26/11: Seriously not ready
Brigadier Xerxes Adrianwalla takes a hard look at the security response to 26/11 and outlines the urgent systemic changes needed in our approach to combating terrorism.
Courtesy:
Courtesy:
Courtesy: eutrophication&hypoxia/Flickr
26/11: National Day Of Remembrance
Mumbai is surrounded on all sides by water and is just as vulnerable to attack by sea as it was on 26/11. Maharashtra needs formalised maritime governance - a coordination of all maritime activity with a constant, collective awareness of the surrounding maritime domain.
Courtesy: Vinu/Flickr
The Right to Security Act
An active, vigilant citizenry is a vital partner in the fight against terrorism. However, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, founder of the Lok Satta Party, argues that this can only be possible with a new legal framework that emphasises efficiency and inclusiveness.
Courtesy: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Flickr
The ISI: U.S. backers run for cover
The 'double-dealing' of the U.S. and Pakistani army - all with the ambition of military dominance - has significantly aided various terrorist groups. After 26/11, there is no place to hide for the Mike Mullens and countless others who have been apologists for the Pakistan army and the state it controls.
Courtesy: PMO
India-Brazil: An African collaboration
India and Brazil’s increasing engagement in Africa is a clear sign that both countries are embracing their new roles as global diplomats. By joining forces to bolster Africa’s food security, they have the chance to break ground on a tangible agenda that could have a far-reaching impact on matters of global concern
Courtesy: Phil Humnicky/Georgetown University
Education: The new Indo-U.S. alliance?
The first Indo-U.S. Education Summit held last week showed much promise. While education can be driving force of the strategic dialogue between the two countries, this is also an opportunity for business. India's massive education sector, estimated at $25 billion, is waiting to be tapped.
Courtesy: Bob Dowling
Occupy Wall Street
The Occupy Wall Street movement in the U.S. is gathering strength, with new groups of the aggrieved adding to the numbers of protestors. Gateway House’s editorial advisor Bob Dowling plunges into the crowd to gauge the depth of the movement, and the seriousness of the protestors’ intent.
Courtesy: Nirzardp/WikimediaCommons
Looking at the Lokpal’s fine print
The anti-corruption protests have offered some suggestions for the media and the cognoscenti to take forward. Now what is required is deeper discussion, which can create an example of a healthy democratic process of citizen participation in governance and policy making.
Courtesy: PMO
Reasserting India’s independence
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech at the UN General Assembly has put Indian perceptions on the record and clearly outlined India’s independent foreign policy. India came out unequivocally in support of the Palestinian struggle & reiterated its traditional stance of respecting countries’ sovereignty.
Courtesy: www.whitehouse.gov/WikimediaCommons
Obama loses high ground on Middle East
Repeated applause greeted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' speech to the UN General Assembly, asking for support for the “establishment of Palestine.” But with the U.S. backing Israel, under almost all circumstances, will Abbas' proposal be able to bring about any change?