Opinion Letter to the editor

• Richard Holbrooke’s view on the Afghan-Pak cauldron is apt,especially from the US perspective. Rudyard Kipling’s “Great Game” just got more complicated with new actors. Obama’s message of “change” was sufficient to get the US presidency,but the situation here in the subcontinent is far too complex to be tweaked by electoral rhetoric. New actors on the scene — Iran and Russia — will not let Afghanistan be dictated by US policy. Their action will not be targeting solely the US but also overall Western interests.

— Rahul K. Bhonsle

New Delhi

Quietly,please

• High-level officials within the defence and security establishments,such as the naval chief,Admiral Sureesh Mehta,are talking openly about India’s security and strategic gaps. It is a matter of concern that such statements are getting extensive coverage in the media. These officials seem oblivious of the possibility of their identification of such threats adding to terrorists’ knowledge. They also overlook the fact that an entirely fool-proof security mechanism isn’t yet in place and will not be for a while,further giving terrorists scope to cause mischief. Rather than publicly airing their views,people like Mehta should sit down with the government and offer their advice for needed action.

— M.M. Singh

Ahmedabad

Bravo,Speaker!

• Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee’s observation that our MPs don’t deserve a single paise of public money was unfortunate,but true. India’s civil society and the electorate will certainly agree with Chatterjee. It was bold remark,coming from the speaker of the Lower House. The legislative behaviour of Indian MPs and MLAs,especially the tendency to storm the well of the House at the drop of a hat,is nauseating. If unchecked,such conduct will only help our democracy degenerate.

— K.P. Udayabhanu

New Delhi

Transferred talent?

• Mohammed Azharuddin joining the Congress is big news. Given the disgraceful circumstances under which he quit cricket,it is hardly surprising that he would join politics. Politics in India is another way of insulating oneself,in fact it also allows for the protection of ill-gotten wealth. Let’s hope Azhar,undoubtedly a greatly skilled cricketer,has something more selfless in mind.

— S. Kamat

Goa

Cross-border friends

• Pakistan’s admission that 26/11 was plotted on it soil resulted from continued Indian pressure,with the backing of the international community. The contribution of sections of the Pakistani media and civil society in unearthing the culprits is also commendable. India must thank and remember these ordinary truth-seekers in Pakistan.

— Saumya Brata Panda

Noida