent civilians.  He implies the root cause of this mayhem on the foreign policies and greed of the western nations.  I am wondering if Mr. Khan thought for a minute that there could be some other reasons also of this criminal picture the whole world is suffering from - terrorism.  The perpetrators of this type of menace are brain washed people who have been fed by the Mullahs in their mosques with the convoluted and contorted version of Islam, and that version of Islam is being supported by the petro-dollars Mr. Khan is referring to in his thoughts.  Therefore the origination of these acts of carnage is not the result of foreign policies and greed of western nations, rather it is the outcome of a non-spiritual knowledge of Mullahs in the Mosques - recruiting centers of Jihadis and martyrs.  Have you Mr. Khan given any thought to this aspect of this worldwide problem?  Mr. Khan's statement resembles what the Owaisi brothers believe in about non-Muslims.  He sounds very divisive and his statement and implied thoughts in it portray a sense of polarization.  Being a leader in one of the large states in India, he ought to portray a vision- a vision that galvanizes all Indians of all religions instead of creating a rift among them.  May be the central government in Delhi should keep an eye on all whose statements manifest a sense of breaking the bonds between different religious groups.

Pakistan has raised a never ending question of Kashmir on basically all the international forums they have access to, but , unfortunately, all efforts have been proven to be in vain in extracting any sympathy on this issue.  The reason being that the whole world has realized that there is no basis to discuss this issue.  Historical records reveal as well as the agreements signed between India and Pakistan, especially the latest Simla Agreement, attests to the fact that this issue needs to be resolved only by India and Pakistan without any third party's involvement.  So, one fails to understand the logic behind Pakistani leaders' raising this question on the international forums.  It seems like they do not mind being humiliated at every step of the way to solve this issue.  Prime Minister of Pakistan emphasized in his latest letter to one of the separatists in Kashmir that plebiscite is the only solution to the Kashmir problem.  Since Kashmir is an integral part of India, hence, there is no question of plebiscite.  However, if Mr. Sharif is so much believer in plebiscite, one wonders if he will pursue this method of self-determination in POK, Karachi and Balochistan?  Can he make a statement tomorrow to allow this plebiscite process or does he have to take a permission from the military/ISI nexus?  Under his rule, Karachi is burning every day, Balochistan does not even recognize the civilian government in Islamabad, and Balochs are being crushed on a daily basis by the high-handedness of Pakistani military and living a life of pretty close to nomads animals, people in POK would love to become part of India due to cruelty forced on them by the Pakistani Jihadists supported by the Pakistani military establishment.  the civilian government in Pakistan wants to keep this Kashmir issue alive to divert peoples' attention from the failed structure and crumbling walls of Pakistan's economic, social and cultural segments of society.  Suggestion to Pakistan is to clean your own house first and do not try to throw your garbage over the wall of your neighbor.

China has committed itself to the development of a Gwadar project with the selling pitch that this project is going to be beneficial to both China and Pakistan, and Pakistan has accepted this bait.  Also, under this assumption, Pakistan has given China 2000 acres of Balochistan area to China to develop this so-called corridor.  But if one seas the end result and purpose of developing this area in real terms, it is China who is going to be deriving more benefits from this project in shape of bringing cheap oil to China from the Middle East as well as quenching its thirst of territorial expansion.  One also ought not to undermine the significance of development of this project  which will allow China to bring its armed personnel and arsenal closer to India.  China, by investing in this project, will be killing two birds with one stone - one being bringing cheap oil from the Middle East and second keeping a close eye on the military movement of Indian armed forces.  However, what is sad in this whole transaction is that there is no voice and approval of Balochs.  Their territory is being given to a foreign government without any consideration given to the well-being of Balochs.  That brings pressure on India and Balochs as to how to defeat this project.  I am sure there will be a full military protection provided by the Pakistani military to the Chinese labor working in the Gwadar area to finish this project.  Hence, it becomes more an onerous task to stop this project.  India may have to double its efforts to arm the Balochs, provide all the fire powers Balochs need to fight against the development of this project.  Once China fails to develop this project, it will help India also not to face the Chinese forces more closer to the former's territory.

What Mr. Sharif has done is something needs to be commended.  By attending a Diwali festival in Karachi, he has attempted to bridge a religious sentimental gap between Hindus and Muslims - at least on the surface.  However, it is to be seen whether the commitment and promises he made at the function remain part of his government or not.  But at least he has taken a first step in the right direction.  One can only hope that justice will be done to the minorities in Pakistan.  This writer feels that these mini-steps will stand in good stead to ameliorate the relationship between two countries.  Needless to say, Mr. Sharif has good intentions to create a peaceful atmosphere in that part of the world, but my concern is the motive of nexus of Pakistani military/ISI towards achieving this objective.  Can Mr. Shreef change the ideology of this nexus?  Does he have the capability, power or authority to mend their ideology?  These are the questions one needs to probe.  Let's wait and see.

If this report has any veracity in it, it confirms the point India has been making that Mr. Dawood has been living in Pakistan with a full fledged protection of the Pakistani nexus of military/ISI.  He has been under their protection since he fled India in 1993 after the Mumbai blast.  But what is shameful is that the Pakistani leaders including the military officials never accepted the fact that he is residing in Pakistan.  At any rate, this writer is not surprised by the response from the officials of Pakistan because their whole philosophy is based on 'lies'.  They are using Mr. Dawood and his connections in India to subvert a peaceful atmosphere in India.  However, I have one question and hope that someone can address it.  The Indian government has, with the help of Interpol, issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Dawood.  Since the Interpol authorities are aware of the fact that Mr. Dawood is residing in Pakistan under the full protection of the host government, why cann't they put pressure on the Pakistani government to help him arrested and hand over to the Indian government.  How does this Interpol warrant work?  Is it just a piece of paper and have no teeth into it?  If so, then why pay any attention to it?  But if it has any relevance to this point, is it not then the host government obligated to comply with it?  Also, how about the USA which has declared Mr. Dawood as an international terrorist?  Can USA force the Pakistani government to hand over Mr. Dawood to the Indian government before any financial and military assistance is provided to Pakistan?  These are the questions which need answers.  Can any Indian government official or expert on the Interpol Notice send me a response at my E-Mail address: dmrs1325@yahoo.com?

Mr. Sharif had expected some positive outcome from his meeting with President Obama, but all in vain.  I feel that the US has finally realized that the leaders of Pakistan are not to be trusted, and their litany of complaints and conditions are like a broken record.  There is nothing new to discuss.  Pakistan portrays a dual face and try to make a mockery of the civilized society.  To discuss anything with the civilian government in Islamabad is a sheer waste of time because these leaders have no final authority to make a decision.  All powers, especially on the foreign policy, rest with the nexus of military/ISI of Pakistan.  What Mr. Sharif has stated in his joint statement in the White House is completely under pressure.  He confirmed in that statement that Pakistani government will take severe action against LeT and other non-state actors, and also Pakistani territory will not be allowed to be used for militant acts against India.  This is the guarantee given by Mr. Sharif before he departed for Pakistan.  Does it mean now that there will be no ceasefire violations on the LOC? Of course, time will tell if Mr. Sharif can walk the talk.  However, this writer has his own apprehension about the fulfillment of this promise from Mr. Sharif.

What was discussed between President Obama and the Prime Minister of Pakistan was nothing new. The litany of complaints Mr. Sharif brought with him against India was just like a broken record.  Kashmir issue has been raised by the Pakistani officials at all international forums many a times including the United Nations, but has achieved no results.  The reason being that the whole world has realized that Pakistan is portraying a dual face in front of the civilized society and, hence, gives no credence to what Pakistan is saying.  Pakistan is a known epicenter of terrorism.  Anywhere and whenever there is a terrorist act, its roots are found in Pakistan.  Mr. Ben of the UN has recently told Pakistan that the united Nations will not get involved unless both India and Pakistan request its involvement.  Every time Pakistan requests the United States to intervene in the Kashmir issue, their request is denied.  The unfortunate and strange situation is that Pakistan does not get a hint that they are wasting time discussing a Kashmir issue.  Kashmir is part of India and Pakistan is an occupier.  The world also knows why Pakistan is keeping Kashmir issue alive.  It is not what the civilian government in Islamabad wants, rather the civilian government is dancing on the tune set by the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI.  The importance of this nexus remains alive so long as the Kashmir issue remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan.  However, this writer feels astonished that in spite of the fact that the US government knows the true color of Pakistani establishment, they are still contemplating providing military hardware to Pakistan.  India needs to remain proactive.

What is happening in Punjab is indeed a sad situation.  Any time any religious scripture is dishonored needs to be condemned.  This writer does not blame the outrage shown by the Sikh community over this act of sacrilege.  However, blocking roads and highways to evince anger is not the solution to this problem.  The solution to this problem is to find out who is behind this hideous crime and bring him to justice.  As per preliminary official reports, the Punjab government has linked ISI of Pakistan to this hideous crime and have arrested couple of people.  The Sikh community ought to know that Pakistan has been trying to create troubles in India under the guise of creating a Khalistan Movement, and this writer is of a firm belief that this action is a continuation of reviving that old movement.  ISI wants to see Sikhs fighting with the Hindus, and if the Sikhs continue to show their anger the way they are doing it, they will be playing in the hands of ISI.  Sikhs should not forget what Muslim rulers did to the sons of Guru Gobind Singhji.  The torture and insults brought to Guru Gobind Singhji's family by the Muslim rulers was, is and should remain fresh in the historical records.  How can Sikh community forget all that disgusting behavior of Muslims, and willing to play in the hands of  ISI?  Instead of strengthening the hands of Punjab police to find out more clues who is behind this disgusting act, what Sikhs are doing in Punjab is shameful.

This is a very good live example to bring and maintain peace, love and harmony in the society.  India being a diverse society is setting an example that people of different religious faith and belief can live  and work together towards a common cause of peacefulness.  This is the only way to portray unity in the society.  Wish all Muslim nations can learn some hints from this example and accept a sense of pluralism instead of pursuing  principles of a monolithic society.

From the time Mr. Sharif came into power couple of years ago, only one civilian person - Mr. Sartaz Aziz - was holding both the portfolios - Foreign office and the National Security Office, which many felt was not the right way of operating a foreign policy.  It was too much responsibility on one man's shoulder to do the job the right way.  Finally, the government in Islamabad decided to fill the gap and appoint another body to separate these two offices which may be a good idea to have an optimum output.  However, the point to ponder here is to see the background of a new appointee - Lt. Gen Janjua.  First of all, he has a military background and has been pushed up front on the instigation of a Pakistani military establishment.  His background reveals that he is an anti-India and believes in draconian policies as respects to people in Balochistan.  As this writer visions, what is going to happen is the civilian government in Islamabad will further lose control on the foreign policy because the guidelines on this topic will be channeled through the nexus of Pakistani military and ISI.  Also, people in Balochistan will have more rough times in the future.  There will be a fewer dialogues exchanged between India and Pakistan.  Since the ultimate aim of the Pakistani army is to control the reign of  Pakistan, hence they got their own man, Mr. Janjua, placed in the inner circle of a civilian government with full authority to frame Pakistan's foreign policy.  Moving a step further, may be this is a chess move played by the military to eventually push the civilian government out and take over the throne in Islamabad.  Since the economic, cultural, social, educational along with a sectarian situations in Pakistan are deteriorating and people are feeling really fed up, it is an opportune opportunity for the military to take over.  As far as India is concerned, the future dealings with Pakistan are not going to be bed of roses and India needs to be alert and proactive.

I agree with Mr. Mufti's statement that it is important to maintain communal harmony in the country.  In-house fighting and hatred of each other is not a healthy sign of secularism.   It was embarrassing and shameful what occurred in the Assembly House of J & K last week.  Physical fight and lawlessness among legislators does not portray a civilized gesture on the part of those who are supposed to enact laws.  However, what is important here is also to probe the cause of this chaos, hatred and uncivilized behavior on the part of BJP legislators.  The main cause was the beef dish served in the party arranged by the Muslim community.  Mr. Mufti should know, as announced by the Central government,  that cow being a sacred animal for the Hindus ought not to be sacrificed to fulfill your appetite.  I wonder how Mr. Mufti will feel if hogs are slaughtered and served in his neighborhood.  Would he not feel terrible and curse the local and central laws?  I bet he will.  So why blame BJP legislators for the scuffle which occurred in the J & K Assembly.  Instead of insinuating and throwing indirect punches on the BJP personnel, if Mr. Mufti is a visionary, he should have made a very open statement condemning the Muslim community members for serving beef in his regime.  This writer feels that killing of cows should be banned nationwide and any state government which does not comply with this law ought to be banned to receive any central financial assistance.  Enactment of an anti-slaughter law of cows is very opportune.

Prime Minister of Pakistan has invited one of the separatist leaders Mr. Geelani to visit Pakistan to discuss a broiling issue of Kashmir. However, what is not clear is why Mr. Geelani has to go to Pakistan to discuss this issue. What is new to discuss about Kashmir. The whole world knows what the salient features of this issue are. So, why go to Pakistan. This writer feels that Mr. Geelani is being invited for couple of reasons. One being that Mr. Geelani can sit with the ISI establishment to further solidify its links with the separatists, provide him all the moral and financial support for anti-India movement, and also may be to put pressure on the Indian government to issue him an Indian passport since Mr. Geelani on his own was not able to get an Indian passport for technical reasons. Also, this invitation corroborates the fact that these separatists are the puppets of Pakistan and needed to be treated as traitors.

I could not agree more what Mr. Zakaria has stated in this article.  The USA has been providing military as well as financial assistance to Pakistan since its birth with an added doze of all kinds of help since 1980 when Russia attacked Afghanistan, but the situation in that part of world has not changed a bit.  Therefore, it is not the financial and military help to Pakistan which is going to change the status quo, rather what is needed is a change in the ideology and mind-set of people in that region especially the attitude of Pakistani military establishment.  As we all know, the civilian elected government does not have much power especially in the Foreign Policy area.  The tune is set by the Pakistani military establishment on which the civilian government dances.  Hence, to expect any drastic step from the civilian government to change the mind-set of people is not going to happen.  It will happen only when the madrasses are shut down in which all the young generation is being brainwashed, and the madrasses will be shut down only when the flow of petro-dollars will be plugged.  If US government really wants to stop the terrorist activities in that region and for that matter all over the world, it should work on a project to stop the flow of petro-dollars which is being funneled through the Muslim so-called charitable institutions to operate these madrasses.

What is happening in Saudi Arabia or will happen there is the outcome of their own doing.  Of course we cann't predict the extent of perilous situation which may occur in Saudi Arabia in the coming months and years, but one thing is sure that the Royal family is in trouble and incapable of managing their kingdom.  These so-called royal families or dictators ought to learn a very valuable lesson from the history and the experience of others in the region.  Saddam Hussain of Iraq basically owned the country - nothing could move without his permission.  So was the case of Gadaffi in Libya.  But they did not care to educate their people, mistreated them and made them subservient to the regimes.  Another live example is Pakistan.  The government in the then West Pakistan did not treat the Bengalis in the then East Pakistan humanely, and that ill-treatment led to the creation of a separate country as Bangladesh.  The Saudi Royal family is rich but that richness is not spread for the welfare of inhabitants of that regime.  They are kept illiterate ( except the Royal family members), brainwashed and turned them yes-men for the regime.  Article also referred that the Royal family has to make a wise and timely decision to change the existing turmoil in the country.  Knowing the mentality of the Royal family - tilting towards their own concocted version of Islamic faith of Wahhabism - it is too late to change their religious belief.  Most of the chaos which the whole world is experiencing is the outcome of overt and covert support of petro-dollars flowing from the Saudi government.  Mismanagement of the Haj operation and accident at the construction site at the Mecca are just what Allah is hinting the bad times lingering on the Royal family.  However, at the end of the day, whatever is going to happen to the Saudi Royal family is going to happen.  The important point to ponder upon is who will or is capable of replacing the Saudi Regime.  When one looks around in the Middle East, one will have a tough time to find any one who will be kind, moderate and peace loving to control and manage a deteriorating situation in the Saudi Arabia.  Unless the civilized world finds some one who is willing to extend an olive branch to all Muslim and non-Muslim sects - Sunis, Shias and other minorities- to let them participate in the decision making, willing to educate them properly and respect freedom of speech and practicing their own religion, the situation will not improve, and for that matter, this applies to all Middle East.

I agree with Mr. Trump's understanding of the situation existing between India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, the leaders in DC have not understood till today the real danger emanating from Pakistan. Whenever there is a terrorist attack anywhere, the investigation leads one to a Pakistani territory. Either they had provided training or financial and diplomatic support and/or covert blessing from the Pakistani nexus of military/ISI establishment. One fails to understand the rationale that knowingly Pakistani Talibans of Haqquani group are slaughtering US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, USA is still in the process of providing Pakistan financial and military assistance. It is so ironical. When people say that Mr. Trump lacks knowledge on the foreign policy issues, this writer has a contrast view of this situation. I think he, being an international businessman, keeps himself very much apprised of worldwide situation.

Mr. Owaisi does not command any authority, following and capability to break India.  Even though he says he does not want to break India, but his statements, lectures and ideology reflect anti-India posture.  He blames the backwardness of Muslims to a lack of education which is the end result of poverty.  Is it really true?  Are all Indians born in poor families illiterate in India or should I ask that all Muslims who are very well educated and holding prestigious positions were born with a silver spoon in their mouth?  I do not think any of these versions is true.  Responsibility to educate a child rests with the parents and the government.  To provide free education facilities up to a certain standard is the responsibility and duty of a given government, and then it is up to the parent to make sure that child at least attends school and avail that opportunity.  Mr. Owaisi talks about fixing a quota of scholarships for the Muslims.  I believe he is referring to scholarships where the education is not free.  Can Mr. Owaisi confirm that all the Muslim children in his constituency have at least got the minimum free education? If not, what steps has he taken to make sure they attend schools.  He is holding a very prestigious position in the Indian Parliament which further puts burden on his shoulders to work with the Muslim parents, local leaders as well as with the central government to create educational facilities, if need be, instead of blaming the poverty in the society.  As far as the provision of scholarships is concerned, I do not believe in hand-outs.  Handouts make people complacent, lethargic and unproductive. Let everyone compete for financial assistance and job opportunities.  This concept of socialism is mainly responsible keeping the minorities backward.  Like everyone else in the society, let the minorities fight for better education, better opportunities and become productive member of the society.  Next time Mr. Owaisi talks about the backwardness of his fellow brothers and sisters in his constituency and blame poverty, I think, he should question himself first what has he done to better educate them.  Are you listening Mr. Owaisi?

If one reads history of Balochistan, one will find out that the occupation of Balochistan by the Pakistani government is illegal.  It was a princely state and during the tenure of British, it was up to the then prince to decide if he wanted to become part of Pakistan at the time of partition.  The prince then decided to stay as an independent nation and did not opt to be part of Pakistan.  However, against the wishes of the then prince, Pakistan attacked Balochistan and since then Balochistan is in the grips of Islamabad government.  Needless to say, Balchos have not and will not forget the ill treatment they have been experiencing in the hands of Pakistani military establishment.  According to the reports, Balochistan is blessed with all kinds of natural resources which Pakistan has been exploiting for their own benefits.  The local Balochs are deprived of sharing any of these resources.  Innocent women and children are being murdered on a daily basis and this mayhem has been going on since 1948.  People learn lessons from historical events, but Pakistan has not learn any lessons from its own history - history which gave birth to Bangladesh.  Before Bangladesh was born, West Pakistan treated the Bengalis in the then East Pakistan miserably.  Even though lots of revenues were coming from the East Pakistan, the Bengalis were not allowed to share any of the fruits of their hard work.  Most of that revenue was spent on the welfare of Panjabis and the military establishment in West Pakistan.  What happened to  East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, is a history for any one to read.  The scenario in Balochistan is the same and it is a question of time when, not if, Balochistan will part with Pakistan.  Baloch's blood is boiling and the time is very near when it is going to explode to force the government in Islamabad to cave in. Yes, Balcohs are not equipped to fight with the Pakistani military on equal footing, hence, there is an urgent need from the civilized world including the United Nations to come forward to lessen the grievance of the innocent Baloch women and children by rejecting Pakistan's illegal occupation of Balochistan.  The western nations ought to slap stringent sanctions against Pakistan and make that terrorist nation an irrelevant.

There is nothing new in Mr. Akbar's statement.  It is a stereotyped version of what his many many predecessors had said on this topic - India will give a befitting reply if Pakistan continues...etc.  Pakistan has been continuing since 1947.  Just in the last couple of months, there have been three LOC ceasefire violations.  Has Mr. Akbar forgotten them or is he just turning a blind eye on those incidents?  I understand Mr. Akbar has to follow government guidelines and cann't deviate from it.  But repeating what has been said many many times before is no solace to the innocent civilian victims residing near the border.  They are seeking a permanent solution so that they can have a peaceful life and can concentrate on their family and business matters.  Mr. Akbar is one of the experts in Kashmir matters.  He knows very well there is no way India can solve this problem through negotiations especially when both parties are adamant not to part with Kashmir.  Pakistan is not willing to discuss any other issue unless Kashmir is incorporated in the agenda.  Also, he knows that the survival and status of Pakistan's military is predicated on the Kashmir issue, and under no circumstances they would let this issue slip from their grip.  Their main motive is to let this Kashmir issue simmer as long as possible.  Therefore, what India has to do is to cut off all dialogues with Pakistan and try to make it as an irrelevant nation.  Simultaneously, RAW needs to be more aggressive in helping the opposition parties in Karachi, KP and Balochistan provinces towards achieving their independence from Pakistan.  This is the only way, short of full fledged war with Pakistan, to settle this burning Kashmir issue - stereotyped statements will not do the job.

Chinese involvement in building these tunnels in the POK area is just one of the routes which is going to be used by China when, not if, there is going to be a war between India on one side and Pakistan along with China on the other side.  The development work in the Gwadar port in the Balochistan area is in progress for the Chinese navy which is going to be another facility to be utilized for the same purpose.  True, there are economic and commercial reasons also for the Chinese to develop this port to have an easy access from the gulf and the Central Asian Region, but the utmost purpose is being the security for Pakistan and territorial expansion for China.  One should know that Pakistan has arranged a special force of thousands of military personnel to provide protection to the Chinese engineers and labor force on the Gwadar project, and Chinese language is being taught in Pakistani schools also.  Chinese are not doing it out of a sheer love for Muslims in Pakistan.  Chinese have a long term territorial ambition, and the investment Chinese are making in these different project is paving the way to fulfill that long term objective.  Yes, Prime Minister Modi highlighted these concerns to the Chinese, but one wonders if they really listened to what Indian Prime Minister stated.  I do not think so.  The long term planning of China is to encircle India and obstruct its economic development in Asia.  India needs to be proactive of Chinese chess moves and prepare itself for a dual confrontation - India against combination of Pakistan and China.

Raising a Pakistani flag in the Indian territory especially in the state of J & K seems to have become a norm and it appears that there is no objection to the local and the central governments.  Needless to say that these demonstrators are abetted, financed and supported by a nation across the border, and these funds are channeled via. separatists in the state of J & K.  However, this writer is confused and would like to know if there is any provision in the Indian Constitution or in the Constitution of J & K to declare these anti-India demonstrators as 'traitors'.  I understand that freedom of speech is one of the main ingredients in a democratic society, but unfurling a flag of another nation - a nation which has been fighting with India since 1947 - is something ought not be acceptable to any sovereign nation.  The scene of raising a Pakistani flag leaves an impression that the local government has a kind of soft corner in its heart for Pakistan.  If that is true, the burden lies on the shoulder of a central government to take notice of this anti-India act because this will eventually lead towards a security threat to the nation.  Earlier this anti-national activity is overpowered, better the nation will be.

I am glad that finally Saudi government found out the true color of the Pakistani government. Even though Saudis have been financing the exchequer of Pakistani government and helping them float for the last many decades, the pay off at the time of need from the Pakistani government was nil and full of excuses and helplessness. Saudis have been supplying free oil to the Pakistani government for many many years, and even helped saved Nawaz Sharif's life when he was imprisoned by Mr. Musharraf in1999.  All the goodwill and friendly gesture were ignored by the current government in Islamabad.  Granted Saudis had their interest to proliferate their Wahhabism style Muslim religion through madrassas in Pakistan, but when Pakistan accepted funds and goods in kind from the Saudis, the former was equally involved in the proliferation of Wahhabism. As they say, friend in need is a friend indeed.  However, in the case of Pakistan, this proverb did not come out to be true.  Hence, the Saudis are right in reconsidering their relationship with an unreliable government which just relies on the concept of taking and not giving.   Saudis are better off cutting all its economic and diplomatic ties with Pakistan and instead advance their friendly economic dealings with India.  India is a developing country and inviting lot of investments from abroad, and it is an opportune time for the Saudis to become part of this ongoing aggressive development.

Saudi Arabia is showing its sense of philanthropy towards ameliorating the worsening situation of Muslim refugees going to Europe from the troubled areas of the Middle East.  Their offer of displaying the pertro dollars towards building hundreds of mosques in Germany, if the local government permits it, is certainly a nice gesture.  However, one wonders if Saudis are really serious in doing something about the worsening situation of their Muslim brothers and sisters or do they have any long term hidden agenda.  This writer feels very sorry seeing the miserable situation in which innocent women and children have to go through.  Keeping that unfortunate pathetic situation apart for the time being, I have my own apprehension about this move of the Saudis and other Muslim countries in the Middle East.  First of all, if the Middle Eastern Sheikhs are so courteous and moved by the plight of these refugees, why did not they open their own doors, build mosques or houses to accommodate these refugees.  Or may be these Saudis have a long term religious agenda, as I stated above, to see these Muslims settle in Europe to build a voting bank for the local politicians.  One ought not to forget and overlook that Europe, including Germany, is aging and  they need labor to see their countries running.  Europe gets cheap labor and Muslims build its voting bank which down the road will help them create their own influence in the working of European governments.  It definitely serves Saudis long term objective.  The way Muslim population in Europe is increasing either by influx of refugees or through lack of birth control, time is not too far when whites in Europe will be in minority - that is what Saudi wants.  The other danger for Europe is that this influx of refugees will have a built-in Jihadi pipeline too.  Even though this gesture of accepting refugees is praiseworthy, but it is prudent to screen them properly, and also a watchful eye on their movements will be in line.

Middle East has been on fire for many many years.  Every day, hundreds of innocent lives are maimed, killed and the mayhem is beyond the comprehension of a any civilized human being.  Muslims are killing their Muslim brothers and sisters along with other minority groups living in that part of world.  Under the pretext of religion, lot of innocent lives have become victim of sectarian scuffles.  However, the unfortunate part is that the Sheikhs in the Middle East do not care to find a solution to this on going madness in the Muslim communities of these countries.  they cann't lift themselves up from politics and contorted version of their religion and try to think outside that enclosed box to find a solution to this inhumane tragedy.  'Fatwa' is a very interesting word in Islam.  But I am little confused and may be some one can help me understand the true meaning and purpose of this diktat. First of all, my discussion with some of the Muslims who profess to know more about Islam than I do, revealed that these Fatwas can only be issued by the government and not by any  Imams or Mullahs.  Is it true?  Secondly, what does it mean?  Does it mean that the person against whom this Fatwa is issued needs to be assassinated? I am not sure.  Bunch of Mullahs, Imams and other Muslim scholars in India just issued a Fatwa against the activities of ISIS in the Middle East and sent this 15 volume dossier to the United Nations for some kind of approval.  Another confusion.  What will happen to the activities of ISIS even if UN approved this dossier?  Is UN going to take any initiative to stop the barbarous acts of ISIS?
Definitely not.  UN does not have the capability, will and enforcement power to stop it.  So, even though there may have some goodness hidden in this diktat, what purpose does it serve to change the ideology of this unIslamic behavior?  In my opinion, Mullahs and Imams should not waste time issuing these diktat, instead spend rather invest time in changing the ideology of their Muslim brothers and sisters to over this madness.  The problem is not with the teachings of Islam, the crux of the problem lies with the convoluted and contorted interpretation of Koran by the Mullahs.  Therefore, the burden is on the shoulders of Mullahs in the mosques to deliver spiritual discourses while preaching Islam - spiritual which leads the audience to love, respect and treat others humanely.  ARE MULLAHS, IMAMS AND OTHER SO CALLED AUTHORITIES IN ISLAM LISTENING?

Central government of India needs a big applause for the action taken to provide shelter to the minority group of people who are Pakistani nationals and entered India before December last year.  As we all know, the minorities in Pakistan are treated as a second class citizens, being forced to convert to Islam failing which they are killed, maimed and forced to marry into the Muslim families.  There is no chance for them to educate themselves, being part of the election and judicial  system or enjoy any type of freedom of speech.  Their life in Pakistan is not better than a person in the prison for a life time.  This action is a step in the right direction to alleviate their sufferings, and with the hope that they can have a decent human life in India with a full liberty of speech, faith and freedom.  Not knowing the details of this communication granting them a stay in India even though their documents/visas have expired, this writer would like to see another friendly and humanely gesture on the part of an Indian government and that is to provide these new settlers financial support as a seed money for lodging, boarding and starting some small scale business so that they can stand on their feet and become productive members of the community along with some assistance towards education for their children.  This will have a long term political gain for the BJP and more over a long lasting good wishes for India.

Army Chief of Pakistan stated, while celebrating 50th anniversary of 1965 war with India, that the Pakistani army is capable of defending Pakistan irrespective of the scale and length of an impending war with India.  He also emphasized that there is a big difference between the Pakistani army of the past and the present.  In addition, he said that Kashmir is, as he put it, an unfinished business for the last 68 years to make it part of Pakistan.  Needless to say, these are good points, delivered diplomatically, to keep the morale of the Pakistani forces high.  But when it comes to reality which means fighting a war with another country, , one ought not to look for diplomacy and contorted statements.  One should seek factual information, especially when the opponent is more powerful in every respect - militarily, economically and its size.  When Army Chief of Pakistan made his statement, had he forgotten what happened to his country in the last four wars with India.  In one of the wars of 1971, Pakistan lost half of its territory - now Bangladesh.  I will be interested to see if Pakistan celebrates 50th anniversary of 1971 war also and how do they present the facts to its population.  Unfortunate part of Pakistani history is that it is run predicated on lies, baseless statements, misguidance and misinformation.  Giving Army Chief a benefit of doubt, may be he was boasting of Pakistan's nuclear bombs when he made above statements, knowingly that his nation cann't win a conventional war with India.  That makes sense.  However, there is a big risk involved in that statement and assumption.  Pakistan knows that India has a declared policy of not using a nuclear bomb 'first'.  But Pakistan and including this Army Chief should know that any usage of nuclear arsenal by Pakistan on India will have an unimaginable consequences.  True, Pakistan can create a very substantial damage to India by exploding nuclear bombs first, but its repercussion will be so devastating on Pakistan that it may not exists on the map.  IS PAKISTANI ARMY CHIEF READY FOR THAT?

What has happened in this rape case involving a few Indians and a Japanese girl is shocking and equally shocking is the quickness and a fair delivery of strict judgement to punish the perpetrators for a long term imprisonment.  The court's decision, needless to say, is to be admired.   I am sure it brought lot of relief to the victim and her family because that is what they looked for - a fair judgement.  All leaders and judges at other states' level ought to take a cue from the handling of this rape case to set an example that under no circumstance the criminal of such heinous rape cases will be spared irrespective of their association, affiliation and status in the society.  However, in my opinion, this case took 6 months to dispose off which is still a long time.  There needs to be special courts set up nationwide where only rape cases will be heard and disposed off within weeks, not in months and years.  One does not want to prolong the agony to the victim and his/her family awaiting the closer of such cases. 

Pakistan's history is full of lies and distortion of facts. Defese Minister of Pakistan - Mr. Asif - is just repeating the same version of Pakistan's previous annals by saying that Pakistan won 1965 war against India when the whole world, especially many Pakistani retired generals admit that India defeated Pakistan in 1965 very badly as the former did in the 1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. It is very strange that the Pakistani government does not feel shy at all by presenting distorted facts to its citizens. Agreed that a large majority of Pakistanis are not literate, and by design they have been deprived of this privilege, but there is no uproar either from the press and media either against the misrepresentation of facts. I am not sure how long the Pakistani leaders will be able to pull on with the contorted and baseless arguments, but one thing is sure that they cann't make fool of the whole world any more. The civilized society knows the historical truth and it is a matter of time Pakistan will become a very irrelevant entity on the international forum. As far as Pakistan's scuffle with India is concerned, I do not profess to be a military expert, but I can say that if and when there is another war between these two countries, it is going to be full of destruction. Since Pakistan cann't win any conventional war against India , and God forbid, if it leads to a nuclear war the consequences will be beyond description and in all eventuality Pakistan will be wiped off the map with substantial damage to India too - but India will survive.

What Mr. Baig's organization is doing is a step in the right direction to change a thought process of non-Muslims about Muslims.  However, this writer has his own apprehension and that is if this billboard campaign is really genuine or is it another ploy to gain the good will of non-Muslims about Muslims.  I am asking Mr. Baig if his organization is going to stand up openly condemning any terrorist act perpetrated by any Muslim anywhere in the world, if his organization is going to work as a true citizen and report any noticeable anti-national activity in their community to the legal authority, if his organization can confirm that Muslim mosques are not going to be the recruiting centers of future martyrs and the audience is not going to be brain washed with the concept of jihad and infidel.  Can he and his organization do it?  Religious places ought to deliver sermons only and only on the topic of spirituality which teaches the audience how to be peaceful, love each other and respect each other and not to hate and kill each other.  Unfortunately, most of the so called Imams and mullahs in the mosques are not spiritually literate.  They deliver discourses either predicated on their own distorted understanding of Koran or as they are guided by their financiers to proliferate their philosophy of Islam.  In both cases, it is harmful and does not serve the humanity the way it should.  Hence, the whole world is a victim of this convoluted and contorted version of Islam.  What is happening in the Middle East, especially the activities of ISIS, is a shameful live example of Muslims.  What is Mr. Baig's response to it and what his organization is doing to stop this inhumane activity, other than just pasting and displaying billboard signs.

I am not sure how far this check from the Muslim community of Gorakhpur for 11,111 rupees will go to take care of the grievances of Gita Press striking employees, but certainly it is a gesture to be praised.  This is a type of ideology needed this day when there is lot of ill-will spreading between Hindus and Muslim communities.  All Muslims and Hindus ought to take a cue from this incident.  Because this is the only way to root out the basic cause of friction from the communities - helping, loving and respecting each other.  Yes, it is an uphill battle to change the mentality of brain washed people ( both Hindus and Muslims), but the gesture cited above is a step in the right direction to achieve this objective.  Also, what is needed to accomplish this goal is a demonstration of an outright condemnation whenever there is any act perpetrated by any brain washed group of people to damage the relationship of these two communities. This demonstration ought to follow right away from the moderate communities of both religions.  Therefore, the onus is on the moderate leaders of both the communities.  It is a historical fact that irrespective of the fact whether a fight is between family members, at a state level, national level or even between two countries,fighting with each other does not solve any problem.  It just brings destruction and more destruction.  Do we want to pursue a path which leads to destruction?

I am not sure if the writer of this article is the same Mr. Haqqani who once was Pakistani Ambassador in the USA under PPP's regime.  If so, needless to say, his article is very balanced and full of facts.  He worked in the inner circle of then Pakistani government.  As he stated in his article, Pakistan's continued support for the non-state militant actors, convoluted text books to misguide the Pakistani subjects, continuous discussion and argument about a baseless issue of Kashmir knowing fully well that Kashmir does not belong to Pakistan, are irritants in the eyes of Indian leaders.  Pakistan should go back and read the history started in 1947 when the then prince Hari Singh agreed to make Kashmir part of India because India saved his territory from an unexpected attack by Pakistan on Kashmir. However, the fact remains, and Mr. Haqqani will agree with me, that so long as the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI is overpowering the democratically elected government in Islamabad, one ought not to expect any wonders towards ameliorating relationship between India and Pakistan.  Pakistani establishment like many other Muslim countries does not want its people to be educated, well nourished and well established because these basic ingredients of any human bring awareness of self respect, individual rights and sense of liberty.  These basic human instincts are not acceptable to the Muslim leaders - one can say, that is the history of Muslim leaders,kings and land lords.  Pakistan is spending 70% of its budget to maintain military might and towards making nuclear bombs.  Per current press reports, Pakistan will have over 350 nuclear bombs in another 15 years.  Do they really need that many bombs to crush India?  One should not forget that USA threw only two bombs on Japan in WWII, and Japan surrendered.  Also, those bombs were not even near to the destructive power as compared to the modern bombs.  So, why so many bombs?  Pakistan can earmark the same financial resources towards improving educational system, infrastructure, health facilities, manufacturing and food production etc.  This will bring prosperity, good health to its citizens and well educated Pakistani can flourish overseas also.  It is going to be a win win situation.  However, in order to achieve this, the ideology of the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI and the basic philosophy of the civilian government need to be changed.  Do the leaders of different establishments in Pakistan have the desire to think about the nation first?

Unfortunately, these intrusions on the LOC are going on, have been going on, and till the Kashmir problem is settled once and for all, will be going on.  Of course these catches are important to show to the world a live proof of what Pakistan's non-state actors with the abetment, financing and supervision of nexus of Pakistani military/ISI are doing on the border.  This is basically a nuisance on the border and Pakistan wants to keep these activities alive with the help of its proxies - LeT, J-e-M and others- to divert attention of its citizens from the domestic problems.  Also, Pakistani military wants war with India and this is one of the ways to excite India to become more belligerent.  I am not sure how long India can hold its horses before another full fledged military engagement takes place.  Eventually, it is going to happen because the civilian government in Islamabad is impotent and cann't go against military.  This government is dancing on the tune of a music played by the Pakistani military establishment.  Therefore, sooner the Indian government initiates some serious military action to over power the whole Kashmir, the better off that region will be.  Simultaneously, India ought to adopt a very aggressive maneuvering to help the Balochs and insurgents in the Sindh Province who want separation from Pakistan.  Dismantling Pakistan further will also prove to be an effort to establish peace in the region.

It seems that Pakistan intends to actively pursue the mad nuclear race and prove to the other nuclear powered nations that it has the will and the capacity to beat them in this matter. According to this article, Pakistan may be able to build up to 350 nuclear bombs in a decade time. It raises a few intelligent questions in my mind. What is the purpose of hoarding so many nuclear bombs and at what cost? Yes, Pakistan feels threatened by India. But do they really need 350 nuclear bombs to defeat and crush India? One should not forget what happened when USA threw only two bombs in Japan during WWII, the Japanese government right away surrendered. Also, it is to be noted that those bombs were not even near having the destructive power what these modern nuclear bombs have. So what is the gimmick here? Also, I think that Pakistan is not utilizing their financial resources in a proper fashion. Instead of using its financial resources for the uplift and betterment of its citizens towards development of educational system, infrastructure and manufacturing etc., it is channeling its funds in a destructive way. The other reason of accumulating a large number of bombs could be that they have the intention to sell them - a finished product - to other Muslim countries which eventually may end up creating a nuclear holocaust. In either case, the nature of this venture is very destructive both for the Pakistani nationals as well as for the world to face.  India has a declared policy of not to use nuclear arsenal 'first'.  If Pakistan attacks India with its nuclear power, does any one think that India will take it with its hands down?  With its own mighty nuclear power, India will decimate Pakistan within no time.  Therefore, it is in the interest of Pakistan not to provoke India by violating ceasefire at the LOC and stop its proxy war in Kashmir, failing which the consequences could be very destructive.  The ball is in the court of Pakistan.

Rape in India has become a very common news item.  Everyday one reads that rape is taking place in practically every corner of the country.  How shameful?  What happened in Assam is, of course a repetition of act what occurred in New Delhi in December 2012 and the victim Nirbhaya is still fresh in the minds of all Indians.  Lot of demonstrations took place in Delhi in 2012, and similar demonstrations are taking place in Assam today as well.  One wonders if just conducting demonstrations to eradicate this menace is enough or something more needs to be done.  If so, what it is?  Raising your concern through the demonstrations is not enough.  What is needed is strict and specific anti-rape legislation with the provision that any rapist proven guilty will be behind bar for a longer period of time without parole, and God forbid if the victim dies, then the rapist will be executed also without fail.  Any interference from any higher-ups will not be treated lightly either.  A person interfering in this judicial judgement will face the legal music too.  Also, there is a need to establish special courts just to entertain rape cases, and should be under strict guidelines to dispose of these heinous cases within weeks, not months and years. Since rape is a social evil, it needs to be eradicated nationwide, and to accomplish this objective, country needs leaders with a strong spine.  I wonder if leaders at both the state and central levels are listening the cries of rape victims.

Mr. Nawaz Sharif's open statement supporting the separatists in Kashmir is an indication and approval of its support to the anti-India elements in India.  The sad part is that Pakistan expects that India will cave in to the ideology Pakistan carries about the activities of these separatists in India.  It is just like India asking Pakistan to accept the demands of Balochs to be separated from Pakistan or the leaders of MQM Party to disassociate itself from Pakistan and make a new country called Sindh or whatever.  However, Mr. Sharif's statement further proves the point that Pakistan is not interested in ameliorating relationship between India and Pakistan.  This is a mind-set, and it will continue till the time the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI is overpowering the democratically elected government in Islamabad.  Therefore, India is left with no alternative except just to ignore Pakistan and make it irrelevant in the political process.  Having meetings with them is a waste of time, energy and resources.  Currently, Pakistan is shackled with their financial, political, social, sectarian and cultural problems and the time is not too far when it will collapse under its own weight.

As stated in this article, the increase in rape victims in general is mind boggling.  Any time a child or female member of the community is raped, it is a disgrace to the law and order of a country.  Whether a rape occurs in a metropolitan city or a remote village, it is a shame on the whole mankind.  It is good that there is now an awareness to report such cases, but just reporting such instances will not eradicate this menace from the civilized society.  What is required is an enactment and implementation of tough anti-rape legislation.  It ought to encompass provisions that any time sex/rape offender is found guilty of this crime, he will be behind bars for a long time without parole, and God forbid, if victim dies due to this heinous act, the offender will be executed without any delay in the execution of this order.  Also, on a national basis, there should be specific courts just to handle rape cases so that the judgement against these criminals is awarded in a very short period of time - may be weeks, not in months and years.  Also, irrespective of criminal's association, affiliation and the status in a society, no outside interference will be accepted and tolerated in this matter.  Anyone who even tries to influence the judiciary's judgement, will be considered as equal participant and ought to be penalized severely.  The idea of an enactment and implementation of this draconian law is to make a country safe, respectful and peaceful where all human beings irrespective of their age and gender can live with each other without fearing each other.  However, this needs a leadership at both center and state levels - leadership with a strong spine and mentality of national well-being.  Do we have it?

India has provided to Pakistan many a times the relevant details about the whereabouts of Mr. Dawood Ibrahim - his residences and other properties both in Pakistan and Dubai.  India along with the US State Department and United Nations have declared him an international terrorist.  In spite of all this, Pakistan has not and it seems is not willing to take any action to hand him over to the Indian government.  Also, this writer is baffled that there is no action or pressure put by the US government or the United Nations authorities on the Pakistani government to hand over this culprit to the Indian government.  Instead, as we know from the dossier presented by the Indian government, Pakistani government has issued its passports not only to Mr. Dawood Ibrahim but to all his family members also.  What does it say?  It shows that there is a collusion between this culprit and the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI to provide him full protection.  Pakistan does not care about what US and UN think about this matter.  It also shows that Pakistan has no interest in ameliorating relationship between India and Pakistan.  Pakistan does not want to be part of the solution, it remains to be part of the problem. Therefore in my opinion, any effort to hold any dialogues with the Pakistani authorities is a waste of time, energy and resources.   

The decision on the part of an Indian government to detain these separatists at the Delhi airport is correct.  Also, the decision as to what is ultimately decided or not decided about Kashmir rests with the Indian and Pakistani representatives and has nothing to do with these separatists who are pawns of Pakistan - surviving on the mercy of a nation across the border.  If these separatists are true Indians and sincere about seeing a meaningful outcome about the issue of Kashmir, they will not allow Pakistani and ISIS flags unfurl on  the Indian territory.  They have no allegiance to India and, in my opinion, ought to be declared as 'traitors' and put behind bars without parole.  If India scuttles tomorrow's meeting between NSAs, it will be the right decision.

National Security Advisers of India and Pakistan are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on August 23rd to, hopefully, sort out differences between two countries.  As we know, the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI is never in favor of ameliorating relationship between India and Pakistan and try their best to derail this effort.  The trick they play is to send invitation to the Kashmiri separatists to meet Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi right before this summit meeting is due to take place.  This of course upsets the Indian government, and last year, under this scenario the impending meeting between both NSAs was cancelled.  However, this writer is baffled to note that the scheduled meeting on August 23rd is on schedule even though the Pakistani nexus has played the same trick by inviting the Kashmiri separatists to meet the Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi.  I wonder why?  Is India taking a different stand this time under some kind of diplomatic pressure or is it portraying its flexible nature to see to what extent this can damage the existing scenario in the Kashmir valley?  Whatever the reason or circumstances may, one thing is sure that India should not expect any wonders from this impending summit meeting.  This will be a complete failure and waste of time and energy.   India ought to know that till the Pakistani military status is over powering the elected civilian government in Islamabad, the relationship between India and Pakistan cann't be improved.  We have been seeing it for the last 68 years and we can wait another 68 years or more, we will find the same status quo.  Choice lies with India.

What is happening in the UK is not new and unknown to the authorities.  Muslims Shias and Sunis both - are creating headache internationally especially they are exploiting the soft tenets of Constitutions in the democratic countries.  Therefore the only way to control this headache is to mend Constitutions in all the democratic countries and the amendment ought to specifically state that any one inciting anti-national and/or anti-religious sentiments which is perceived as a security issue to a given country should face a long term imprisonment without parole.  This is applicable only to the citizens of that specific country.  All illegal Muslims should be shunted out to their respective countries.  It will be cheaper and less annoying to defray their deportation expenses in the long run.  However, this needs a strong bunch of leaders internationally with the courage not to worry about the Muslim voting banks at the cost of their national security.  County's security ought to take precedence.  Just by making anti-Muslim diplomatic statements will not solve this riddle.  It needs a pro-active approach before this menace becomes formidable.  My hint is specifically to the leaders in the USA, Europe and India.  Are they listening?.

The impending NSAs meeting in Delhi this month is another futile effort on the part of India to expect some miracle.  India's wish list such as handing over Mr. Dawood, early action against the perpetrators of 26/11 attack in Mumbai and on-going ceasefire violations on the LOC is as it says a 'wish list'.  India ought not to hold its breath to see something concrete coming out of this meeting.  Pakistan is not going to do anything on these issues because the civilian government in Islamabad has no authority to discuss these matters with the Indian government.  The final authority and decision lies with the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI.  Be prepared, Mr. Aziz is going to raise a Kashmir issue too.  Is India ready to give Pakistan what it is going to ask for?  Definitely not.  So, how can India expect anything concrete coming from Mr. Aziz in this meeting.  Hence, this meeting is going to be another hogwash get together to show to the world that these two nations are still talking and trying to improve relationship which is just impossible.  Pakistan cann't forget India's role in 1971 in dismantling Pakistan and creation of now a Bangladesh.  The only way India can make Pakistan irrelevant is by further dismantling Pakistan - help Balochs to gain independence from Pakistan and assist Sindhis and people in the Province of KP to break away from Pakistan.  Pakistan should be left with  only one Province Panjab.  There is no other way to get rid of this headache across the Indian border, short of full fledged war.

The scenario in the South and East China sea is very convoluted and contradictory.  China along with the whole world admits that this is a disputed territory, but former's assertion that it  does not and will not allow any foreign ship or aircraft to violate the sea lane and airspace.  What is confusing to this writer is that if if it is a disputed territory, it means that China does not own it.  So, how can it claims its ownership on the international water and what authority it has to dictate its own terms to the international navigational and aviation equipment.  Recently UK and the USA along with other countries in the South China Sea have refused to accept China's claim on these waters, but no country has the guts to demolish the structure China has constructed in that body of international water.  I wonder what scares each of these countries.  Are they afraid that any military action to demolish this structure might start WWIII or are they scared of adverse economic outcome?  Whatever the reason may be, simple diplomatic statement against this structure is not going to stop Chinese hegemonic attitude to grab any territory they can.  What is needed is a strong military action against this construction project to enable peaceful and easy navigation in that part of the ocean.

The impending meeting between the National Security Advisers of India and Pakistan is meaningless as other meetings held in the past 66 years.  Indian leaders have been hoping against hope that something concrete will come out to create a peaceful and meaningful relationship between these two nations.  Unfortunately, that has not happened so far and this writer is very pessimistic about any fruitful outcome in the foreseeable future.  Any time the leaders in New Delhi and Islamabad try to initiate action towards developing better relationship and peaceful atmosphere, an untoward incidents happen to derail that objective.  The latest instance is what happened in Gurdaspur, Panjab and Udhampur in the state of J & K right after the meeting between Modi and Nawaj Sharif in Ufa, Russia.  Therefore, one can see that the problem is not with the civilian governments in Islamabad, but the real culprit is the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI which does not think it is in their best interest to see any improvement of relationship between India and Pakistan.  Hence, the plea whether or not India produces evidence each time there is a militant attack from Pakistan, is baseless and useless and a sheer waste of time, resources and energy.  It is not going to do any good unless Kashmir issue is settled.  As far as Kashmir issue is concerned, both India and Pakistan have made a very clear categorical statements at each level of government establishments not to let go Kashmir.  So, it is a catch 22.  If India is not willing to let go Kashmir, then why bother keeping these meetings?  Am I missing something?

Mr. Aziz's statement sounds like a broken record.  What he is saying is nothing new.  All his predecessors had been copying each other and repeating the same thing again and again. Like others, Mr. Aziz is emphasizing that Pakistan wants to have good relations with its neighbors through exchange of dialogues which includes all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.  On one hand, he says that Pakistan wants to discuss issues to maintain peace in the region while on the other hand, his government is not doing anything to take action against non-state militant actors moving around with full impunity in his country.  These militants have been sending their proxy soldiers across LOC to create havoc in India.  Recent two instances are live examples; one in Gurdaspur, Panjab and the other one in J & K.  One of the militants has been arrested by the Indian security forces in the J & K state who has been revealing his place of residence, who supported him to come to India and attack the Hindus.  His father in Pakistan has also confirmed the identity of his son who is in the hands of Indian security forces, even though the government of Mr. Aziz has denied again about his identity.  What a shame.  Mr. Aziz ought to know that the world is not stupid to be fooled time and again about the mischievous acts Pakistan plays at the LOC.  These low ball tactics will not help resolve any outstanding issues between India and Pakistan.  What is needed is a serious, honest and very frank intent to come to the table to negotiate on any issue.  Also, it needs an authority to make a final decision on the spot which, I think, is going to be very difficult for Mr. Aziz's government to do because the civilian government's hands are tied behind its back by the nexus of Pakistani military/iSI.   Can Mr. Aziz deny this scenario?  I doubt very much.  India should not waste time to get involved with Pakistan on any issue unless they mend their action, ideology and behavior towards India.  However, this writer is also watching what type of military response is in the works against two militant attacks cited above so that Pakistan will think twice before initiating any such action again.

Lt. General (retd.) Hoon's litany of questions make sense.  It is appropriate, relevant and very timely list of complaints.  Since there is no appropriate action initiated by the PDP government to stop unfurling of Pakistani and ISIS flags in the Indian territory as well as open insurgency by the miscreants and puppets of a nation across the border, it is obvious that the  PDP leaders have a soft corner for Pakistan.  If it is true then Mr. Hoon's complaint becomes more relevant and timely which needs answer from both the state and the central governments.  Now coming to the on-going ceasefire violations at LOC, it is little puzzling to this writer to understand central government's policy towards these violations.  Whenever, which is very often, this violation occurs, the central government officials use a statement to the effect stating that if these type of violations 'continue', Indian government will give a befitting response to Pakistan.  The word 'continue' has been in use for decades, and it seems that this word has either a unlimited time span or has no relevance at all. Because Pakistan has been violating ceasefire agreement at LOC without any interruption and befitting response from the central government.  May be some one who is reading my comments can explain to me the meaning of a word 'continue'.  What do Indian leaders mean by this word?  Discussing any issues with the civilian government in Islamabad is a waste of time, energy and resources because civilian government has no authority to initiate action which will be conducive to ameliorate relationship with India - due to the pressure from the nexus of Pakistani military/ISI.  As they say, might is right.  Hence, force is the only way to remove this headache from the Indian borders.

The article narrates a few factual incidents which are willingly acceptable to the PDP leaders but not to the BJP establishment.  Mr. Mufti also holds an opinion that the marriage between PDP and BJP is like trying to meet East with the West.  When you have this type of inner feelings and understanding, how can one expect a smooth sailing in the political, social and cultural sectors.  When open anti-India demonstrations, unfurling of Pakistani flags on the Indian territory and uninterrupted meetings between Kashmiri separatists and Pakistani diplomats in India continued without any official objection and appropriate action, one is compelled to infer the real intention of the local government.  In the current scenario, that inference does not reflect any allegiance of the PDP leaders towards India.  They are tilting towards Pakistan.  Therefore, as the article stated that time is running out before the coalition between PDP and BJP is dissolved and new elections take place.  The state of J & K needs leaders who can create jobs for the locals to keep them occupied and make them productive citizens of the state.  Also, Article 370 needs to be repealed/modified so that non-Kashmiri businesses can flow in and help create jobs and  prosperity, thus increasing standard of living of locals in the region.  Since 1947, no effort has been made by the local governments to educate and create jobs for the locals, hence the suffering, turmoil and ill-will being viewed.  The venom being spewed by the locals is the end result of devoid of proper education and employment.  In order to be successful for any government, these two ingredients are essential to provide to the locals.  The fault lies with the government authorities and not with the locals.

Obama administration seems to be very happy by signing a nuclear deal with Iran.  Not knowing the full details of this agreement, still to be signed and approved by Congress, one hopes for the best outcome.  It is always a good idea to prevent the possibilities of war anywhere in the world, especially the Middle East Region.  However, the whole world knew the gist of this impending agreement - which has 10 years delay to manufacture any nuclear bomb and resistance on the part of Iran not to let the nuclear inspectors visit the military installations etc.  One wonders if those irritants - irritants especially to Israel - have been removed.  If not, one has to see the reaction and action on the part of Israel.  Prime Minister of Israel just made a remark that Israel will defend itself unilaterally, if need be, to save Israel.  I do not know what it means, but time will tell.  If that means Israel will attack the nuclear sites of Iran with their own arsenal, we are talking of symptoms of WWIII.  How about Saudi Arabia?  I am sure they are feeling perplexed, and must be knocking at the doors of Pakistan and North Korea to buy nuclear bombs to balance the power in the region.  No doubt a wide rift between Saudis and the USA and the latter's tilt towards Iran is making Saudis very uncomfortable.  Therefore, even though some type of nuclear has been signed with Iran, it is premature to say that everything in the Middle East is honky and dory and nothing to worry about.

It is always a good idea to have friendly relations with everybody especially the neighbors.  What Russia and China are doing  is running parallel to this concept.  However, one ought  not to forget the basics of developing friendly relationship which needs a sincere willingness, determination and eagerness to achieve that goal.  India has been striving to accomplish this objective since 1947, but due to lack of sincere initiatives from Pakistan always derailed the train from the track.  What happened in Ufa, Russia sounds historical, but this writer has some apprehension.  Both Russia and China, especially China wants to see improvement of relationship between India and Pakistan to establish peace in the region.  How about improving relationship between India and China?  China has been occupying thousands and thousands of miles Indian territory since 1962 which is a major stumbling block.  This unauthorized occupation of land is an apple of discord between India and China.  This insatiated territorial ambition of China does not end here, it is still asking India to get out of Arunachal Pradesh also because China treats that territory of India as the southern part of Tibet which again is an unauthorized occupation of China.   Is China willing to go back to the pre-1962 territorial line and stop unacceptable claim on Arunachal Pradesh?  If China is really and sincerely interested in seeing peace and tranquility in the region, this is an opportune time to show some big heart gesture and go back to its original borders and resist from its ambition of territorial expansion.  If not, then I think it is a ploy to see India caving in under the pressure of China and Russia.  These are the chess games, India has to be very very careful in playing its pawns.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has become a bouncing ball which has been bouncing since 1947 without reaching at its desired acceptable position.  This ball has been bouncing from one hand to another like a hot potato no one party wants to hold for a long time.  Whenever there seems to be a little ray of hope to ameliorate relationship, something negative occurs whether in the shape of an unacceptable anti-India remarks by one of the government or military official of Pakistani establishment or some type of ceasefire violation at the LOC.  Recent verbal agreement at Ufa, Russia between Prime Ministers Sharif and Modi is a live example.  Mr. Modi accepted Mr. Sharif's invitation to visit Pakistan next year and then today Mr. Sharif's National Security Advisor, Mr. Aziz, released a statement that there will be no negotiation with India unless a core issue of J & K is incorporated in the agenda to be discussed.  This writer is very confused and trying to find out who is the boss in Pakistan.  Is it the Prime Minister of Pakistan or his National Security Advisor or the nexus of Military/ISI?  Since the number of issues involved and the ideology  and determination of resolving these issues require open mind, this writer is very pessimistic to see it happening ever at least not in the near future.  India' plea is that J & K is part and parcel of India whereas Pakistani authorities including the military establishment always claim that there will be no negotiation unless J & K issue which in their mind is the core issue becomes part of the negotiation.  Under this scenario, how can one expect to achieve what each party wants to achieve when their opinion on this issue is diametrically opposed to each other?  Am I missing something?  However, my opinion is that negotiating with Pakistan is a waste of time, energy and resources which India can rightfully divert to some other useful direction to extract more mileage than waiting for Pakistan to change its attitude.  INDIA JUST NEEDS TO SHUT ITS DOORS ON THIS TOPIC.

This is not the first time that China has stood by Pakistan even though lots of evidence were presented by India about Lakhvi's involvement.  India should never expect any action by China which is going to go against Pakistan irrespective of the topic of discussion or dispute.  One should not ignore the fact that China has lot at stake to fulfill its long term objective and that is to create a hegemonic state in that part of the world.  Some of its actions in Pakistan provide a very vivid signal towards this objective and they are; its investment in Pakistan's Balochistan port, its ongoing military involvement in the POK area, propagating teaching Chinese languages in Pakistan and investment in the Silk Road Project to name a few.  Talking to China about any topic about Pakistan is a waste of time and energy.  It is just like talking to Pakistan about solving a Kashmir issue - futile exercise.  Needless to say, China has been occupying thousands and thousands of miles Indian territory since 1962.  In addition, they are further claiming that Arunachal Pradesh as part of China.  They have already swallowed Tibet.  They are the known occupier.  No one at the international forums even talks about it.  Why not?  Shouldn't India raise this question consistently at the UN?    It is good to keep the political and diplomatic dialogues open, but India must keep in mind that China is not India's friend.  To beat China, India needs to be strong militarily and economically.  There is no other way to overcome this situation.  Indian leaders at the center have to be very vigilant and pro-active about Chinese chess moves.

It seems that raising of Pakistani and now ISIS flags has become a normal practice in Kashmir by the pro-Pakistani Muslims, and needless to say, they have the backing of separatist leaders of the state.  This activity is dangerous and is against the interest of India and needs to be nipped in the bud before it gives birth to a wound which might turn out to be non-curable cancerous.  However, this writer is very disappointed at the inept local government and to some extent at the central government also of not being able to put these anti-Indians behind bars for a longer period of time without parole.  To me, they are the traitors and ought to be treated accordingly.  I do not know the provisions of an Indian Constitution, but if it means to mend the Constitution to bring these separatists to justice, so be it.  Needless to say, Pakistan is not going to leave a Kashmir issue alone regardless how much economic sacrifice Pakistan has to make.  They want to keep this issue alive to divert local public's attention from the shortfalls and downward trends Pakistan is going through in practically every sphere.  India should not keep its hope high in this respect.  The only way to overcome this Kashmir issue is to dismantle Pakistan which means - help the Balochis and Sindis to break away from Pakistan.  KP Province is anti-Pakistan anyway.  The end result ought to be that Pakistan is left with one Province of Panjab.  India should endeavor to refresh a 1971 Bangladesh history to Islamabad.  That is the only way to do it.

I am very confused with the contents of this report.  The report lists all the shortcomings of Pakistani government's actions to eliminate terrorism from its territory, but still US government provides all the financial and military help to the Pakistani government.  It clearly states that even though the Pakistani army has been trying for a year to eliminate terrorists from one part of Pakistan, but still ignores the non-state actors who are being used as proxies against India on the LOC.  Pakistani government knows who these non-state actors are, but fail to take any stern action against them.  So, one is forced to infer the purpose of this report.  Is it just a document to satisfy the domestic audience or does it have any legs to stand.  Irrespective of its purpose, to me it appears just a piece of document which serves no purpose towards eliminating a terror menace from that part of the world.  Printing these type of ironical documents  is just a waste of time, energy and resources.  The world ought not to expect any concrete action from the Pakistani government towards eradicating terror threats till the nexus of ISI/Military is in control of foreign and domestic security affairs in the country.

What Mr. Musharraf is saying is trying to be on the side of his protectors - the army.  Even though he is no body in Pakistan. He cann't afford to go against the wishes of his protectors.  He faced a terrible defeat in his adventure in Kargil.  He knows India's strength in the conventional sense of war.  Pakistan just boasts of its nuclear power to threaten India.  This writer feels that if there is a nuclear war, yes there will be a great deal of damage in India, but Pakistan will be wiped off the map.  Pakistan should not forget this unimaginable scenario.  As far as India is concerned, I do not think Indian leaders should pay too much attention to what he says - make him irrelevant.

I agree with Mr. Togadia's statement.  Those who raise Pakistani flags in the Indian territory ought to be treated as traitors.  They do not deserve to live in India and to be fed by India.  Either they depart from India or should be put behind bars for a longer term without any parole.  They should be made to do a hard labor work while in the prison.  They have to earn their food while being imprisoned.  However, as Mr. Togadia insinuated that just 'house arresting' these separatists will not do the job.  Stern action is required to nip this evil in the bud.  I do not think the PDP leaders either have the stamina or willingness to take such an action.  Hence, the burden falls on the shoulder of a central government to devise some ways to get rid of these separatists.  There is no place for them in India.  Congress leaders did not do anything in this matter, rather they turned a blind eye on the activities of these separatist from day one, just to appease the Muslim voting bank in the J & K state.  Let's see what BJP can do differently.

Mr. Geelani says that he is not an Indian by birth.  Then the question to be asked is what country does he think he was born in if not India.  If he was not born in India, then he is not entitled to have an Indian passport and also no right to live in India and enjoy the hospitality of the local and the central governments.  Indian governments ought not to expect any allegiance to India from Mr. Geelani, since he is not an Indian citizen, by his own assertion.  This writer has a follow-up question which needs to be answered by the local and the central governments.  What is stopping them to push this man out of the country?  Since it is very obvious that he is surviving on the mercy and financial support of a nation across the border, why does not the central government provide him one way ticket and ship him out to Pakistan?  He is a traitor anyway like a few other Muslims living in India.  Why to feed traitors?

I am really impressed with one thing about the Pakistani representatives and that is 'consistency.'  Consistency about lying for anything.  Whenever there is any terrorist activity emanating from Pakistan, the Pak representatives right away take no responsibility.  Their leaders will make ironical statements about it.  On one hand they will show to the world that Pakistan is ready to ameliorate relationship with India and on the other hand, they will keep abetting and financing the non-state terrorist actor in Pakistan to foment trouble at LOC.  Now coming back to the supply of nuclear bombs to Saudi Arabia, the Pak representative is openly telling the Pentagon officials that there is no truth to it.  Do you guys really believe what he is saying is true?  As the world knows, Pakistani economy is being floated by the Saudis for decades.  Stoppage of cash inflow from Saudis will shut down every operation of Pakistan.  Now Saudis are in trouble, for their own doing - mismanagement of their own policies, ill-treatment of citizens and strict man-made Islamic Sharia laws - due to increasing Iranian influence in the region, Saudis along with the leaders in Qatar have told Pakistan that the time has come to pay off.  Do Pentagon officials really think that Pakistan will say no to them after being obligated for so many decades?  Of course not.  One has to read in between lines what the Paki representative said.  He said Pakistan will not supply any nuclear arsenal to Saudis, but it does not mean that Pakistan cann't convince other countries with the nuclear bombs to follow through the need of Saudis.  One ought not to forget that what North Korea has is the creation of Pakistan - financed by the Saudis and technically supported by Pakistan.  Needless to say, the middle east situation is very sensitive and if not handled cautiously and properly can lead to a major worldwide catastrophic scenario.  One thing is for sure, DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT THE PAKISTANI LEADERS ARE SAYING IN THIS RESPECT.  IT SEEMS THAT THEY BELIEVE IN LYING.

Mr. Kamal's comments ought not to be taken lightly both by the local and the central government.  It releases an anti-India smell and should be nipped in the bud.  I think NC is using him as a mouth piece of its own feeling of pro-Pak sentiments.  However, Mr. Kamal is right in saying that Pakistani flag, like any other country's flag, should be respected, but Mr. Kamal's comments do not refer to the location of a Pakistani flag where it needs to be raised.  Under no circumstances, it should be allowed to be raised in the Indian territory.  This writer has a strong feeling that Mr. Kamal and his Abdullah group family members along with other separatists in Kashmir are puppets of a nation across the border.  Their activities and statements need a thorough probe and scrutiny and anything they say and propagate which is anti-India should be declared an act of a traitor.  Accordingly, they should face a legal music in the court - not just the house arrest.

What Mr. Aziz is saying is nothing new.  As usual, he is running around the bush instead of addressing the terrorism problem directly.  The main cause of terrorism in that part of the world is the instigation, abetting, financing of the Pakistani nexus of military/ISI to the non-state actor of Pakistan.  The leaders of J-u-Islami, JuM and LeT etc. are perpetrating terrorist activities openly and with the full blessings of the above nexus against India.  Can Pakistan deny it?  Their spewing of venom against India on a regular basis is not a hidden fact.  Is Pakistan not aware of it?  Mr. Aziz along with other previous and present  leaders always keeps Kashmir issue in front all other domestic and foreign problems.  The idea of this exercise is mainly to divert the attention of locals from the failure and inability of the government in Islamabad to run the country in  a more peaceful fashion.  Reviewing the general economic, political and cultural situation in Pakistan, one can easily infer that the Pakistani leadership cann't manage the territory they already have, forget about claiming and adding  Kashmir into their existing jurisdiction.  Bulochs would like to get rid of Pakistan at a heart beat, Sindh is burning on a daily basis and the locals are experiencing all sorts of atrocities and inhuman treatment at the hands of Sunis, the Province of KP is terror stricken and has become unmanageable.  Pakistan does not have an economic, political and military strength to run the country in an acceptable manner.  Therefore, Mr. Aziz's statement is quite ironical and does not need any attention from the Indian government.  Let's make it irrelevant.