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| LETTERS |
Regional Angle The cover story "What Will Be The
Fallout?" (SPOTLIGHT, October 12) rightly pointed to the possible effects of a
prolonged war in Afghanistan on the region. Home to one fifth of the world's population
and among the poorest regions of the world, South Asia could do without the current war on
its north-western flank. Now that it has begun, one can only hope that the war will
end soon without further loss of civilian life. Ramesh Bista New War With each passing day of air strikes on
Afghanistan, western countries are moving closer to igniting World War III
("What Will Be The Fallout?" SPOTLIGHT, October 12). The September 11 terror
attacks on the United States were a heinous and barbaric act. But how justifiable is
it to bomb a whole country to catch a few thugs. By doing so, the US-led alliance is
only glamorizing villains like Osama bin Laden and the Taliban in certain parts of
the world. US President George W. Bush has rightly said that this is a new kind of war.
Why is he, then, bent on using conventional means like bombing a country to fight the new
war? Definitely, a new war demands new ways. The Nepalese government made the right
decision by extending its support to and expressing solidarity with America's fight
against terrorism. Terrorism anywhere is a threat everywhere. This threat demands
new means of fighting. The decision by governments to freeze bank accounts of
terrorist outfits was laudable. Such methods will go a long way in rooting out these
thugs. But bombing a country could only prove counterproductive. Diwakar Basyal Clash Of Civilizations? Those ominous predictions by Harvard
Professor Samuel Huntington seem to have come dangerously close to reality ("What
Will Be The Fallout?" SPOTLIGHT October 12). With Muslim states getting increasingly
restive over the US strikes on Afghanistan, any wrong move can catapult the world
into another bloody big war. Though western leaders are trying their best to portray the
current war as one targeted against terrorists alone, radical Muslims are turning a deaf
ear and have vowed to retaliate. Unless the military strikes end soon, the situation would
become dangerous. Dhana Rai Skewed Policy Nepal is one of the most reliable friends
of India in South Asia. As a small country with cultural and religious affinity with
India, no Nepali can ever think of harming India and Indian interests.
Unfortunately, Nepalis have never received such feelings from Indian officialdom. The
Editor's Note in SPOTLIGHT regularly highlights this important message, but Indian
officials seem to ignore it. India already has had a bitter experience of promoting
terrorist outfits against neighboring countries. The LTTE and Bhindranwale have
taught lessons to India, but the officialdom pretends not to learn. Indians seem to enjoy
promoting extremism in Nepal. Although India has often accused Nepal of sheltering
the ISI, Pakistani intelligence agency, it is Indian policy toward Nepal that is more
dangerous. Indian Defense and Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh seemed to understand this by
declaring the Maoists as terrorist. Two senior politicians, former prime minister
Girija Prasad Koirala and CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, have pointedly
accused India of backing the Maoists. It is not too late to take Singh's remarks as
a positive gesture toward Nepal. It remains to be seen whether other Indian agencies will
follow suit. Rakesh Shrestha Welcoming Enough? I read with interest your article
"Learning Again" (SPOTLIGHT, October 5). The ideas put forth hold a great
deal of truth. Many Nepali students who are equipped with degrees from international
institutions decide to settle in foreign lands with the belief that the grass is
definitely greener there. But do we realize that it is not only for a lust for a fancy,
lavish, comfortable lifestyle and a dollar salary that Nepalis decide not to come back?
The availability of better chances to make the most of what they have learnt and
better opportunities to exploit their potential are strong attractions. Ideally, it would
be beneficial if students with international degrees and exposure came back and
worked for the country's development. But does our country have enough jobs,
facilities and incentives to draw these students who have knowledge, exposure and
the will to work for Nepal? Do we have the social infrastructure to accommodate them
with enough chances to unleash their potential? Are there enough opportunities for their
career and intellectual growth? Moreover, would they want to come back to a country
beset by numerous political, social and economic problems perpetuated by a
succession of unimaginative leaders and policies? Moheindu Chemjong |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
