The world is changing, the attitude of global leaders is changing so is the market trend and way the business is being conducted.  Needless to say that the overall economy has become a global economy.  No one country can survive without the help and understanding of others. It seems like history is repeating itself. Historically speaking, the once super powers are no more superpowers any more. The USA, the only known superpower right now is also on the decline for whatever reasons, inability of its leaders, politics or adverse circumstances. There was a time when every country will pay respect to the USA and did not dare to confront its wrath.  But no more.  Even small countries in size and economy do not pay any heed to what the USA stands for.  Unfortunately, it seems that USA has been alienated from rest of the world.  The turmoil in the Middle East and in other regions convinces this writer that the world is on the edge of confronting the USA on all fronts whether it is economic, political or in the area of military strength. China with its economic power is flexing its tentacles by gathering worldwide forces to set up a competitive bank - AIIB.  The purpose of this new entity will be to create a competition to the IMF and the World Bank and to decrease the influence of America in lending financial assistance to other countries.  Lot of European nations along with India have agreed to sponsor and participate in this new entity.  With the European countries' attitude of devising their own entity convinces me that they do not like to be dictated by the USA either.  If that is the case, then I think it is an appropriate time the USA to revisit its foreign policy also viz-a-viz the Terms and Conditions of NATO Agreement.  If Europe wants to go on its own way, then all American military umbrella ought to be removed right away.  US defense forces are stretched very thin right now and its withdrawal from Europe will help in cost cutting and keeping our defense forces stronger.  THIS IS SOMETHING WASHINGTON OUGHT TO PROBE AND MAKE A SERIOUS DECISION AFTER LOOKING INTO THE EYES OF OUR EUROPEAN FRIENDS.

The Chief Minister of J & K has already started showing his true color as respects to his love for the nation across the border by appreciating Pakistan's cooperation at the time of election, releasing well-known criminal from the prison and even asking for the body of a criminal who was executed- Mr. Afgal Guru.  All his gestures and actions prove that he is acting as a puppet of the nation across the border, and it may not be out of line if I may say that Mr. Sayeed may be on the pay roll of Pakistan.  It appears that he has a soft corner in his heart for the separatists and, in my opinion, Mr. Sayeed's regime could be proven very fatal for the state of J & K.  He is not going to be in favor of ameliorating the livelihood and standard of people in his state, rather he will continue to work towards improving his own and his party's image by cooperating with the jihadis and separatists in the state which is not what BJP had in mind before joining hands with Mr. Sayeed.  Now the ball is in the court of BJP to make a decision either to continue extending an olive branch or to pull the plug and get out of this mess.

I was very happy to read about a sudden awakening in the minds of government officials in Pakistan as respects to their realization of the source of funding to the fanatic groups, and also the guts to criticize openly Saudi government as the culprit to propagate radicalization of Pakistanis via their funding of madrassas. The whole world was aware of the impact of Wahabism ideology of Islam and, needless to say, that this 7th century ideology is the main contributor of what is happening in the Middle East and in other Muslim countries.  Unfortunately, most of the sheikhs in the Middle East are playing a dual - face role meaning they are criticizing ISIS and other Jihadi groups while at the same time abetting and financing the same groups to further their 7th century ideology also.  It does not mean that Pakistan was not aware of source of funding to these fanatics, but the officials could not openly criticize the donor - Saudi Arabia - out of sheer survival.  Saudis have been funding the civilian government in Islamabad for decades which in turn is taking good care of the nexus of Pakistani army/ISI.  However, Peshawar's incident which involved killing of over 140 children of army officials happened to be the cause of this awakening and criticism of flow of funds from the Saudi government.  As they say, better late than never.  One hopes that Pakistani army/ISI and the civilian government carry on with their mission of eradication of fanatics from its territory, and also stop supporting any non-state actors in Pakistan.

It is very clear from Mr. Mufti Saeed's answers that there is a set path which his party -PDP- wants to follow in the state of J & K.  And that path, in my opinion, leads to no compromise on an abrogation of an Article 370 as well as the revocation of Special Rights and Privileges to the Indian armed forces and eventually their withdrawal from the state of J & K.  Under this kind of reticent behavior and attitude, one cann't expect any fruitful outcome which means that Mr. Saeed is willing to sacrifice the expected prosperity and peace which revocation of an Article 370 and the existing special treatment and privileges of Indian armed forces can bring to his state.  It means that PDP is not really serious in bringing peace to the territory and have some hidden agenda.  It also provides an indication that may be PDP is surreptitiously working with the separatists in Kashmir with the abetment of a nation across the border, and their ultimate objective is to create an environment in the state which is more pro-Pakistan.  I admire Mr. Modi's open statement about the inclusion, freedom and tolerance of all religions in India.  In my opinion, BJP ought to reject a current PDP's stand on this issue and give them an opportunity to make a government with whosoever they wish to.  The ball is in their court, since they have the most seats in the state.

It is a very sad story that the BJP and PDP cann't come to any useful conclusion after so many meetings.  As this writer understands, the abolition of an Article 370 is in favor of people of J & K.  This will help bring new industries from other states of India to J & K which means more jobs and prosperity for the state of J & K.  Also, when the youths of J & K will be employed, they will have less time and energy to get involved into anti-India and Pro-Pakistan demonstrations.  Hence, my confusion why PDP is not willing to go with this idea of BJP, unless PDP has some other hidden agenda meaning tilting towards Pakistan.  Secondly, the state of J & K cann't protect itself from the nefarious designs of Pakistan if the national army forces are not involved. It is imperative that the Indian Army has special rights and privileges to safeguard an Indian territory.  Is it not what is needed?  What is PDP's objection?  I fail to comprehend it.  I agree with RSS's comments that the BJP party ought not to seek a short term gain in the State of J & K, rather shoot for a long term vision and play its cards in such a way that it does not hurt the integrity and security of India, even if it means a new election in that state.

Dr. Faktoo is promoting continuation of a 7th century idea to increase Muslim population and thus by gaining majority in a given territory rule that territory.  He is forgetting the global economic changes in the world.  He is propagating an idea of more births in the Muslim families without even thinking about the economic and financial obligation and responsibility for upbringing the additions in the families.  We all know, what happens when a family has too many siblings without adequate financial resources.  They stay malnourished, illiterate and financially backward.  They cann't compete with the rest of population and become subservient to their educated colleagues.  Is that what Dr. Faktoo trying to see happens to his Muslim community?  It is a fallacy Dr. Faktoo?  One does not conquer or control a territory by the sheer number of heads, rather one does it with good education, wisdom and the zeal to compete for such ventures.  It is a shame that instead of gearing his community towards getting more education and be competitive, he is misguiding his community to keep producing kids and remain backward.  This 7th century mindset of Muslims is the main cause which has kept most of the Muslims all over the world illiterate and backward.  It is an opportune time Dr. Faktoo to change your tune and guide your community towards the right path.

Mr. Owaisi is propagating the continuation of 'quota and reservation' concept for the Muslims in India.  He also emphatically states that devoid of 'reservation' as the cause of backwardness of the Muslim minorities.  On the contrary, this writer holds the view that the existence of 'quota and reservation' concept for the minorities is one of the reasons that Muslim community cann't compete with the rest of people in India.  Indian education system is available to anybody who wants to go to school and make his/her life better.  It does not prohibit or distinguish based on race, creed and gender.  Therefore, I suggest to Mr. Owaisi that he should work with the local and national leaders to encourage his own Muslim community to make sure that every child goes to school instead of getting involved into any racial and sectarian conflicts, instead of complaining and blaming the government establishment.  Being  a very well educated person himself, it is his duty to show a broad vision for the uplift of his people in the community.  Asking for a 'quota' or 'reservation' for his community is just like begging instead of devising some means of educating them so that they can compete for IAS, IPS and any other prestigious positions.  Actually, it is a shame that even after 67 years of independence, these minorities are still looking for a 'hand-out' instead of competing for any position.  May be there has been some politics involved to keep them illiterate and use them as a voting bank.  But whatever the reason may be Muslim community cann't shift the whole blame to others for their own negligence and backwardness.  They are equally responsible for what they are going through right now.  But as they say, better late than never.  Again, the correct way to tackle this situation is for people like Mr. Owaisi to devise and create some long term provisions to educate the Muslim in India.  I am sure the local and national governments will be glad to review any concrete proposals on this matter.  The ball is in the court of Mr. Owaisi and other Muslim leaders in India.