Comments on: The future of American foreign policy in South Asia http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/ All that flavorful brownness in one savory packet Sat, 30 Nov 2013 11:11:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: agha dilbar gardezi http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-258044 agha dilbar gardezi Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:28:35 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-258044 <p>Subject peace and prosperity Dear President Barrack Obama The Great Leader of the World I Agha Dilbar have sent Mr. President 100 registered research Letters (1000 new ideas to develop America and to Change the World for Peace and Prosperity) through Embassy of USA Islamabad till today and also direct sent these registered Letters to Whitehouse Washington DC 20500.These letters have been written on the guidelines of CHANGE WE NEED. And these letters are about the Common Men Problems of respected American Peoples and their Solutions. To end, Economic Recession, Unemployment and to Finish War, all round the World for Peace and Prosperity. In these letters I have sent one thousand new scientific Planning /Suggestions, about every walk of life for Peace through Friendship Progress and Prosperity all over the World. Dear Barrack Obama, the Great Leader of the World, my Friend, my Brother, Provide an opportunity to Agha Dilbar to pay an Official Visit to America, that we two brothers can sit together and by halting this horrible war(In this war 1-million peoples have died from 9/11 till today, if this war continues, it will become the 111- World War.200-Million people would die, if 111-World War is triggered) can take out 6.5 billion people of the World from abyss of destruction and then put them on the road to Progress and Prosperity. Dear President Barrack Obama considers, from 9/11 till today, America has conducted many war operations in connection with War on Terror, resulting the circle of war has spread hundred times. Millions innocent persons have died. Many More have been rendered homeless. One Lak (10000) war affected youth joined the army of Al-Qaida and Talban by the help of anti American countries have begun gorilla war in a horrible manner. It is the result of wrong war strategy. I Agha Dilbar desire to solve all above mentioned problems in a meeting with President Barrack Obama by adopting new revolutionary planning by bringing an end to present gorilla war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the result the World can enter in a peaceful, advanced and progressive world, May it be so. I Agha Dilbar have a new War Strategy to achieve success through Table Talk between Talban, Pakistan and American Govts. 90% of Talban that are fighting against Pak Army belong from Swat and Tribal Areas of NWFP. I can provide America all realistic facts in such manner that their implementation could convert these Talban into Patriotic Citizens of Pakistan. In this War Strategy Pakistan Gov will never send his Heavy Artillery, Tanks, Cannons and Air craft in war. In this way 5-million persons will never Displaced. In the end Talban by their will handover, their Weapons to Pakistan Gov, they will come to Table Talk and Suicide Bombing will come to an end in Pakistan. Through this War Strategy Pakistani and American Govts can save expenses on war. Through this planning American and Pakistani Govts can utilize their saving on war budgets for development of Schools, Hospitals, Colonies, Markets, Roads, Bridges, Dams, Canals and Industries of Swat and Tribal Areas of NWFP that are war affected. On account of present war strategy, Billion Dollars are being wasted yearly. This war can cause Fall of America instead of continuation of war; my best suggestion for America must keep his Supper Power on the World and should conquer the World instead of war, but by his No-1 scientific technology spending on agriculture, trade, education, scientific development and tourism, all round the World. Making an end to Economic Crisis in America. A new Global Package is being offered for your kind honour.America will have to make complete and final announcement that in future all Multinational American Companies to get free land on 20-years lease and will set up under the BOOT agreement (in undeveloped and poor countries) factories, mills five star hotels, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, air companies, shipping companies, latest railway, bus transport and steel mills. All these companies will be bound to handover without any cost to underdeloped and poor countries well as their machinery and transport after 20-yaars. A new suggestion in connection with Global Peace is offered that in return of export American Agriculture and Industrial Products, will give his 50% prophet to the exporting countries and utilize as Aid on the development of agriculture, industry, trade, education and tourism. This suggestion, making an end to American Economic Crisis and get full support to enhance his Foreign Public Relation . May it be so? To make successful American Foreign Policy on Global Level the following planning is put before: a) America will have to provide free scholar ships at least to ten top master students (in each country) of medical and science in underdeveloped and poor countries of the world. b) Highly educated and well trained one hundred cultural groups (each group contains 100 persons) will have to arrange one hundred cultural shows for three months in big cities of underdeveloped and poor countries. c) America will have to arrange exhibitions through his Embassies for his latest products, in the underdeveloped and poor countries .All these mentioned above industrial exhibitions will be arranged continuously for two months. In the above mentioned exhibitions present products will be sold except export order booking. In mentioned above exhibitions, American Cultural Programmes will have to arrange and American Traditional Dishes will be kept for sale. In these exhibitions American Tourism Stalls will also be set of. , Following rules and regulations will be undertaken for the progress and prosperity of American students. a) Among matric, fsc, bsc, engering.mbbs, llb, ca and diploma holders in all institutions, all those receiving degrees at the state level, ten each from girls and boys by cash prizes will be announced on behalf of the gov during invitation on lunch. b) For above mentioned top ten intelligent students boys and girls each, tours for different historical and healthy sites will be arranged free of cast. c) Talent schools of international level will be set up over the country at the district level, in which students of extra-ordinary sports talent taught from class one to fsc level. d) American states gov will announce free transport, free lunch during education to all school, college and university students. Minimize the aforesaid differences, which I will deliver to president The increasing distress and hatred between the Muslim world and America is the major cause of week relationship on public and government level. As a sincere friend I have practical suggestions to Barack Obama in my official visit to America. I request the government of America to allow me to describe (first of all my briefing with president’s advisors). My one thousand plans & ideas for changing the world before one to one meeting with the president Barac obama.thanks</p> <p>The Government of America will announce to provide free home facility to employees after 20 year of service as per following rules and regulations.</p> <ol> <li><p>For providing free home facility to their employees after retirement the government will deduct 2 ½% amounts for their monthly salaries.</p></li> <li><p>The government of America will deduct 2 ½% amounts of salaries to the employee and will deposit the same in government treasury which shall be paid to the housing company on monthly basis.</p></li> <li><p>The housing company shall provide beautiful home to the government or non government employee after 20 year of service.</p></li> <li><p>The people not acquiring home after 20 year of service shall be paid in whole by deducted total amount from their salaries during their employment</p></li> </ol> <hr /> <p>I Agha Dilbar have sent Ten Million research Peace Letters to International Community from 9/11 incident till today. This letter is my Great Peace Mission plan which is continued. Present Global Economic Crisis is the result of War on Terror. This Crisis if further accelerates could initiate a 111-World War. Please hear my Voice of Truth; I can save the World, for my Great Peace Mission, with the help of President Barrack Obama, Peace and Prosperity. Mr. Barracka Obama you are not only the Leader of America, you are Great Leader of the World. In this connection I am waiting for your Email response, dated 2.10.2009. Please Confirm. Thank you, God blesses you and God bless America. Agha Dilbar (founder) International Revolution Movement 64-neelum block ait Lahore (Pakistan) Phone 0092427830084 0092427830084 Cell 03224628349 Email aghadilbar4@gmail.com This Open Letter has been sent One Lak (100000) to International Community for the welfare of Humanity till today. I Agha Dilbar authorize Newspapers, Magazines, Internet, to Publish and Radio, T.V. Channels to broadcast this letter all round the World</p> Subject peace and prosperity Dear President Barrack Obama The Great Leader of the World I Agha Dilbar have sent Mr. President 100 registered research Letters (1000 new ideas to develop America and to Change the World for Peace and Prosperity) through Embassy of USA Islamabad till today and also direct sent these registered Letters to Whitehouse Washington DC 20500.These letters have been written on the guidelines of CHANGE WE NEED. And these letters are about the Common Men Problems of respected American Peoples and their Solutions. To end, Economic Recession, Unemployment and to Finish War, all round the World for Peace and Prosperity. In these letters I have sent one thousand new scientific Planning /Suggestions, about every walk of life for Peace through Friendship Progress and Prosperity all over the World. Dear Barrack Obama, the Great Leader of the World, my Friend, my Brother, Provide an opportunity to Agha Dilbar to pay an Official Visit to America, that we two brothers can sit together and by halting this horrible war(In this war 1-million peoples have died from 9/11 till today, if this war continues, it will become the 111- World War.200-Million people would die, if 111-World War is triggered) can take out 6.5 billion people of the World from abyss of destruction and then put them on the road to Progress and Prosperity. Dear President Barrack Obama considers, from 9/11 till today, America has conducted many war operations in connection with War on Terror, resulting the circle of war has spread hundred times. Millions innocent persons have died. Many More have been rendered homeless. One Lak (10000) war affected youth joined the army of Al-Qaida and Talban by the help of anti American countries have begun gorilla war in a horrible manner. It is the result of wrong war strategy. I Agha Dilbar desire to solve all above mentioned problems in a meeting with President Barrack Obama by adopting new revolutionary planning by bringing an end to present gorilla war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the result the World can enter in a peaceful, advanced and progressive world, May it be so. I Agha Dilbar have a new War Strategy to achieve success through Table Talk between Talban, Pakistan and American Govts. 90% of Talban that are fighting against Pak Army belong from Swat and Tribal Areas of NWFP. I can provide America all realistic facts in such manner that their implementation could convert these Talban into Patriotic Citizens of Pakistan. In this War Strategy Pakistan Gov will never send his Heavy Artillery, Tanks, Cannons and Air craft in war. In this way 5-million persons will never Displaced. In the end Talban by their will handover, their Weapons to Pakistan Gov, they will come to Table Talk and Suicide Bombing will come to an end in Pakistan. Through this War Strategy Pakistani and American Govts can save expenses on war. Through this planning American and Pakistani Govts can utilize their saving on war budgets for development of Schools, Hospitals, Colonies, Markets, Roads, Bridges, Dams, Canals and Industries of Swat and Tribal Areas of NWFP that are war affected. On account of present war strategy, Billion Dollars are being wasted yearly. This war can cause Fall of America instead of continuation of war; my best suggestion for America must keep his Supper Power on the World and should conquer the World instead of war, but by his No-1 scientific technology spending on agriculture, trade, education, scientific development and tourism, all round the World. Making an end to Economic Crisis in America. A new Global Package is being offered for your kind honour.America will have to make complete and final announcement that in future all Multinational American Companies to get free land on 20-years lease and will set up under the BOOT agreement (in undeveloped and poor countries) factories, mills five star hotels, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, air companies, shipping companies, latest railway, bus transport and steel mills. All these companies will be bound to handover without any cost to underdeloped and poor countries well as their machinery and transport after 20-yaars. A new suggestion in connection with Global Peace is offered that in return of export American Agriculture and Industrial Products, will give his 50% prophet to the exporting countries and utilize as Aid on the development of agriculture, industry, trade, education and tourism. This suggestion, making an end to American Economic Crisis and get full support to enhance his Foreign Public Relation . May it be so? To make successful American Foreign Policy on Global Level the following planning is put before: a) America will have to provide free scholar ships at least to ten top master students (in each country) of medical and science in underdeveloped and poor countries of the world. b) Highly educated and well trained one hundred cultural groups (each group contains 100 persons) will have to arrange one hundred cultural shows for three months in big cities of underdeveloped and poor countries. c) America will have to arrange exhibitions through his Embassies for his latest products, in the underdeveloped and poor countries .All these mentioned above industrial exhibitions will be arranged continuously for two months. In the above mentioned exhibitions present products will be sold except export order booking. In mentioned above exhibitions, American Cultural Programmes will have to arrange and American Traditional Dishes will be kept for sale. In these exhibitions American Tourism Stalls will also be set of. , Following rules and regulations will be undertaken for the progress and prosperity of American students. a) Among matric, fsc, bsc, engering.mbbs, llb, ca and diploma holders in all institutions, all those receiving degrees at the state level, ten each from girls and boys by cash prizes will be announced on behalf of the gov during invitation on lunch. b) For above mentioned top ten intelligent students boys and girls each, tours for different historical and healthy sites will be arranged free of cast. c) Talent schools of international level will be set up over the country at the district level, in which students of extra-ordinary sports talent taught from class one to fsc level. d) American states gov will announce free transport, free lunch during education to all school, college and university students. Minimize the aforesaid differences, which I will deliver to president The increasing distress and hatred between the Muslim world and America is the major cause of week relationship on public and government level. As a sincere friend I have practical suggestions to Barack Obama in my official visit to America. I request the government of America to allow me to describe (first of all my briefing with president’s advisors). My one thousand plans & ideas for changing the world before one to one meeting with the president Barac obama.thanks

The Government of America will announce to provide free home facility to employees after 20 year of service as per following rules and regulations.

  1. For providing free home facility to their employees after retirement the government will deduct 2 ½% amounts for their monthly salaries.

  2. The government of America will deduct 2 ½% amounts of salaries to the employee and will deposit the same in government treasury which shall be paid to the housing company on monthly basis.

  3. The housing company shall provide beautiful home to the government or non government employee after 20 year of service.

  4. The people not acquiring home after 20 year of service shall be paid in whole by deducted total amount from their salaries during their employment

I Agha Dilbar have sent Ten Million research Peace Letters to International Community from 9/11 incident till today. This letter is my Great Peace Mission plan which is continued. Present Global Economic Crisis is the result of War on Terror. This Crisis if further accelerates could initiate a 111-World War. Please hear my Voice of Truth; I can save the World, for my Great Peace Mission, with the help of President Barrack Obama, Peace and Prosperity. Mr. Barracka Obama you are not only the Leader of America, you are Great Leader of the World. In this connection I am waiting for your Email response, dated 2.10.2009. Please Confirm. Thank you, God blesses you and God bless America. Agha Dilbar (founder) International Revolution Movement 64-neelum block ait Lahore (Pakistan) Phone 0092427830084 0092427830084 Cell 03224628349 Email aghadilbar4@gmail.com This Open Letter has been sent One Lak (100000) to International Community for the welfare of Humanity till today. I Agha Dilbar authorize Newspapers, Magazines, Internet, to Publish and Radio, T.V. Channels to broadcast this letter all round the World

]]> By: redr http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194986 redr Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:03:57 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194986 <p><i>4 · <b>rob</b> <a href="http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/005049.html#comment194807">said</a></i></p> <blockquote>Fair enough, but what good is going to do to "insist" to the Germans? I don't think they're going to pony up (more out of weakness than anything). Europe's dying</blockquote> <p>I agree it's unlikely that they'd pony up, but it would put them in a position where they have to pay the costs of their policies. That is, right now they send troops but stipulate that they aren't to do anything, which allows them to placate their electorate (since the troops aren't in harm's way) and still claim to be on-board with the whole mission. For his part, Bush isn't in a position to call them on this because he can't afford to further alienate Europe after the whole Iraq thing. But a new President will not have this problem: he'll be able to demand they step up, and if they refuse he can downgrade their influence both with the United States directly, and in NATO (and they'll lose face more generally; if nothing else, we'll no longer have to listen to lectures which begin "the whole world supported you in Afghanistan..."). And, who knows? Certain European leaders might decide that it's more important to get tight with the new President than to throw red meat to their electorates, particularly if said new President is more popular with the European voters.</p> 4 · rob said

Fair enough, but what good is going to do to “insist” to the Germans? I don’t think they’re going to pony up (more out of weakness than anything). Europe’s dying

I agree it’s unlikely that they’d pony up, but it would put them in a position where they have to pay the costs of their policies. That is, right now they send troops but stipulate that they aren’t to do anything, which allows them to placate their electorate (since the troops aren’t in harm’s way) and still claim to be on-board with the whole mission. For his part, Bush isn’t in a position to call them on this because he can’t afford to further alienate Europe after the whole Iraq thing. But a new President will not have this problem: he’ll be able to demand they step up, and if they refuse he can downgrade their influence both with the United States directly, and in NATO (and they’ll lose face more generally; if nothing else, we’ll no longer have to listen to lectures which begin “the whole world supported you in Afghanistan…”). And, who knows? Certain European leaders might decide that it’s more important to get tight with the new President than to throw red meat to their electorates, particularly if said new President is more popular with the European voters.

]]> By: sakshi http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194983 sakshi Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:28:35 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194983 <p>Rediff/India Abroad has <a href="http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/25sld01.htm">an exclusive</a> from Obama.</p> <p>On India:</p> <blockquote>As President, I will also strengthen the critical relationship between the United States and India. The world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy are natural partners, sharing important interests and fundamental democratic values. That is why I voted for the US-India nuclear energy deal on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And that is why I will move forward to build a close strategic partnership between the United States and India when I am President of the United States. The United States and India must work together to combat the common threats of the 21st century. We have both been victims of catastrophic terrorist attacks, and we have a shared interest in succeeding in the fight against Al Qaeda and its operational and ideological affiliates. That fight must not be undercut by a misguided war in Iraq.</blockquote> <p>On Pakistan:</p> <blockquote>I have argued that we need to do more to roll back the Al Qaeda sanctuary along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and that we cannot put all of our eggs in the Musharraf basket in Pakistan. That is why I proposed, long before the declaration of martial law in Pakistan, that we need to condition our assistance to the Pakistani government so that we encourage stronger action against Al Qaeda and a restoration of democracy. Our goal remains not simply an ally in Pakistan -- our goal is a democratic ally, with a vibrant civil society and strong institutions. </blockquote> <p>He also has stuff on racial profiling, India's contribution to the US tech sector, his admiration for Gandhi, yadda yadda.</p> Rediff/India Abroad has an exclusive from Obama.

On India:

As President, I will also strengthen the critical relationship between the United States and India. The world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy are natural partners, sharing important interests and fundamental democratic values. That is why I voted for the US-India nuclear energy deal on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And that is why I will move forward to build a close strategic partnership between the United States and India when I am President of the United States. The United States and India must work together to combat the common threats of the 21st century. We have both been victims of catastrophic terrorist attacks, and we have a shared interest in succeeding in the fight against Al Qaeda and its operational and ideological affiliates. That fight must not be undercut by a misguided war in Iraq.

On Pakistan:

I have argued that we need to do more to roll back the Al Qaeda sanctuary along the Afghan-Pakistan border, and that we cannot put all of our eggs in the Musharraf basket in Pakistan. That is why I proposed, long before the declaration of martial law in Pakistan, that we need to condition our assistance to the Pakistani government so that we encourage stronger action against Al Qaeda and a restoration of democracy. Our goal remains not simply an ally in Pakistan — our goal is a democratic ally, with a vibrant civil society and strong institutions.

He also has stuff on racial profiling, India’s contribution to the US tech sector, his admiration for Gandhi, yadda yadda.

]]> By: AR http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194971 AR Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:14:33 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194971 <p>Thanks for this post, Abhi. I vaguely recall Obama saying some unsettlingly hawkish things about Pakistan a while back. It'll definitely be a hot topic regardless who is elected.</p> Thanks for this post, Abhi. I vaguely recall Obama saying some unsettlingly hawkish things about Pakistan a while back. It’ll definitely be a hot topic regardless who is elected.

]]> By: Al beruni http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194951 Al beruni Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:09:53 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194951 <p>Usual bass-ackwards article from this dude..</p> <p>do you think india has gotten to where it is because of kindness/help/notice from some US leader or the other?</p> <p>The reality is that US will deal with india based on the reality of indian progress. If indians keep growing their economy at 8-9%, improve infra-structure etc. the US president will have to make nice and amreekan big sahibs will have to go to Delhi say things like "natural affinities between our countries" and other sweet-sweet nothings....cause they want the moolah and to sell planes and guns and apples...</p> <p>If indians screw it up, and we have a long history of doing this, with either or both of communal-forces or statist-politicians dominating things, then there will be no interest from USA. Why should there be any?</p> Usual bass-ackwards article from this dude..

do you think india has gotten to where it is because of kindness/help/notice from some US leader or the other?

The reality is that US will deal with india based on the reality of indian progress. If indians keep growing their economy at 8-9%, improve infra-structure etc. the US president will have to make nice and amreekan big sahibs will have to go to Delhi say things like “natural affinities between our countries” and other sweet-sweet nothings….cause they want the moolah and to sell planes and guns and apples…

If indians screw it up, and we have a long history of doing this, with either or both of communal-forces or statist-politicians dominating things, then there will be no interest from USA. Why should there be any?

]]> By: Ponniyin Selvan http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194929 Ponniyin Selvan Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:30:53 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194929 <p>I should admit that I am no well wisher of Pakistan. But I think the sooner Pakistan gets rid of US influence the better. :-)</p> <p>The same guys ("freedom fighters fighting for their faith") who the US supported in the 80s against the "Godless communists" have now turned "terrorists" and Pakistan was supposed to be friends with them in the 80s because it suited US policy and their faith and hunt them in the 2000s because it suits US policy and the US approved "moderate" version of the faith. never mind it doesn't suit the jihadi aspects of the faith.. :-)</p> I should admit that I am no well wisher of Pakistan. But I think the sooner Pakistan gets rid of US influence the better. :-)

The same guys (“freedom fighters fighting for their faith”) who the US supported in the 80s against the “Godless communists” have now turned “terrorists” and Pakistan was supposed to be friends with them in the 80s because it suited US policy and their faith and hunt them in the 2000s because it suits US policy and the US approved “moderate” version of the faith. never mind it doesn’t suit the jihadi aspects of the faith.. :-)

]]> By: dilettante http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194914 dilettante Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:41:34 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194914 <blockquote>If someone interprets this differently, by all means I’d like to hear it, but this clearly sounds like the most hawkish and interventionist of all three essays, more so than even Bush’s policy...I actually kind of dig the openness and the “anti-Realpolitik” of his stance.</blockquote> <p>Not the best place to learn American History in South Asia, [Hollywood's: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wilson_(politician)">Charlie Wilson's War]</a> but I bet it places me in the company of the majority of Americans. Near the end of the flick (in the movie at least) the congressman lobbies for something more "open" and lasting be done for Afghanistan after the Soviets withdrew. He wasn't successful. <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/21/opinion/edmovie.php">IHT op-ed </a>on Charlie Wilson's Zen lesson.</p> <blockquote>Yes, Afghan suffering at the hands of the Soviet invaders was atrocious, and the Soviets' defeat by Afghan mujahedeen armed with U.S. Stinger missiles ought to have been a humanitarian liberation. But the fighting among Afghan warlords that ensued opened the way for the fanatical Taliban to take power, for Al Qaeda to set up terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, for the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, and then for to the Bush administration's global war on terror, whose destabilizing effects are likely to extend far into the future. In a similar vein, Bush should have foreseen that the invasion and occupation of Iraq could become a strategic gift to Iran; that his pledge to foster democracy in the Muslim world while backing Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan would make America look hypocritical; or that his reluctance to seek a UN Security Council resolution to halt Israel's bombing of Lebanon in the summer of 2006 would inflame anti-American feelings in the Arab world. These are the sorts of unintended consequences a Zen master would expect - and a president must try to anticipate.</blockquote> <p><blockquote<b>>#2 (#1)</b>Here is another Lebanese blogger (in Lebanon, for sure, unlike my previous link!--sorry) who is deeply skeptical of Obama.</blockquote></p> <p>I didn't get what Micheal Young's alternative/ better plan was? From your link : "<i>I would be able cynically to stomach her </i>[Obama' FP advisor]<i>scheme if it were not couched in the hypocritical language of moral self-righteousness</i>". Did Mr. Young ever come out and say directly the US went to Iraq for Oil? And his question <i>"What happens if an American withdrawal leads simultaneously to mass murder?"</i></p> <p>Are we to stay there forever? Will <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFknKVjuyNk">100 years </a>be long enough?</p> If someone interprets this differently, by all means I’d like to hear it, but this clearly sounds like the most hawkish and interventionist of all three essays, more so than even Bush’s policy…I actually kind of dig the openness and the “anti-Realpolitik” of his stance.

Not the best place to learn American History in South Asia, [Hollywood's: Charlie Wilson's War] but I bet it places me in the company of the majority of Americans. Near the end of the flick (in the movie at least) the congressman lobbies for something more “open” and lasting be done for Afghanistan after the Soviets withdrew. He wasn’t successful. IHT op-ed on Charlie Wilson’s Zen lesson.

Yes, Afghan suffering at the hands of the Soviet invaders was atrocious, and the Soviets’ defeat by Afghan mujahedeen armed with U.S. Stinger missiles ought to have been a humanitarian liberation. But the fighting among Afghan warlords that ensued opened the way for the fanatical Taliban to take power, for Al Qaeda to set up terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, for the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, and then for to the Bush administration’s global war on terror, whose destabilizing effects are likely to extend far into the future. In a similar vein, Bush should have foreseen that the invasion and occupation of Iraq could become a strategic gift to Iran; that his pledge to foster democracy in the Muslim world while backing Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan would make America look hypocritical; or that his reluctance to seek a UN Security Council resolution to halt Israel’s bombing of Lebanon in the summer of 2006 would inflame anti-American feelings in the Arab world. These are the sorts of unintended consequences a Zen master would expect – and a president must try to anticipate.

>#2 (#1)Here is another Lebanese blogger (in Lebanon, for sure, unlike my previous link!–sorry) who is deeply skeptical of Obama.

I didn’t get what Micheal Young’s alternative/ better plan was? From your link : “I would be able cynically to stomach her [Obama' FP advisor]scheme if it were not couched in the hypocritical language of moral self-righteousness“. Did Mr. Young ever come out and say directly the US went to Iraq for Oil? And his question “What happens if an American withdrawal leads simultaneously to mass murder?”

Are we to stay there forever? Will 100 years be long enough?

]]> By: krishna http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194896 krishna Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:09:52 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194896 <p>If Mr Obama thinks he can get India to negotiate anything on Kashmir with Pakistan, he is naive, and pressuring India on this will only set back relations between the US and India. There is no point in further negotiations with Pakistan on this matter. There is simply no faith in Pakistan keeping to any bargain that they may negotiate. Settlements have been tried in the past, including in Simla and the only result is escalation in terrorism. I think the real question is whether Pakistan in its present form will survive for very long.</p> If Mr Obama thinks he can get India to negotiate anything on Kashmir with Pakistan, he is naive, and pressuring India on this will only set back relations between the US and India. There is no point in further negotiations with Pakistan on this matter. There is simply no faith in Pakistan keeping to any bargain that they may negotiate. Settlements have been tried in the past, including in Simla and the only result is escalation in terrorism. I think the real question is whether Pakistan in its present form will survive for very long.

]]> By: Abhi http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194826 Abhi Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:04:45 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194826 <blockquote>I'm Kurt Abhi. I'm incorrigible. Congratulations. What's..."incorrigible"? I think it means you want to be treated like a boy. ;)</blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rcfBaVs09w">Don't tell me what I can't do</a>. :)</p> I’m Kurt Abhi. I’m incorrigible. Congratulations. What’s…”incorrigible”? I think it means you want to be treated like a boy. ;)

Don’t tell me what I can’t do. :)

]]> By: voiceinthehead http://sepiamutiny.com/blog/2008/02/23/the_future_of_a/comment-page-1/#comment-194825 voiceinthehead Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:57:21 +0000 http://sepiamutiny.com?p=5049#comment-194825 <p>I asked it on <a href="http://www.ultrabrown.com/posts/silly-season#comment-7989">UB</a>. What does Obama think about India's right to intervene in Pakistan.</p> I asked it on UB. What does Obama think about India’s right to intervene in Pakistan.

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