02-05-2009, 06:27 PM
<b>KANGAYAM R. RANGASWAMY â The Terroristani pretending to be an Indian :</b>
<b>Joining hands to combat extremism (II)</b>
WE can do no better than go through the insightful analysis of a respected academic like Prof Anwar Syed to get at a factual and unbiased view even if the subject happens to be something terrifying like âterrorismâ (âTerrorism withinâ, Feb 1).
Because of the very nature of the subject some gray areas are present which may require further analysis.
âThe war on terrorâ is a leftover nomenclature from the Bush era which the new, scholarly President Obama will give up soon and coin a new phrase palatable to people around the world.
Prof Syed makes reference to the question of replacement of âofficersâ in the Pakistan armed forces âwho might be ambivalent about their mission of eradicating the militantsâ, which is a bone of contention with the US commanders in the region.
Armies the world over deal with any such situation where a soldier or officer disobeys a lawful order by simply invoking the mechanism of âcourt martialâ.
Even the generals are not exempt from this disciplinary procedure. We have, however, not heard of a single case where any uniformed person has been disciplined in this manner in Pakistan. This gives rise to suspicions that the Army may be glossing over such infractions for reasons of their own.
US Vice President Joe Biden is keen on pushing through his proposal to provide development aid, other than military aid, to Pakistan to âreduce the sense of deprivationâ and poverty levels in areas where militants abound.
This is an area of controversy. <b>Let us say that with American or <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>our own money we do build bridges, roads and schools in a region like Swat, the Talibanised militants swarming in the region will surely like to destroy them as fast as they are built.</span></b>
It stands to reason, therefore, that militancy has to be completely destroyed before development activities can take place.
Again, there is the gnawing question: Will terrorists ever give up their profession? It is like mounting a tiger. One doesnât know how to dismount. However, let us closely watch Saudi Arabiaâs well-thought-out programme for rehabilitating âtrroristsâ in society.
<b>KANGAYAM R. RANGASWAMY
United States</b>
Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->