Opinion Keeping the mandate

It needed a veteran journalist with a historical perspective to caution the euphoric new leadership....

The Indian Express

June 9, 2009 03:38 AM IST First published on: Jun 9, 2009 at 03:38 AM IST

 It needed a veteran journalist with a historical perspective to caution the euphoric new leadership of the Congress. Shekhar Gupta is right in urging the party to learn from Rajiv Gandhis mistakes,which lost him the mandate in 1989,despite a promising start and his achievements. In the backdrop of expectations this time round,the Congresss top leaders must follow their instinct,and not succumb to petty politics.

M. Ratan New Delhi

 While its necessary to warn the Manmohan Singh government to not lose its way,it should also be remembered that Dr Singh is an instinctive reformist who believes in good governance and will certainly deliver. The fewer hurdles within UPA II will help no doubt. Nevertheless,a repeat of 1984 turning into 1989 can always happen,and the Congress had better be careful.

S.K. Gupta Chandigarh

Well spoken,now act

 Barack Obamas speech at Cairo University could mark a paradigm shift in US foreign policy. Obama made it clear that he would continue to support Israel but only on legitimate grounds; he would not give it a blank cheque. The US president was right to emphasise the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. That is what the Muslim world wanted to hear; that is the only means of peace for Israelis and Palestinians. But Obamas words must be followed with action,which alone can improve relations between the US and the Muslim world.

Sanjay K. Sinha

Ahmedabad

 Obamas preference for reticence and soft power over controversial issues concerning both the US and the Arab world unlike George W. Bush is welcome. Gestures of negotiations,coming from America,should go down well. Obama must be congratulated for taking Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu to task over West bank settlements.

Rukhsana Khan Lucknow

Foul mouths

 I was sad to find the report Kerala CPM dogfight on the front page. Im sorry to see a newspaper of stature like yours giving so much space to the words of abuse from Professor Azhikode,with no factual information to back them,just because these words are directed against the Kerala chief minister,V.S. Achuthanandan. I believe such bad language,and the justification for it in the sub-head,will not serve to enhance the good reputation of an impartial and responsible newspaper like yours.

Shireen Moosvi New Delhi

Rogers triumph

 Roger Federer has done well to win his first French Open,the only Grand Slam title missing so far in his trophy chest. He is now Pete Samprass equal and is just a title away from becoming the undisputed all-time best player in international tennis. Indian fans too had something to celebrate as Leander Paes won the mens doubles event. Perhaps,Paes will be

remembered as one of the greatest doubles players ever.

S.N. Kabra Mumbai