Taliban menace

It is unlikely that Talibans can take over Pakistan, which has a large, well-trained and well-equipped army and which can crush the Talibans if it has the will to do so. A real concern is about Talibans somehow clandestinely gaining access to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. This must be prevented at all costs, including international military intervention if necessary, because ramifications of that eventuality are of the utmost gravity to India and other countries. The infiltration of the Talibans into India and terrorist attacks by them cannot be ruled out. Our topmost priority should be to completely overhaul our security and counter-intelligence systems and counter-terrorism measures which are inefficient and inadequate. The US Country Report on Terrorism 2008 is significant. It states that “the Indian government’s counter-terrorism efforts remain hampered by its outdated and overburdened law enforcement and legal systems”. Going by press reports, some half-hazard measures appear to have been taken, but what is lacking is a sense of urgency. The matter should be dealt with on a war footing. We must not wait for any future terrorist attack to galvanise us into action.

Youth, dynasty and prime ministerial candidates

It is rightly felt that the future of the nation depends on our youth, who have retained idealism and upon whom the prison gates of materialism have not yet closed. But surely the youth of the future cannot be the sole preserve and monopoly of any one political party as is apparent from the statements of our prime minister and some Congress leaders, which suggest that there are no talented and progressive young people in other political parties. That apart, there are young people in the Congress who are as eligible and qualified to be the future prime minister of India as Rahul Gandhi. For example, Sachin Pilot, who has good experience and is faring well in the electoral battle in Rajasthan. Another is Jyotiraditya Scindia, a person with a fine background, experience and unquestionable integrity. Omar Abdullah, technically not in the Congress, is an outstandingly good young leader with prime ministerial potential.

... contd.