` |
|||
|
| ` |
|||
|
EDITOR'S NOTE The fall out of the September 11 terrorist acts in New York and Washington
D.C. have generated world wide aversion against terrorism. Such kind of total unity
amongst all the nations of the world to fight terrorism can hardly be found. The Talibans
have been totally isolated. How long will they be able to resist has become a matter of
keen interest to all. Since followers of all religions have joined hands to eradicate
terrorism, this war initiated by the United States must in no way be interpreted as a war
on any country or any people or any religion. It is a war against evil -- the evil of
terrorism. As such, this is the most opportune time for countries who have been helping or
abetting terrorism to resist from such heinous acts. They must not fail to understand that
in the changed context they will never be able to achieve their objective by resorting to
terrorism. The sooner they see reason and start cooperating with forces that are fighting
the evil, the better their chances of avoiding unnecessary deaths and destruction and
ultimate defeat. The world coalition against terrorism is getting stronger every passing
day. Smaller countries like Nepal who have been victims of terrorism are getting
optimistic that the hidden hands that have been protecting and helping the terrorists will
have no alternative than to desist from their abominable behavior. The powers that be
should not limit their focus on proclaimed terrorists only but also take appropriate
action to protect the smaller nations from unnecessary harassment by bigger and stronger
nations. * * * The dialogue between the Sher Bahadur Deuba led Nepali Congress government
and the Maoists seem to be heading towards a stalemate. In a situation where no time
should have been lost to arrive at an understanding the unqualified delay in thrashing out
the differences does not bode well for either party. If the government party has not been
able to negotiate with the firmness due to its official status, the Maoists have not been
very flexible in their stance. They know well that their demands cannot be met at any
cost. If their stance has been rigid to make stronger bargaining viewpoint, they can
relent and become more reasonable. But, some activities still being resorted to by the
Maoists are eroding their popularity with the masses. And moreover, the support and
sanctuary that they have been receiving in the neighborhood may not be there for long. If
the Deuba government has no guts to take up the issue with the neighboring government he
will have to vacate the position he is occupying for somebody who has the guts. Despite
the baseless propaganda Indian media continues to make against Nepal of encouraging ISI
activities against India, they have been exposed, time and again, of their nefarious
activities. On the contrary, the free sanctuary India has provided to the Maoists is
nothing less than collaboration. Even though Indian defense and foreign minister Jaswant
Singh has denied any support to the Maoists, situation prevailing tells different story.
The world opinion against terrorism must impel India to refrain from giving any kind of
help or support to the Maoists in the terrorist activities against Nepal. The day India
stops helping the Maoists, they will be facing a difficult situation. Consequently, it is
in their interest to stop taking alien help to carry on destabilizing activities against
their own country. We do trust they will start seeing reason and come to a reasonable
settlement without delay. * * * Pakistan's revolutionary role in fighting world terrorism has brought in a
marked change in the political equation in the region. Since, it has, once again, become
an important front-line nation, its contribution in maintaining peace and stability in the
region has assumed greater importance. If Pakistan's relations with the United States have
strengthened tremendously her stable relations with China and her intimate relations with
other Islamic countries of the world has given her a distinct edge in South Asian regional
politics. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, has stolen a big lead over his arch
rival by his wise and courageous policies. Bigger India has to imitate sharp changes in
her policies towards her smaller neighbors in South Asia, if she wants her influence in
the region should not recede alarmingly. As it is, the smaller nations of South Asia
nourish a lot of resentment against her. The changed context must cause greater anxiety
for big India.
|
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
