CONFUSION IN CAIRO

The people of Egypt, drawing inspiration from what is popularly known as the “Orange Revolution’ in Tunisia has ousted the authoritarian regime of Hosni Mubarak. Cairo has been liberated from its dictator of thirty years. Though the whereabouts of the former President is not clear, people have begun to disperse from the Tahrir Square after nineteen days of unprecedented protest.
The military has dissolved the present parliament and suspended the Constitution The Military Council of Egypt’s military has taken over the administration for the time being declaring that it will rule the country until elections are held and a civilian democratic government takes over. It is reported that election would be held in September. Let’s wait and watch the developments.
Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq said that the government’s priority is to restore peace and normalcy in the country. “We need to bring back a sense of security to the Egyptian citizen” he said.
Mohamed ElBaradei, who was with the International Atomic Agency till recently is the prominent person who encouraged people to protest. However he has not been able to rise to the occasion and lead the people. He is often described these days as the releuctant revolutionary. On 28th January he offered his prayers out side the mosque in Cairo and dared the water cannons of the riot police.
All the parties in the country have great responsibilities in the coming days. If they are not able to forge some sort of alliances and form a responsible government the country could slip into chaos.

AARUSHI MURDER MYSTERY

The CBI, the chief investigation agency in India on 29 December 2010, proposed to wind up the Aarushi murder case, as it had not been able to gather enough evidence to identify the murderer.
The CBI did not even inform Aarushi’s parents of its proposal. Aarushi’s father, Dr. Rajesh Talwar,is reported to have said to the pressmen that “"I got to know of it from the media. And, there has been no communication from the agency”. "We had pinned our hopes on the investigation but it's been shattered.” he added.
Fourteen years old, eighth standard girl, named Aarushi was found lying dead on her bed at her home in Noida on 15-May-2008. She had been murdered. Her throat had been slit open. And there were stab marks on her face. Later Hansraj, the servant at her house was also found dead on the roof the next day. Earlier Noida police had suspected his involvement in the murder. Aarushi was the only child of dentist Dr. Rajesh Talwar and Mrs. Nupur Talwar.
Police arrested Dr. Rajesh and kept behind the bars for about two months. Then he was released saying that there was no evidence against him. At the initial stages of the investigation, the Noida police was accused of cocking up evidences and wiping out existing clues. Many stories about Aarushi that did the rounds in those days were obscene to say the least.
On 1 June 2008 the CBI took up the case. A former CBI official was reported to have claimed that there was enough evidence to bring the culprits to justice. Though everyone including her parents hoped that the CBI would solve the mystery surrounding the case nothing happened. The CBI had arrested Krishna, his medical assistant and two other servants named Raj Kumar and Vijay Mandal. But soon they were also released for lack of evidence.
Though nobody knew what actually happened it was reported that evidences had been tampered with by some powerful hands. Aarushi’s vaginal swabs had been substituted with others. And the pathology reports went missing. How did all this happen without the knowledge of the police is a question that has not been answered yet. The Noida police had meanwhile recovered Aarushi’s black Nokia N72 mobile phone from Bulandshahr in Utter Pradesh.
The Ghaziabad court In January 2010 allowed the CBI to subject Aarushi’s parents to narco analysis tests. They underwent the test at a laboratory in Ahmedabad in February. Nothing emerged from it either.
Legal experts are divided over the CBI move. Santhi Bhushan termed it as ‘a failure of the CBI’. Prominent lawyer Lekhi said that some powerful hands present at the site of murder are trying to cover up the case. She said, “We all know how the CBI is used and misused”.
Let us hope that the Ghaziabad court asks the CBI to reinvestigate the case and bring the culprits to justice.

THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF MUMBAI CARNAGE

India on 26-11-2010, remembered those who fell prey to the terrorist’s bullets at Mumbai on 26-11-2008. Twenty six foreign nationals were killed in the attack. Nine militants killed belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group based in Pakistan. Sixteen Indian security personnel had also been killed in the operation to flush out the terrorists who had holed up in the Taj Hotel holding many as hostage. When the carnage ended after three days one hundred and sixty six persons had lost their lives. Evidence gathered pointed to the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI.
The Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha observed a minutes silence in memory of the people killed in the attack.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in New Delhi, “Two years ago this day Mumbai was subjected to a brutal terrorist attack the claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people. The nation joins the bereaved families in remembering and mourning those who perished in this barbaric attack”. He also assured the nation that the government would double its efforts to bring the perpetrators of the inhuman crime against humanity to justice.
Union Home Mister Mr. P. Chidambaram laid a wreath at the martyr’s memorial at Police Gymghana at Mumbai. He said, “I sincerely hope that on the second anniversary of this horrific tragedy Pakistan will realize its responsibility as a nation as a government and fulfill its promised to bring to justice those who perpetrated the attacks”. The Minister also praised the bravery of Mr. Tukaram Ombale, the police man who was killed when he held Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist we were able to catch alive.
It may be recalled that it was the unarmed policeman Mr. Tukaram, who tried to stop the car carrying two of the terrorists. One was at the wheel and Kasab was sitting with his gun. Kasab got out of the car and fired at Tukaram killing him instantly. However, the brave policeman held on to Kasab and his colleagues overpowered him. Had Tukaram not stopped Kasab we would not have had the ‘living proof’ of the crime.
Chidambaram handed over the dealership of a CNG filling station at suburban Borivali to Tukaram’s family.
Prithviraj Chavan the Chief Minister of Maharastra speaking at the Gandhi Bhavan, said, “Innocent lives were lost. But damage was contained due to the bravery of our soldiers and police officers. We are indebted to them and their family members. It was because of the sacrifice of one of our police official that one of the terrorist was caught alive”.
The members of the family of the slain police officials were also there in Mumbai on the occasion.
Birendra Singh, brother of the slain NSG commando Mr. Gajendra Singh, said, “I have seen that solemn remembrances are being organized in Mumbai and other places which are essential to remember and keep alive the memory of martyrs and their contribution to the country”
Father of another NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who had been killed by the terrorists at the Taj, cycled to Mumbai from Delhi in commemoration of his son’s bravery. Unnikrishnan participated in the peace march from the Nariman Point to the Gateway of India and released white balloons. The 62 year-old father proudly said, “The terrorists could kill only our body and not our soul. I have lost my only son but I am proud that he has given life for the country”.
About Ajaml Kasab he said, “Last year when I was in Mumbai I said that Kasab should die. This year I feel we must let Kasab live because it will strengthen our resolve to fight terrorism”.
Unnikrishnan and his wife Dhanalakshmi paid their tributes to the martyrs of the terror attack at the Chabad House.
Rabbi Nachman, father of Rabbi Gavriel who was killed at Chadad House, the Jewish centre, had this to say about Unnikrishnan, “Though it is a tragedy for the family that they have lost their son, one must not forget that Major Unnikrishnan sacrificed his life to save the lives of several people”.
Twenty surgeons of Bombay Hospital, who treated many of the injured in the shoot out launched a Terror Form on Friday
Hillary Clinton, The US Secretary of state observed “As the people of Mumbai gather in temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras and synagogues to honour those who perished on November 26,2008,they send a message of resolve, resilience and mutual respect that is far louder and more powerful than any terrorist’s guns”.
Mr. S.M. Krishna, India’s foreign minister who is Sri Lanka was reported to have said, “Once again I call upon Pakistan to dismantle the terror machine operasting with impunity in territories under its (Pakistan’s) control and bring to all the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks to speedy justice”.
On Thursday, India issued a note to the Pakistan Embassy expressing disappointment and “lack of progress” in the trial of seven terrorists arrested in Pakistan. India also urged Pakistan to “fulfill its obligations and commitment”
Meanwhile Pakistan on Friday expressed its determination to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice soon. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pak Foreign Minister was reported to have said “It is our desire to punish those people who are involved in this”. He also said Pakistan was co-operating with India in the investigations.
However, nothing concrete has happened to bring the culprits to justice. Kasab the lone terrorist nabbed and kept in the prison has narrated their journey from Pakistan to India in graphic detail. “Kubeer”, the trawler that the terrorists hijacked to come to Mumbai is there at Porbandar for everyone to see.
Immediately after the attack Pakistan had washed its hands off the carnage saying that it had noting to do with it. It even rejected the claim of Kasab that he was a Pakistani national. However, his father identified Kasab when his photos appeared in the press.
The West also expressed its concern and extended support to India. The US sent its FBI to assist India to gather evidence .Everything has pointed to the involvement of the Pakistani terrorists groups.
India has handed over many dossiers to Pakistan. But Pakistan’s Foreign Minister termed them as “mere literature not evidence”.
Now that the Americans are pressing Pakistan to take actions against the perpetrators let us hope that Pakistan would take some concert steps to bring the culprits to justice.

AUNG SAN SUU KYI IS FREE

After spending fifteen years under detention Aung San Suu Kyi walked free on 13-11-2010 to the cheering crowd. Presence of police in large numbers around her house for a couple of days had led to the speculation that the military Junta would release her. Thousands of her supporters had been camping outside her house in Yangon since Friday. As she walked towards the crowd, some one from the crowd shouted “She will save the country”. “I love her very much” shouted another one.
It shows that Su Kyi still remains very popular among the people though there had not been any direct contact between Su Kyi and the people. "I have to give you the first political lesson since my release. We haven't seen each other for so long, so we have many things to talk about”, said Suu Kyi to the people. The military personnel present there did not try to restrain the people indicating that times have changed.
The Junta’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) had won the national election held on 7 -11-2010. More than two-thirds of the contestants belonged to the Union Solidarity and Development Party of the Junta. And many of them served the army till recently. International observers had severely criticized the election.
Myanmar had been under military rule since 1962. The Junta had arrested Suu Kyi who had won the national election in 1990.It is believed that the Junta released her in the hope that the international community would accept the election result.
Many world leaders expressed happiness at her release. Surin Pitsuswan, the head of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations of which Myanmar happens to be a member, expressing his relief said that her release “would contribute to true national reconciliation”.
Mr. David Cameron, the British Prime Minister, said “Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration for all of us who believe in freedom of speech,democeacy and human rights”.
The US President Mr. Barack Obama hailed her saying the Suu Kyi was a “hero of mine”. “The United States welcomes her long overdue release”, Mr. Obama said in a statement released immediately after her release.He said Suu Kyi was an inspiration for all who wanted to uphold human rights all over the world.
Former President of the US Mr. Bill Clinton said: “this signals a new direction for the country’s relations with others beyond their borders”.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, wished Suu Kyii the best and said “Her dignity and courage in the face of injustice have been an inspiration to many people around the world”. Both Mr. Ki-mmon and Mr. Clinton urged the military to release al other political prisoners believed to be around 2000.
Jimmy Carter another former President of the United States said, “Burma’s neighbour’s, especially China and India, have a great deal of interest in stability in the region. He expressed the hope that China and India would encourage the military to hold talks with the opposition parties.
Aung San Suu and her two maids, Kyi Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma,who happens to be mother and daughter lived a quite life in her 90 years old mansion. She used to meet her lawyer and her close friend U Nyan Win at times. Her family doctor was allowed to visit her once a month. She spent her time during the detention reading books such as biographies, novels and books on philosophy. She also used to read ‘Time’ and ‘Newsweek’ regularly.
She had no access to Telephone, Television and Internet. However, she was allowed to keep five radios with her. And she listened to the BBC, The Voice of America and the Democratic News Service of Burma.
What will happen in Burma now that “The Lady” has been released is anybody’s guess.

IRAN'S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS AND WESTERN DILEMMA

As far as Iran is concerned America is the Satan. And it is out do the god-fearing, innocent people of Iran in by the hooks and the crooks. Iran claims as it has been growing fast its energy needs has also been on the rise. To meet the increasing demands it has to harness the nuclear fuels. But the western countries are not convinced. They fear that a nuclear Iran could lead to large scale nuclear proliferation and it would pose a greater threat to world peace.
All the same Iran has shown signs of some sort of compromise. Iran has agreed to send the Uranium it has to Turkey. Though many countries including China welcomed the new initiative the Americans have hardened their positions and have made it clear the new move is not satisfactory enough.
American President Obama has called for more coordination among the nations of the world and tough steps to stop Iran pursuing its nuclear ambitions. He has also urged the UN to impose sanctions on Iran for its defiance.
French President Sarkozy after a meeting with Obama at the White House said that Iran must not be allowed to carry on its ‘mad race’. It is high time the UN imposed sanctions on Iran he added. The European nations would stand united behind the sanction Sarkozy declared in a voice that exuded confidence.
The G8 Foreign Ministers have also called for stepping up pressure on Iran to give up its ambitious nuclear program.
Earlier Iran had agreed to a deal proposed by the IAEA. Iran’s claim is that it needs Uranium enriched up to 20 percent, to make medical isotopes to be used in the treatment of Cancer. According to the plan Iran is to send lightly enriched Uranium to Russia which will enrich it to 20 percent. Russia will send the enriched Uranium to France which will convert it into fuel rods and send it back to Iran. Uranium enriched up to 20 percent can be used to make bombs. Once it is converted into fuel rods it cannot be used to make bombs.
Iran now says that it is going ahead with its plan to enrich Uranium up to 20 percent on its own. On 11 February Iranian President Ahmadinejad claimed that Iran had already enriched uranium up to 20 percent successfully. He went on to claim that his country has developed techniques to enrich Uranium up to 80 percent, should the need arouse. However, as of now Iran does not require Uranium enriched to such high degree he added.
Although these developments have caused much disquiet in the West, they have not been able to come up with concrete steps to stop Iran. Now that Sarkozy has also voiced his concern in strong words and called for immediate action against Iran, some stern actions can be expected in the coming days. The US may be able to bring Russia round. But nothing can be said with any degree of certainty how China would react.
Earlier China had opposed moves to impose sanctions on Iran. On 5 February Chinese Foreign minister was reported to have said “the parties concerned should with the over-all and long-tern interests in mind step up diplomatic efforts, stay patient and adopt a more flexible pragmatic and proactive policy”.
Will the Americans be able to win China over to their side is to be seen.

PARLIMENTARY ELECTIONS IN SRI LANKA

Having won all the elections, the Council Elections, the Presidential Election and the General Election Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka can feel safe and secure. Having failed to win the confidence of the people the opposition has brought discredit upon itself. Indeed the voter turn out reported to be around 54%, was all time low. All the same it does not belittle Rajapaksa’s victory. His party, United People’s Freedom Alliance, a group of ten parties, bagged 143 seats out of 225 in the election held almost a year after the Lankan army put the LTTE to rout. LTTE believed to be the well organized militant group in the world was defeated and its leader Prabhakaran was killed in a fierce battle by the Lankan army. The LTTE is said to have had an Air force and Navy of its own.
Neither the United National Party (UNP) led by the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe nor Democratic National Alliance (DNA), led by the retired General Sarath Fonseka, one of the main architects of the military victory of the Lankan army over LTTE, could not win the confidence of the people.
The pro-LTTE, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) managed to bag 16 seats six seats less than what it had in the last assembly.
Having tasted military as well as electoral victory, President Rajapaksa described his party’s electoral victory as an endorsement of his policies and a rejection of the allegations against his government. Agencies reported Rajapaksa as having said, “The assured majority in Parliament given by the votes encourages the government to proceed with its policies for the strengthening of peace and reconciliation, reconstruction, greater infrastructure development, increased investment in identified areas of growth”.
Rajapaksa needs the support of just seven members for a two-thirds majority in the parliament. Anyone who has been watching Rajapaksa knows that winning the support of seven legislators is child’s play for the shrewd politician that he is.
According to Ranil Wikremesinghe, however, the results are not an endorsement of the government policies. He is reported to have said that the fact that the percentage of the people who did not turn out for the voting was about forty eight was an indication of the people’s indignation at the government’s policies. All the same, he has not been able to explain his party’s dismal performance.
Now that the President has all the power he needs at his disposal he must in all earnestness take the initiate to solve the decades old ethnic problems of the island. Though the LTTE has been wiped out, the causes that gave rise to the LTTE have not been addressed as yet. Rajapaksa’s contention till now has been that a constitutional amendment, for which a two-thirds majority is needed, is necessary to solve the ethnic problem. Now that he has in his hands as it were what he lacked, he must move fast. Other he will lose faith that the people reposed in him.
Let’s hope that Rajapaksa will employ the mandate he has been given judiciously. Let’s us all who want to see a peaceful solution to the Tamil ethnic problem hope that it will emerge soon.

INDO-RUSSIAN RELATIONSHIP

Indo-Russian relationship has stood the test of time. Russia has always stood by India in the International forums. Even the collapse of the USSR has not dented the relationship in anyway. Russia had even offered to hand over the technical know-how of the cryogenic engine to India. Unfortunately succumbing to the US pressure Russia later withdrew from its earlier stand.

The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed many agreements when Putin visited India in early March this year. They are expected to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries further.

At a time when the nuclear energy is expected to meet the ever increasing energy needs in India Russia has promised to build a nuclear reactor at Haripur in West Bengal and two at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu within the next ten years. The Russians has reportedly told India that they could build 10 to 12 nuclear reactors in India in no time. This assurance has helped India to heave a sigh of relief.

Sergei Ivanov, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said that his country had promised India that it would build “16 nuclear energy units” in India. Both the countries have also agreed to cooperate more in the exploration of gas and oil as well. It could lead to an over all surge in the bilateral trade between the counties.

The defense deals India signed with the US, Israel and other counties had made Russia anxious. Manmohan Singh sought to ally the Russian anxiety by saying that they “had finalized several important and long-pending defense cooperation projects”. Putin on his part assured India that it would keep the interests of India in mind and would not have any defense deals with Pakistan.

Not to be outdone by other countries especially the US, Russian have expressed their readiness to produce its fifth generation fighter as a joint venture with India. India is reported to have conveyed its readiness to Russia. If both the countries are able to work out the details it would be the second joint venture by India and Russia after the BrahMos cruise missile.

Though there is no denying the fact that this news is heartening to India, India should not hasten to sign agreements with Russia. Unavailability of spare parts has always caused much heartburning in India. We must before signing any agreements get an assurance from Russia as to the availability of the spares. This is important in the context of the Russian ambassador’s own admission that even Russia has problems getting spares for its own use. Many of the factories that make the spare parts are located in former Soviet Republics.

India and Russia have also settled the disputes about the cost of the submarine Admiral Gorshkov. It was in 2004 that India decided to buy the submarine from Russia. The agreed price was $974 million. However, as Russia took time to restructure it according to the needs of India the price also kept soaring. Now both the countries have arrived at a price of $2.3billion

Let us hope that the time-tested relationship between the countries will become stronger in the coming days.