Stepping up

Stepping up

* This refers to 'Afghan commitment' (IE, November 12). After the withdrawal of US troops, a lot will be at stake in Afghanistan. Given the recent news of attacks in NATO training camps, the situation appears volatile. The relationship between Pakistan's ISI and the Taliban is complex. After the exit of the International Security Assistance Force, more active participation of Pakistan in Afghanistan seems inevitable. In the current scenario, it is important that the Indian government takes full advantage of the official visit of President Hamid Karzai and engages in a constructive dialogue in pursuit of peace and stability in the region. India must try to foster increased regional cooperation after years of instability.

— Deepak Sharma

Panchkula

Do not dilute

* IT SEEMS outrageous the government would consider diluting the powers of the CAG by converting it into a three-member body ('Narayanasamy says multi-member CAG possible, then denies it', IE, November 12). It is possible that CAG Vinod Rai's recent criticism of the government has led to this move. He has exposed several scams, such as 2G spectrum. Previously, when the Election Commission appeared to have become too independent, the Congress-led government changed it into a multi-member body. The CAG is an institution similarly enshrined in the Indian Constitution, and making it a multi-member instiution could weaken it.

— V. Rajalakshmi

Mumbai

Lessons to learn

* THERE are many important lessons that Indian politicians could learn from the political developments in the US and China ('Obama and Hu: What we heard', IE, November 11). The most important one is that national policies should benefit all citizens. Economic reforms must aim to reach all sections of society. Parties should not favour a particular community or class: good governance must extend to everyone. In light of the recent conversation on corruption and slowed economic growth, the government must initiate reform in the political, economic and administrative spheres. People want honest and efficient leaders. The problems the US and China face seem similar to ours, and cooperation with these countries might have an impact on matters of mutual interest.

... contd.

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