Prof. G.C.Asnani News and Views 8th January 2009

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Date: January 8th 2009 8:31:28 a.m.

Prof. G. C. ASNANI, MSc., Ph.D. (United Nations Service, Retd.)

822, Sindh Colony, Aundh,

Pune – 411 007 (HINDUSTAN, INDIA)
Tel: 91-20-2588-0347

E-mail: i)asnanigc@yahoo.com, ii) gcasnani@vsnl.com

News and Views: 8 -1-09

1. Israel bombs Gaza into the night (http://news.bbc.co.uk/)

2. Chinese Lenovo the world's fourth-biggest personal computer maker giant to cut workforce (http://news.bbc.co.uk/)

3. Obama, Bush and ex-presidents have 'historic moment'(cnn.com)

4. Coalition forces kill 38 Afghan militants (cnn.com)

5. Al Qaeda using pedophile websites to plot terror attacks against Britain. “Using child pornography sites appears to be al-Qaeda’s latest desperate attempt to avoid detection. Sadly, the high levels of secrecy, passwords and encryption demanded by paedophiles means their websites can offer good cover for terrorists.” (http://www.jihadwatch.org/)

6. Palestinian journo confirms what the world ignores -- that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. The mainstream media in the West, meanwhile, continues to pretend that Israel is indiscriminately targeting civilians. (http://www.jihadwatch.org/) (G.C.A: Prolonged Hypocrisy practiced by biased International Press is biting the Conscience of some Members of the International Press, inherent internal Divinity in mankind is asserting itself somewhere.)

7. ISI-Pak bid to cripple India. The constant monitoring of the internet and e-mail connections of the LeT have revealed that Lashkar is planning to bomb Viraat using a suicide pilot of a helicopter. (organiser.org) (G.C.A: Warnings were there, are there. But will Indian secularists inside Indian Administration set-up allow patriots to save India effectively?)

“ many persons in publicity profession are not sure to earn enough money to have one simple meal a day if they observe the ethics of this noble profession, but they want to have wine and illicit sex in high-level hotels very frequently?” )

9. Pak poses threat to India, US: Hadley (http://dailypioneer.com/)

10. Tackle corruption to fight terror. Has India really woken up after the terror acts on Mumbai? At least the people are exhorting the authorities to take action rather than issue platitudes. They want action against terrorism but not war with Pakistan. The escalating number of anti-national elements making their way through our porous borders is a reflection of the fact the internal security is weak and that the concerned authorities are not performing their duty properly. Only a nation with character, robust health and sound economy will be able to overcome problems like terrorism. (http://dailypioneer.com/)

11. Bangla Catharsis. Apparently, the people of Bangladesh had seriously considered the challenge and gave their verdict accordingly on December 29. Begum Khaleda Zia, widow of Zia-ur-Rehman, carried on his political legacy but with one difference. Zia-ur-Rehman was not personally corrupt. Khaleda Zia and her two sons raped the country especially during the BNP-JEI led four party rule from 2001-2006.(southasiaanalysis.org)

12. Tirukural - Chapter 11: Gratitude. A kindness done in the hour of need may itself be small, but in worth it exceeds the whole world. (Kauai_Hindu_Monastery@jnanadana.com)

13. Vedic Verses for 1/7/09. May the Lord find pleasure in our song of praise! Priest among Men, may he offer due homage to the heavenly beings! (Kauai_Hindu_Monastery@jnanadana.com)

14. Gospel of Jesus: Did Jesus advise to Divide, to Kill, and to Rule? Was he a Terrorist? Who can believe this?

i) Holy Bible - New Testament, Luke 12; 51-53: Jesus said:

"Do you suppose that I came to bring peace to the World? No, not peace, but division. From now on a family of five will be divided, three against two and two against three. Fathers will be against their sons, and sons against their fathers; mothers will be against their daughters and daughters against their mothers; mothers-in-law will be against their daughters-in-law, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law."

ii) Holy Bible, New Testament, Luke 20; 27: Jesus said: “for those enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and kill them in my presence.”

iii) New Testament, MATHEW 16; 18-19: Jesus said, "Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock I will build my Church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; what you prohibit on Earth will be prohibited in Heaven, and what you permit on Earth will be permitted in Heaven."

15. Obama Is Reported Set to Revise Counter terrorism Efforts (nytimes.com)

16. Reciting Ramayana Non-Stop for One Year Source: (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

17. Russian gas crisis to keep bills high as firms divert UK stocks (http://www.guardian.co.uk/)

18. J&K: Army says terrorists holed up in caves (ndtv.com)

19. FBI team to visit Pak to carry on Mumbai attacks probe: Mulford (samachar.com)

1. Israel bombs Gaza into the night (http://news.bbc.co.uk/)

Date: - 8 -1-09

On the ground with the Israeli army in Gaza

Israeli air attacks on the Gaza Strip has resumed after a three-hour truce to allow in humanitarian aid, with border tunnels apparently the main target.

Israeli planes leafleted southern Gaza by day, warning of imminent attacks, and the sounds of war could be heard from the border by nightfall.

Nearly 700 Palestinian and 11 Israeli lives are said to have been lost since the offensive began 12 days ago.

Peace efforts move to Cairo shortly, with an Israeli envoy due in the city.

But Israel is prepared to go even deeper into the Gaza Strip in the coming hours, BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen reports from the Israeli border near Rafah.

Our editor could hear the clatter of Israeli helicopters and the report of at least one explosion from inside southern Gaza late on Wednesday night.

"Because Hamas uses your houses to hide and smuggle military weapons, the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] will attack the area," read leaflets released earlier by the thousand over the Rafah area by Israeli planes.

Unconfirmed reports speak of a tank advance with helicopter support towards Khan Younis, also in the south, shortly after midnight.

Truce options

Israeli security sources have confirmed that senior Israeli defence official Amos Gilad will travel to Cairo on Thursday to discuss ceasefire options.

A Hamas delegation is expected in Cairo at some stage for parallel "technical" talks, Egyptian diplomats said.

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas is expected in the Egyptian capital on Friday.

Israel said on Wednesday it accepted the principles of a Franco-Egyptian truce proposal, which was backed by Washington, but wanted to see the details.

The UN Security Council seemed deadlocked over the crisis.

Arab countries want the Council to vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire while Britain, France and the US are pushing for a weaker statement welcoming the Franco-Egyptian initiative.

The US could well veto any vote as it is a permanent member of the Security Council, the BBC's Laura Trevelyan reports.

Media curbs

Palestinian health officials say at least 683 Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,085 injured.

Aid agencies report that Gazans rushed into the streets to buy essential supplies and visit relatives in hospital during Wednesday's pause in fighting.

UN aid workers welcomed Israel's promise of brief daily ceasefires but said only a total end to fighting would allow them to distribute aid to those who need it.

More than 20 rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza during the day.

Israel has lost seven soldiers on the ground to date while rockets have killed four people.

Casualty claims in Gaza cannot be independently verified.

While the BBC has had Palestinian producers reporting from Gaza, Israel only allowed Western TV crews to enter on Wednesday, embedded with its army.

2. Chinese Lenovo the world's fourth-biggest personal computer maker giant to cut workforce (http://news.bbc.co.uk/)

Date: - 8 -1-09

Lenovo is the world's fourth-biggest personal computer maker

One of the world's largest computer manufacturers, Chinese-based Lenovo, says it is to cut about 2,500 jobs around the world.

Lenovo blamed the cuts, which amount to nearly 11% of its total workforce, on the global economic downturn and a fall in demand for PCs.

It said the cuts were part of efforts to save $300m (£200m) in the coming financial year.

They were, it argued, essential if the company was to remain competitive.

The company also said it expected to see losses in the final quarter of the financial year.

The statement said Lenovo had been hit by "the unprecedented global economic challenges facing the world, resulting in a reducing demand for personal computers and related products".

It also said that a reduction in demand from China, historically a major Lenovo market, had affected the company's fortunes.

Lenovo's net profits dropped 78% in the three months until the end of September.

3. Obama, Bush and ex-presidents have 'historic moment'(cnn.com)

Date: - 8 -1-09

Historian calls meeting "smart politics," says it'll be light, but could be tense

Obama and Bush meet with Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter

Obama says he's grateful for chance to get "advice, good counsel and fellowship"

Last time all the living presidents met at White House was in 1981, Perino says

(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama, President Bush and all of the surviving past presidents got together Wednesday for a historic meeting at the White House.

Barack Obama meets with President Bush and past presidents in the Oval Office on Wednesday.

"One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country," Bush told Obama before lunch with the former presidents.

Bush and Obama were joined by Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Obama thanked the president for hosting them and said he was grateful for the opportunity to get "advice, good counsel and fellowship" from the group. Watch what Obama says about the meeting »

Obama's press secretary said the presidents had a "very constructive conversation" and Obama appreciated "the spirit of bipartisanship they showed" in wishing him success.

Presidential historian Doug Brinkley said it's "very smart politics for Obama to keep a channel open" with the former presidents.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the last time all of the living presidents got together at the White House was in 1981, and she called Wednesday's meeting a "historic moment."

She said the president was "delighted" to host the luncheon.

The meeting marked the second time Bush has hosted Obama since the election. Obama suggested the meeting with all of the former presidents when he and Bush first met in November.

Perino said earlier she didn't know what they would talk about, but she said she'd love to be able to hear it.

Perino speculated that they would discuss what it's like to raise children in the White House and how to protect them.

Brinkley predicted that first and foremost, the presidents would recall what it was like to be president.

Secondly, Brinkley said, the conversation would probably turn to what's going on in the Middle East.

Brinkley said that all of the men will be on their "best behavior," but, given the personalities at the luncheon, there could be some tension.

President Bush may find himself the odd man out at the meeting, at least in terms of popularity.

Bush registered only a 27 percent approval rating in a December CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey.

In contrast, Obama had an 82 percent approval rating.

A new poll out Wednesday indicates that 69 percent of adult Americans approved of how Clinton handled his job as president, while 64 percent of adult Americans gave a thumbs up to Carter and 60 percent approved of George H.W. Bush.

4. Coalition forces kill 38 Afghan militants (cnn.com)

Date: - 8 -1-09

U.S. military: Coalition kills 32 Taliban members in Laghman province

Raid, 60 miles from Kabul, amid fears Taliban strengthening presence near capital

Militant network said to have set up roadside bombs, attacked troops

In Farah province, six militants killed, says U.S. military

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Troops in Afghanistan launched raids against militants over the last two days, killing 32 armed insurgents near the nation's capital and six militants in western Afghanistan, the U.S. military said in statements Wednesday.

Coalition forces targeting a Taliban roadside bomb cell killed the 32 armed insurgents in an operation on Tuesday in the Alishang District of Laghman province. The location is more than 60 miles northeast of Kabul, the nation's capital.

Troops detained one suspect and destroyed weapons caches that included explosives and roadside bombing materials. One female was counted among the dead.

This comes amid concerns about the Taliban strengthening its presence near the capital.

The operation network targeted a militant network said to have built and set up roadside bombs and conducted attacks against troops and civilians last year.

The military said militants used small arms to shoot at advancing troops from roofs and alleys, and troops returned fire with small arms.

Much criticized in Afghanistan for airstrikes that hit civilians, the military said it "did not escalate the engagement with close-air support or artillery inside the village."

The coalition said it took 16 children and eight women away from the fighting and took them to a safe location.

In western Afghanistan's Farah province, army commandos backed up by coalition troops killed six militants Wednesday, including an operative who has supplied weapons to militants and conducted attacks on troops as well as acting as the chief bodyguard for a "high-level Taliban commander.

Both sides traded fire in a two-hour battle, and a weapons cache was discovered. The military -- which said they held a meeting with village elders to explain the operation -- protected 13 men, 38 women and 20 children during the incident. There was a commando injured in the raid.

Date: - 8 -1-09

The Al Qaeda "Pedobear"

All's "fair" in love and jihad? More on how, for jihadists, the end, Islamic supremacy, will always justify the means, no matter how odious.

Al-Qaeda is using pedophile websites to plot terror attacks on Britain according to British Security Services.

Al-Qaeda is using the sites due to the levels of security employed: paedophile sites are said to be password-protected and encrypted to avoid detection from police, which apparently makes them great for secretly plotting terrorist attacks as well.

A security source quoted in The Mirror said “Using child pornography sites appears to be al-Qaeda’s latest desperate attempt to avoid detection. Sadly, the high levels of secrecy, passwords and encryption demanded by paedophiles means their websites can offer good cover for terrorists.”

Pedophiles and terrorists: a snappy headline waiting to be had, but not really surprising either.

Date: - 8 -1-09

And he doesn't like it. The mainstream media in the West, meanwhile, continues to pretend that Israel is indiscriminately targeting civilians. "PA Newspaper Editor Attacks Hamas's Use Of Gaza Residents As Human Shields," from the MEMRI Blog, January 7 (thanks to James):

Hafez Al-Barghouti, editor of the Palestinian Authority daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, has attacked the use of civilians as a human shield by Hamas's military wing.

He also said that the release of videocassettes showing Hamas members digging secret tunnels beneath Gaza residents' homes permits Israel to excuse their strikes on the homes, and called on Hamas members to keep their distance from populated places, and to protect the lives of the citizens instead of using them.

Source: Al-Hayat Al-Jadida , Palestinian Authority, January 7, 2009

Date: - 8 -1-09

LeT targeting Viraat

By S Chandrasekhar

The ISI-LeT jehadi gang-up is targeting INS Viraat, India’s only aircraft carrier, to weaken India’s air and sea supremacy in the event of an all-out war. In 1971, INS Vikrant played a decisive role in India trouncing Pakistan, and Pak doesn’t want that to be repeated.

According to media reports, US intelligence has warned India that after Mumbai, LeT’s technological chief Zarar Shah is showing more than inquisitive interest in INS Viraat. The constant monitoring of the internet and e-mail connections of the LeT have revealed that Lashkar is planning to bomb Viraat using a suicide pilot of a helicopter.

Prior to the Mumbai terror attacks, extensive study of the city, its police force, its response mechanism, destinations where maximum damage could be inflicted, etc. were carried out before launching the macabre terror attacks.

The LeT target was to destroy INS Viraat in Mumbai itself. But Viraat had left Mumbai and is in Kochi Shipyard for major repairs, which will take four to five months to complete.

US intelligence reports suggest that LeT is doing extensive study of helicopter charter services in South India for hiring a helicopter and target Viraat at Kochi in Kerala, in a fidayeen attack, similar to the twin tower attack in US.

Security around Viraat and Kochi Shipyard has been beefed up to the highest levels following the intelligence inputs. Marine Commandos (Marcos) who did a commendable job in Mumbai and commando diver units of the navy are on 24 hour guard. Naval helicopters with anti-aircraft guns are also providing round the clock cover to Viraat.

With Kerala, a haven of all jehadi groups like NDF, PDP, SIMI etc. sponsored by ISI, LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen, there will be no difficulty in getting local support for targeting INS Viraat.

8. Media needs credible self-regulation. Comprehensive coverage of 26/11 done with rare passion and commitment by large sections of media, particularly by the print media, could have earned a lot of respect for the media but it was undone by sections of electronic channels that indulged in sensationalism and insensitive comments on what was indeed a war-like situation. At the end of the day, media tarnished its image and undermined its credibility. (organiser.org) (G.C.A: Is it very rude and cruel to say that, “ many persons in publicity profession are not sure to earn enough money to have one simple meal a day if they observe the ethics of this noble profession, but they want to have wine and illicit sex in high-level hotels very frequently?” )

Date: - 8 -1-09

By Shyam Khosla

Comprehensive coverage of 26/11 done with rare passion and commitment by large sections of media, particularly by the print media, could have earned a lot of respect for the media but it was undone by sections of electronic channels that indulged in sensationalism and insensitive comments on what was indeed a war-like situation. At the end of the day, media tarnished its image and undermined its credibility. Television channels have come in for severe criticism for telecasting unverified information and sensitive footage that jeopardised security forces’ operations. There are countless incidents that underline the fault lines in the functioning of the electronic media. Telecasting live images of commandos being air-dropped, quoting a highly exaggerated figure of casualties in Hotel Taj from a “highly reliable source in the security set up” by none else than a veteran TV personality, telecasting without verifying the r umour about another attack on CST and telecasting “live” operational details are some of the glaring instances of blunders committed by countless channels.

Security forces are aggrieved that terrorists were getting inputs about operational details from their handlers in Pakistan from the live television coverage of the operational details and exact location of hostages hiding in the buildings under attack. It is now well known that terrorists went to the Chambers in Hotel Taj to fire at guests who had taken shelter there after the information was telecast by a reckless reporter. Broadcasting that 100 or so hostages were stranded in Hotel Oberio Trident is another case in point. A senior military officer had tried to obfuscate by claiming there were no hostages in Trident but a reporter got him contradicted by a top executive of the hotel within minutes. Didn’t the contradiction endanger the lives of persons trapped in the hotel? The same channel telecasted the information about the number of the room in which a senior journalist was trapped in Hotel Taj. Unfortunately, the senior jo urnalist never came out alive. No one can say whether or not she was killed on the basis of the information the TV channel supplied to the terrorists with the help of their handlers. Yet another channel interviewed a terrorist, even as the operations were underway. It is the same channel that had on an earlier occasion provided a terrorist wanted for his crimes committed in J&K its platform to plead his innocence even before he was questioned by the police.

Although it is no justification for media’s gross indiscretions, the government and the official agencies must also share the blame for many of the blunders committed by the media. The “brilliant” Home Minister chose to blurt out before cameras sensitive information about 200 commandos being flown to Mumbai to deal with the terrorists. And, for God’s sake, why didn’t the authorities cordon off areas where security forces were battling with terrorists? Why did the police allow mediapersons to operate from so close a range that they became privy to operational details? I&B Ministry woke up to the need of issuing advisories to the media about delaying telecasting of operations by 20 minutes or so rather late in the day. Further, telecasting of unverified news by information-hungry channels and the unseemly war of words on cameras by various agencies to grab credit for their role in the operations could ha ve been avoided if the I&B Ministry and other agencies had arranged for frequent official briefings of the latest developments.

It is not for the first time that media have failed the nation. Sensationalism and trivialisation of news have been the bane of media for quite some time. Sections of it have been promoting violence, vulgarity, crime and sex to increase circulation and attract more eyeballs. Credibility of sting operations—a powerful tool to expose misdeeds of the corrupt and criminals—has been severely undermined by the channels that acted irresponsibly or allowed themselves to be manipulated by vested interests, including politicians. Equally devastating was the insensitive coverage of Arushi murder case. Credibility was lost by editorialising news and selling editorial space for advertisements under the garb of news. Several newspapers with mass circulations brought shame to the profession by charging money from candidates for favourable reports about their chances of success in assembly elections in Punjab, UP and Uttarakhand. TRP wars among channels are nothing less than a racket. Some regulation of the TRP system to make it credible and accountable is the need of the hour.

All said and done, the grave lapses committed by sections of the media in the coverage of 26/11 has created a situation in which the informed sections of the civil society—that had always stood for freedom and independence of the media—are now demanding regulation of the media by the government (!). It is an alarming situation. A Parliamentary Committee has come up with welcome suggestions. It has asked the government to put in place an effective regulatory mechanism for the media for covering sensitive security developments. Pointing out that self-regulation by the media has proved ineffective; the Committee has called for statutory regulation of both print and electronic media on the model of the Press Council of India with the proviso that the proposed regulatory authority must be vested with more powers. The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) is resisting the move on the ground that they have already put in place a sel f-regulatory “emergency protocol” for covering riots, terror attacks, hijacking and hostage situations. The protocol, that is in sync with those in place in several western countries, debars channels from live phone-ins with terrorists and hostages, live broadcasting of sensitive situations and broadcasting information that may jeopardise security operations.

The News Broadcasting Standards Disputes Redressal Authority headed by former Chief Justice J S Verma, set up by the NBA, is empowered to admonish, warn, censure, express disapproval and/or impose a fine of up to Rs one lakh and even recommend suspension or revocation of the licence of the channel found guilty of violating these norms. It is fine as for as it goes. But it suffers from two infirmities. First, the NBA that constituted the Authority represents only 14 broadcasters running 22 news channels. What about the remaining 100-odd channels? Will there be no regulation for them? Secondly, it only deals with emergency situations. What about the sleeze under the garb of entertainment served round the clock by countless channels? Finally, the country needs one authority to regulate content in all types of media—electronic, print and Internet, for an even-handed self-regulation of media and to protect it from invasions on its ind ependence and freedom from governments and other agencies.

Freedom and independence of media is non-negotiable. Any form of government control over media is totally unacceptable. Self-regulation is an ideal situation. The tragedy, however, is that self-regulation, as it exists today, has proved ineffective in this era of stiff competition and lure for money. Commerce rather than professionalism and social responsibility has emerged as the dominant motivation of those who own and work in media. Model code of conduct and emergency protocol evolved by statutory or voluntary bodies have failed to prevent large sections of media from going astray. Under the circumstances, the government will have to act as a facilitator for self-regulation. Press Council of India was set up by an act of Parliament for self-regulation of print media. It did serve the purpose to a point. Eventually, it proved rather ineffective for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is toothless and can’t punish those who persist ently violate ethics and code of conduct laid down by it. Further, powerful sections of print media, proprietors as well as editors, disowned the institution and went all out to undermine its authority and credibility. Governments were not far behind. There is the infamous case of Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal openly defying the pronouncements of the Council defeating the very purpose for which it was set up. In due course, the Council was manipulated from within. Certain self-styled journalists have manipulated the system to become its members to sit in judgment of others while they are the ones who should be in the dock for violating media ethics and norms.

Before setting up a statutory regulatory mechanism for media, the government and the Parliament must study the infirmities from which the Press Council of India suffers and take appropriate steps to steer clear of these. The government needs to hold wide ranging consultations with the political parties and professional bodies of media to evolve a broad consensus for setting up a more effective and credible regulatory authority for the entire media—print, electronic and Internet. The regulatory authority needs to be empowered to punish those who violate media ethics and norms or abuse their power to suppress and deny freedom and independence to the media. Abundant care will have to be taken to ensure that the authority doesn’t become another court of law with attendant delays and prolonged litigation. Equally important is the complex task of ensuring that the Authority should comprise of persons that enjoy the confidence of the media and have high credibility among the people.

9. Pak poses threat to India, US: Hadley (http://dailypioneer.com/)

Date: - 8 -1-09

PTI | New York

The "biggest" foreign-policy challenge awaiting US President-elect Barack Obama is "Pakistan" as its "turbulent border" region posed a threat not only to American forces in Afghanistan but also India and the world beyond, National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley has said.

"The biggest foreign-policy challenge awaiting President-elect Barack Obama isn't Iraq or Afghanistan but Pakistan," Hadley was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.

In an interview with the journal, previewing a valedictory speech he plans to give today, he said "Pakistan's increasingly turbulent border region poses a threat not just to the US mission in Afghanistan, but also to neighboring India as evident by the recent Mumbai terrorist attacks, as well as to urban areas of the country itself and the world beyond".

If the extremists succeed in destabilising Pakistan, the resulting chaos will threaten the entire region, Hadley told the the paper.

"You can't really solve Afghanistan without solving Pakistan and that's why I think Pakistan is at the center" of the challenge for the incoming administration, he added.

In his speech, Hadley is also expected to acknowledge challenges for the US in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as in efforts to curb Iran's apparent nuclear ambitions, the paper said.

Iran remains the biggest problem in the Middle East and US progress in mending fences with Western Europe means that the next administration should be able to enforce tougher sanctions on the country, he stated.

Date: - 8 -1-09

JC Chatterji

Has India really woken up after the terror acts on Mumbai? At least the people are exhorting the authorities to take action rather than issue platitudes. They want action against terrorism but not war with Pakistan. Unlike the US, a distant country, India does not possess sophisticated weapons to prevent a nuclear attack. The economic and human cost of war would be enormous for the two neighbouring countries to bear. Thus, strengthening the internal security of the country will be a better approach to deal with terrorism.

This doesn’t imply that we should put a lid on our anger. Rather we must direct our anger in the right direction by exerting pressure on the authorities to adopt not only remedial measures but also preventive ones to tackle terror. The escalating number of anti-national elements making their way through our porous borders is a reflection of the fact the internal security is weak and that the concerned authorities are not performing their duty properly. In this respect, it will be a good idea to have a common database of those suspected of carrying out terrorist activities within the country. This information can then be shared among the various security agencies and the BSF and the Coast Guards.

With corruption becoming a way of life and hawala money being used for funding terror activities, a strict policy must be formulated to crack down on black money. In this direction the Government should set up a ‘no questions asked’ national fund. All those in possession of black money should be forced to deposit the same into this fund. And in case a person wants to voluntarily surrender black money then he or she should be allowed to do so without attracting punishment.

If implemented properly this fund could generate enough money to overhaul our internal security infrastructure. It could also go towards increasing the pay-scale of security personnel who work under extreme stress. Also, this money could go towards implementing anti-corruption drives. This could include educational workshops for Government employees educating them to shun corruption.

Only a nation with character, robust health and sound economy will be able to overcome problems like terrorism. It is important that each and every one of us takes an oath that he or she will never indulge in corruption and will always work for the development of India.

Date: - 8 -1-09

By Bhaskar Roy

No political pundit could have forecast the result of the December 29, 2008 elections to the 9th Bangladesh Parliament (Jatiyo Sangsad). In SAAG Paper No. 2991 this columnist had written it was difficult to make an approximation of the results, and there were serious issues facing the country to be considered. Apparently, the people of Bangladesh had seriously considered the challenge and gave their verdict accordingly on December 29.

It was the biggest win by a single party since 1973, the first election after liberation of the country, when Sk. Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League swept the polls. That was, of course, different. Sk. Mujib was seen as the liberator of Bangladesh from Pakistan’s oppression. That euphoria was, however, short lived. Sk. Mujib and his entire family were assassinated on August 15, 1975 by a group of young army officers. It is well known that the coup was executed by Pakistan through their agents in Mujibur Rahman’s cabinet. More interestingly, recently declassified US State Department papers reveal they were kept informed on a real time basis the happenings in Dhaka that fateful night. Well, those were different days.

With 231 of the 300 seats in its pocket, the Awami League takes one back to the 1970 Pakistan elections which the party won handsomely but was denied their opportunity to form the government by the power in Islamabad. That led to the simmering independence movement to come out to the surface. That, as they say, is history.

Bangladesh’s spiritual liberation was arrested for a long time. Following the massacre of Sk. Mujib and his family, the top leaders of Awami League were also murdered in jail that November by a section of the army. It was the handiwork of Zia-ur-Rehman, who claims he is the liberator of Bangladesh. Zia, who became President of Bangladesh, was assassinated in 1981, in another coup.

Maj. Zia was a Sector Commander only during the liberation war. But his was the greatest betrayer of the cause and soul of Bangladesh’s liberation. He rehabilitated the liberation war criminals – the Razakars, the Al Badrs and the Al Shams – who had raped and killed Bangladeshis on behalf of the Pakistani army, were amalgamated into the new Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) party to support Zia’s newly formed Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978. Begum Khaleda Zia, widow of Zia-ur-Rehman, carried on his political legacy but with one difference. Zia-ur-Rehman was not personally corrupt. Khaleda Zia and her two sons raped the country especially during the BNP-JEI led four party rule from 2001-2006.

Very briefly, the BNP won 116 seats in 1996, 193 in 2001 (October), and 29 in 2008 (December). The JEI won 03 seats in 1996, 17 in 2001, and 02 in 2008. The Awami League won 146 seats in 1996 and formed the government. It lost in 2001 winning only 62 seats and came back in 2001 with 231 seats. The Awami League and its grand alliance won a total of 262 seats. The achievement goes beyond any conceivable charges of rigging.

The Awami League and their grand alliance partner including former military President H.M.Ershad must try and introspect why the people gave them such a huge mandate this time, and why such a mandate was not given to any one political party after 1973.

The soul of the December 29, 2008 people’s mandate actually goes back to 1948, a year after Pakistan (West and East) was formed in 1947 as part of the British brokered partition of the Indian subcontinent. The 1952 “Language Movement” in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) did not happen overnight. Pakistan was created on the basis of religion, Islam. But West and East Pakistan experienced that religion was subservient to much more tangible facts of life which can be touched, felt and experienced. There were history, language and culture – in brief, the way of life. Way of life is more genetic, and shaped by the immediate social environment. Religion can be inherited, adopted, and even changed in its various interpretations. Islam among the people of East Pakistan i.e. Bengal and now Bangladesh has always been tolerant and liberal.

In undivided India, there was little in common between the Bengali Muslims in the eastern part of India and the Punjabi Muslims with the Western wing who came to dominate East Pakistan. It was a forced marriage of discontent between the two. Bangladesh was born in 1971 from the blood, dead bodies of Bangladeshis. The “Mukti Bahini”, the freedom fighters against West Pakistan military domination were entirely Bangladeshis.

The question may arise why the people did not rise up when Sk. Mujibur Rahman and his family were massacred on August 15, 1975. There is no simple answers to this question, but answers must be sought urgently. And while seeking answers the Awami League leaders especially Sk. Mujib’s daughters Sk. Hasina and Sk. Rehana must be bold enough to accept the truth, and ensure the mistakes and not repeated.

People know what the mistakes were. They fought the war, mourned their dead, licked their wounds and went home. They truly hoped their sacrifices would be honoured and “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bangladesh) would be reborn.

Late A.L.Khatib, a journalist of Indian extraction who became more of a Bangladeshi, wrote a small essay “Where the Shapla (water lily) smiles”. This small bit of prose, which was sheer poetry, epitomized Bangladesh. It was truly a paradise after evicting the marauding Pakistan’s and their JEI killing and raping machines.

Two very basic things happened after liberation. The poison of pro-Pakistan religious extremists was not fully expunged due to some misplaced ambitions of new political leaders like Zia-ur-Rehman. Some of the new rulers felt they could exploit the situation as they liked. In addition, the main liberation leaders were assassinated in November, the same year, in Dhaka jail by those who killed Sk. Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh was left with no real political leaders.

The people generally turned away. They did not have any honest and upright leader. They were also confused, concluding corruption and religious manipulations were part of life. But then, everything has a limit. The December 29 verdict is clear – the new government has been given the responsibility to bring back Bangladesh what it was and supposed to be – Sonar Bangla, the land where the “Shapla smiles”.

The people’s verdict enjoins upon Sk. Hasina, Prime Minister–elect of Bangladesh certain clear, doable responsibilities: get rid of corruption, accelerate economic development, follow moderate and tolerant religious policies, strong counter-terrorism drives to eradicate this scourge, and put street politics in the box. If this opportunity is wasted for reason other than the repair of the country, the new leaders will have to pay a heavy price. To take the country forward it is imperative to boldly revisit 1971 and 1975 and root out the poisonous weeds. There is no other way.

(The author is an eminent analyst with many years of experience. He can be reached at grouchohart@yahoo.com)

12. Tirukural - Chapter 11: Gratitude. A kindness done in the hour of need may itself be small, but in worth it exceeds the whole world. (Kauai_Hindu_Monastery@jnanadana.com)

Date: - 8 -1-09

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Tirukural

A daily chapter from South Indian saint Tiruvalluvar's Tirukural, "Holy Couplets."

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Chapter 11: Gratitude

Kural 101

The bounty of Heaven and Earth are scant repayment

for help rendered though no help was received.

Kural 102

A kindness done in the hour of need may itself be small,

but in worth it exceeds the whole world.

Kural 103

When help is given by weighing the recipient's need

and not the donor's reward, its goodness is greater than the sea.

Kural 104

While aid may outwardly seem as puny as a mustard seed,

those who know will deem it as imposing as a towering palm.

Kural 105

Help rendered another cannot be measured by the extent of

assistance given. Its real measure is the recipient's worthiness.

Kural 106

Never forget fellowship with pure souls,

nor forsake friendship with those who aided you in adversity.

Kural 107

For seven lives in seven bodies the grateful will remember

friends who relieved their anguish and affliction.

Kural 108

It is improper to ever forget a kindness,

but good to forget at once an injury received.

Kural 109

The deadliest injury is effaced the moment

the mind recalls a single kindness received from the injurer.

Kural 110

Having killed every kind of goodness, one may yet be saved,

but there is no redemption for those who let gratitude die.

13. Vedic Verses for 1/7/09. May the Lord find pleasure in our song of praise! Priest among Men, may he offer due homage to the heavenly beings! (Kauai_Hindu_Monastery@jnanadana.com)

Date: - 8 -1-09

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Vedic Verses

A daily collection of verses from the Vedas, Hinduism's revealed scripture

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Vedic Verses for 1/7/09

In your praise, O Lord, who reach highest heaven, we compose our song, eager to obtain your treasure divine!

Rig Veda V, 13, 2

May the Lord find pleasure in our song of praise! Priest among Men, may he offer due homage to the heavenly beings!

Rig Veda V, 13, 3

Great, O Lord, is your renown. Through you, O blessed one, worthy mediator, may we complete the sacrifice!

Rig Veda V, 13, 4

The poets exalt you with their hymns-- you whose undertakings are ever successful. Grant us great vigor!

Rig Veda V, 13, 5

As the spokes are bound by encircling iron, so you encompass the Gods, O Lord. I yearn for your bounty!

Rig Veda V, 13, 6

14. Gospel of Jesus: Did Jesus advise to Divide, to Kill, and to Rule? Was he a Terrorist? Who can believe this?

i) Holy Bible - New Testament, Luke 12; 51-53: Jesus said:

ii) Holy Bible, New Testament, Luke 20; 27: Jesus said: “for those enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and kill them in my presence.”

15. Obama Is Reported Set to Revise Counter terrorism Efforts (nytimes.com)

Date: - 8 -1-09

By PETER BAKER

Published: January 7, 2009

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to scrap the way President Bush oversaw domestic security in the White House and name a former Central Intelligence Agency official to coordinate counterterrorism, people close to the transition said Wednesday.

A series of profiles of potential members of President-elect Barack Obama’s administration.

The latest on the presidential transition and other political news from Washington and around the nation. Join the discussion.

Election Results | More Politics NewsThe plan being discussed would eliminate the independent homeland security adviser’s office and assign those duties to the National Security Council to streamline sometimes overlapping functions. A deputy national security adviser would be charged with overseeing the effort to guard against terrorism and to respond to natural disasters.

Democrats close to the transition said Mr. Obama’s choice for that job was John O. Brennan, a longtime C.I.A. veteran who was the front-runner to head the spy agency until withdrawing in November amid criticism of his views on interrogation and detention policies. His appointment would not require Senate confirmation.

Mr. Obama has made no final decision about how to structure domestic security in his White House, and advisers plan to wait until his inauguration to conduct a formal review. But many key advisers have publicly advocated folding it into the National Security Council, and those involved in discussions said the only real questions appeared to be how to do that and how to explain it without looking like domestic security was being downgraded as a priority.

Mr. Bush first appointed a homeland security adviser after the Sept. 11 attacks, and Congress later institutionalized a Homeland Security Council inside the White House. The adviser holds the rank of assistant to the president, equivalent to the national security adviser and reports directly to the Oval Office.

“It’s pretty clear they’ve made the decision,” said Frances Fragos Townsend, who was homeland security adviser under Mr. Bush and has talked with the Obama team about the issue. “It’s a question of timing and how they’re going to roll it out.”

Mr. Bush’s aides, including the national security adviser, Stephen J. Hadley, have privately urged Mr. Obama’s advisers not to get rid of the separate homeland security office, warning that it would load too many responsibilities on the National Security Council and risk important matters’ falling through the cracks.

The likely selection of Mr. Brennan to take over domestic security issues in the White House represents a turnaround. Mr. Brennan, a former C.I.A. officer in the Mideast who served as the first director of the National Counterterrorism Center, was seen as the favorite for C.I.A. director after the Nov. 4 election. But he abruptly pulled out after critics of Mr. Bush sharply criticized Mr. Brennan for past comments that seemed to defend C.I.A. operations after Sept. 11. Mr. Brennan defended his record and called himself an opponent of the harsh interrogation methods used in recent years.

In his new capacity, Mr. Brennan would report to Gen. James L. Jones, the retired Marine commandant slated to serve as Mr. Obama’s national security adviser. Dozens of aides now working for the homeland security adviser would largely be incorporated into the N.S.C. staff. The cabinet Department of Homeland Security would not be affected by any of these moves.

The idea of merging the two councils has been recommended by a number of reports, most notably in November by the Center for American Progress Action Fund and by Third Way. Among those preparing their report were John D. Podesta, Mr. Obama’s transition co-chairman, and members of his team.

The report argued that domestic security is inextricably tied to the nation’s broader foreign and military policy making.

“It was an artificial distinction to begin with,” said Matt Bennett, vice president of Third Way. “Homeland security is a function of national security in its purest form.”

C. Stewart Verdery Jr., a former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security under Mr. Bush, said putting domestic security under the national security adviser would focus more attention on those matters, not less.

“It was very hard to get D.H.S. on the N.S.C. radar,” Mr. Verdery said. “You want your issues considered. You don’t want to be off in some second bucket.”

But some state officials are skeptical. “The National Security Council is focused outside,” said Nancy Dragani, director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and president of the National Emergency Management Association. “They’re not going to be, nor should they be, consumed with worrying about what’s happening in Ohio.”

Senator Susan E. Collins of Maine, the ranking Republican on the homeland security committee, said, “If the Homeland Security Council were to be merged with the National Security Council, I would be concerned that insufficient attention would be devoted to homeland security issues.”

Ms. Townsend, who held the job until about a year ago, said the council should remain independent, but acknowledged pros and cons. In fact, she said, she recommended to Mr. Hadley and his predecessor, Condoleezza Rice, that they assume responsibility for domestic security, but both persuaded her they already had too much to do.

Still, Ms. Townsend added that fellow Republicans should not use the organizational change to accuse Mr. Obama of not caring as much about domestic security.

“That’s nonsense,” she said.

16. Reciting Ramayana Non-Stop for One Year Source: (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Date: - 8 -1-09

UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA, December 31, 2008: Residents of Jalesar, a small Uttar Pradesh town about 350 km from Lucknow, are now nine months into an unbroken year-long recitation of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The verses are chanted outside the Badhkeshwar Mahadev temple and can be heard from loudspeakers in various neighborhoods, including the main bus stop.

Some fifty people–men, women and children–have been participating in the year- long religious event. Men often take on the night shifts, and women and children take charge in the mornings and afternoons respectively, ensuring that there is no break in the reading.

17. Russian gas crisis to keep bills high as firms divert UK stocks (http://www.guardian.co.uk/)

Date: 08.01.09

Britain now exporting supplies to Europe through pipeline as shortages spread

Terry Macalister

The Guardian, Thursday 8 January 2009

Hopes of big cuts in household energy bills faded yesterday as traders drove up UK prices by exporting gas to fill a growing shortage across Europe.

Despite freezing temperatures and rising demand in Britain, traders switched from importing to exporting gas through an interconnector pipeline to continental Europe as a growing row between Russia and Ukraine left many countries short of supplies.

British wholesale prices have leapt in recent days due to the crisis, leading to warnings that UK householders could be denied long-awaited cuts in fuel prices. The price of gas hit 73p a therm - up 26% in three days.

Government sources warned UK energy companies not to use the Ukraine crisis as an excuse to delay passing on the benefits of otherwise lower world energy prices. One senior Whitehall figure said: "We would expect the energy companies to be responsible and not use this dispute as an excuse to hold off on the price reductions they have talked about which customers are expecting in the spring."

British Gas and others indicated late last year they would cut domestic gas bills early this year amid growing anger from consumers, but made clear this would only happen if there was a sustained fall in the price of wholesale power.

Hopes of that fall in domestic gas bills are now dwindling, said energy consultants, Inenco, which counts M&S and John Lewis among its customers.

The crisis will reignite concerns that the UK has left itself open to exploitation by foreign companies who came in and bought up major UK utilities leaving British Gas as one of the few locally owned entities. EDF of France and E.ON and RWE of Germany are among the continental groups that dominate the sector.

There was particular concern that the huge foreign-owned utilities that dominate power supply in the UK are putting their continental customers ahead of UK energy users, although they denied this.

These companies - some of which have part-government ownership - have used a free market to buy British assets in a way that is considered unlikely to occur on mainland Europe. They are also able to use the more liberalised gas market to fill up their storage facilities during the summer and autumn.

E.ON, which has nearly 3 million gas customers in Britain and is a part-owner of the interconnector pipeline, confirmed that the fixed link had turned from being a net importer to net exporter of gas, because of shortages throughout parts of continental Europe.

The company admitted its gas traders might themselves be exporting gas from the UK but this was not at the expense of the UK consumer or unexpected. "It's a fairly normal time in the UK ... southern Germany has got a problem and is being largely supplied by northern Germany but it's certainly possible our traders [are exporting from Britain]. They are always looking for opportunities. But it is only if the situation goes completely pear-shaped that France and Germany will come looking for Norwegian gas in Britain," said a spokesman for E.ON UK.

The National Grid, which operates the gas and electricity transmission network in Britain confirmed that 10m cubic metres of gas a day was moving though the interconnector between the UK and Belgium. But he said this was more than made up for by imports from the continent via the BBL pipeline and Norwegian energy arriving through the Langeled link.

Mounting concerns about Britain's energy security came after Russia finally halted all shipments to Ukraine, accusing its neighbour of holding up all transit gas bound for continental Europe.

The European commission described the behaviour of Russia and Ukraine as "completely unacceptable" while the problems rekindled a long-running debate in the UK about the vulnerability of the country now that North Sea gas and oil supplies are running down fast.

John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI, said the disruption underlined the importance of the British government taking urgent action on a wider UK energy agenda.

And David Porter, chief executive of the Association of Electricity Producers, said it underlined the need for new coal-fired stations to keep the lights on. "New coal-fired stations can be built much sooner than new nuclear and they can help us to avoid power shortages as our ageing power stations close in the next few years," he said.

18. J&K: Army says terrorists holed up in caves (ndtv.com)

Date: 08.01.09

NDTV Correspondent

Wednesday, January 07, 2009, (Poonch, J&K)

While Pakistan keeps saying it does not allow terrorist bases in its country, fierce battle is on for a week now with Indian troops fighting 10 Jaish-e-Mohd terrorists from across the border clearly supported by Pakistan.

There was a fresh exchange of fire on Tuesday night and on Wednesday morning the Army again denied reports that the terrorists had built bunkers and said that they were hiding in natural caves in the jungle.

19. FBI team to visit Pak to carry on Mumbai attacks probe: Mulford (samachar.com)

Date: 8.1.09

Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief, Indian Express

Wednesday, January 07, 2009, (New Delhi)

America's Ambassador David Mulford has said the US has confirmed that the Mumbai terror attacks were masterminded and led from Pakistan.

He also said that an FBI team is on its way soon and they have already got their visas. Mulford was speaking exclusively on NDTV's Walk the Talk show.

He added that Pakistan tried to build up war hysteria and gained from the threat for a few days but not any more.

Excerpts from the interview:

Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief, Indian Express: And investigations coming so far I am not referring to the evidence India has put forward. Do they convince you that the root of this, source of this was in Pakistan?

David Mulford, US Ambassador to India: Well we have said that this the attack was managed from Pakistani soil. We have said this, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had said that when she was here, other senior officials have indicated that in Washington.

Shekhar Gupta: I am very interested in your saying that FBI is coming and operating and FBI and its Indian counterparts are working together and there is no adverse comment in the media. Right? Or in the political system, which is very skecptical and suspicious of America, large parts of it, at the same time you don't find the same warmth in Pakistan any longer?

David Mulford: I can not talk about there, I am not there.

Shekhar Gupta: Which is a complete reversal of you know FBI people not being able to go to Pakistan as yet or not getting access to?

David Mulford: They have visas and they are going to go, they are finishing some things here.

Shekhar Gupta: We were not sure here that they got their visas.

David Mulford: No, they have the visas and they will be going.

You can watch that entire show Walk The Talk, with David Mulford, US Ambassador to India at 8.30 on Wednesday night.

21. The Aim of RSS Is To Unite The Hindu Society, Says General Secretary Source: “the vision of Hindu unity cannot come about without the involvement and participation of our so called dalit community. From our point of view all Hindus are equal and for us there are no dalits, they are all Hindus.”HPI Correspondent India/South Asia.

Date: 8.1.09

NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 4, 2009th, 2009 (By Rajiv Malik): The chief aim of RSS as enumerated by its founder, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, was to unite the Hindu society. Even after eighty years of its existence, its leaders say this aim and focus has not changed.

“In all these decades what Sangh has done is indeed a big job but it is still incomplete, said Shri Mohanrao Bhagwat, General Secretary of RSS in an interactive session on the subject “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: Achievements and Expectations” held on the evening of January 3, 2009 in New Delhi’s Satya Sai Auditorium which with around 800 people including educationists, media persons, social activists, government officials and senior army officials. A group of Hindu saints also participated in the event.

Reeling out figures Shri Bhagwat said, “Though the population of Hindus is 1 billion, the number of RSS swayamsevaks is just 4 million. For sure we would like it to go up and it should at least be one percent. But at the same time we have to recognise that from just one person, we are now 4 million and from this we definitely aspire to become 40 million in the times to come. However we are in no hurry to stretch ourselves too much for this and will keep working at the best pace that is suitable to us within our limitations.”

Answering a volley of questions on diverse subjects, Shri Bhagwat said, “This mentality of Jehadi terrorism is not something new for us and we have been facing it for the past 1000 years. This problem can be better tackled if Hindus are more vigilant and awakened. We are open to a dialogue with the Muslims for betterment of our relationship with them and also removing any misunderstanding that we may have about each other, but for this to take place, some kind of positive initiative must come from their side also.”

In reply to another set of questions, he said that it would be wrong to say that RSS is male-dominated. “We have to understand that our 4 million volunteers cannot function without the active and total support of the womenfolk in their families. We also have a sister organisation, Rashtriiya Swayamsevika Sangh, which has 5000 groups for women all over India.”

Responding to yet another question, he clarified that it would be wrong to say that RSS ignores or has ignored dalits. He said,” the vision of Hindu unity cannot come about without the involvement and participation of our so called dalit community. From our point of view all Hindus are equal and for us there are no dalits, they are all Hindus.”

The three hour event began with chanting of mantras and traditional lighting of lamps before the picture of Bharat Mata [Mother India]. It ended with the collective recitation of Vande Matram.

22. Good article by Tarun Vijay- Vote BJP/VHP/RSS. The naked truth is that the last two decades have seen a terrorism which is called Islamic in its contours by the very perpetrators and is powered by Pakistan's military agencies including the ISI. It needs an Indian response, ruthless and decisive. Time to wake up and wave your tricoulour against the marauders. Show a profound solidarity for soldiers. And remember, every single person, whether in olive green or in khaki, fighting the terrorists is a soldier in times like this. The Lok Sabha elections are fast nearing. Prepare the entire democratic arsenal for that and choose young fresh faces on the basis of their patriotism and brilliance. Hanif or Hari, doesn't matter, what matters is that they are ready to take on terrorism head on.

Posted by: "kollengode99" kollengode99@yahoo.com

Tue Jan 6, 2009 8:53 am (PST)

We forget too soon and forgive even before forgiveness is asked for. Our tolerance has brought more and more marauders and murderers. Our virtues have been taken as a mark of cowardice. Remember December 13, the day our Parliament was attacked. Everyone said it was an attack on India. What happened later? Afzal, the terrorist accused of waging war against the Indian state, has found patrons in Delhi.

Let's not forget our fellow citizens who have been victims of brutal terrorist attacks. On the eve of December 16, when the arrogant Pakistani marauders surrendered before our armed forces in Dhaka in 1971, let's revive the spirit of victory and firmness to punish the Pakistani terrorists, even if it means bombarding their hideouts. Sometimes to take revenge becomes a pious duty, synonymous with righteousness. Sometimes to be intolerant to the barbaric attacker is the path of virtue.

Sometimes using constitutional instruments for silencing the homegrown shields of the terrorists masquerading as secular human rights advocates and apologists for the Batla House module is the only way to protect the meek and plundered classes.

It's our politicians' deeds or misdeeds that brought us this day. As guardians of the state and its people, it was their duty to strengthen the security and keep assaulters away. Surrounded as we are by failed states, which are exporting jihad and Marxist terrorism, it was the first and foremost duty of the rulers in Delhi to make the nation's security their first priority, no matter which party they belonged to.

They failed us collectively and became spineless chroniclers of a nation's misfortune. Or the registrars of the unending agony of a people. They would simply present reports every year Â— banned terrorist organizations, number of citizens killed, number of security persons killed, number of bombs and rifles unearthed or captured, number of infiltrators estimated to have sneaked into our territory, number of terrorists eliminated, number ...

What a game they played.

And now they are talking tough.

They used the same language whenever there was a terror attack. Gauge the mood of the people and speak what they want to hear. Soon everything will be normal. Public memory is always short.

I am sure the way Kasab, one of the perpetrators of the Mumbai mayhem is being presented in the media, soon there would be committees demanding his release, for the sake of India-Pakistan relations. Or his trial may be delayed to another decade, or maybe

he is exchanged in a deal. That's what our past has been. How can we have a different future unless we have a different set of rulers?

We are all familiar with the denial mode for the invasions we bore in the past: Aurangzeb didn't demolish Kashi temple, Babar didn't build mosque over Rama's birth place in Ayodhya, Kashmiri Hindus were not driven out by jihadis but were pushed to leave their home and hearth by Jagmohan, the Godhra train was not set blaze by Muslim terrorists but by Hindus themselves, there are no Bangladeshi infiltrators.

This attitude isn't going to help anyone Â— neither the "bigots" nor the Muslims nor the nation. Rather it will increase the bitterness and reinforce divides. So how does the black ribbons help Hindus, the principal targets and the victims of a pogrom that pronouncedly

bears the identity of a religion? Or Deoband's ambiguous fatwa against terrorism? They look, unfortunately, more of an effort to buy a civil space in a Hindu majority country than a serious attempt to make jihadis desist from doing what they are doing quoting religious books.

Protect plurality, fight unitedly

This can be successfully carried on only if every Indian joins it irrespective of his faith. The naked truth is that the last two decades have seen a terrorism which is called Islamic in its contours by the very perpetrators and is powered by Pakistan's military agencies including the ISI. It needs an Indian response, ruthless and decisive. Time to wake up and wave your tricoulour against the marauders. Show a profound solidarity for soldiers. And remember, every single person, whether in olive green or in khaki, fighting the terrorists is a soldier in times like this.

Defeat the homegrown shields of terror

Phrases like "zero tolerance" mean nothing. The state must be intolerant to the terrorist and merciless in its dealings with those who shelter them and provide a workspace or a kind of legitimacy through religious covers and secular columns.

Now, how to combat this situation?

Rise united as Indians forgetting parochial, religious, ideological and language fault lines. Those who raise such issues to garner votes must be treated on a par with these terrorists and handed over to the ATS. Any party or organization raking up or assaulting

religiously sensitive issues must be discarded and condemned. This can be done through non-political organizations and leadership. The temples, churches and the mosques can't be bigger than the nation, all gods need a space to be identified and worshipped. The nation is the space that counts more than anything else. The Lok Sabha elections are fast nearing. Prepare the entire democratic arsenal for that and choose young fresh faces on the basis of their patriotism and brilliance. Hanif or Hari, doesn't matter, what matters is that they are ready to take on terrorism head on.

23. Terrorist Conversation during Mumbai Attack as in Yahoo.com. Later in the night, nearly 24 hours after the attacks began, the handlers urged the gunmen to "be strong in the name of Allah". Much of the dialogue has a teacher-student dynamic, and indeed, the surviving gunman has said he and the rest of the group were trained by Lashkar in Pakistan. "Keep your phone switched on," a handler said in the midst of the siege, "so that we can hear the gunfire.".

Date: 8.1.09

The gunmen were told several times not to kill any Muslim hostages.

Date: 8.1.09

NEW DELHI – "We have three foreigners, including women," the gunman said into the phone. The response was brutally simple: "Kill them." Gunshots then rang out inside the Mumbai hotel, followed by cheering that could be heard over the phone.

The ruthless exchange comes from a transcript of phone calls Indian authorities say they intercepted during the November Mumbai attacks. They were part of a dossier of evidence New Delhi handed Pakistan this week that it says definitively proves that the siege was launched from across the border.

The handlers told a team of gunmen who had seized a Jewish center to shoot hostages if necessary.

Six Jewish foreigners, including a rabbi and his wife, were killed inside the Jewish center..

Later in the night, nearly 24 hours after the attacks began, the handlers urged the gunmen to "be strong in the name of Allah"

The gunmen were told several times not to kill any Muslim hostages.

The attackers used several different mobile phones, including those belonging to the hostages. Shortly after the siege began, Indian authorities say they began intercepting calls from inside the hotel. They were also able to pick up calls carried over the Internet, which the handlers used to route some calls, according to the dossier.

The siege lasted nearly three days, far longer than security experts said it should have, and, apparently, far longer than the terrorists expected as well. The handlers told the gunmen on Nov. 27 that "the operation has to be concluded tomorrow morning." But it was 36 more hours before it finished.

Much of the dialogue has a teacher-student dynamic, and indeed, the surviving gunman has said he and the rest of the group were trained by Lashkar in Pakistan.

The attacks against iconic Mumbai targets were covered nonstop by news channels around the world. The handlers used the TV reports to guide the gunmen, the dossier says, including warning when commandos roped down to the Jewish center from helicopters.

The dossier included photographs of dozens of items recovered in the attacks, including GPS units, mobile phones, guns, and explosives, as well as data gleaned from satellite phones, and details from the interrogation of the lone surviving gunman.

It also had pictures of more mundane items India calls incriminating because they were made in Pakistan, including pickles, detergent, a match box, tissue paper, a Mountain Dew bottle, shaving cream and a towel.

But the strongest — and most chilling — evidence that the gunmen were not acting alone came from the phone transcripts.

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